The Eclipse is a Thai BL series about an uprising at an all-boys school. As the president of the prefects club, the main character is used to following the rules. He feels disturbed by the recent protests and strange phenomena happening around campus. The protagonist believes the new transfer student is responsible for causing these disruptions. He investigates the rebellious classmate, hoping to uncover his mysterious intentions.
I love the meaningful messages, political themes, and clever symbolism in The Eclipse. This fascinating drama explores the complex dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression. Additionally, there's a fun, engaging couple with a vibrant relationship. The flirty exchanges combined with intelligent commentary have created an iconic BL series.
The Eclipse Summary
Title:
คาธ
Series Info:
Thailand (2022)
Genre:
School romance
About:
The Eclipse is a mature & interesting BL drama.
Plot
Akk is a senior student at Suppalo, a prestigious school with over 100 years of history. Known for its strict rules, all students must wear uniforms, obey the authorities, and follow protocols. As president of the school's renowned prefects club, Akk's responsibility is to ensure orderliness in the student body. His teacher advisor Chadok thinks highly of the prefect's abilities. Akk is on the right path to receiving a university scholarship once he graduates.
Recently, Suppalo is rocked by a small group of student protesters on campus. Nun, Nong, and Nian call themselves The World Remembers. These three friends are vocal about opposing the school's dress code. They believe in self-expression and want to wear personal clothes instead of mandatory uniforms. The trio stages a public demonstration, garnering the attention of many students. The teachers are displeased with their disruptive activities, which are giving negative publicity to the school.
During one of their demonstrations, the protesters are shocked when an empty car speeds toward them. Nobody got hurt, but this deliberate attack indicates someone wants to harm them. Nun, Nong, and Nian want the school to investigate the incident. However, many students believe the three of them have been cursed. According to an urban myth, anyone disobeying the school will face grave misfortune. This odd phenomenon intensifies during the eclipse.
Akk and his friends, Kan and Wat, believe in the curse. They warn the activists to stop their antics before something terrible happens. However, the trio thinks it's a scare tactic and refuse to back down. As they protest, inexplicable danger bestows upon Nun, Nong, and Nian. Akk believes Ayan, a new transfer student, is responsible for these strange occurrences. Ayan, or better known as Aye, made a bad first impression after his arrival. He doesn't follow the dress code, talks back to the prefects, and seems to be hiding a secret. Akk has been suspicious of him for a while.
Akk keeps a close eye on Aye to investigate the new student. Aye is mischievous and likes to tease the overly serious prefect. Initially, they don't get along. Akk treats Aye with hostility and suspicion. Aye responds with aggressive flirting, which always makes Aye nervous. Over time, the pair grows closer through one-on-one judo lessons. Akk discovers Aye shares history with Dika, a former teacher at Suppalo. Aye is on a secret mission. He has transferred schools to uncover the mystery of what happened to Dika.
The Eclipse Trailer
The Eclipse Cast
Characters
Akk
First Kanaphan Puitrakul (เฟิร์ส คณพันธ์ ปุ้ยตระกูล)
Akk is a senior student at the Suppalo Secondary School. As the president of the school's prefect club, his responsibility is to maintain the orderliness of the student body. He is best friends with Kan and Wat, who are also in the prefects club. Akk takes his duties and the school's rules seriously. However, he clashes with Aye upon the new student's arrival.
First Kanaphan Puitrakul
First Kanaphan Puitrakul (เฟิร์ส คณพันธ์ ปุ้ยตระกูล) is a Thai actor. He is born on September 3, 1998. His first BL project is the 2020 drama, The Shipper. He has a supporting role in the 2021 political thriller, Not Me. Additionally, First stars in The Eclipse (2022) and Only Friends (2023).
Aye
Khaotung Thanawat Ratanakitpaisan (ข้าวตัง ธนวัฒน์ รัตนกิจไพศาล)
Ayan, also known as Aye, is a new transfer student at Suppalo. He arrives at this new school three weeks after everyone else. Aye has a rebellious streak and doesn't follow all the school rules, such as not wearing the mandatory uniform. Akk is suspicious of him and believes Aye may secretly sabotage the school. Despite Akk's hostility, Aye likes flirting playfully with him.
Khaotung Thanawat Ratanakitpaisan
Khaotung Thanawat Ratanakitpaisan (ข้าวตัง ธนวัฒน์ รัตนกิจไพศาล) is a Thai actor. He is born on October 13, 1998. His first BL project is the 2018 drama, 'Cause You're My Boy. He starred in the dramas, Tonhon Chonlatee (2021), The Eclipse (2022), and Only Friends (2023). Khao also had supporting roles in 2gether (2020), A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021), and 55:15 Never Too Late (2021).
Kan
Neo Trai Nimtawat (นีโอ ตรัย นิ่มทวัฒน์)
Kanlong, or Kan, is Akk's best friend and a fellow member of the prefects club. Unlike Akk, Kan has a more playful and boisterous personality. He is a class clown and likes to tell jokes or brag about dating girls. Recently, Kan has noticed the other students bullying his classmate Thua. Kan stands up for Thua and defends his honour.
Neo Trai Nimtawat
Neo Trai Nimtawat (นีโอ ตรัย นิ่มทวัฒน์) is a Thai actor. He is born on January 14, 2001. His first BL project is the 2018 series, 'Cause You're My Boy. He is one of the leads in Only Friends (2023). Neo also had supporting roles in Tonhon Chonlatee (2020), Fish Upon the Sky (2021), Vice Versa (2022), The Eclipse (2022), and Cooking Crush (2023).
Thua
Louis Thanawin Teeraphosukarn (หลุยส์ ธณวิน ธีรโพสุการ)
Thuaphu, or Thua, goes to the same school as Akk, Aye, and Kan. Despite keeping a low profile, he is bullied in school due to his sexuality. Kan defends him from the bullies. Thua also befriends Aye, but their friendship makes Akk and Kan suspicious. After his mom remarries, Thua struggles to get along with his brutish stepfather.
Louis Thanawin Teeraphosukarn
Louis Thanawin Teeraphosukarn (หลุยส์ ธณวิน ธีรโพสุการ) is a Thai actor. He is born on December 5, 2000. His first BL project is the 2021 series, Fish Upon the Sky. He also had a supporting role in the 2022 drama, The Eclipse.
Supporting Cast
Wat
AJ Chayapol Jutamas (เอเจ ชยพล จุฑามาศ)
Namo
Pawin Kulkaranyawich (ภวินท์ กุลการัณยวิชญ์)
Sani
Ployphach Phatchatorn Thanawat (พลอยภัช ภัชธร ธนวัฒน์)
Chadok
Yai Vacharakiat Boonphakdee (ใหญ่ วัชรเกียรติ บุญภักดี)
Dika
Ron Patarapon To-oun (รอน ภัทรภณ โตอุ่น)
Waree
Sine Inthira Charoenpura (ทราย อินทิรา เจริญปุระ)
Nun
Pak Chavitpong Pusomjitsakul (ภัค ชวิศพงศ์ พูสมจิตสกุล)
Nong
Tee Vitsarut Suwinijjit (ที วิศรุต สุวินิจจิต)
Nian
Petch Natthanon Petkaew (เพชร ณัฐนนท์ เพชรแก้ว)
Aye's mom
Jum Amata Piyavanich (จุ๋ม อมตา ปิยะวานิชย์)
Akk's mom
Phiao Duangjai Hiransri (ดวงใจ หิรัญศรี)
Akk's dad
Thua's mom
Thua's stepdad
Gandhi Wasuwitchayagit (คานธี วสุวิชย์กิต)
Mes
Aou Thanaboon Kiatniran (อู๋ ธนบูรณ์ เกียรตินิรันดร์)
Director
Iang Sawanee Utoomma (เอี้ยง สวนีย์ อุทุมมา)
Kalakul
Sit
Singto
Cast Highlights
- Akk's actor (First) appeared in the 2020 Thai series, The Shipper. He also had a supporting role in the 2021 BL activist drama, Not Me, which has similar political themes as The Eclipse. First also has a supporting role in the 2023 series Moonlight Chicken.
