Enchanté – Series Review & Ending Explained

Story

Theo

Enchante is anchored by its protagonist Theo, who resembles a modern-day fairytale prince. He's wealthy, privileged, and sophisticated. Theo moved to Paris in his youth and spent years surrounded by a lush, vibrant culture. His storybook life seems idyllic, almost like he has been living in a bubble. On the one hand, Theo is innocent and idealistic, as witnessed by his efforts to save the university's literature discipline. On the other hand, Theo is naive and sheltered. This guy can't even ride a bus!

Enchante is engaging whenever it challenges Theo's perfect fantasy world. At the beginning of the series, he suffers from culture shock, gets lost navigating the city, and causes Akk to lose his job. Near the end, he's heartbroken after his parents' blissful marriage ends. These harsh experiences remind Theo that life is not a fairytale. IMO, the clash between idealism and reality is the most compelling component of Enchante. How will Theo react after the immaculate façade drops and he faces irreconcilable hardships? More importantly, what lessons will he learn from overcoming these struggles?

In theory, this premise sounds intriguing. In execution, the storytelling misses the mark. Enchante is disappointing because it doesn't realize the immense potential of the plot. This BL drama could've been a lighthearted romantic comedy that surprises the viewers with hidden substance. Instead, it focuses on the wrong priorities. This series spends many episodes on a trivial mystery about a secret admirer, whereas the hard-hitting topics get pushed to the finale. Sadly, Enchante's thematic messages are lost and never amount to anything significant.

Akk

If Theo is Prince Charming, Akk would be his knight in shining armour. This devoted hero comes to his prince's rescue on many occasions. In Episode 2, Akk jeopardizes his job to ensure Theo's safety. In Episode 7, Akk gets violent with Wayo for hurting his friend's feelings. The recurring theme is that whenever Theo finds himself in trouble, he can rely on his bestie for unconditional support. Akk looks after Theo, almost like a personal bodyguard.

Akk is attracted to his best friend. However, he doesn't confess his feelings for the longest time. His hesitation comes from a sense of inferiority. Akk puts Theo on a pedestal, perceiving him as a fancy and sophisticated prince. In contrast, Akk is just an ordinary joe from a modest background. Due to their class differences, he thinks Theo is out of his league. His rich, popular friend deserves an impressive suitor like the football team captain or the art club president. As Akk's sister candidly tells him in Episode 10, "Maybe Theo has better options than you." 

During childhood, Akk used to imagine fairytale stories about the prince and his knight celebrating victory together. Now that he's older, Akk has become more pragmatic. He believes a lowly knight should stay in his ranks and not fantasize about being with royalty. Yet, the insecurities only exist in Akk's head. The truth is that Theo has never looked down on his friend. In fact, Theo is oblivious to their socioeconomic discrepancies and sees them as equals. Akk's journey involves overcoming this self-doubt. Finally, Akk realizes he's worthy of being Theo's partner.

Who is Enchanté?

Theo is Enchanté. In a shocking twist, Episode 8 reveals Theo wrote the mysterious message to himself. His rationale is a little messy. After Theo met Phupha, Akk began distancing himself from his friend. Akk didn't want to be the third wheel, so he left them alone. His behaviour annoyed Theo, who felt his crush was drifting away. So, Theo invented "Enchanté" and pretended this imaginary suitor was courting him. He wanted to provoke Akk. If someone showed interest in Theo, maybe that would make his friend pay attention.

This self-devised scheme escalated beyond Theo's original plan. It started as a small prank to test Akk's feelings for him. Theo never expected Akk to take it so seriously, distributing posters around the school. Theo recruited Saifa to be Enchanté. Saifa was supposed to flirt with Theo to make Akk jealous. However, Phupha, Wayo, and Natee had complicated matters by pretending to be the secret admirer. These imposters approached him with sinister intentions. They lied about their identity to get close to the rich student for his money and connections:

• Phupha wanted to secure his scholarship money.
• Wayo wanted to clear his gambling debt.
• Natee wanted a venue to his first art show.

