Luerd Ruk Toranong (2016)

I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. Of course, it has Pope in it, so that definitely helped.
STORY: Well-developed childhood romance that carries into adulthood. I was fully invested in the Ram-Krathin relationship the whole time.
The misunderstandings actually didn't follow the lakorn stereotype. They were frustrating, but they didn't drag on and on like others do. Additionally, they were understandable. Ram's and Krathin's misunderstandings weren't about them thinking the other person was evil or bad, but about being upset that the other person didn't confide in them, which was a problem the drama displayed in their relationship from the very beginning.
Pupe needed to die in a hole. She unfortunately was the typical nang rai. I did like that Ram was very direct with her, instead of the usual "I don't want to dishonor her" "I don't want to hurt her" stuff.
The evil people, especially the mother, were typical lakorn crazy. I skipped a lot of her scenes because they got so repetitive. The stupidity of the characters also got to be a bit much. The mother literally (spoiler) kills people, and they KNOW she killed those people, yet they still let her run free and do whatever she wants. Then when something bad happens, they're all shocked and trying to figure out who the culprit could be. It takes talent to be that stupid.
But all in all, the plot was engaging, well-paced, and emotionally evocative. There were a few inconsistencies here and there and a few forgotten characters near the end, but those were all very minor flaws.
ACTING/CAST: Pope is wonderful, as usual. He was able to add depth to Ram, making him a supaburoot (gentleman), but also showing that Ram was always a little childish, even after he grew up.
I was impressed by Diana.She did a very good job, especially for a newcomer. She had good chemistry with Pope, and though she's a little stiff here and there, on the whole she acted well. Diana gave Krathin strength without falling into the trap of apathy.
I've only seen Alex in Raeng Pradtanah, and liked him alright as the villain in that one. But he really outdid himself in this drama. Every little mannerism he had pointed to his gentlemanly character; he even softened his voice and spoke quietly and evenly, like a gentleman would. I had SLS so bad because of him XD
Mae Nim was a little annoying, and Putkrong became boring to watch. But all the supporting cast's acting was good.
MUSIC: Lovely. I'm fairly certain that whoever wrote the music for Padiwaradda also wrote this drama's.
REWATCH VALUE: This isn't one I personally would watch on repeat, but I'll probably come back to it again in a few months or so. It'll definitely be worth it to rewatch Ram and Krathin grow up together, now that I know what happens later.
All in all, a lovely drama that plays into a few lakorn stereotypes here and there, but is an overall satisfying watch.

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The dull-doll-diana sends this even below average

I remember looking forward to this one, as I was among those - back then maybe not among that many - who cheered up for Pope to be a pra'ek, as I adored him in 'Tawan Deard', 'Buang', etc... What was my disappointment!

Turns out it DOES matter who they pair him with. As 'Khun Chai Pawornruj' proved to be the weakest link of 'Suparburoot Jutathep'. 'Ruk Ok Rit' & 'Sapai Jao' drowned in lacklustre, too. But nothing compared to the effect of a completely lifeless doll by his side (she is pretty, but that's IT), called Diana Flipo.

After promising start, the story drags (the kind of story where the pra'ek LEAVES for years? really?) nothing can save this, not the period setting, not any attempts to enrich it with some sort of mission featuring Alex Rendell, not the antics of once again too-annoying-to-not-skip-all-her-scenes Tanya Tanyares, and least of everything: not the main couple. I wish I could get my hours wasted by watching this back. Enough said....

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