- Aye's actor (Khaotung) has roles in various BL dramas. He starred in the 2021 Thai BL comedy Tonhon Chonlatee. In addition, he also appeared in 'Cause You're My Boy (2018), 2gether (2020), A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021), and Moonlight Chicken (2023). In addition, Khaotung and First are one of the leading couples in Only Friends (2023).
- Kan and Thua's actors (Neo and Louis) appeared together in the 2021 Thai BL comedy Fish Upon the Sky, where they played the secondary couple. That series also featured Wat's actor (AJ).
- Khaotung, Neo, and AJ previously worked together in Cause You're My Boy. Additionally, Khaotung and Neo collaborated in Tonhon Chonlatee. Neo also had a supporting role in the 2022 Thai BL drama, Vice Versa. That series also featured Mes' actor (Aou).
- Nun's actor (Pak) starred in the 2021 Thai series Love Area and the 2022 sequel Love Area: Part 2.
The Eclipse Review
Review
Drama Review Score: 9.4
The Eclipse is a profound BL series that examines power dynamics in society. At first glance, the plot revolves around juvenile topics like school uniforms or urban legends. Beneath the surface, the story conveys mature themes about tyrannical regimes. It dissects institutional oppression, especially how abusive behaviour trickles from the top to the bottom of a hierarchy. It also depicts hardships faced by the marginalized LGBT community. The Eclipse delivers complex drama, intense emotions, and astute insights about life.
I love the social commentary embedded in The Eclipse. The school uprising storyline draws parallels to current events, mirroring the conflict between Thai authorities and youth activists. The outspoken students embody the spirit of protesters in the real world. Both groups advocate for the freedom of self-expression. The Eclipse references influential figures like Thomas Hobbes or George Orwell, citing their ideologies on liberty. This series uses its platform to promote meaningful messages and encourages viewers to think critically about the political climate.
The Eclipse combines its intelligent concepts with a vibrant love story. The leads have a memorable personality clash. Sparks fly between them in every exchange, from the sassy banter to the flirtatious advances. Their relationship develops compellingly as the characters grow and understand each other better. Both protagonists go on emotional journeys, confronting their vulnerabilities and overcoming trauma together. This turbulent romance contains humour, angst, tension, affection, and healing. Akk and Aye fulfill all the criteria of an iconic BL couple.
Akk's subservient attitude bothers me, but he's an intriguing character with complex motivations. The actor (First) portrays his role sensitively, bringing nuance and fragility in heartfelt performances. He also has a genuine smile that lights the room. His costar (Khaotung) plays against type in a vast departure from his usual sweet personas. He exudes cheeky charm as a mischievous rebel. My critique is that he gets a bit hammy during emotional scenes. Both charismatic leads share a natural rapport, gelling well together. Their chemistry is comfortable and compatible.
There's some clumsiness in the narrative, taking away the brilliance of the series. Several subplots or character arcs feel clunky, particularly the rushed revelations in Episode 11. Likewise, the secondary couple doesn't evoke the same exciting thrills as the leads. Also, I'm disappointed with how the plot handles Nun, Nong, and Nian. Despite being the unsung heroes, they barely receive focus. The protesters almost get treated like annoying background noise. The Eclipse would benefit from fleshing out their perspectives to create a more well-rounded story.
Nonetheless, The Eclipse achieves sensational climaxes on many occasions, including Akk's poignant redemption during the finale. This series shows deeper nuances and more substance than many BL dramas in the genre. It explores ideas like power, privilege, and politics at a high intellectual level. Additionally, it infuses these advanced topics with a fun, enthusiastic romance. Overall, I appreciate the fascinating themes, clever symbolism, and positive messages expressed in The Eclipse. I'm proud to give this sophisticated story a glowing recommendation!
Summary
Intriguing story
The Eclipse is a profound BL drama with clever messages about power, privilege & oppression. The school protests reflect current events, mirroring the conflict between Thai authorities and activists.
Vibrant romance
Akk and Aye make a fun, engaging couple with a lively personality clash. Each romantic encounter is memorable, including their amusing banter, flirty exchanges, and iconic kisses.
Enjoyable acting
The leads share natural screen chemistry that propels their relationship scenes to incredible heights. Akk's actor (First) brings sensitivity to his role, while his costar (Khao) exudes cheeky charm.
Happy ending
The Eclipse has a happy ending as Akk reaches a pivotal breakthrough in his character development. The finale includes many intimate moments, including a sensational kiss under an eclipse.
Vivid artistry
This series has vividly beautiful visuals, highlighted during every spectacular kiss. My favourite moment is the peek of sunlight through the window as the leads draw their faces nearer.
94%
The Eclipse is an intimate, intense & insightful BL series with powerful political messaging. It infuses intelligent concepts with a compelling couple and their emotional love story.
The Eclipse Series Explained
Analysis
- Protesters
- Prefects
- Akk vs Aye
- Rules
- Compliance
- Rebellion
- Bigfoot & Shortstop
- Akk's sexuality
- Diversity
- Aye
- Culprit
- Brainwashing
- Akk
- Oppression
- Chadok
- Freedom
- Thua
- Tyranny
Protesters
The Eclipse began with a peaceful demonstration, where nobody was supposed to get hurt. A small group challenged the school's rules over mandated uniforms. The outspoken students argued the dress code felt dehumanizing, limited self-expression, and diminished unique identity. The protesters fought for the right to wear casual clothes, yet they weren't advocating for special privileges. Had their cause succeeded, they'd secure this freedom for the entire school community.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Maybe you take the protesters' side and support abolishing all uniforms. Or perhaps you think differently and believe the school should retain the compulsory dress code. Of course, you may not have strong opinions either way. Regardless of your stance, most people would agree driving a car into these students seems like a horrific overreaction. It's a shocking escalation of violence against the defenceless youths.
Initially, The Eclipse claims these inexplicable "accidents" are part of a curse. According to urban legend, disobedient students will get attacked by fallen pots or driverless cars due to cosmic intervention. Soon, we learn this myth is bullshit, used to cover up deliberate crimes by an unknown assailant. Somebody was so aggravated that they unleashed a running vehicle to scare the students and end the demonstrations. The Eclipse presents this hypothesis to the viewers: what kind of person would use extreme violence against a peaceful protester?
Prefects
The Eclipse takes place at Suppalo Secondary School, an all-boys school divided into several factions. On the one side, we have the protesters. On the flip side, we have the prefects. The prefects club is an elite group of students selected by the school's authorities. Their responsibilities involve monitoring the campus, enforcing policies, and helping teachers with errands. All prefects wear a blue ribbon around their arms, differentiating their special status from ordinary pupils.
Being a prefect is an enviable position that comes with exclusive privileges. These star pupils receive awards, scholarships, and access to faculty areas. They also get to yield power over their fellow classmates. For example, they can remove a student's cell phone because using personal electronics is against the rules. During one scene, Akk snatches away Aye's earbuds without asking him. This rude behaviour would be considered theft in some contexts. Yet, Akk feels entitled to grab someone's belongings because of his esteemed role in the school.
