Laorchan 🧑‍💼👩‍💼📿

 

Title: Laorchan/ La-Or Jan  

Airing Date: March 8th - On- going 

Broadcast Time: Fri-Sun @ 20.20 pm on Ch3 Thailand 

Production: Act Art Gen.

Rating: A high OK (3.8/5)

Plot: M.L. Phuthanet Jutathep, son of Khun Chai Ratchanon and Soifa, is the president of the family business, JT center mall. A rare special necklace is sent to Phuthanet from the country of Wiengphukham to be displayed in his exhibiton. La-Orjan, a fresh new graduate, applies to be the secretary of Phuthanate in order to obtain the necklace. And it’s instant love-at first sight for Phuthanate. But even with a side motive, La-orchan gradually develops feelings too.

When a thousand-year-old mystery relating back to Wiengphukham surfaces, the two join forces to solve the case. But the case won’t be the only thing they’ll have to solve. Phuthanate and La-Orjan will have to face the mystery within their hearts because Phuthanate has been fated to be the heart of one Tewaprom.

Main Cast:
Gulf Kanuwat – M.L. Phuthanet “Phu” Jutathep
Gina Yeena Salas – La- Orchan Phanthewa 

Smith Paswitch - Prince Sataratsamee Phukhamwong

Peterpan Tadsapon - Suriya "sun" Phomsavan

Denise Jelicha - Veena Mahanop

Link to the Family Tree/ backstory (Season 1) here: Suparburoot Jutathep

Click here for FIRST IMPRESSIONS/FINAL REVIEW

COMMENTARIES: 

Episode 1:

A highlight: Seeing our new 5 male leads of Jutathep in one room together with Chai Yai and Chai Lek. Bringing back the good old times. I can't wait to see all 5 brothers with their sons. 😆

Episode 2:

A highlight: I'm still adjusting to the 90s time period but the secret codes are hilarious. What a way to communicate. Laorchan must be ready at all times for Eagle 3! 😂

Episode 4: 

It’s battle of the cousins! (literally) I’ll have to admit the mystery behind the necklace has piqued my interest more than the other aspects of the drama. And the 2 that have made this more interesting is Jao Chai (prince) Sataratsamee and Laorchan. From the way Laorchan has been subtly yet proactively advocating for Jao Siwilai, we can conclude he’s most likely her great-grandfather making her 3rd cousins with Jao Chai Sataratsamee. His great-grandfather Attitiyawong is the older brother of Siwilai. 

After the bar incident, the prince and Phuthanet ponder on the motive of the bad guys with the relation of Laorchan. It seems they can’t find any correlation but during the debrief of Wiengphukham’s history relating to the 2 grandfathers, the prince definitely knows more than we think. At this point, I think he’s testing Laorchan because he’s caught onto her behavior. He tells Phuthanate the bad guys wouldn’t spill but I’m thinking they might have. Whatever it is, he’s definitely not telling Phuthanate everything. Yikes. This is getting juicy. I have to give Smith props for portraying such immense subtle non verbal body language that provides insights to his thinking. I concur that there is more than 1 group of bad guys but the prince must know Laorchan is 1. It seems like a casual invitation to have Laorchan be one of the models with the necklace but that’s definitely bait. And she isn’t making it any more obvious. Ouuu I’m taking a huge liking to Sataratsamee. It hurts to see our sweet Phuthanate being a pawn in this game. But once things get revealed it’ll be gut wrenching.

Speaking of cousins, we’re introduced to Chawit, son of Katesara and Chinnakorn. Well known playboy and cousin of Woranuch. What a funny hilarious dynamic he has with Phuthanet. It’s a delight to see all of the children of the leads and 2^nd leads from the 1^st season have a close relationship. I can’t wait to see more of these cousins together.

After multiple attempts to have a 1-on-1 moment with Laorchan, Phuthanate finally gets his chance. And like the cheesy yet smooth Khun Phu that he is, he takes on this chance to ask Laorchan to be his girlfriend. Although he’s a sweetie, I can’t help but think how much this will pain him when the truth is revealed. He fell for Laor so fast without getting to know more about her. 

Episode 7: 

WOW! Just wow! I really need time to marinate the 2^nd half of Ep.7. That was an amazing yet unexpected twists of reveals. I’m mind blown and truly taken a back. Everyone in this scene did a phenomenal job.

This may be an unpopular opinion but I understand both sides of the leads. I can’t choose. One’s been deceived & one’s family name has been framed. Let’s just say I cried for both of them. 🤧

The biggest twist is Chai Yai quickly sympathizing and wanting to help Laorchan. This is the most Jutathep thing ever. It’s very level headed of Chai Yai to do so.

Even though K’ Phu is severely hurting, I appreciate his parents for being supportive yet empathizing with Laorchan. To be raised as a Jutathep is a true blessing. I love that these parents continue to be the voice of reason for their kids.

they’re going to join hands together with the prince to solve this whole mess.

