From its first flashy frame, Thai series I’m The Most Beautiful Count – adapted from the webtoon Chan Ni Lae Than Khun Thi Suai Thi Sut Nai Siam by Yuen Kin Pakka Thi Than Phra – brims with a sense of intrigue. Dropping us into the glamorous world of our protagonist, superstar Prince (Nut Supanut Lourhaphanich), who takes the stage with charm and courage, the show immediately enthralls. 

Out and proud, Prince is introduced as a polarising figure, described as having “as many fans as haters.” Within the first few minutes – after a tantalising performance of the series’ OST This Is Me, sung by Nut himself – we see both the adoration and the vilification he faces for openly embracing his queerness.

In just a few scenes, the series shifts from the humour born of Prince’s confident, sassy persona to tinges of vulnerability before returning to humour. Glimpses of Prince’s lifestyle are cut short abruptly as, one day, he collapses, only to wake up inhabiting the body of a young nobleman in the Thonburi Kingdom. 

Waking up as Khun Woradet, who was supposedly dead, the series goes full throttle on comedy as Prince goes through fast-tracked stages of disbelief, denial, and acceptance – induced by a vivid dream – coming face-to-face with Woradet, who was driven by heartbreak to consume poison. Pretending to be the nobleman afflicted by amnesia, Prince sets out to unravel the truth behind Woradet’s past, his hidden lover, and what prompted him to take his life. He must uncover all of it in an unfamiliar world – where same-sex love is forbidden – laden with politics, secrecy, and betrayal.

There is a healthy dose of exposition – led by Prince’s patchy knowledge from his university history classes – to make sense of all the palace politics at play. Slowly and steadily, the narrative takes shape and other characters are introduced, beginning with Woradet’s loyal aide, Jade ( Lee Asre Watthanayakul), who is the perfect tool for both Prince and the audience to know at what juncture we’re picking up the nobleman’s story. 

The rebellious Kosol (Ping Orbnithi Leelavetchabutr) – whom history books regard as a betrayer who killed his half-brother for the throne – is quickly set up as someone with a deep yet somewhat mysterious relationship with Woradet. With fierce fighting skills and ambitions to right some wrongs, Kosol is gruff yet clearly more caring than he lets on. This is seen in his relationship with his young half-brother, the current monarch King Chaiyached (Aton Thanakorn Techawicha), whom he aims to overthrow but not harm.

In contrast to the tough Kosol is Lord Banjong (Pop Pataraphol Wanlopsiri), an intellectual romantic described as being close to Woradet. Waxing poetic yet fearful of being perceived as queer after accidentally sharing a kiss with Prince, Banjong’s character is peppered with traces of suspicion.

It’s also established that both Kosol and Banjong have some level of feelings for Woradet; whether it’s Kosol’s fleeting kiss with him to “help him regain memories,” or Banjong’s love note of poetry discovered in Woradet’s room. The rivalry between these two characters is juxtaposed against the reveal that both of them are working together to overthrow King Chaiyached. Woradet is suggested to have been part of this rebellion group as well, but seemingly betrayed them and caused the death of someone else in the group.

Two episodes in, the questions that I’m The Most Beautiful Count poses are fairly clear: Who is Woradet’s hidden lover? Is Kosol really a cruel betrayer? Is Banjong hiding something? And what happened between Kosol, Banjong, and Woradet?

The answers have yet to emerge, but the premise promises plenty. The tension and chemistry between Woradet and Kosol sizzles, while the quiet microexpressions of Banjong keep us hooked.

Ping Orbnithi as Kosol brings in the thrill with his smooth and sharp action sequences, but it is Nut Supanut as Prince/Woradet who fills the screen with his presence. With his stunning looks contrasted against solid comedic timing and physical acting, Nut turns up the show’s humour tenfold.

Pop Pataraphol, as Banjong is an interesting character whose arc seems to hold some answers. Lee Asre as Jade, Aton Thanakorn as King Chaiyached, and Belle Jiratchaya Kittavornsakul as Banjong’s sister Pandao – who seems to harbour dislike towards Woradet – have yet to establish the space their characters hold, but still make their presence known.

To start with, I’m The Most Beautiful Count has hit all the right notes. Steeped in hilarity yet offering a righteous challenge to the unjust norms against same-sex love, this is a show that has something to say and does it with both cheek and flair.

Written by Malvika Padin

Featured image courtesy of iQIYI & CHANGE2561

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