The prefects club imposes a hierarchy among the students. The school has promoted inequality, emphasizing some pupils are more dominant than others. No wonder Namo is desperate to become one of the prefects. He covets the benefits, the distinction, and the superiority over his peers. Yet, this power is dangerous and can distort a young person's mind. In Episode 1, Akk delivers a chilling line: "If you can't follow the rules, you don't deserve to be in this school." The authority has gotten to his head, making him think he can decide who gets the freedom of existence.
Akk vs Aye
As president of the renowned prefects club, Akk carries an enormous responsibility. He must maintain compliance and orderliness among the student body. A firm believer in the school's guidelines, Akk will confront anyone who breaches protocols. Prepare for his wrath if you use cell phones, violate dress codes, or assemble protests. Akk's official title is "prefect", but his actual role is more like a snitch. He reports all rulebreakers to the school authorities, who will take disciplinary measures.
Akk focuses on Aye, the new transfer student who makes an awful first impression. Aye struts around campus with a swagger, wearing his signature black hoodie to hide the school uniform. Hey, that's against policy! Akk issues a stern warning, but Aye talks back and responds with cheeky irreverence. A memorable moment in Episode 1 involves Aye putting a hand on Akk's leg as he mutters, "Catch me if you can." This line ignites the sassy conflict between the dutiful pupil and the mischievous rebel who knowingly breaks the rules. Their personality clash is exciting!
The banter between the leads is fun because of Aye's flippant attitude. He responds to Akk's threats flirtatiously, making the repressed gay teen squirm with discomfort and desire. During their first encounter, Akk stared at his classmate's tattoo and underwear waistband for a few seconds too long. Aye picked up on his reaction and probably deduced this guy was attracted to him. Akk's feelings for Aye cause the prefect to act erratically. When they're together, Akk behaves more emotionally than usual. He follows his heart and instincts instead of the school's rules.
Rules
Akk and Aye don't see eye to eye on many issues. They clash over their different stances on the protests, representing two opposite views. Unsurprisingly, Akk supports the authorities and blames the students for disobedience. The activists want to negotiate better rights for everyone, but Akk claims they cause "chaos" by challenging school guidelines. He's eager to demonize the rule breakers and won't try to understand their motivations.
Aye constantly engages Akk in debates. "Why are they protesting if everyone is happy with your policies!? Why must we follow these old-fashioned rules!?" Aye keeps asking "why," hoping to stimulate his partner's intellectual curiosity. Yet, Akk refuses to show nuance or flexibility in his ignorant thinking. He sticks to his narrow views and doesn't tolerate other perspectives. Akk even accuses Aye of conspiring with the protesters because he dares to criticize the ruling system. You agree with my enemies! You must be one of them!
Akk loves rules. They're the bedrock of his values and moral compass. He relies on textbooks, teachers & school policies to form his principles. Their guidelines dictate how he leads life, helping him separate right from wrong. The problem is Akk accepts protocols as the absolute truth. He blindly abides by the rules without questioning their rationale. He lacks critical thought, seeing issues only in black and white. According to him, anyone who defies rules must be doing something bad. Akk's one-dimensional thinking is destructive, leading him to form extreme opinions.
Compliance
Aye arrived at Suppalo to investigate the cause of Dika's death. He wanted to learn what happened at this school that drove his beloved uncle to suicide. Contrary to Akk's suspicions, Aye didn't come here to ruin reputations or get involved in the protests. He simply wanted answers. However, Aye quickly discovered that he hated the stifling environment around campus. Everything irked him, from the strict policies to the bossy teachers. This oppressive school didn't welcome independent thinkers like Aye, who struggled to fit in.
Episode 3 has a scary scene ripped out of a dystopian narrative. Chadok punishes the disruptive protesters with the rest of the student body. Everyone is instructed to recite a mantra in unison, "I pledge to never again breach Suppalo's rules." The group utters the same message repeatedly, speaking with identical pitch, tone, and timing. They sound like a cult! The school does this to reinforce uniformity and suppress individuality. Nobody is allowed to think or behave differently from each other, a prospect that disturbs Aye. To survive in this society, you must comply.
Inadvertently, Aye is mixed up in numerous scandals. He receives a lot of flak from Akk. Poor Aye suffers the penalties of antagonizing the most influential student in Suppalo. Furthermore, Aye draws attention to himself due to his strong sense of justice. He cannot stay silent when the protesters get bullied or if the teachers berate their students. Speaking up in these situations hinders him, yet Aye defends the underdogs since nobody else helps them. Aye's conviction makes him a target for the authorities. They're afraid of him because he won't yield to their rules.
Rebellion
The protests are escalating. The authorities thought they could control the situation and quash the dissent. Yet, the crackdown made the activists more determined to fight for their cause. These students don't feel heard. The school treats them terribly, refusing to investigate the violent threats and attacks against them. Your constituents have their lives endangered, yet you care more about protecting your rules and reputation. The youths are upset about the injustices, driving them to protest ferociously.
Aye hadn't planned on getting involved in the protests. However, he feels outraged as a bystander. Nun, Nong and Nian experience hellish turmoil, from constant harassment to escalating violence. As the prefects use aggressive force to remove the activists from school premises, the authorities do nothing to protect them. Even a sympathetic teacher like Sani observes idly on the sidelines, lacking the conviction to defend her students. Aye feels he must intervene because the protesters have no supporters or allies. Why isn't anybody else standing up for them!?
Nun, Nong, and Nian feel demoralized after somebody smeared their protest signs with red paint. Aye encourages the protesters, letting them know their efforts aren't in vain. Every resistance movement goes through slumps, setbacks, and suffering. Allies like Aye need to express support, giving the protesters the strength to continue their uprising. Motivate them, advise them, and champion them. Don't let these brave students & youth activists fight alone. When faced with injustices, the bystanders must find the courage to join the victims in their crusade.
Bigfoot & Shortstop
Episode 2 features a critical moment that pivots Akk and Aye's relationship. The scene begins with Waree ridiculing Wat for giving a wrong answer in class. Aye jumps to his defence, leading to a heated debate. Akk also pipes in and says that he agrees with the textbook. Initially, Kan is angry about his friend's gutless response. Akk seems to be sucking up to the teacher. Later, Kan realizes he misinterpreted Akk, who only wanted to de-escalate the tension.
This incident is a turning point because Akk appreciates Aye for defending his friend. The squabble with Kan makes Akk realize it's easy to misconstrue someone's good intentions. Hey, maybe Aye isn't such a bad guy after all! As Akk's perspective becomes nuanced, he lightens up around his classmate. He doesn't get angry when Aye teases him with a dog treat. Akk also splashes water at him as a mischievous prank. You can tell Akk's attitude has shifted from previously. He treats Aye with less hostility and responds with more playfulness.
During the judo lessons, Akk and Aye refer to each other by nicknames: "Bigfoot" and "Shortstop". Although meant to be insulting, these monikers also come with wit and cheeky humour. Aye starts seeing a different side to Akk without his aggression or pretentiousness. Hey, maybe this guy isn't so serious all the time! Both characters change their perceptions of each other, easing their hostility. While the two still bicker and banter, their interactions adopt a less severe tone. Bigfoot and Shortstop are just sparring instead of fighting for real.
Akk's sexuality
Akk is physically attracted to Aye. Yet, he chooses to hide his same-sex desires. This school environment is unwelcoming toward its gay students, as demonstrated by Thua's homophobic experiences. Like many LGBT youths in conservative societies, Akk remains closeted out of fear, uncertainty, and self-perseverance. Akk's repressed sexuality is a touchy subject that weighs on his mind. He feels insecure about his lack of relationship experience, especially when Kan or Aye teases him.