The 1^st half was the sweetest yet most chaotic reunion of the Jutathep family. The moment I had been waiting for finally came around. We got to see all 5 brothers & most of their children together. I absolutely loved the dynamic between each little family. Chai Yai and Chai Lek weren’t wrong when they said, it would be chaos when all cousins are together. I just love that they all knew about Laorchan before even meeting her. That includes the parents too. HAHA! 😂😂We love a supportive family. I honestly would say that you’re in good hands if you marry into the Jutathep family.

Despite a sweeter 1^st half of the episode, the 2^nd half was a roller coaster of emotions. My assumptions from episode 4 was not wrong. The prince was in on Laorchan the entire time. But what really blew me away was the entire interrogation scene. Smith, Gulf, Gina, and Poh executed such an amazing scene. My eyes were glued to the screen. I wasn’t expecting Chai Yai to negotiate with Laorchan and help her but this is the most Jutathep thing ever. It’s very level headed of Chai Yai to do so. They suspect Sun and so do I. I don’t understand why he’d want to heavily help Laor so much.

Anger, hurt, sadness, deceit, anything you could of think when betrayed is exactly what Khun Phuthanet felt. Many rounds of applauds for Gulf in this episode. The anger and disgust he portrayed while listening to Laor explain herself took me away. And then the hurt and sadness he displayed after the interrogation really hit to the core. When I saw him cry in front of his parents, I broke with him. In both scenes, Gulf was able to convey the emotions well to where we could feel it with him. Even if we knew it would hurt when Phuthanet found out about Laor, Gulf elevated the situation by truly pouring out his emotions into the situation.

But here’s the thing, this may be an unpopular opinion but I understand both sides of the leads. I can’t choose. One’s been deceived & one’s family name has been framed. Let’s just say I cried for both of them. 🤧 Even though K’ Phu is severely hurting, I appreciate his parents for being supportive yet empathizing with Laorchan. To be raised as a Jutathep is a true blessing. I love that these parents continue to be the voice of reason for their kids.

Episode 8:

I think it’s the cutest thing for Laorchan to comfortably go apologize and discuss with Soifah and Chai Lek. If she’s talking to the future in-laws this easily, I can’t wait for Phuthanate and Laorchan to make up. 🥹

“Laor lied to discover the truth and protect her family. Maybe she didn’t lie about her personal matters and her feelings for you.” That’s it. I absolutely love Phuthanate’s family. Not only the parents but his sister is a great voice of reason for him. I can’t blame him for being upset over the situation. It’s quite a big deal especially when it comes from someone you like and thought you could trust. But the way he hesitated when Kan said that definitely was a clear wake up call. Phuthanate just needs time.

I knew Veena and Wachira were definitely not a thing but I was not expecting them to be cousins. I thought they were all just subordinates of the prince. But I’m glad that’s cleared up because it felt awkward watching Laor and Veena constantly fight over the situation.

It must be destined for “Phu”thanate to be affiliated with places like “Phu”ket and Wieng “phu”kham. He surely was set on going to Phuket for work but his heart led him to Wiengphukham instead. Sorry bad joke, I know. 😂We know Phuthanate wouldn’t abandon the Prince and Laor like that. 

Episode 9:

Before saying anything, Prince Sataratsamee is the true MVP of this entire episode. Ultimately the best prince to be the future leader of Wiengphukham. 👏👏

Firstly, I don’t believe that Sun isn’t alive. It just seems too sudden. There must be more to it. Secondly, Phuthanate being there to support Laorchan despite their mishap is a plus in my eyes. It doesn’t matter what happened. It’s just humanistic to have compassion and sympathize with someone who needs help. I’m happy Phuthanate isn’t holding anything against Laor at the moment.

What I was not expecting was the dang ghost and Ronnaphum’s abilities. The entire time they were casually describing the ghost, I just couldn’t help but think how are you all so calm about this right now?! I’d have literal chills. 

NOTES

First Impressions 

As an OG fan, I’m trying my best to keep an open mind but the 1st episode was kind of confusing and hard to follow. Editing was choppy. The flow was undetermined and a lot of things were thrown at us without context. I don’t know about new viewers but if I didn’t have some background knowledge from the 1st season, a big fat question mark would have hung over me. It just felt like they were rushing to make sure both plots were presented in this 1st episode. The necklace and the Jutathep family issue. 

    Luckily, the next 2 episodes got better. There’s more flow and the motives of the characters become clearer. I must admit that the mystery behind this necklace and the country of Wiengphukham have caught my attention more than the office romance. What makes the necklace so special and what is the real origin of this “curse”?

