Drama Digest
After the tragic passing of his parents, Poon was forced to quit school and sell somtum to make ends meet for him and his little brother. However, destiny shines upon him as he was offered the position of chef at a renowned hotel. But there is a twist, the owner of the hotel is Tian/Athip, who does not share a very high opinion of Poon and thus, the guys are always at loggerheads with each other. When Poon refused to work, Tian challenged him to stay. Enraged, Poon accepted the job, and soon, the guys begin falling for each other. How two contrasting people found love amidst constant fights forms the plot of the series.
The Feel-Good Part
The earnest and heartwarming relationship between Poon and his brother will surely bring a smile to your face. Apart from this, the constant banter and remarks thrown by Poon and Tian against each are fun to watch. Also, the dynamic characterization of Tian as a stubborn businessman and an aggressive flirt, and his chemistry with Poon is a treat for Thai drama lovers.
The Disappointing Factor
The first two episodes failed to leave a mark on the audience and did not provide much to understand the basic plot of the show. Though the series picks up a little pace from the third episode, the damage done in the beginning was too much to handle. Also, the expressionless dialogue delivery could have been avoided, and instead, the makers should have let the expressions and story do most of the talking. All in all, the show felt as if actors acting out their parts and not living as characters, which led to a lack of depth and spark in the series, which leaves the audience with a negative and unpleasant mess.
In-Depth Analysis
What Zabb Man!, a Niink Karnpicha Sinlertpattana directorial show, revolves around the lives of Poon, an unfortunate, hardworking guy who cooks delicious meals, and Tian/Athip, a hot-headed, stubborn businessman, played by Peter Chonpachara Jeepetch and Boss Thawatchanin Darayon, respectively. Poon’s life takes a turn for the worst as his parents passed in an unfortunate incident. After this, he was forced to leave school, and sell somtum to provide for his brother’s education and make ends meet. He lived life in misery, until one day, Poon’s friend Mayom offers him a high-paying job at the city’s famous hotel as the head chef. However, this comes at a cost, working at a hotel that is owned by Tian, a hot-headed snob, who loathes Poon because of their previous encounter. The two guys are at loggerheads, and Poon decides to reject the offer. Alas, a challenge by Tian changed their fate and sowed seeds of a beautiful relationship.
The show, upon its release, received mixed reviews from the audience, who appreciated the music and cinematography of the film but criticized the performance of the lead and unpleasant and lethargic writing. The usual foes-to-lovers story tries hard to be a larger-than-life affair but fails miserably
Star Power
Peter Chonpachara Jeepetch as Poon plays his part well, and his relationship with his brother is heartwarming and a treat for the eyes. Boss Thawatchanin Darayon as the stubborn boss portrays his character convincingly and tries hard to make the audience hate him for his stubbornness. The lead pair shows decent chemistry and their constant banters are fun to watch. The rest of the cast played their part fairly.
Overall Opinion
Overall, What Zabb Man! is a one-time watch show, that has moments of humor and romance to keep the audience hooked, but fails to keep up with the momentum. The show had all the elements to be a cult classic show, however, the lethargic writing and overuse of banters between the lead ruined it and turned it into an unpleasant affair.