There's irony and tragedy to Akk's circumstances. We know he loves abiding by rules, but his sexual orientation goes against society's heteronormative guidelines. He defies standards just for liking guys. The expectation for many boys his age is to date girls or show interest in them. However, Akk lacks those impulses and struggles to fit in like everybody else around him. While this school has other gay pupils, they're a visible minority group that draws much animosity. If Akk doesn't want to be ostracized, he must deny a part of himself and suppress his attraction to men.
Suppalo has cultivated an environment that reinforces uniformity. Everyone must dress, think, and behave the same. The protesters are punished for their self-expression, while the teachers retaliate against Aye when he challenges the curriculum. The school sends a message that it rejects those who are different. This oppressive climate places a psychological strain on Akk, whose sexuality differs from others. Due to his insecurities, he feels pressured to overcompensate. That's why Akk cherishes his role as a prefect, like a symbol that society approves of him.
Diversity
As much as Akk denies his feelings, Aye sees through his bravado. There's a fragile gay teenager trapped beneath his internalized homophobia. Aye spends a lot of time breaking down the walls that Akk puts around himself. Aye constantly flirts with his classmate, getting him used to the idea that two guys can exchange romantic interactions. Akk makes a big fuss about not reciprocating these advances. Privately, he smiles at their text messages and pictures. Over time, Akk becomes more accepting of his sexuality with Aye's support.
Aye encourages Akk to embrace diversity. In Episode 5, Aye brings his companion to an LGBT café, introducing him to a safe space that welcomes the gay community. The sheltered Akk broadens his views beyond the limited knowledge indoctrinated by the school or textbooks. Suppalo has conditioned him to think he must comply and be the same as everyone else. Aye presents an alternate perspective, teaching Akk to take pride in his differences. It's okay to live unconventionally. Be gay, be unique, and be yourself.
Aye helps Akk with his self-expression. Episode 5 has a meaningful scene where Akk removes his school uniform to put on Aye's black hoodie. "This suits you better," Aye says. The uniform is a token of compliance, representing the obedient life Akk's authorities impose upon him. The hoodie symbolizes comfort, a relaxing alternative to the stuffy suit. You're allowed to wear this hoodie regardless of what the rules say. Aye wants to strip away all the restrictions that bog down Akk's autonomy. You don't have to shoulder this burden. Take off your uniform and be liberated.
Aye
Aye has been a beacon of goodness throughout The Eclipse. He's like the gay fairy godmother, empowering various LGBT students with their issues. The protesters, Akk, Thua, and Kan have benefited from his guidance. Aye isn't obligated to help them. He could've just minded his own business. Yet, his instinct is to support other minorities and care about uplifting them. His uncle, Dika, instilled this sense of compassion in Aye.
Despite his cheeky persona, Aye has been mourning. His uncle's death traumatizes him so much that Aye takes anxiety pills to sleep at night. Dika is more than just a close relative. Flashbacks show how he counselled Aye when he came out as a gay teenager. Dika was Aye's mentor, confidante, father figure, and best friend. This influential role model shaped his nephew into the upstanding man he is today. Sadly, losing Dika to suicide causes Aye to feel confused and depressed. How could Aye feel optimistic about the future when his loved one lost hope in life?
After his uncle's death, Aye adopts a combative stance. He argues, asserts his opinions, and makes derisive remarks. Others never penetrate his tough exterior. Not even his mom can get him to unwind emotionally. Yet, Akk sees beneath the bravado. He has the intuition to sense Aye's vulnerability and gives him reassurance. "You're allowed to be weak with me." Until now, Aye suppressed the trauma and suffered alone. However, Akk reaches out to him, offering to shoulder his pain. Aye can be fragile and grieve openly, knowing that Akk will be here to support him.
Culprit
Midway through the series, The Eclipse makes a shocking revelation. Akk is the secret saboteur threatening the protesters and hiding his hate crimes behind an urban legend. As the prefect, he's supposed to maintain law and order. Instead, his insidious actions include attempted murder and failed arson. Aye knows Akk is the culprit and confronts him in an emotionally charged exchange. Why the hell are you doing this!?
Aye is convinced Chadok must be plotting behind the scenes. He assumes Akk is a minion following the commands of the higher-ups. Surprisingly, Akk insists he acted alone, and his superiors hadn't given instructions. The scary part about this school is that it can control the students' behaviour without explicit orders. Chadok plants the seeds in Akk's mind, making him think his responsibility is to stop the protests. It's your honour and duty to defend Suppalo! As the psychological pressure intensifies, Akk takes extreme measures to please his master.
Although Chadok never directs Akk to harm the activists, he sends subliminal signals to coerce his subordinate. He constantly condemns Akk for the ongoing protests. These disruptions reflect poorly on your reign as a prefect! Every criticism ties Akk's self-worth to the student uprising, so the impressionable youth believes he disappointed his respected leader. Akk's frustration clouds his judgment so much that he attacks the protesters to regain Chadok's approval. Akk may have initiated the violence, but Chadok plays a culpable role in influencing him.
Brainwashing
Suppalo has brainwashed Akk into losing his humanity. The school instills warped values, teaching him to prioritize discipline and rules over his classmates' livelihood. He feels justified in dropping a flower pot on their heads and releasing a vehicle into the crowd. Nobody was physically harmed by his menacing actions, but imagine if they did. Akk could've injured or killed a protester for wanting to wear denim jeans to school. He's turning into an extremist!
Akk is easily manipulated. His youth makes him a prime target for brainwashing. At Akk's age, he lacks the life experience to make the best judgment calls. He defers to older authorities, trusting their credibility and guidance. Unfortunately, school officials like Chadok don't have Akk's best interests. They take advantage of his naivete, using him as a pawn to do their dirty work and crush the protesters. Akk listens to what his teachers tell him, not daring to question their motives.
In Episode 7, Akk attends a book fair for George Orwell's 1984. That dystopian story is eerily similar to The Eclipse, featuring a tyrannical regime that controls how its constituents think. Akk asks Aye if there are brainwashed people in real life. Aye deadpans, "Yeah, you." Akk is angry at the snarky response, but it's true. Akk's question is a promising sign. His inquisitiveness shows he gains self-awareness and grows alert to Chadok's unhealthy influence over him. Akk goes on a journey of introspection, where he learns to think for himself and undoes the school's lobotomization.
Akk
Akk's decision to harass the protesters goes beyond mental coercion. He's tempted by the prestige of being a prefect. His role comes with distinction, giving him a better reputation than other students. He also receives a bountiful scholarship. Aye once asked him if the money was worth acting like the school's lapdog. Akk snaps, "Someone born with privilege like you wouldn't understand." For once, Aye is left speechless without a rebuttal. Akk calling out this rich kid's privilege is a more pointed critique than "Shortstop" or "Shameless".
Unlike Aye, Akk comes from humble roots. His family works in a fishing village, creating a socioeconomic discrepancy with his well-to-do classmates. Akk mentioned they used to bully him for being a "country bumpkin". He faced discrimination over his class differences. However, being a prefect is the great equalizer. By elevating himself to a respected position, other students no longer judge his background. After Akk climbed from the bottom to the top, he values the social status of being a prefect. It scares him to lose this esteemed title and return to being a bumpkin.
In addition, his role as the head prefect brings Akk's family pride and joy. His parents are impressed with what their son accomplishes. "Wear your uniform so we can take a picture!" Unlike the protesters, Akk's dad and mom see the school garments as a symbol of success. Akk absorbs their love, but he's stressed about disappointing them. During the one-on-one chat with his mom, she senses his worries and gives reassurance. "If you're too tired, let it go sometimes." Akk's mom gives a subtle reminder that his family supports him regardless of his achievements.
