Thai soap operas have long captivated audiences with stories of the privileged class, wealthy families and the dark secrets lurking behind their glamorous lives. These narratives often come with exaggerated melodrama, a hallmark of the genre that audiences never seem to tire of. Over the years, countless tales have recycled these familiar plotlines, delivering high drama and scandal in a formula that consistently draws viewers.
Master Of The House, the latest Thai series now available on Netflix, is no exception.
Despite boasting a bigger budget and premiering on a prestigious platform, the show sticks closely to the well-trodden path of its predecessors. The seven-episode series opens with the mysterious death of Roongroj (Teerapong Leowrakwong), a diamond business tycoon. His sudden demise sets off a chain of events centred on Kaimook (Narilya Gulmongkolpech), a former maid turned new wife, who becomes the prime suspect. Meanwhile, Roongroj's heirs are embroiled in a ruthless battle to control his vast real estate empire.
What sets this series apart, at least on paper, is its narrative perspective. The story is told from the viewpoint of the household servants, who endure abuse and disdain from their wealthy employers while secretly harbouring their own dark secrets. This angle holds potential for a fresh take on the familiar themes of power and betrayal. Unfortunately, Master Of The House falters in its execution, delivering a predictable and uninspired drama.
Despite its promising premise, the series quickly reveals itself to be another run-of-the-mill revenge and inheritance drama. The script recycles barbaric tropes and reinforces harmful stereotypes, notably in its depiction of sexual assault. Such portrayals do little more than perpetuate rape culture, rather than offering any critical commentary or new insights. This is a significant misstep, especially in an era where audiences increasingly seek thoughtful and responsible storytelling.
The cast of Master Of The House features both veteran actors like Teerapong and Charttayodom, and rising stars such as Narilya. However, their talents are squandered on poorly written characters and uninspired dialogue. Each character is rendered in two dimensions, lacking the depth and complexity needed to engage viewers on a deeper emotional level. This superficial treatment detracts from the series' overall appeal, leaving audiences with little to invest in beyond the surface drama.
Narilya Gulmongkolpech as Kaimook in Master Of The House.
One of the most glaring issues with Master Of The House is its pacing. Stretching a relatively simple premise over seven episodes, the series often lingers on unnecessary sequences purely for the sake of melodrama. A prime example is found in the first episode during a scene where Roongroj's children present their expensive birthday gifts to him in a protracted display of competitive affluence. The scene drags on for nearly five minutes, focusing on facial expressions and gestures without advancing the plot or adding meaningful character development. Such indulgent moments contribute to the series' sluggish pace and detract from its potential impact.
While the series attempts to address societal issues, particularly the exploitation of the poor by the rich, its narrative feels derivative and heavy-handed. The repetition of dark themes can come across as forced, disrupting the natural flow of the story.
For fans of Thai soap operas, the familiar tropes -- family infighting, betrayal and taboo relationships -- are all present. The series offers a scandalous mix of incest, humiliation, rape and abuse, presenting a perverted family insulated by wealth and privilege. Every family member is depicted as sinister, exploiting the servants who live on the estate.
The universal theme of the divide between rich and poor holds timeless appeal, but Master Of The House fails to leverage this to create a compelling narrative. To truly captivate an audience, the plot needs to be peppered with clever twists and turns, maintaining a level of ambiguity that keeps viewers guessing.
Unfortunately, this series lacks the intricate storytelling required to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The predictable plot twists and reliance on clichés make it difficult for the series to stand out in a crowded genre.
Master Of The House is a disappointing addition to Netflix's line-up of international dramas. While it offers the familiar elements fans of Thai soap operas enjoy, it fails to innovate or elevate the genre. The series' lack of originality, depth and cultural significance ultimately undermines its potential.
