I recall starting this drama a couple years ago and dropping it after the first episode that I was puzzled over the many praises from other viewers I'd come across since then. And then I watched Game Rai Game Rak recently and as I was trying to get into it (ultimately couldn't), I came across Pope Thanawat Wattanaputi and was immediately charmed by his infectious smile that I paused that drama and looked for one with him as the leading man. That's what led me to give Love Destiny a second look and this time, I finished it in a couple days. What I thought the show excelled in was in the portrayal of the two leads and the progression of their romance, as well as how the drama showcases the historical setting that is wonderfully integrated into the story. I truly felt transported to Ayutthaya in the 1680s as I watched.

The heroine, Karakade, is exceedingly likable. As a woman from modern times, she is unrestrained, extroverted, adventurous. But it was clear through flashbacks of her life in the present world that her behavior in Ayutthaya is largely due to her personality. The way Bella Ranee Campen played her, she was so charming. And she is gorgeous. It's rare to find an actress who is both talented and beautiful and she has the complete package.

Karakade would often get scolded or put down or treated with contempt, and yet, she never lashes out at anyone. She handles it with humor and a positive attitude. And this is what made what could have been heavy situations filled with laughter. She would shock folks into silence with her unconventional, quirky behavior. They really don't know what to do with her. Also, I thought it was ironic that it was the men who warms up to her first. I mean, she transmigrates to a conservative, patriarchal society where rules are made by men and women are taught to be obedient, prim and proper. Any behavior outside of that is reprimanded for it. Her cheerful, outspoken, inquisitive behavior is admired and praised by the men but not the women. I especially loathed the head servant, and to a lesser degree, Khun Pi's mother for their persistent refusal to acknowledge that Karakade is a very different and better person than she used to be. It is one of the central conflicts in the drama and too repetitive for my liking. They eventually see her in a positive light. However, that progression from hate to love wasn't satisfying. I didn't really feel the change, only that I was told a change of heart had taken place.

On the other hand, our wonderful Khun Pi’s journey from hate to curiosity to love and devotion was clearly and thrillingly illustrated. It was quite amusing seeing him crane his neck to try to catch a glimpse of whatever it is that the mischievous Karakade was up to. I'm still laughing thinking about the scene where she is doing morning yoga and she becomes aware he is watching her but promptly ignores him and continues on, as if she doesn't care how strange it would look to someone from 300 years ago. Meanwhile, he is so bemused by her activities and the way she speaks in modern tongue. And he is so serious at times that Karakade teases him often; she is adorably playful around him.

When I look at Pope as Khun Pi, all I could think is how handsome, kind, gentlemanly, refine he is; with a smile that could melt your heart. As a noble man in ancient times, Khun Pi grew up in the confines of such environment and understandably hold narrow views, which made him a bit of a douche in the beginning. He would often scold Karakade, stating that as a woman, she should behave herself. I liked how Karakade calls him out on that double standard. Fortunately, he more than made up for it. He chooses to be open-minded while fulfilling her wishes and protecting her as best he could in the position he is in. There isn't much skinship between the two and I would say theirs is a slow burn romance, but that didn't make it any less romantic. Most of the time, all they do is smile at each other or the heroine accidentally trips and falls into his arms (or lap, heh) or he gets thisclose, whispering into her ears but never touching; and all the while, I'm grinning like an idiot watching them. They are so sweet together. Also, the OST Aojaow (You) by Pete Pol perfectly captures the classy feel of their romance.

As mentioned, the ancient setting is one of the best features of this show. I would often pause the video to admire the aesthetically pleasing set designs. From the lush costumes, to the interior design, the wooden houses, the boat rides, the cuisine, even to the placement of vases and the arrangement of the ubiquitous but beautiful, bountiful lotus flowers throughout the grounds of the leads’ sprawling residence; all contributed to an authentic, elegant atmosphere. Aside from the backdrop elevating the story, the supporting cast breathed life into it as well; especially Khun Pi's father, Khun Pi's friend/second lead, and the two personal servants of Karakade. There are also many other real life historical figures interwoven into the story. When Karakade runs into one of them and gets super excited, I thought that’s what it must be like to run into people’s favorite Kpop idols nowadays. I'll be honest that I did skip around when the drama spent time on these figures. What’s strange is that I was interested enough to look them up and read about them on Wikipedia but I didn’t want to watch them in the drama. Learning of their fate via Wikipedia was enough for me and the drama did not deviate from history. I especially skipped scenes involving Constantine Phaulkon. I don't particular like the actor, and the rise and fall of his character even less.

In conclusion, I don't think this drama was as perfect as many reviews made it out to be. However, that doesn't mean it wasn't enjoyable throughout. I think the glowing reviews were due to how positively the watchers personally felt about the drama than an objective assessment of it. And I completely understand them now after giving it another chance. There was so much to appreciate, flaws and all. I left feeling happier than I did going into it.