Oppression
Suppalo has a curse, but it isn't the made-up urban legend. The real curse is the institutional oppression reinforced by the authorities. Under this intolerant system, dissenting students will become cruelly ostracized. Look at how Nun, Nong, and Nian are treated. They get routinely harassed, yet the school officials offer no protection. In fact, the teachers blame them for "causing chaos" and create blacklists of the protesters for repercussions. Suppalo stomps out diverse thinkers who won't blindly obey the rules.
At Suppalo, the prefects club is an agent of institutional oppression. A select group of students is given more power and privileges than their peers. In exchange, they spy on everyone and snitch on the rule breakers. These prefects help the school authorities crack down on the protesters. They also repeat many of their teachers' talking points, "Don't get involved in the rallies!", "Watch out for Aye!", "It's the Suppalo curse!" Akk, Kan, and other prefects are unwitting proponents of the oppressive system. They actively contribute to the toxic climate of the school.
Suppalo loves pitting its students against each other. Akk, a gay youth, must abuse another group of gay teenagers. Likewise, Thua sabotages Akk and Aye as their romance forms. He even outs the couple in front of everyone. The LGBT characters could've banded together in a display of allyship. Instead, those within the same minority group turn against one another. That's the destructive nature of an oppressive society, which draws out suspicion, discord, and betrayals. Due to the grim atmosphere, marginalized communities are likelier to form divisions than loyalties.
Chadok
Chadok is the chief antagonist of the series. As Akk's immediate supervisor, Chadok should've been a role model, providing valuable mentorship. Instead, he manipulates Akk and imposes a psychological burden. Chadok is responsible for suppressing the protesters and not investigating the hate crimes against them. He also introduced the prefects club, invented the Suppalo myth, and instilled fear tactics to rule the school. Chadok has a long history of inflicting trauma on his students, from Mes to Akk.
Yet, Chadok is only a part of the problem, like another cog in the broken system. Chadok obeys the principal, who scolds the teachers for mismanaging the students. In turn, she follows orders from the sponsors, who won't finance the school unless the uprising stops. Suppalo is structured as a hierarchy, and those on the top push for oppression against the protesters. As cruelty trickles down the ranks, the subordinates worsen their tactics to appease their masters. Akk takes the most abuse at the bottom in the chain of command.
Chadok is a perpetrator of oppression. He acts harshly toward the students due to pressure from his superiors. Yet, Chadok is also a victim of the establishment. He suffers from intolerance and persecution, causing him to lose his fiancé forever. Chadok is guilty of passing his pain to those below him in the hierarchy. He lacks the integrity to disobey his bosses, sacrifice his position, and stop the abuses. Chadok may be weak and cowardly, but he isn't the sole villain. Blame the evil authorities above him for wielding their power ruthlessly. They started the toxic culture.
Freedom
Chadok and Dika's romance ended tragically. The homophobic principal separated the gay couple, forcing Chadok to prioritize his career over his lover. Dika felt heartbroken by his fiancé's betrayal. The school discriminated against Dika and destroyed his self-worth. Yet, Chadok validated their actions by siding with his abuser instead of supporting his loved one. Dika's suicide warns us about the dangers of living under tyrannical rule without freedom, diversity, or self-expression.
Akk and Aye have thematic parallels to Chadok and Dika. The teen protagonists begin the story on the same downward trajectory as their adult counterparts. Akk is like Chadok, loyal to their oppressors as they promote a hateful culture. Aye is like his uncle, both marginalized outcasts with mental health struggles. In Episode 8, Akk urges Aye to transfer schools, eerily similar to what Chadok told Dika to do. History seems to repeat itself. Aye faces unfair treatment from the establishment, but Akk alienates his love interest instead of defending him.
The leads don't meet the same grisly fates as their predecessors. Unlike Chadok, Akk conquers his internalized homophobia. Initially, Akk resists his feelings for Aye after their first kiss. He becomes more receptive as they kiss again in the pool. Finally, Akk agrees to be Aye's boyfriend after much persistence. Akk's journey is momentous because he stops denying his desires. Society has conditioned him to comply with the rules and regulate his same-sex attraction. With Aye's help, Akk breaks free from institutional oppression and pursues his personal freedom.
Thua
Thua began the series as an indifferent bystander to the protests. He planned to keep his head down, wait quietly until graduation, and leave this hellish school forever. However, Aye is furious about his apathy. He accuses Thua of inaction and complicity as the protesters get tormented. "You choose to stay silent. You care about nothing. To me, you're no different from those power-crazed dictators." Aye's stern message strikes a chord with Thua, who realizes he commits injustice by being passive.
Thua is ridiculed because of his sexuality. Other students snicker, call him names, and reduce him as the gay guy. His classmate Kan defends him, getting into fights with the bullies. In Episode 5, Thua writes a troubling online post about wanting to disappear. Kan creates an alias to befriend Thua and alleviate his loneliness. Kan's kindness comes from not wanting to keep quiet when he witnesses mistreatment. He's a vigilante, like Bruce Wayne's alter ego Batman. Inspired by his love interest, Thua takes the initiative to retaliate against the school's oppressive culture.
His plan is to break the system before it can be rebuilt. Structural changes will only happen if Suppalo's leaders admit they've mistreated the students. So, Thua intentionally escalates the tensions between the school and the protesters. He harasses the activists until their torment becomes an urgent crisis the authorities must address. Unlike the quiet boy who stayed on the sidelines, Thua's drastic transformation highlights how moderate views can become radicalized. Aye and Kan have ignited a fire inside Thua, prompting him to take action and trigger a revolution.
Tyranny
As you may have deduced, The Eclipse isn't just about an uprising at an all-boys school. This BL drama is brilliant because it holds a mirror to society and reflects real-life events. The story describes the widespread oppression in many schools, institutions, and ruling systems across Thailand. During the cast interviews, Kan's actor (Neo) delivered an apt quote: "The Eclipse is about a whole country minimized in the form of a school." The dystopia in this fictional series exists in the actual world.
Thailand experienced a surge of protests in recent years. Thousands had mobilized to oppose the monarchy's corruption and the government's abuse of power. Many Thai activists on the resistance frontlines were brave youths in their teens or twenties. During the clashes, the authorities used water cannons, chemical irritants, and brutal torture to harm the protesters. The police claimed to be obeying orders to maintain discipline in society. But how could they feel justified in hurting human lives? The Eclipse examines these incidents and tries to understand their mindset.
The storyteller hypothesizes that those who attack the protesters are like Akk. They have been pressured, exploited, and brainwashed by their leaders. Although the police execute the violence, they're only pawns. The cruelty comes from higher-ups like Chadok or those in the top ranks of the hierarchy. The tyrannical Thai government rules over the constituents with fear, intimidation, and oppression. They may order their subordinates to do the dirty work on their behalf. Nonetheless, we must hold the authorities responsible and know the problem starts with them.
The Eclipse Ending Explained
Ending
Happy Ending
The Eclipse has a happy ending that focuses on Akk's redemption and growth. However, his character faces a rocky journey before reaching that point of enlightenment. The final episode begins after Thua exposes Akk's misconduct to the entire school. He used the fake Suppalo curse to cover up his hate crimes against the protesters. After Akk stopped threatening his classmates, Thua secretly continued the harassment. Thua wanted the tensions to rise for change to happen in this school.
After the revelations, the principal wants to suspend Akk and Thua for a semester. Sani and Chadok defend their pupils by finding a loophole in the school guidelines, which forbid these punishments. Sani convinces the principal to hand out a lighter suspension period instead. In addition, Chadok resigns from his job and apologizes to Akk. Subsequently, Akk is no longer the president of the prefects club. Wat is his replacement, Sani becomes the supervisor, and Namo is enrolled as a new club member.
