The producers at Kantana Group were in for some big challenges when they decided to renew the model-seeking reality show The Face Thailand for a third season. When Season 2 aired in late 2015, it was a big hit -- a television phenomenon that mixes talent-seeking, scripted drama and saucy characterisation of the three mentors -- Metinee "Lukkade" Kingpayome, Namthip "Bee" Jongrachatawiboon and Chris Horwang -- whose constant bickering was the real attraction of the show. It was one of those shows everyone had to watch so they could inject their own commentary and fuel discussions online and in-office pantry.
The Face Thailand Season 3. Photo courtesy of Kantana Group
How do you top something so popular with the people? Do you offer something new? Do you follow the same recipe? Do you somehow take a wrong turn and botch up everything? After two episodes, I've found The Face Thailand Season 3 to be a little bit of all the above.
For the first time in the show's history, transgender women are allowed to compete. Many view this as a celebration of gender equality and acceptance of the LGBTI. Others think it's just a marketing ploy or a nuisance. In its first week, the show made a point of addressing the issue of whether these transmodels -- two of them -- have equal chances of wining as the other contestants. The executive producer answered with an emphatic "yes", but that statement requires more time to prove its validity.
Gender has played a role in generating a few controversies in the show. During the audition, one contestant said she was afraid of katoeys. She was met with an online attack after the scene was aired and the show was criticised for victimising the teen. Last week, a mentor suggested that one of the transwomen say she's better than the female contestants despite being born a male in order to save herself in the elimination room. Luckily, the contestant thought better and refrained from making such a statement.
The challenges are expected to be sassy fun, but that was until we realised how dramatised and commercialised they actually are. Every minute of every scene is laced with massive tie-ins of advertisements and product placements. Some of them are so obvious and cringeworthy they ruined heartfelt moments. It's a shame because it comes across as what the producers want to focus on rather than the quality of the challenges.
Its storyline, the recipe -- the feuds between the three mentors -- all feels a little tired. Conflicts and catfights have always drawn good viewership and this is what the show is thriving heavily on with little care to the actual competition itself. Most of the time, it feels as though we are watching an elaborate lakorn scene with overacting characters under the disguise of "reality".
The show introduced pop diva and actress Marsha Vadhanapanich as a new mentor, replacing Chris Horwang. Marsha, a popular actress and model, pitched against two previous champs like actress/model/singer Namthip "Bee" Jongrachatawiboon who adopts the "mean girl" persona against Marsha and former top model Metinee "Lukkade" Kingpayome, who is back with her queenly sarcasm and catchphrases that aren't too catchy this time around.
Marsha's presence is almost too calm and aloof that we almost forget she's still part of the show. So far, it seems she's slowly shedding that stiff image and I hope she can play a more active role in future episodes. Her interaction with the overhyped and overacting Namthip and Metinee make it seem as though they are not quite there together.
Despite its flaws, it's undeniable that The Face Thailand Season 3 still remains a cultural phenomenon, though perhaps a fading one. It's filled with all kinds of melodrama, but maybe that's why the show is -- or at least was -- a huge success. Thais love a good drama and The Face has plenty to offer. These, however, will soon get old unless they can make the show more interesting in other aspects, too.