Theo knew these guys were lying. However, he kept up this charade because it gave him an excuse to spend time with Akk. Theo continued the deceit to observe his friend's response. "The more I did, the more I wanted to know how you felt about me." In addition, Theo may feel embarrassed about telling the truth after the events snowballed rapidly. It's hard to admit you orchestrated everything just for your friend's attention. Whatever the reason, Theo causes this pointless storyline to extend until Episode 8. I'm sorry, but the reveal isn't worth the wait. 😞

Secret admirer

I was annoyed with the secret admirer storyline because it dragged on forever. It also shifted the spotlight to the supporting characters instead of focusing on the leads. Unfortunately, I found Phupha, Saifa, Wayo, and Natee boring with little depth. With that said, I didn't hate this storyline in the beginning. Enchante reminded me of a BL visual novel initially. The main character has multiple love interests, each with a different romantic route. But after the novelty wore off, I desperately wanted the dumb mystery to end.

The biggest problem with Enchante is the poorly-written plot. With a few tweaks, I believe this modern fairy tale could've shined. Here's my version with some proposed changes:

A vague message in the back of a library book isn't an effective plot device. It's too convoluted. Instead, the scenario should've been more palatable. In Episode 2, Akk arrives at the library and finds a rose bouquet on Theo's table. There's a note attached that says: "Be my boyfriend. – Enchanté". Akk sees the flowers and believes someone is courting his friend. Secretly, Theo planned to confess to Akk and give these roses to him. Yet, Theo loses his courage. He goes along with Akk's interpretation to hide his failed love confession.

Four suitors are too much. Let's get rid of one, maybe Natee or Wayo. The remaining three pretend to be Enchante like in the original plot, but I'd change their motivations. Phupha still gets close to Theo to secure his scholarship money, but let's exclude the unnecessary melodrama with the sick mom. For the other guys, give them different rationales to approach Theo besides exploiting him for money or connections. Please, we can come up with better reasons than a gambling debt or a stalker art gallery!

Some ideas include:

• Suitor #1 pretends to be Enchante for a scholarship, exploiting Theo for money and status.
• Suitor #2 pretends to be Enchante for sex. He sees Theo as a conquest and brags to his friends about nailing the university dean's son.
• Suitor #3 pretends to be Enchante because he secretly loves Suitor #1! He wants to sabotage his crush's plans out of jealousy, mwhahaha~

This secret admirer mystery must be wrapped up before Episode 5 or sooner. Make Theo and Akk confess their feelings by the midway point. Afterwards, we can dedicate the second half of the series to expanding the other plots. Theo's parents getting a divorce could be explored in much greater depth. Likewise, flesh out Akk's insecurities as Theo's boyfriend. Enchante jammed all these dramatic storylines into the last two episodes when they needed more time and development.

Romance

Theo and Akk

I adore this pairing. Theo and Akk have such an easygoing vibe, from the cute exchanges to the comfortable rapport. Also, I'm partial to any BL drama about childhood best friends secretly in love. With that said, I don't agree with every part of their romantic journey. Several encounters feel awkward. For example, their first kiss in the art room occurs under such murky circumstances. "Did it happen or not?" is hardly the best aftermath following an intimate scene. 😓

In addition, I got fed up with how long the romance stalls. These two guys are constantly flirtatious and affectionate with each other, yet they won't admit their feelings. How often must you stare into your friend's eyes before he gets the hint? Also, the signals are SO obvious. During the later episodes, their interactions are way too intimate for a pair of platonic buddies. When you guys are nibbling on the same piece of bread or sausage, you can't just be bros anymore.

Despite these grievances, I remain a sucker for Theo and Akk's relationship dynamic. I like their playful banter in the car or their cheesy flirting in the bedroom. They teeter on the right side of the friends-to-lovers trope. Also, there are some genuinely enthralling moments between the couple, including their sensational kisses. For all its faults, Enchante can occasionally capture the magic of Akk and Theo's romance. The best scenes showcase their bond, their chemistry, and their sexual tension enchantingly.