Wat shoots a short movie that summarizes the school's recent events. It's a BL love story starring Akk and Aye as a couple. They have a kissing scene on the school rooftop, yet Akk bails from filming because he struggles with his sexuality. Aye remains patient and understanding with his boyfriend. Later, the leads visit Akk's family home. Akk tearfully admits he has been suspended from school, but his parents aren't upset. They are also supportive when he comes out as gay. As Akk lifts a psychological burden, he finally relaxes and consummates his love with Aye.
Ending Explained
A solar eclipse occurs during the passing between the moon and the sun. The series title aptly describes Akk and Aye's journeys as they transition from darkness to light. The story begins with the characters spiralling on a downward trajectory. In Akk's case, he was on a self-destructive path to extremism. In Aye's case, he struggled with grief after his uncle's suicide. Both leads have a mental fog that obstructs their outlooks. They cannot see a way out of their predicaments.
However, eclipses are momentary. The darkness eventually subsides, revealing glimmers of light once again. During the story, Akk and Aye help each other gain clarity. As they overcome their despair, both finally find the light at the end of a dark tunnel. In Akk's case, he corrects his toxic behaviours. In Aye's case, he learns to move on from a loved one's death. The two leads come out of their ordeals with more optimism than before.
The final episode focuses on what happens after an eclipse has departed. The characters experience brightness, clear vision, and a new dawn. This series offers an empowering message about conquering adversity. Although you may not see the solution to an immediate problem, trust that your darkest moments will pass. These hardships are like eclipses, and you will achieve enlightenment soon enough. As a new day arrives, change is going to come.
Change & progress
Thua had a radical plan to reform the power dynamics in Suppalo. His coup is partially successful. After Akk's crimes come to light, the head prefect loses his role. His boss, Chadok, also resigns. However, the principal still works at the school and maintains a toxic attitude. While Thua caused a shake-up in the tyrannical regime, he only removed the two people at the bottom of the hierarchy. Society's institutions protect those in the top ranks, even though they may be culpable for the oppressive culture.
Nevertheless, there have been encouraging signs of progress around Suppalo. The protesters begin a new club advocating for student rights. The school crackdown hasn't deterred their determination. Instead, they gather their experience to become more organized and resourceful in the rallies. They have e-books now! In addition, Aye inspires Waree to become more open-minded. The strict teacher admits to liking Aye's online research material and wants him to share his knowledge. She accepts new, modern perspectives than sticking rigidly to old beliefs.
Furthermore, the school's stifling atmosphere eases. In Episode 11, Kan makes peace with his bisexuality and comes out with his boyfriend, Thua. Other students observe them oddly, but Kan remains confident in his public display of love. They're met with a casual reception, and nobody makes a big deal about their relationship. In the finale, Akk and Aye hold hands on campus, but their peers don't react. The nonchalance indicates attitudes have improved. Even if the leadership remains oppressive, everyone accepts each other's differences, creating a kinder society.
New leadership
Suppalo welcomes reform in the prefects club. Wat and Sani are better suited for leadership positions than Akk and Chadok. Wat proves he's empathetic and rational throughout the series. He resolves his friends' conflicts by understanding different perspectives. Also, Wat's aspiration as an indie filmmaker highlights his unconventional thinking. Despite the pressure, Wat upholds his convictions and won't conform to a mainstream career. His mental fortitude suggests the authorities can't coerce him as easily as Akk or Mes.
Sani is a more compassionate leader than her predecessor, representing an establishment figure with moderate views. Sani believes in finding the middle ground and mediates the protests by asking each side to compromise. Her approach is soft, meek, and naive. As the school officials harass the dissenters, Sani turns to the persecuted students and asks them to yield to their oppressors. What the hell!? No, you should be telling your colleagues to back off! Aye rightfully criticizes his teacher for encouraging the authoritarian system to continue. Sani is enabling the tyrants.
Nonetheless, Sani is an improvement over the callous staff in Suppalo. She's willing to listen to her students and genuinely cares about them. In the later episodes, Sani learns to assert herself, opposing her seniors when they mistreat pupils. Also, Sani isn't a stiff suit working in an institution. She interacts with the youths outside of school, understanding them on a human level. Sani uses a modern leadership style where the teens view their teacher as an equal, not a figurehead in a hierarchy. Sani symbolizes change and progress from the establishment.
Akk's journey
The first scene of The Eclipse begins with Akk alone on a boat, staring at the sky. A troubled look crosses his face. The story introduces him as a lost small-town boy on a pilgrimage of self-discovery. Akk succumbs to bad influences. He blindly trusts the authorities and accepts their oppressive rules as the absolute truth. The institution warps his beliefs, making him prioritize discipline and duty over individuality and humanity. Akk loses his moral compass at the start of the series.
Aye causes Akk's awakening. Akk learns to behave autonomously, even if it means not obeying orders or complying with society. Firstly, he realizes committing hate crimes against the protesters is wrong. He lost his judgment and spiralled into extremism until Aye pulled him back to his senses. Secondly, Akk accepts his sexuality. Akk represses his attraction because he perceives being gay as going against convention. He relapses into self-doubt even in the finale, but Aye is patient and supportive. Finally, Akk comes out to his parents and conquers internalized homophobia.
Akk was on a destructive path before meeting Aye. He could've lived miserably like his predecessors, Chadok and Mes. Fortunately, Aye rescues Akk by recentering his values and reshaping his views. Akk's main takeaway is becoming an independent thinker as he broadens his horizons. He won't restrain himself to a single perspective or a traditional way of life. The authorities tell him to hate the protesters and love the opposite sex, but Akk doesn't have to comply. He now looks at the vast sky with boundless possibilities instead of limiting himself to a narrow scope.
Aye's journey
Aye's journey involves moving on from his uncle's death. He spends the whole series wondering why Dika killed himself. The unanswered questions grew into an unhealthy obsession, from poring over journals to creating investigation boards. The fixation worried his mom, fearing she'd lose him to a mental health collapse. Finally, Chadok's confession in Episode 11 helps Aye understand the tragic context of his uncle's suicide. Dika was consumed by despair, betrayal, rejection, heartbreak, and many factors beyond Aye's control.
During the investigation, one of Aye's driving forces is guilt. He blames himself for missing the warning signs and not doing more to save his suicidal uncle. This regret carries over into his relationship with Akk. Aye notices his classmate, a repressed gay youth, headed towards self-destruction. He devotes himself to helping Akk, not wanting the school's institutional oppression to claim another victim. As Akk's situation improves, Aye feels relieved about making a difference. Aye couldn't change the past to rescue his uncle. However, he successfully changes Akk's future to set him on a brighter path.
The last scene of The Eclipse involves Akk and Aye together on a boat, both staring at the sky. This moment is similar to how the series began, except Akk now has a loving boyfriend beside him. "Do you know how much I like it when the sky is clear like this?" Akk asks rhetorically. The clear sky is a metaphor for his mental lucidity. "I know. I like it too," Aye replies before adding, "But I like it more when you're next to me, Akk." The series begins with two lost boys who suffered alone in their confusion. Fortunately, it ends with them finding clarity, closure, and companionship.
The Eclipse Episodes
Episode Guide
- Start Date August 12, 2022
- End Date October 28, 2022
- Episodes 12 episodes
- Episode Length 45 minutes
The Eclipse has a total of 12 episodes. Each episode is around 45 minutes long. The last episode is around 50 minutes long. It is a long BL drama, and you can finish the entire series in around 9 hours. The Eclipse started on August 12, 2022 and ended on October 28, 2022. After its release, The Eclipse won the Bronze Award for Best Asian LGBTQ+ Programme in Contentasia Awards 2023.
