Enemies with Benefits EP5 Review: Finally Feeling Real

This episode finally gave us something we’ve been waiting for: emotional stakes, authentic chemistry, and a reason to care about what happens next.

OPENING REACTION + QUICK TAKE

Okay, we finally figured out what has been pushing our buttons with Enemies with Benefits.

We’ve been struggling to believe the authenticity of this story.

For us, something has felt a bit performative rather than lived in — and when it comes to romance, chemistry, and emotional connection, that matters. A lot.

That said, EP5 felt different.

We’re not saying we’re suddenly all in, but this episode finally started to show signs of a heartbeat. The emotions landed more. The chemistry clicked more. And for the first time, we found ourselves genuinely invested in where this situationship is headed.

So…let’s discuss.

THE MOMENT

For us, the standout moment of Enemies with Benefits EP5 was the fight between Lal and Wine.

Finally. Something real.

Two women living together, sleeping together, and pretending they’re somehow still casual? Yeah…eventually, somebody is going to snap. And honestly, this felt like the perfect storm.

At this point, these two have officially moved past casual hookups and wandered straight into cohabitation territory — giving very much classic lesbian U-Haul energy. And with living together comes conversation, sex, and eventually…arguments.

Of course.

When Lal shares the huge issue happening at work, we honestly weren’t surprised by how Wine reacted. She’s a rule follower. That’s who she is. As a people leader ourselves, we get wanting to button things up and protect your team.

But if we’re being real? We understood Wine’s perspective, too.

If they don’t stop the bleeding — aka losing clients — everybody could be out of a job. And then Lal has no team left to protect.

Sure, our reasoning is admittedly less sexy than Wine’s, but still.

And can we talk about New for a second?

Snake behavior.

We were more than ready for that character to exit stage left.

That said, one thing we’re still waiting on is Wine finally opening up to Lal about her past.

If the series plans to follow the book, Wine still has important emotional baggage we hope surfaces. We appreciated that storyline because it helped explain why she behaves the way she does emotionally, relationally, and professionally.

At this point, we’re halfway through the series and quickly approaching the big company outing event, so we’re holding onto hope. Because if the adaptation follows the novel, that outing should bring some of this emotional baggage to the surface.

And honestly? We’d love to see it.

WHAT WORKED

a. Believability Leads to Authenticity

There were a few scenes in EP5 where we finally felt it: the authenticity, the emotional connection.

And for that, we owe a big thank you to #JanJingJing.

The scene where Wine sneaks up behind Lal, kissing her shoulder before trailing up her neck and turning Lal’s head for a kiss?

Yes, girl.

We believed you.

For the first time, the intimacy felt natural instead of choreographed. The actresses actually seemed into the moment, and that matters because audiences can feel the difference.

Then there’s the couch scene.

Lal is trying to wipe Wine down after she gets drunk, but instead Wine drunkenly admits she’s still sad about their argument and curls up next to Lal.

That moment worked.

It felt soft, real, and genuine — the kind of intimacy that actually builds emotional investment between characters.

And honestly? We needed more of that.

b. Closing the Loop

We appreciated the script circling back to earlier story threads.

The plant.

The neighbor fixing Wine’s place.

Small details matter.

We respect a screenplay that remembers the doors it opens and makes an effort to revisit them — or better yet, close them.

That’s good storytelling.

c. The Ending Chat

We loved the ending conversation in this episode.

Finally.

These two are communicating.

Will either of them admit they are absolutely down bad?

No.

Heck, we’re not even convinced Wine fully realizes it yet.

But Lal?

Oh, we think she knows.

Still, watching their relationship evolve from enemies with benefits to…exclusive situationship?

LOL.

We support whatever label they want to slap on it.

What we appreciated most was seeing them open up about care, comfort, and what they want moving forward. The emotional honesty felt earned, and it gave the relationship some much-needed depth.

More of this, please.

d. The Table Scene

NGL.

That scene where Lal is pushing Wine through the door toward the table while making out?

Yeah.

Once Wine’s top came off?

OMG.

Someone get us an ice pack and a fan.

JingJing looked hella good.

The arched back. The outfit. The commitment to the moment.

We were sat.

Then Jan dropped to her knees and, honestly, we could not believe GMMTV actually went there.

Color us shocked.

We were fully glued to the TV.

And just when things started heating up?

GMMTV slammed on the brakes.

Jan popped back up, Wine made a funny — but admittedly realistic — comment, and we faded to black.

Rude.

Respectfully…rude.

Lal and Wine share an intimate moment in the kitchen.

WHAT MISSED

a. Proud

If we’re remembering correctly from the book, Proud had a small crush on Wine, but after Wine basically said, “Girl, it’s never happening,” she moved on.

We don’t remember Proud actively flirting or getting between Wine and Lal the way she seems to in the series.

Right now, her intentions feel unclear.

A little manipulative.

A little untrustworthy.

And honestly…why is she suddenly in the office now?

A tiny bit of clarity here would go a long way, GMMTV.

Also, can we free Ciize from the “girl stuck between somebody else’s relationship” cinematic universe?

Please.

We are begging.

b. Lal’s Sleuthing

Girl.

You are the worst spy we have ever seen.

How did you not know he would spot you?

Can we get just a little more stealth here?

A little less “sitting suspiciously in plain sight” energy?

Thankfully, things didn’t escalate to the point where she had to pull out the mace or anything, but the whole moment felt just a bit too convenient for us.

c. The 1 A.M. Pick-Up

Okay, we’re with Proud on this one.

Are y’all dating or not?

Because who exactly is picking up their coworker at 1 a.m. if they are:

A. Not close

B. Not together

Look, we appreciate our coworkers.

But are we doing late-night pickup duty without benefits being involved?

Probably not.

Now, the thing we are curious about is Lal’s little “yet” comment during that exchange.

Because if history has taught us anything in Thai GL, foreshadowing has entered the chat.

And we have questions.

BOLD TAKE

EP5 finally delivered some of the emotional authenticity we’ve been waiting for.

The chemistry felt stronger, the conflict felt real, and for the first time, we genuinely believed parts of Lal and Wine’s relationship.

That said, our expectations for this series were sky-high because we loved the book — and while Enemies with Benefits is getting closer, it still hasn’t fully met them.

Yet.

FINAL VERDICT

Enemies with Benefits EP5 delivered its usual mix of humor, chemistry, and sexy moments, but more importantly, it finally gave us emotional progress.

While there is still an authenticity gap preventing this series from reaching “one of the greats” territory for us, this episode proved there is real potential here.

And when #JanJingJing lock in emotionally?

You can feel it.

As the story gets more serious, we’re hoping these two talented actresses continue leaning into the raw emotional moments because that’s where this show shines brightest.

Also, respectfully, can we get Ciize and Kapook cooking already?

We’ve been rooting for them since Pluto.