If you are looking for a mostly light-hearted, heartwarming and funny episodic drama, “Return Man” is the drama for you. Led by Alek Teeradetch (“Rivalry”) and Pat/ Chansangavej (“P.S. I Hate You”), Return Man is an item retrieval company. They retrieve items big and small: a handkerchief to a 5-million-dollar painting.

Almost all items returned have a sentimental value and the goal is to teach those that took the items to recognize the significance of them, and return them to their rightful owners willingly (if possible). The stories are heartwarming, but not heart-wrenching. This is a very easy watch with a lot of humor. There are many comedic moments throughout the drama, and it’s not overdone or over-the-top. If you are looking for something deeper or more serious (e.g. K-drama “Tomorrow”), this is not the drama for you. Most of the stories are resolved within the episode and don’t seem too challenging for the Return Man team to accomplish the mission. The cases are quite simple and not really too mysterious. However, when it comes to the last 2 episodes, the tone of the case switched to a much more serious tone. In a way, this case feels very out-of-place and the reason behind the motivation for all that happened is rather far-fetched and forced.

I watched this because of Alek and he did not disappoint. I love his character and the female lead as well. They are normal people, not perfect, but those that make mistakes. They could be your next door neighborhood. There are many light and funny moments, but also deep and serious conversations that the two share. Their relationship is somewhat slow burn, but is built on understanding and admiration. I haven’t watched too many Thai dramas, but Pribprao (FL) might be one of my favorites Thai female leads. She’s so personable, likable, silly, clumsy, and funny. There are a couple frustrating moments and questionable decisions, but I gave it a pass due to her issues that need to be resolved and her being new to the team. I love the confession scene in the park. It started so serious yet turn into another heartwarming and funny moment. However, I don’t think there are enough hints dropped in the first ⅔ of the drama to show me that ML is already madly in love.

The Return Man team is such a small, happy family. Each character adds a little something to the team. Their introductions in the first episode are only skin deep. The more you watch the drama, the more their true personalities show. But because the show focuses mainly on the stories of the clients, the drama did not devote a lot of time on each of the character’s background stories. I wish the drama was a little longer (maybe 1 hour instead of 45 minutes) or even more than 12 episodes, so that we can get to know each character more. Well, but it seems like there will be a second season, and I look forward to getting to know the team more. I am a little worried about the last look from Doc.

Other Random Observations:
1. The music and transition give me an 80s cop drama feel.
2. 2ML was presented as such a good option! Hard to choose between the two men.
3. Love the lightbulb changing cardboard invention and the reasoning behind it.
4. There are some flashbacks that happen quite abruptly.
5. What’s up with the shaky camera work in ep. 11.
6. This is one of the very few Thai dramas I don’t recall any product placement. Did I just automatically ignore them? Or were they not very in-my-face?

Overall, I had a really enjoyable time watching “Return Man”. It’s perfect if you want something rather lighthearted, funny, not over dramatic and with good acting and chemistry between the cast.


Completed: 5/14/2023 - Review #305