Our Skyy 2 dedicates two episodes to The Eclipse, containing an epilogue to the story. They aired on May 3, 2023 and May 4, 2023.
Best Scenes
Episode 1
Akk & Aye meeting
The leads meet in Episode 1 after a running vehicle almost injures the protesters. Akk chases after Aye, who flees and hides in the restroom. Aye pretends to be by the urinal with his pants unzipped. He turns around, flashing his tattoo & underwear waistband. Hey, check out my Calvin Klein's! Akk gazes downwards for too long, unconsciously giving away his attraction. Aye sees Akk checking him out and knows this guy is into him.
Initially, you may think Aye initiated the attack and ran away out of guilt. Later, the storyteller reverses our expectations. We find out Akk is the real culprit and Aye witnessed his crime. The twist changes how you perceive their relationship dynamics when rewatching this scene. When Akk confronts Aye, his anger isn't because he thinks Aye may be the assailant. Instead, it's panic that someone saw him committing the crime. In contrast, Aye already knows Akk's two deepest secrets. One, he's the attacker. And two, he's a closeted gay guy.
Aye disobeys the head prefect, refusing to wear the school uniform. "I'll wear it when I want to." This line echoes the overarching theme of the series, contrasting Aye's autonomy with Akk's adherence to the rules. Later, they reunite in the classroom. Akk threatens his classmate again, but Aye remains defiant. Aye places a hand on Akk's lap and mutters, "Catch me if you can." This line is exciting because Aye seems to be teasing Aye, taunting him, and flirting with danger. This first scene sets up their intriguing relationship dynamic for the rest of the series.
Episode 4
Akk & Aye shower kiss
In Episode 4, Akk and Aye just finished a one-on-one judo lesson. Akk uses this opportunity to steal Aye's notebook from his locker. However, he gets caught in the act. Aye confronts Akk in the shower stall, leading to a heated exchange.
Like in many of their interactions, Aye transitions from being angry to flirty. Aye leans closer to his classmate's face, deliberately prodding him. Akk pushes him away, but he uses so much force that Aye's body bounces back from the wall. It creates a rebound effect where Aye thrusts forward, and he accidentally kisses Aye's lips.
I'm sorry, but I laughed at the sheer ridiculousness of this silly scene. LMAO. I'm enthralled by Aye bouncing back from the wall and somehow kissing Akk during the rebound. One of my favourite parts about BL is watching the storytellers create impossible scenarios to make the leads kiss. This rebound kiss ranks highly among the most outrageous circumstances I've seen. 😆
Akk comforts Aye
In Episode 4, Aye's outspoken nature gets him into trouble. Waree complains about him being an "arrogant, aggressive, and inappropriate know-it-all". Instead of nurturing Aye's intellectual curiosity, Chadok suggests punishing him for being overconfident. All the teachers start picking on Aye in every class, challenging him with a constant barrage of questions. Their goal is to patronize the student when he can't give a correct answer.
All the students notice the teachers deliberately give Aye a tough time. Akk feels troubled about what is happening and checks up on Aye in the school courtyard. It has been a mentally taxing day for Aye, who looks subdued. Akk seems surprised to see his classmate with a broken spirit, much different than his usual belligerent attitude. Although Aye appears resilient, he isn't unbreakable. His feelings can get wounded too. Beneath his bravado, he has been struggling with grief. Aye isn't as strong as he looks.
Aye puts his head on Akk's shoulder and says, "You won't be so mean to me too, right?" Akk looks over and sees tears falling from Aye's closed eyes. It's a rare moment of vulnerability from his nemesis. Typically, Akk would oppose this moment of physical intimacy in public. Yet, Akk suppresses his discomfort and chooses to be kind. He knows Aye needs the support. Until now, we haven't seen Akk's tender side too often. It's a welcomed change to see Akk be sensitive and compassionate to Aye, especially during his emotional slump.
Episode 6
Akk's confession
Episode 6 begins after Aye stops Akk from burning the protest materials. They arrive on the beach, sitting before a bonfire. Aye reveals he knew Akk was the culprit behind the Suppalo curse since they first met. During an emotional confrontation, Akk admits his crimes. His rationale is that he felt responsible for stopping the school protests. Aye points out how these violent actions could have gotten someone hurt.
"But I must do it!" Akk begins to cry. Nobody verbally commands him to hurt the protesters. However, the authorities place so much pressure and expectations on him that Akk must take drastic actions. He can't resist their mental coercion due to his desperate need to comply with others. Yet, Akk feels guilty. If he was soulless, Akk wouldn't be crying right now. His emotional turmoil comes from understanding his actions are wrong, yet he still feels obligated to commit the crimes.
As Akk has a breakdown, Aye comforts the crying teenager. Aye reassures him that he doesn't have to do what others say. He encourages Akk to place his happiness before other people's feelings. In other words, live your life however you want, not based on what others expect. Yet, Akk struggles to live by that mantra. "I'm a prefect," he says firmly. He's too indoctrinated by the school's teachings and cannot escape this oppressive mindset. This powerful exchange shows the challenges of breaking free from societal norms. Like Akk, it isn't easy going against the grind.
Episode 8
Akk & Aye kiss
Episode 8 marks the first time Akk and Aye kiss! Previously, The Eclipse teased us with two fakeouts. Although they "kissed" at the end of Episode 6, it was just a part of Akk's fantasy. He imagined kissing his love interest in the bedroom, but it didn't actually happen. Likewise, they almost come close to kissing at the end of Episode 7. The leads had a picturesque view while on the boat, creating a romantic atmosphere. Yet, Akk bailed at the last second, unable to overcome his internalized homophobia.
Finally, Aye attempts to have another intimate moment. He uses the excuse of visiting Akk's room and asking to borrow his undies. Wearing your boyfriend's briefs is kinda hot, huh? 😳 Strangely enough, I also think there's symbolism here. Your underwear is an intimate garment you don't typically reveal to other people, yet Aye wants Akk to share it with him. Aye is trying to get Akk to open up and offer a part of his internal self. Give me your most intimate garments, deepest secrets, and true feelings.
Akk has a breakthrough. He doesn't resist Aye's advances and gives in to his true feelings. As Aye gives this emotionally powerful speech, Akk listens while holding his skivvies. I just love this awkward imagery. lol The best part about their kiss is the saliva string between their lips as they pull apart. OMG! The characters are so immersed in each other that their spit becomes one. 🤤 The Eclipse probably filmed the kissing scene many times, but they chose this take on purpose. They saw the saliva string and said, "Yup, that's the gold-standard BL content we want!"
Episode 9
Aye & Akk pool kiss
The leads kiss again at the end of Episode 9. They meet at the swimming pool and flirt playfully with each other. Aye compliments Akk on his beaming smile and calls him cute, but the student prefect opposes that label. "I'm not cute! I'm solemn!" Akk argues adorably. The characters proceed to banter back and forth in a well-written exchange. "Shut up, Shortstop!" and "I'm not following your order, Bigfoot!" are amusing lines that highlight their sassy dynamic.
Eventually, the flirting builds up to another romantic encounter. Aye leans forward for a kiss, but Akk seems hesitant to display affection on the school premises. So, Aye guides them beneath the water as they share an enchanting aquatic smooch. There's something so magical about this kiss, like capturing a private moment of intimacy between two lovers. Unfortunately, Aye and Akk don't know that Thua is spying on them nearby, plotting to expose their secret relationship!