Childhood friends

The beginning of Episode 2 features a sequence of events highlighting Theo and Akk's close relationship. Enchante demonstrates Akk's most attractive qualities, explaining why Theo has developed feelings for his best friend.

Akk is devoted to Theo. It's telling that he rushes to the police station to help his friend instead of going to work. Akk doesn't hesitate between the two choices. In his mind, Theo's well-being comes first. Later, Theo feels guilty because his minor inconvenience causes Akk to lose his job. Yet, Akk is understanding. He spins this negative situation into a positive to ease Theo's conscience. Theo looks touched by how much his friend cares for him.

Akk and Theo recall a fond memory. As kids, they used to call each other on the phone. Akk laughs casually, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that, haha!" However, Theo gives a solemn reply: "You always forget." He seems slightly miffed his friend doesn't seem to cherish their childhood experiences. In the next scene, they eat dinner together. Akk has asked his sister to cook Theo's favourite dish. This thoughtful gesture proves Akk hasn't forgotten about the past. He still remembers intimate details like what his best friend loves to eat. Theo looks delighted for the rest of the meal.

After being fired from his job, you'd expect Akk to be in a foul mood. Yet, he continues to be carefree and playful around Theo. Even though Theo is responsible for his job loss, Akk's behaviour shows he doesn't hold any resentment against his friend. His forgiveness is impressive, and some of us wouldn't have acted as graciously as him in the same situation. Later, the scene ends with Akk and Theo playfighting in the kitchen. I find this casual interaction very charming. Here are two best friends having a silly moment, just like when they were kids.

Je t'aime

In Episode 7, Akk and Theo take pictures in the middle of the night. Akk is intoxicated and lets his guard down. He starts hinting about his feelings toward Theo, making little cryptic remarks. Yet, Akk still can't be honest. He drinks more alcohol, claiming it'll give him the courage to confess. Theo says gently, "I think you can do it without being drunk." There's a tenderness to this statement. As much as Theo wants Akk to admit his feelings, he doesn't enjoy seeing his crush this tormented.

"Je t'aime," Akk declares. He hides his love confession in a song at first. Then, he repeats it again with more decisiveness. When Theo probes him for more clarity, Akk describes what he means, "Look at the stars, look into each other's eyes, or maybe do something more…" He leans closer to his partner, almost headed towards a kiss, but it never materializes. The atmosphere in this scene is electrifying. I watch with riveted anticipation, not knowing how Akk or Theo will react at every moment. Will they kiss? Or will they not? Oh my god!

The scene ends with the leads in the bedroom. Akk grabs Theo toward him and exclaims defiantly, "You know it, right!?" Akk implies, You should know how I feel about you. Although they come close to a full-fledged confession, nothing happens between them that night. Some BL dramas may have used this opportunity to initiate physical intimacy, but Enchante shows restraint. Nonetheless, the sexual tension between the leads reaches an exhilarating high. I've enjoyed this emotionally charged encounter that highlights their attraction.

Theo and Akk kiss

I've mentioned my favourite Akk and Theo moments so far. Admittedly, I excluded all the scenes where the couple puts the viewers through frustrating nonsense. Both are often reluctant, indecisive, and annoyingly passive with their feelings. Also, it's hard to justify the Enchante debacle. I was dumbfounded upon learning Theo's identity and questioned whether his actions made sense. WTF Theo!?

The messy side of me secretly loves Theo for being such a diabolical genius. He has five guys acting like clowns around him over a few silly lines in a library book. Furthermore, this manipulative mastermind knowingly keeps up the charade while playing deceitful mind games with his best friend. He even bribes Saifa to perpetuate the lie. The more I think about it, the more I can appreciate the darkness of this wicked plot twist. I get giddy thinking Prince Charming has transformed into Maleficent instead! 😝

Okay, I'm just kidding. I don't actually think Theo is evil. I see him as a lovestruck boy who invented a cheeky story to confirm if his friend reciprocated his feelings. Anyway, I've forgiven and forgotten every wrongdoing after the leads kiss passionately on the balcony. Instead of scrutinizing the plot, I get swept up by the magical moment where the friends finally confess their love. The exhilarating drama, stunning ambiance, and pulsating chemistry harmonize to produce this iconic scene!

