Lbech Sne
Finding Truth in Deception: A Gentle Look at “Tricky in Love” (2023)
In the landscape of contemporary Thai drama, few stories weave together themes of identity, friendship, and love as thoughtfully as “Tricky in Love” (2023). This series, which aired its final episode in late 2023, offers viewers a contemplative journey through the complexities of human relationships and the sometimes blurred lines between truth and necessity.
A Tale of Two Friends
At its heart, “Tricky in Love” tells the story of two young women whose lives have been intertwined since childhood. Best friends Anda and Lalisa grew up together in an orphanage. Realising that Anda is the daughter of wealthy Ramita who’s actively searching for her, Lalisa steals Anda’s identity and presents herself to Ramita as her daughter. This premise might sound like a simple case of deception, but the series approaches it with remarkable nuance.
Rather than painting Lalisa as a villain, the drama invites us to understand the desperation that drives someone to such lengths. Growing up in an orphanage creates its own unique pressures and dreams of belonging somewhere, of having a family to call your own. The series doesn’t excuse the deception, but it humanizes it in a way that feels authentic rather than manipulative.
Love in Many Forms
What makes “Tricky in Love” particularly compelling is how it explores different expressions of love and loyalty. A rich heiress’s daughter is sent to an orphanage due to family disapproval. Growing up kind and brave, she meets two cousins: caring Nawa, who becomes paralyzed, and harsh Techit – these relationships form the emotional backbone of the series.
The drama doesn’t rush into romance. Instead, it takes time to establish the foundations of care, understanding, and genuine connection. Anda’s character, despite her difficult circumstances, maintains a kindness that feels earned rather than prescribed. Her interactions with both Nawa and Techit reveal different facets of love – the gentle, nurturing kind with Nawa, and the more challenging, transformative dynamic with Techit.
A Production Worth Noting
The series benefits from thoughtful direction and a cast that brings depth to their roles. The performances feel grounded, avoiding the melodramatic pitfalls that can sometimes plague identity-swap narratives. The pacing allows for character development, giving viewers time to invest emotionally in the outcomes.
What’s particularly refreshing is how the series handles its more dramatic moments. Rather than relying on shock value or extreme plot twists, “Tricky in Love” finds its tension in the quieter moments – the weight of secrets, the gradual building of trust, and the inevitable moment when truth must surface.
Themes That Resonate
At its core, this drama is about belonging and the lengths we go to find our place in the world. It asks difficult questions about identity: Are we defined by our birth circumstances or by who we choose to become? Can love built on deception ever truly flourish? How do we reconcile our desire for security with our need for authenticity?
The series doesn’t provide easy answers, which is perhaps its greatest strength. Instead, it allows these questions to unfold naturally through the characters’ journeys, trusting viewers to engage with the complexity rather than demanding simple moral judgments.
A Gentle Recommendation
“Tricky in Love” may not be the flashiest drama of 2023, but it offers something increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced entertainment landscape: space for reflection. It’s a series that rewards patient viewing, one that builds its emotional impact through accumulated moments rather than dramatic peaks.
For those drawn to character-driven narratives that explore the deeper questions of human connection, “Tricky in Love” provides a satisfying journey. It reminds us that sometimes the most profound stories are found not in grand gestures, but in the quiet moments when people choose to see and accept each other for who they truly are.
In an era where many dramas feel the need to shout for attention, “Tricky in Love” speaks in a gentler voice – and paradoxically, that makes it all the more memorable.
