On November 19, 2022, the lives of Sapphics everywhere changed. A full-length GL (girl’s love) series produced by a new company called Idol Factory has unknowingly opened the doors for GL shows in Thailand.
The said series is titled "Gap the Series," adapted from the popular novel written by P'Planoy. The show features Khun Sam (Freen Sarocha), a wealthy royalty that runs Diversity Pop, and Mon (Becky Armstrong), a newly hired employee who has admired Khun Sam since she was in grade school.
Khun Sam saved Mon's life when she almost got hit by a car, and ever since then, the sweet Mon has developed a deep admiration for the royalty.
To show her devotion, Mon followed Khun Sam's footsteps by going to the same university as her idol and applying for a job at Diversity Pop in hopes of getting close to her.
But things were not as easy as Mon thought they would be because she did not realize that Khun Sam was not the same person as she was back then.
Mon remembers a loving, kind, and amazing Khun Sam, yet she was greeted with a snarky, sarcastic, and cold version of her idol.
Despite the differences in their personalities, the spark between them was undeniable. From the secret glances they shared from across the room to their late-night rendezvous, their chemistry just overflowed.
Of course, just like any series, there were obstacles that the two had to face. Aside from the fact that they are from two different worlds, as Khun Sam is a wealthy businesswoman with a title and Mon is a commoner, Khun Sam also has a very homophobic and controlling grandmother.
As seen in the show, Khun Sam's older sisters suffered because of this, as their grandmother had already predetermined their lives. Their grandmother wants them to find a successful husband and have children before they turn 30.
However, Khun Sam's eldest sister intends to focus on her art, and her other sister is a lesbian who wants to be with her girlfriend and doesn't want to marry a man.
Since her two sisters were not able to fulfill their grandmother's wishes, all of the pressure and responsibility of producing an heir fell on Khun Sam's shoulders.
But the youngest of the royalty also has plans of her own, as she wants to run her own business and does not want to be a housewife.
Not only that, but she also fell in love with the beautiful and gentle Mon, who slowly turned her life for the better.
Khun Sam was so used to being alone and everything in her daily life falling into a strict schedule.
But Mon came along and showed that not everything has to be black and white, and although Khun Sam spent years of her life closed off to other people, except with her three best friends, she opened her heart to Mon and allowed herself to be vulnerable.
She also overcame her fear of showing affection and expressed her undying love to Mon towards the end of the series.
What I Liked About The Show
"Gap the Series" is a pioneer in the Thai entertainment industry. It was the first GL series and has proven strong and popular enough to go against BL (boy's love) shows.
The chemistry between Freen Sarocha and Becky Armstrong carried the entire show and made the audience forget the flaws of the show's storyline.
The series may not be a masterpiece, as it has several plot holes and inconsistencies, but it is still a fun watch. It also has romantic moments that can make any queer woman's heart flutter.
But what I really love most about this show is the fact that it did not shy away from intense and intimate scenes. Episodes 9 and 10 showed love scenes that we don't usually see in Asian lesbian shows and movies, as they tend to be more conservative and subtle, and yet "Gap the Series" really went there, and I could not be happier.
The director, Nuttapong Wongkaveepairoj, was able to tastefully capture the kissing scenes and love scenes without it looking like they were made for the male gaze.
The show also has the right amount of comedy, with Jim (Orntara Poolsak) as the standout. She has such great comedic timing, plus she acts so naturally, it is difficult not to fall in love with her character.
Aside from the main couple, Khun Sam and Mon, viewers were also treated to the adorable interactions of the side couple Yuki (Irin Urassaya Malaiwong) and Tee (Natnicha Vorrakittikun). Although they got very little air time together, they still looked good together.
Unfortunately, since Natnicha Vorrakittikun did not sign a contract with Idol Factory, the agency was forced to reduce her air time, thus cutting loads of Yuki and Tee moments.
Another aspect of the show that they could have played with more is Nop's (Ratchanon Kanpiang) feelings for Mon, which would have brought more drama into the lives of the leads.
The series could also have shown Khun Sam's sisters more, especially Khun Song (Potida Boomee) since she is a queer woman herself, and it would have been nice to see what Khun Sam's reaction was when Khun Song came out to her.
Despite the shortcomings, the show was pretty solid and delivered themes and storylines that queer women have been craving for. Idol Factory did a fantastic job for its first GL show, and I am excited to see their future projects.
I give "Gap the Series" an 8 out of 10 rating. It is a must-watch for all women loving women out there and those that want a show that is equally sweet, funny, raunchy, and with tear-jerking moments.
The show also wrapped up pretty well, with Khun and Sam getting their happily ever after, an ending that we don't often get in lesbian shows, especially those in the West.
"Gap the Series" has 12 episodes, all of which are available on Youtube at Idol Factory's official channel. Each episode is divided into four parts that run from 15 to 20 minutes, making it easy to watch.
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