"I respect your love," Thua says in Episode 11 before he announces their romance to all their homophobic classmates. I ponder Thua's motivations behind outing them, recognizing the nuances of the situation. Primarily, Thua perceives Akk as the villain for hurting the protesters. After learning Akk's sexuality, it heightens Thua's sense of injustice that a gay man perpetuates hate crimes against his own community. He also believes Aye is covering up for his boyfriend. Earlier, Aye equated Thua's silence as complicity, so he seems hypocritical for not reporting Akk's crimes.
Episode 10
Be my boyfriend
In Episode 10, Aye spends the night in Akk's bedroom. It's great seeing how their relationship has progressed to the point they feel comfortable sleeping in bed together. In Episode 6, Akk reacted by throwing the pillow on the floor and kicking Aye out of bed. You'll definitely notice a change in his behaviour. The leads are a lot more familiar with each other.
Akk and Aye chat intimately. Their chat has a mix of joking, bantering, and flirting. It leads to Aye's love confession, and he asks Akk to be his boyfriend. Akk hesitates before saying, "You can't like a bad person like me." Aye responds with a kiss, showing that he doesn't see his partner negatively. Nonetheless, Akk remains reluctant to commit to a same-sex romance. He avoids giving a direct answer, closes his eyes, and heads to sleep.
However, Aye is undeterred! He continues pestering his love interest for an official response. Every time Akk tries to pull up the blanket, Aye stops him. This repeats at least five times, becoming funnier with each failed attempt. Finally, Aye relents and agrees to be Akk's boyfriend. It's official! Aye has annoyed Akk into submission, and they're now dating. 😁 Although the tone seems comedic, this scene is crucial to Akk's journey of self-acceptance. He stops denying his desires and comes to terms with being in a gay relationship, all thanks to Aye's persistence.
Episode 12
Akk & Aye finale kiss
In Episode 12, Akk comes out to his parents and introduces Aye as his boyfriend. He feels relieved by their support like a weight has been lifted from his shoulders. Akk no longer has to hide who he is, liberating him from his past anxieties. As a result, Akk is more receptive to his boyfriend's affections. Akk now flirts back with Aye and initiates physical affection.
The old, closeted Akk wouldn't have asked Aye to cuddle with him. In contrast, the new and liberated Akk is more comfortable with his sexuality. He wraps his arms around his boyfriend's body, holding him dearly. Of course, Akk's endearing quality is that his confidence comes with a bit of bashfulness. He can be shy about expressing his physical desires, and Aye likes teasing him playfully.
Aye and Akk kiss in the final episode. Although they have been intimate in the past, this is the first time Akk enjoys the moment without feeling ashamed afterwards. As hard as it is to come out, honesty is empowering. The transformation is impressive when I compare Akk with how he behaved at the start of the series. I'm overjoyed the series ends with Akk in a much better place emotionally. Best of all, Aye is beside him as the two boyfriends support and champion each other.
The Eclipse Information
Links
- GMMTV The Eclipse GMMTV
- Interview First and Khaotung interview
- MyDramaList The Eclipse MyDramaList
- Wikipedia คาธ Wikipedia
- YouTube The Eclipse YouTube
- YouTube The Eclipse Behind the Scenes
GMMTV
GMMTV is a heavyweight in the BL world. It has produced numerous acclaimed dramas and launched many successful careers over the years. GMMTV is the leader in the Thai BL industry and possibly around the world. Some of its well-known works include SOTUS (2016), Theory of Love (2019), 2gether (2020), A Tale of Thousand Stars (2021), Bad Buddy (2021), and Last Twilight (2023), among many others.
Director
Golf Tanwarin Sukkhapisit (กอล์ฟ ธัญญ์วาริน สุขะพิสิษฐ์) is a Thai director. They have worked on various dramas throughout their career, including several works with LGBT+ themes. Golf directed the 2022 series, The Eclipse and 609 Bedtime Story.
Author
Prapt (ปราปต์) is a Thai author. He penned the stories for two BL series, including The Miracle of Teddy Bear (2022) and The Eclipse (2022).
Thanks for another thorough and insightful review. I love this series so much! The two main leads have such great chemistry on and off the screen (they are one of the few where I have sought out their interviews and events on YT when English subtitles are available). I also appreciated the comparisons that can be made between the school conflicts/issues and society at large. This series and Not Me (along with your historical references in both reviews) prompted me to do some research on my own about the Thai culture and history of some of the government/authority oppression.
Just a couple of scenes that really stood out for me were the ones where each told the other that they could be weak with the other person (basically saying let your guard down with me and be your true self) and I like the full circle of Akk in the boat alone at the beginning and then both in the boat together at the end. I love your review sections about Akk’s and Aye’s journeys.
Thank you for another terrific review. This review drove me to find and watch the series, and I now see why it is on many "best of" lists. The project is message-driven, but thanks to the excellent writing and acting it is never tedious or didactic. Devices that could have been annoying, like the meta film within a film, work really well. The romance is sweet.
Best moment? When Akk is busted by Aye at the 1984 book reading, lol. I normally avoid watching series on YouTube because the chopping up of episodes and the ads make immersion in the narrative nearly impossible. However, GMMTV's YouTube presentation is really pleasant. The design is attractive and the ads are minimal. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will look for other projects featuring these actors and writers.
Your commentary is really great, I'm glad I read your brief description and skimmed your ratings of this show because I usually don't watch high school dramas and would have skipped it otherwise. Damn, this show is fantastic! It really is a microcosm reflective of much larger socio-political turmoil and discourse. I'm so pleased to see a show really lean into the activism and show that the issues at the school are systemic and not due simply to individual actors. It reminds me of The Bad Sleep Well, a Kurosawa film which is near and dear to my heart. I'll be recommending this show to my friends, as well as this website.
I really admire what you've done here! I'd work for you; if you ever find yourself getting too swamped to handle stuff here, put a shout out on Twitter for submissions.
I am usually not a fan of overly political shows in general, but this one melted my heart. The complete acceptance and patience Aye gave Akk was so outstanding and honestly inspirational. The scenes with Akk's parents showed how parents can be loving and doting and have a level of understanding that you don't usually see in these dramas, and it was very refreshing. My only criticism was that I did not like that Thua outed Akk and Aye as a couple. Especially because I felt like Aye was gently nudging him to say the truth already. He for sure could have exposed the “crimes” in a way that didn’t expose something so personal overall 9/10! Thank you for making this website it is truly a gem
Thank you for your insightful commentary and for citing helpful source materials with regards to Thai's authoritative rule and cultural clashes. I never knew that! Funny how I found myself shaking my head a lot while watching this series and thinking it almost unrealistic how poorly the school authorities handled the protests. I thought it was only logical for a STUDENT Welfare Department to actually pay heed and advocate the students' welfare and concerns. Oh how I was wrong..
Anyway, I agree with everything you said about Akk's motivations, but I also think that he did what he did knowingly because he wanted to and he was very much aware of the potentially dire consequences. True, he felt a lot of pressure from His teachers and superiors to handle the situation and he did not want to disappoint them. Also true that he had been indoctrinated for so long in that toxic manipulative environment that it clouded his better judgement. But the thing is, he was willing to do what he did to protect what he had. I remember he told Aye he wanted to become the student prefect immediately upon meeting his predecessor, Mes. He desired the privileges and the esteem that came with the position. It was also a way for him to rise and fit in or feel superior to his former bullies who mocked his origins when he first moved to the city. And the bad things he did were a means to an end. A selfish one I might add, which is hypocritical considering he kept saying he was looking out for his fellow students when challenged about his animosity to the protesters.
I'm glad he allowed himself to learn and change for the better. And I'm happy with his self discovery and growth over the series. I hope more people irl would have the same opportunity to do so as well. Oh btw, I love Aye actor's departure from his usually demure nice guy roles. I feel that this role elevated his acting in a way I haven't seen before.