Acting

Force and Book

The two leads are ideally suited for their characters. Book exudes sophistication, making him the perfect fit for Theo. From his fair skin to his soft cheeks, he looks like a storybook prince that stepped out of a fairy tale. Likewise, Force is compatible with Akk due to his natural sincerity and salt-of-the-earth demeanour. He has a genuine quality that convinces me Akk is loyal and devoted to his friend. It's a shame Enchante doesn't capitalize on the perfect casting. With a more polished story, Theo and Akk could've been defining roles for the actors.

The leads have a warm, cozy rapport. I know Force and Book are childhood friends in real life. The actors' familiarity shows through their comfortable interactions, adding authenticity to their bantering, flirting, and kissing. With that said, there's room for improvement in their performances. Book can afford to be more emotive. He's too mild-mannered, making him look unenthusiastic in some scenes. For Force, he keeps defaulting to that furrowed-brow expression to depict worry or concern. I want to see him portray negative emotions beyond just making a grumpy face.

2023 is a big year for Force and Book, who will star in multiple upcoming BL dramas. Their next feature project is the office BL romance, A Boss and a Babe. Honestly, the trailer doesn't look promising, but I'd love to be proven wrong. They will also appear in two other series, Only Friends, and Our Skyy 2. GMMTV must've noticed the chemistry between the couple and seems committed to promoting them next year. I'm rooting for ForceBook to get their redemption, hopefully with a more well-received BL drama than Enchante.

Style

Fairytale fantasy

Enchante has a beautiful aesthetic, reminding me of a fairytale fantasy. I have two minor complaints. Firstly, the series is a little too heavy-handed with the filter. It intentionally makes the scenes look soft and glossy, which can be distracting. And secondly, I have a hard time immersing myself whenever the characters are supposed to be in France. On the one hand, I don't expect them to fly the crew overseas to film a few scenes. On the other hand, I look at the CG backgrounds and can't believe in the authenticity.

Nonetheless, Enchante is a polished production. I enjoy the elegant ambiance, thoughtful imagery, and visual symbolism. The styling and wardrobe are also colour-coordinated to give an elegant vibe. I adore how much the series pays tribute to The Little Prince, including the storybooks, fox pillow, and a red rose. Similarly, it references various fictional characters from famous stories. There are a few cute moments with the cast dressed in ridiculous cosplays. Although silly, I appreciate Enchante for being campy and creative. 

Ending

Happy ending

Enchante has a happy ending where the leads reconcile and reunite in Paris. They share an iconic kiss before the Eiffel Tower. Previously, Theo was upset upon learning his parents had gotten a divorce. He directed his anger at Akk, who didn't tell his boyfriend about the separation. Akk defended himself, claiming it wasn't his place as an outsider to meddle in family affairs. Their disagreement left the couple on bad terms, which worsened after Theo's friend Sun arrived from France. Akk felt insecure as he observed Theo & Sun's friendship.

Theo tries to rekindle the love between his divorced parents. Yet, Akk tells him to respect their decision. Despite his best efforts, Theo's dad and mom don't get back together. Theo bitterly accepts that his picture-perfect family is broken forever. The separation is distressing and causes him to fall ill. Akk arrives to care for their boyfriend, making up for their earlier conflicts. However, Theo suddenly announces that he'll move away to France with his mom. He doesn't want her to live alone overseas.

Akk pretends to respect Theo's decision. Deep down, he's sad about his boyfriend leaving the country. They part ways awkwardly without discussing the future of their relationship. Akk seems defeated, but Sun encourages him to show more initiative. After time has passed, Theo has settled down at his new home. He's surprised to see Akk, who has earned a scholarship to study in Paris. Akk declares he'll do anything to ensure they stay together. The leads share a reaffirming kiss. In the final scene, Akk jokingly proposes to Theo, who accepts his marriage offer.

