The Air EP7 Review: The Story Finally Soars—The Action Doesn't

We now understand that we've been spoiled by Western action filmmaking because what we witnessed this week left us so frustrated, we genuinely had to step away before writing this review.

OPENING REACTION

We walked away from Episode 7 with mixed emotions. From a storytelling perspective, this was easily one of The Air's strongest episodes. The narrative finally started pulling together why Grace is so determined to dethrone Princess Blew, Lom and Princess Blew's relationship deepened, and the finale now feels firmly in sight.

Unfortunately, every bit of that momentum came to a screeching halt the moment the action sequences began.

We genuinely had to step away before writing this review because we were that frustrated. The production choices repeatedly pulled us out of the story, and once that happened, it became impossible to ignore. Continuity errors, slow fight choreography, delayed tactical decisions and strangely staged shootouts constantly reminded us we were watching a television production rather than living inside its world.

Maybe we've simply been spoiled by Western action filmmaking. Maybe heading into this after seeing Supergirl on the big screen raised our expectations too high. Either way, the difference was impossible not to notice. We wanted to get swept up in the tension. Instead, we found ourselves questioning almost every decision the production made.

THE MOMENT

Lom finally stopped waiting for permission and kissed Princess Blew.

More importantly, Princess Blew didn't pull away.

What impressed us most wasn't the kiss itself—it was the dialogue surrounding it. Princess Blew never says she doesn't have feelings for Lom. She simply says she cannot return those feelings. That's an important distinction. Her hesitation isn't emotional; it's rooted in duty and the responsibility that comes with being a princess.

It's a subtle piece of writing that builds beautifully on Episode 6, and we're glad these two were finally allowed a brief moment of happiness while the world continued falling apart around them. We're also loving seeing Lom regain some of her confidence. The hesitation disappeared, replaced by someone willing to take a chance instead of waiting for permission.

Sometimes one kiss reveals far more than a confession ever could.

WHAT WORKED

a. Becky's Performance

Becky Armstrong continues to be this series' biggest strength.

She convincingly balances Helena and Princess Blew without making either version feel like a caricature. Whether she's portraying fear, determination or vulnerability, every emotional beat feels earned. Even when the production around her faltered, Becky never did.

We especially appreciated that Princess Blew refuses to become the stereotypical damsel in distress. She's intelligent, resourceful and willing to fight back when necessary, making her far more compelling than simply waiting to be rescued. Watching her pick up a gun and protect the woman she's falling for wasn't just satisfying—it reinforced exactly who this character has become.

b. The Story Finally Picks Up

Episode 7 finally feels like the story we've been waiting for.

The pacing improves considerably, mysteries begin falling into place and the narrative starts positioning itself for what should be an exciting finale. Instead of endlessly moving chess pieces around the board, we finally start seeing how they're meant to connect.

We also appreciated that Prince Karol wasn't written off simply because of his age. Instead, he proved himself intelligent, compassionate and capable by developing a plan to protect his sister. Better still, his father actually listened. It would've been easy to manufacture unnecessary family conflict here, but the writers resisted that temptation, making the episode stronger because of it.

c. Matching in Blue

Some pairings simply know how to command the screen, and #FreenBecky continues proving they're one of them.

Their matching denim outfits against the warm wood backdrop made every frame visually striking. Add in the necklace exchange—even if it served a practical purpose—became one of the episode's sweetest moments. Sometimes it's the quieter scenes that remind us why these two remain one of Thai GL's most beloved pairings.

Lom hugs Princess Blew from behind after placing a heart-shaped necklace around her neck, smiling as she tells her the necklace represents her heart.

WHAT MISSED

a. The Action Never Finds Its Footing

The action choreography continues to be The Air's biggest weakness.

We've seen Freen handle action well before in Uranus2324, so we know she's capable. The difference here feels less like performer ability and more like production support. Great action doesn't happen by accident—it requires experienced stunt coordinators, rehearsals, camera placement and editing that sells every hit.

Here, several punches visibly miss their mark, reactions come a beat too late and movements feel overly cautious instead of instinctive. Rather than creating tension, the choreography repeatedly reminded us we were watching actors carefully moving through a fight sequence.

Then there's the arm injury.

We understand the story needed Lom to become vulnerable, but a gunshot wound to the arm typically isn't the kind of injury that immediately stops someone running purely on adrenaline—especially when the person they love is still in danger. Instead of feeling desperate, the sequence felt designed to force the next plot point.

The final hostage sequence frustrated us even more.

Once Grace became the only remaining threat, the tactical decisions simply stopped making sense. We're talking about trained officers who appeared to have every advantage, yet somehow allowed the standoff to continue far longer than logic suggested it should. If Lom's father truly had snipers in position, where were they? Why wasn't the area immediately secured? Why was everyone seemingly waiting for permission while the danger continued escalating?

Suspension of disbelief is part of watching television.

This week simply asked for too much of it.

One final note that completely pulled us out of the episode was the continuity. Lom had just left the hospital after being stitched up from a bullet wound, yet she's wearing a fitted shirt with no visible bandage, swelling or even blood beginning to seep through as she's constantly moving. Then she's shot in that exact same arm again, and we completely lost the illusion. The impact would've almost certainly reopened the original wound. On its own, it's a small detail. Combined with everything else happening in the action sequences, however, it became another distraction that was difficult to overlook.

b. Grace's Backstory Arrives Too Late

Grace's backstory is genuinely interesting.

Our issue isn't the reveal itself—it's the timing.

Introducing such a significant piece of character history in Episode 7, without planting stronger seeds throughout the season, makes the reveal feel more convenient than organic. Had the series layered in even subtle hints earlier, this twist likely would've landed much harder.

We were intrigued. We just wish the groundwork had been laid sooner.

c. The Villain Laugh

We adore Renee and say this with the utmost respect because she's been one of the season's standout performers.

But that villain laugh simply didn't land for us.

It became so high-pitched that it felt performed rather than natural, pulling us out of what should've been one of the episode's most intimidating moments. It's a small critique in the grand scheme of things, but it was another instance where the performance briefly felt less authentic than everything else she'd delivered throughout the season.

Bold Take

This cast deserves better action direction because the performances are consistently carrying more weight than the production around them.

Final Verdict

Episode 7 reminded us there's a genuinely compelling story underneath The Air. The characters continue to grow, the mystery is finally coming together and Becky once again proves why she's one of Thailand's strongest performers.

Whether the finale sticks the landing now depends less on the script and more on whether the production can finally stop getting in its own way.

We'll absolutely be back next week because the ending feels increasingly obvious—even without reading the novels—and we're eager to see whether the final twist plays out the way we think it will.

The story finally took flight. Now it's time for the production to catch up.