Master Of The House is a mini-series from Thailand. This crime thriller delves into the huge social and economic disparity that exists between the Rich and the Poor people.
The ‘Master Of The House’ is the English title of this Thai show. The original Thai title is สืบสันดาน, which is pronounced as S̄ụ̄b s̄ạndān and it means derive, descend, or come from.
“Master Of The House” – This Thai Drama Explores The Rich Versus Poor Theme, With Added Twists & Social Messages
Trailer: Master Of The House (S1/2024) Mini Series
Spoiler Free Review: Master Of The House (S1/2024) Mini-Series
The synopsis/summary
The sudden and enigmatic demise of a wealthy diamond magnate Rungroj (Teerapong Leowrakwong) within his opulent estate initiates a fierce conflict regarding a multi-billion-baht* inheritance. Pitting his heirs against the young housekeeper Kaimook (Narilya Gulmongkolpech) he had recently wed. This limited series delves into the power struggle and scandals. Furthermore, it uncovers the troubling past of the Thewasathitpaisan family.
*Baht is the official currency of Thailand and 1 equal to 100 satangs.
We loved the symbolic use of "Butterfly and/or Moth" in the story, by the wealthy patriach Rungroj (Teerapong Leowrakwong) and the house help Kaimook (Narilya Gulmongkolpech).
Liked the twists and turns in this suspenseful show
It is the first mini-series from Thailand that are reviewing on our FM and we liked this show. The basic theme revolves around the power struggles that break between the heirs of the privileged family and their underprivileged house help (s) after the suspicious death of the affluent patriarch. In a way, it also manages to deliver a strong social message.
It is a show about the economic inequality and the class struggle. On one hand, almost all the family members of the prosperous Thewasathitpaisan family are depicted as bad. These well-to-do folks are even willing to use their money power to get whatever they desire. Little doubt, that these cruel and creepy folks love exploiting the less-fortunate servants {please check the featured image}. And being the affluent can get away with almost anything, including murder.
On the other hand, the rights of domestic workers are non-existent. These household helpers work for the Rich folks in the most pathetic work environment possible. Although the storyline of this limited series moves along the predictable path, there are quite a few surprises and shocking disclosures along the way.
The director Sivaroj Kongsakul has smartly used the mansion, servant quarters, parties, polo games and other aspects of the luxurious lifestyle to highlight the wealth disparities.
Their tussle is all about, both parties (owners and servants) trying to show who is the real master of the house.
The ensemble cast played their parts, but
Actress Narilya Gulmongkolpech portrayed the female protagonist Kaimook in this limited series. Her character arc is good in the story. But we wish to see the growth and transformation in Kaimook’s character, and sadly that did not come. Her facial expressions remained the same, maybe she wanted to create the mystery and divulge the suspense.
The rest of the ensemble cast – Charttayodom Hiranyasthiti (Phupat), Nusba Punnakanta (Padcha), Thanavate Siriwattanagul (Mavin), Claudia Chakrabandhu Na Ayudhya (Araya), Narupornkamol Chaisang (Kita), etc. played that parts. These days, not very often, the characters are divided into black-and-white hues. There should have been shades of grey sprinkled among the various characters. Although a couple of them did reveal their dark shades. Given the harsh realities, we could understand the hidden motive(s) behind the well-planned crime. However, we wish to see more raw emotions from these actors, so that one can empathize with them. Sadly, they did not make us emotionally react to them.
The conclusion
This limited series reminded us of the famous ‘Knives Out (2019) Movie’ that we reviewed in the past. They are social commentary on the deepening wealth divide in our society. Despite some of its flaws, it is a good time pass limited series for the marathon watch on any given holiday. Interestingly, we learnt that ‘Master Of The House’ became the first Thai series to reach the number (1) one spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) list. The makers must be saying ‘Thank You’, or should we say, ขอบ-คุน-คฺรับ (K̄hxbkhuṇ-khrạb) in Thai to all the viewers, who made it happen. No doubt, it is an entertaining time pass show.
Rating:
| FM Rating | 3.10/5 |
Key Details:
| Genre | Drama, Mystery, Suspense, Thriller |
| Original Language | Thai |
| Season | Season (1) One |
| Episodes | Episodes (7) Seven |
| Creator | Kulp Kaljareuk |
| Director | Sivaroj Kongsakul |
| Cast | Teerapong Leowrakwong (Roongroj), Narilya Gulmongkolpech (Kaimook), Charttayodom Hiranyasthiti (Phupat), Nusba Punnakanta (Padcha), Thanavate Siriwattanagul (Mavin), Claudia Chakrabandhu Na Ayudhya (Araya), Narupornkamol Chaisang (Kita), Kittisak Patomburana (Joke), etc. |
| Network | Netflix |
Poster:
Spoilers Alert: Summary of Seven (7) Episodes
Summary of Seven (7) Episodes of this limited series from Thailand
The Last Supper (S1, E1) – 45 minutes
The president of Theva Gems is found dead. Shortly before his passing, a startling announcement is made during his birthday dinner.
The Offer (S1, E2) – 52 minutes
Kaimook has doubts about the circumstances surrounding her husband’s death. Phupat makes the first move to assert his dominance at the family company.
Achilles Heel (S1, E3) – 63 minutes
Designer Kita readies for her new fashion line unveiling. Separately, the Roongroj clan assembles as a lawyer discloses the contents of Mr. Roongroj’s last will.
Death End (S1, E4) – 44 minutes
An unexpected incident leads to conflict within the family. New evidence suggests a suspect’s involvement in Mr. Roongroj’s death.
Retribution (S1, E5) – 47 minutes
The power struggle between Phupat and Mavin intensifies. Padcha reluctantly makes an offer that could save Shutter.
Rebellion (S1, E6) – 51 minutes
Phupat and Mavin experience a life-threatening incident. Meanwhile, a tightly kept secret shapes the future of the family company.
Master of the House (S1, E7) – 54 minutes
In this flashback episode, Kaimook starts her tenure serving the Thevasatitpaisarn family as a maid and meets Mr. Roongroj for the first time.
Featured Image – Claudia Chakrabandhu Na Ayudhya (Araya) sitting on a sofa & Narilya Gulmongkolpech (Kaimook) on the floor.
The Poster and Featured Image of the Master Of The House (S1/2024) Mini Series are credited to Netflix.