Enemies with Benefits EP3 Review: Red Bottoms, Flirty Banter & Hidden Feelings

GMMTV’s Enemies with Benefits Episode 3 delivers banter, budding vulnerability and some genuinely clever relationship building — while reminding us why Wine and Lal’s chemistry is becoming something more than their current agreement.

Opening Reaction

Aw, how cute.

Enemies with Benefits EP3 finally starts delivering more of what fans of the novel have been waiting for: the playful banter, the awkward learning curve of figuring out how these two women communicate what they actually want and those tiny emotional breadcrumbs hinting at what sits underneath all the tension. This episode feels softer in places, but in a way that works — because underneath the comedy, Wine and Lal are quietly learning one another.

We thoroughly enjoyed this one, even if GMMTV made one major adjustment to Wine’s background from the source material. We were admittedly nervous about the change, but so far? It works. More importantly, it feels like the adaptation understands the emotional purpose behind Wine’s guardedness instead of changing it for shock value.

Lal rests against Wine’s shoulder during a playful van moment at a company outing.

The Moment

The CSR Event: From Power Entrance to Public Humbling (Respectfully)

This was a major moment in the novel — though it unfolds a little differently here.

Let us just say: if you have read our previous reviews, you already know we are absolute suckers for a good entrance. And Lal? Girl came to serve. Pulling up in the nice car, stepping out in the expensive outfit, rocking those iconic red bottoms like she owns the entire zip code? Stunning. No notes.

And Wine notices.

Honestly, if these two were not standing at a work event, we are convinced Wine might have short-circuited right then and there. The girl scanned Lal up and down with her mouth practically hanging open, and frankly? Same.

But then — because the comedy timing in this show is quietly excellent — Lal completely misjudges where she is walking because, ma’am… red bottoms and uneven outdoor terrain were never going to be friends. One wrong step and suddenly that grand, cinematic entrance turns into absolute chaos as her shoe breaks and she eats it.

We could not believe Wine just stood there. But honestly? She looked about as stunned as the rest of us.

And somehow, to make an already hilarious moment even better, Jantra pulls out a bullhorn to check if Lal is okay — because apparently subtlety is not on the menu at this company retreat.

The recovery, though? Elite.

Lal popping back up, accepting help from her co-workers and then immediately flashing Wine that smile like nothing happened? Chef’s kiss. Naturally, Wine has to look away because eye contact suddenly feels dangerous.

The entire sequence was funny, charming and unexpectedly revealing. Beneath all the teasing, you can already feel the shift happening between them. Also, major kudos to the actresses here because the comedic delivery absolutely lands.

What Worked

a. Why Wine Is So Strict

In our previous review, we discussed the novel’s backstory surrounding Wine and wondered whether GMMTV would keep it intact or take another route.

It looks like they made a deliberate change.

Instead of fully adapting the sexual assault storyline from the source material, the series appears to be reframing Wine’s experience through workplace discomfort and a predatory PR jerk, layered alongside the trauma from her previous company. And honestly? We were nervous about this at first.

But so far, it works.

The emotional intention still lands. You understand why Wine is guarded, why she keeps things tightly controlled, dresses conservatively and approaches work — and people — with caution. Most importantly, it feels like the show understands audience fatigue around sexual assault storytelling and is trying to preserve the emotional truth without becoming tone deaf.

So while this is definitely a notable adaptation change, we are cautiously optimistic about where it is headed.

b. Planting a Tree (And Accidentally Explaining Their Relationship)

The metaphor happening here? Delicious. Genuinely clever writing.

At face value, Wine is simply helping Lal plant a tree. But emotionally, the scene is doing far more than that.

Lal approaches things the way she always does — forcefully, impatiently and convinced effort alone will get results. She is essentially attacking hard ground and wondering why nothing is working. Wine, meanwhile, quietly reframes the whole thing: soften the soil first, use the proper tools, approach it with care if you actually want something to grow.

Ahem.

If that does not perfectly describe what Lal is currently doing in this relationship, we do not know what does.

Even the banter between them works because it reveals something deeper: these two actually know very little about one another. But if they genuinely want to understand each other? They are going to have to put in the effort.

