SOTUS S: The Series (Thai)

SOTUS has been one of the more popular BL series. In fact, even I thought it was a pretty novel content with a gay love story as the backdrop. Like most fans, I did wis to know what would happen to the life of the main couple after they got together. Sadly, the extremely high expectations after Season 1 is a major reason that this season feels short on many levels.

Arthit has started his new job at an electrical goods company Ocean Electric and feels like a fresher all over again in an adult world. Kongpop is now an Engineering senior at university and the head hazer. His approach to hazing is the complete opposite of the violence and humiliation that he received. He prefers being constructive, helpful and positive. The story focuses on a junior Day who still is opposed to any idea of hazing. After a few episodes, the shift happens. Kongpob is now looking for a place for internship and he prefers Ocean Electric over his father's firm. Even though their social group now knows about their relationship after season one's terrific finale, Arthit insists on keeping Kongpop hidden from his new colleagues, which starts to create tension and difficulties and unhappiness for Kongpob who is very comfortable in his skin. When a picture of them kissing spreads across the office, Arthit finally takes the courage to admit his true love in front of everyone and eventually , as expected love wins.

On a positive note, there were no over the top dramatic scenes between the couple. Their arguments seem natural that a normal couple would have, but I also felt that given they spent so much time together, how come they have so many communication gaps. Kongpob should have hidden the fact that he is looking for internship in Arthit's company and that he is looking to move next to his room. I would be mad too. Also, somehow I found their chemistry more as good friends and less that of a couple. I would have expected more intimacy given that they are supposed to have been together for over 2 years. The characters didn't seem to have grown. Most of the characters come back for a few scenes here and there, but there are a few more couples that this series focuses on. The junior Day, the rebellion boy and a classmate of Kongpob who makes sure he gives him support. Then we have another intern who joins the company and his relationship wit hone of the guys in the factory. Personally, I thought there's was also a cute one. So while the focus is still very much on the strangely inert relationship of Kongpop and Arthit, the screenplay is interesting and well-written enough to allow for a large number of secondary sub plots without overwhelming the central narrative. Although personally, I would have preferred the central couple to still be the focus. There is very little of BL and more about office, production, politics and what not; so in that sense I was a little disappointed for not enough BL content. Having seen all 13 episodes now, I wonder if this sequel was really needed (unless they could have come up with a better story).

Overall, its strictly average viewing. The show is better when it focuses on the romance, trials and tribulations of Kongpop and Arthit, but there is very little of it. Too many sub plots diverted my attention and really those were not doing much for it. (5/10)