    I’m still not feeling the chemistry of our leads but they’re cute together. Phuthanet has fallen hard for Laorchan. It’s for sure a love at first sight. It just doesn’t spark for me yet. And even if some times there’s cringe moments, Gulf is doing a great job as Phuthanet. Gina has definitely improved from the last time I saw her. The chemistry of the entire cast is natural and meshes well. Be it the office workers or Jutathep family members. Can’t wait to learn more!  

Final Review

    What a very eventful month. Coming to an end at 15 episodes, Laorchan has left me with an empty feeling that also yearns for more. I almost have a love-hate relationship with it. But before I review the actual drama, I do want to make it clear that I’m a big OG fan of the 1st season, Suparburoot Jutathep. I may have some bias opinions or thoughts but I did try my best to go in with an open mind for season 2. So, bear with me as I shed some light on my final thoughts. 

    For this being the 1st part it was ok. Gulf and Gina mentioned in an interview that there are some pressures because it’s the 1st part and it’s the successor of a huge hit drama series. So, I definitely understand what they mean. I too was a part of the people who were hesitant with this entire new cast. I haven’t watched/completed a Thai drama for 2-3 years but I couldn’t miss out on my favorite Thai drama family coming back on screen.

    Firstly, the Jutathep charm was missing. The biggest take away from S1 was the bond between the brothers. I had wished they were able to include more scenes of the 5 main boys together. I even had slight hope they’d all go into the forest with K’ Phu. I’m happy 1 cousin was able to go but having all 5 together would’ve been fun. To overcome this, I kind of just gave them the benefit of the doubt that the Jutathep family is bigger now so it’s harder to all gather. But I think it still shouldn’t stop the boys being together. And I’m not sure why everyone was quite formal with each other. There were times it seemed that everyone was close and then distant. But I can’t deny that Chai Lek and Soifah were the sweetest and cutest parents. Who would’ve thought the city boy civil engineer and forest girl tomboy would raise the 2 sweetest yet caring children. Their family dynamic was the best. I can’t wait to see how the rest of the parents will be. 

    The storyline was decent. However, certain things were choppy and I couldn’t feel the flow. I can’t get over how poorly executed Episode 1 was. And certain plot points didn’t make me feel like I could connect with it. Ex) Laor and Sun’s plan to steal the necklace or the relationship between the secondary characters. To be fair the necklace plan was explained later but, in the beginning, it was confusing to say the least why she was so passionate about stealing it. With the number of episodes given, there could have been focus on both arcs the mystery and promise. But I guess if you really think about it, Laorchan didn’t have direct connection to Tewaprom until the end. 

     

    The romance was lacking due to Laorchan being zeroed in on her mission. It was frustrating because I did find their chemistry cute. If they were given a bit more focus, I think I’d believe it but we had to watch K’ Phuthanet patiently stand on the side lines as she focused on her mission with her friend, Sun. That conversation can be left for another day. I always say give me an ounce of K’ Phu’s patience. Luckily, we’ll get to see cameos of our leading couple in the other 4 parts. I really do miss them. 

 Lastly, the biggest take away I got from this part would be the chemistry of the entire team. Off screen during promotions, you can tell they are super close and had a great time working on the project together. For that, I feel that the chemistry of this group naturally transitioned into the drama making it fun to watch them together. I don’t find it cringey or awkward for any character. They’ve all played their parts well. In my opinion, it’s the story that’s lacking. My two favorite main characters out of the show ended up being K’ Phuthanet and Prince Sataratsamee. I loved them together but as individual characters they had distinct qualities. 

 Overall, the story could have been better developed but it was definitely a roller coaster of emotions and decent twists. Would I recommend it? I’m not sure. Unless you’re a committed fan like me who wants to watch it in order, I think it’s fine to skip this part. The overall arc which is the Tewaprom and Jutathep promise isn’t heavily focused on so we’re not missing much. I still want to thank the Laorchan team. Oddly enough, the story wasn’t the best but the cast still brought a charm to the characters that really brought them to life. And I hope that it continues for the rest of the entire series. Here’s to the Laorchan team! 💎

Favorite Episode/ Moment: 

Hands down it would have to be episode 13. Not only did we find out the truth about Wiengphukham rebels but K' Phuthanet and Prince Sataratsamee were the true MVP's. They owned that episode. Phuthanet's protective nature came out and I *swoon* I had no idea how Laorchan was able to hold off her feelings lol. But Prince Sataratsamee didn't disappoint. Like I knew he would, he planned things out and composed himself to protect everyone around him. What made it the cherry on top is Gulf and Smith's ability to portray those emotions that made us feel the same way they did. Anger, worry, frustration all in one go. I can still feel the rush. 👏👏

OST Corner:

1 thing that made the 1st season exceptionally special is the main OST "True love transcends time". It was literally the main theme song for the entire series with 5 different versions for each part. To this day, many fans still praise it. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that they'll be doing the same for Season 2 which is a pity. 

1) Soulmate - Marina

2) One day - First Anuwat