Divorce

Theo's parents getting a divorce is an intriguing storyline. Their separation shatters his illusion of an idyllic family. He naively tries to resurrect their marriage, similar to his efforts to save the school's literature faculty. Theo is an idealistic guy who lives in a bubble and views life like a fairytale. He clings to the fantasy of his parents being happily married. In contrast, Akk represents a pragmatic view. Akk reminds his boyfriend reality isn't always perfect, so he must accept some unhappiness.

In theory, I appreciate the compelling themes. In execution, the divorce comes too late in the series. We suddenly discover Theo's parents separating in Episode 9, dropping this massive bombshell when the story is about to end. Enchante doesn't have time to process Theo's grief during a packed finale. Instead, Theo's family drama should've been an ongoing subplot introduced earlier in the narrative. Make it a multi-episode arc so Theo can go on a comprehensive emotional journey.

We need more emphasis on Theo's parents. There aren't enough family scenes to make us understand what he has lost through the divorce. The storyteller should show Theo at home, making the viewers invested in the bond with his mom and dad. Don't waste your energy on those four school ambassadors. Instead, use that time to develop Theo's home life. That way, we'll sympathize more when he tries to save his parents' marriage. This storyline has so much emotional potential, but Enchante squanders the material with its poor writing.

Sun vs Akk

Sun is an intriguing love rival because of his similarity and differences with Akk. They are alike because both have a deep connection with Theo. Akk is a friend from Thailand, while Sun is a friend from France. Akk is a more suitable love interest than the school ambassadors because of his childhood history with the protagonist. They grew up together. Akk loses this competitive advantage when comparing him with Sun, who also grew up with Theo. Suddenly, Akk meets a fierce rival on an even level playing field.

Yet, Sun and Akk are different characters due to their class discrepancies. It's implied Sun is another globetrotting rich kid who drives fancy cars and travels whimsically. On paper, Sun is actually more compatible with Theo because they lead similar lifestyles. They bond over mutual overseas experiences and a shared language that Theo will never understand. Sun's arrival reveals Akk's insecurities as he mulls over his shortcomings. A prince like Theo belongs with another prince like Sun, not some ordinary joe like Akk.

Remember when Akk doesn't mind after losing his part-time job in Episode 2? Apparently, Akk adopts the same carefree attitude about losing his boyfriend. "I'm okay to let you go," he tells Theo during their farewell. From Akk's perspective, he's trying to be a bigger person. He believes Sun is the perfect suitor for Theo. He doesn't want to get in the way of their happiness. Akk succumbs to his inferiority complex, doubting his worthiness to date Theo. Yet, Theo is annoyed his boyfriend gave up on their romance without a fight. Why are you okay with letting me go!?

Theo and Akk reunion

If Akk has an inferiority complex, then Theo suffers from an air of superiority. I find his behaviour in the finale arrogant and self-centred. Firstly, I dislike Theo for lashing out at Akk over the divorce drama. Get off your moral high horse. Secondly, I hate how Theo abandons his boyfriend and goes to France. He seems so inconsiderate of Akk's feelings. You start a relationship with Akk, knowing it took him so much courage to reach this point. But then, you just pack your bags and leave on a whim. How soul-crushing!

Theo moves to France to keep his mom company so she wouldn't live alone. It's a sweet thing to do, especially since she has struggled with her divorce. However, is that Theo's only option? Must he live permanently with his mom when she's a capable, independent woman? Why can't Theo compromise and find a way to make the relationship work with his new boyfriend? Akk may have given up on their romance, but so has Theo. He breaks Akk's heart and doesn't try to make amends. I really turned against Theo's character in the finale. His actions and attitude are unreasonable.

My opinion sours so much that I almost can't enjoy the couple reuniting in France. On paper, it's a fair compromise for their situation. Akk gets to study in Paris and spend time with his lover. He also gains renewed confidence in his self-worth. However, I wish this journey didn't involve such thoughtless behaviour from Theo. Imagine if he's a supportive boyfriend who helps Akk with his student exchange program. That would've made their separation drama more tolerable. Instead, Theo acts like a royal jerk, tarnishing my goodwill toward this romance.