And that emotional thread beautifully carries into the van scene, where Lal begins to understand they need to communicate better. It is subtle, but meaningful — showing us exactly where this relationship is headed long before either of them is emotionally ready to admit it.

Very clever writing here.

c. Novel Nods That Reward Fans

We always appreciate when an adaptation remembers what made the source material fun.

And Enemies with Benefits Episode 3 does a nice job sprinkling in those little moments novel readers hoped would survive the transition to screen.

The sticker system for signaling when they want the “benefits” of their arrangement? So on brand from the novel — and honestly, ridiculously cute. This is also where we get those adorable nicknames: sly fox for Lal and tiger for Wine, which longtime readers will instantly recognize.

Lal’s clingy energy during the CSR event also feels very faithful to the book, and the delivery makes it even better. Same goes for Lal calling her bestie for advice only for him to immediately clock exactly what is happening while pretending not to. Sir knew. Immediately.

And honestly? We love him.

We also loved the subtle nod to Japan. Novel readers know that location carries more emotional significance later — particularly in the special chapters — so seeing the series quietly plant that seed here felt intentional. It is the kind of detail casual viewers may breeze past, but book fans will absolutely clock and appreciate.

Moments like these matter because they reward fans of the novel without alienating viewers coming in fresh. So kudos to the writers for preserving those little character beats — and to the actresses for absolutely understanding the assignment.

d. Riding Home (AKA: How Is Nobody Seeing This?)

We loved this little moment.

Lal somehow manages to finagle her way into sitting next to Wine on the ride home while everyone around them assumes they are fighting because the two refuse to look at one another.

Meanwhile, under the blanket?

These women are secretly holding hands like two people with the world’s most obvious school crushes.

We cannot.

It is ridiculously cute, and honestly, we are slightly concerned their co-workers remain this oblivious because absolutely no one is hiding anything successfully here.

Also, can we talk about those neck pillows for a second? Adorable. The little nod to their animal sticker identities felt like such a thoughtful detail.

Tiny moment. Big payoff.

What Missed

a. The “Benefits” Still Need More Emotional Payoff

Look, we understand this is a rom-com. We understand this is GMMTV. We also understand the series is building tension.

But let us be honest for a second.

At its core, Enemies with Benefits is a story about two women who dislike each other at work but slowly discover emotional intimacy through physical intimacy. That dynamic is foundational to why the relationship works.

And right now?

We are getting a lot of flirtation, a lot of kissing and a lot of chemistry — but not quite the emotional payoff from those “benefits” scenes that the novel delivers.

We are hoping this is a deliberate stylistic choice because they are still early in the emotional journey. If so, fine. We will exercise patience. Reluctantly.

But right now, the “let’s make out and immediately cut away” approach is not fully working for us.

Because intimacy in stories like this is not just spice for the sake of spice — it is emotional storytelling.

Shows like Somewhere Somehow prove you can absolutely maintain rom-com energy while still allowing heated moments to reveal vulnerability, emotional shifts and relationship progression.

So… respectfully, GMMTV?

We are going to need y’all to turn the stove up a little, and let these two cook.

b. Justice for Ciize (Seriously, Let the Woman Win)

And finally — Ciize as Proud has officially entered the chat.

While we cannot wait to see what trouble Proud inevitably brings to Wine and Lal, we do have one very important question for Thai GL casting directors:

Why does this woman constantly get cast as the one disrupting the main GL duo?

Respectfully… can we let Ciize have her happy ending for once?

Because if you know, you know.

And come on — the actress we already want her paired with is literally in this series. The people have spoken. It is time to let #KapookCiize cook too.

Bold Take

Enemies with Benefits EP3 quietly proves this series works best when it stops rushing the flirting and lets Wine and Lal emotionally unravel each other instead.

Final Verdict

Look, we love this book and are genuinely enjoying the adaptation. Enemies with Benefits Episode 3 nails the comedic timing, keeps the chemistry simmering and delivers some genuinely clever emotional groundwork.

We are just ready for the “benefits” side of this relationship to start carrying the emotional weight the novel promised — because with these two actresses? The potential is absolutely there. And judging by next week’s apartment mishap, we may finally be heading toward a proper boil.