BL (boy love) as a drama genre has grown in popularity over the last few years, with more countries airing different series.
There’s no denying, however, that Thailand is one of the biggest producers, earning viewers worldwide. Pit Babe, a new series from the country, has gained attention for featuring something completely unexpected.
| CHANGE
The drama, an adaptation of a book series, stars “Pooh” Krittin Kitjaruwannakul as Charlie, a wanna-be racecar driver without a car.
Charlie strikes a deal with a star driver named Babe, played by “Pavel” Naret Promphaopun, to fulfill his dreams.
| CHANGE
While this may sound like a typical setup for a boy love series, Pit Babe features a concept that has only been seen in fanfiction thus far.
The original book series is set in the Omegaverse, a term that may not be familiar to those who do not consume the content.
| X.com
In Omegaverse works, in addition to the biological sex traits humans have, there is an additional secondary sex given. These secondary sex traits — Alpha, Beta, and Omega — have different attributes when it comes to reproduction and behaviors, including reproduction cycles (“heats” and “ruts”) and scent (pheromones.)
Omegaverse is said to have first been featured in fanfiction of the television series Supernatural and gained popularity through other series, especially those including werewolves, as the concept takes some ideas from the mythological creatures.
Reply to @nura.beifong14 a brief introduction to omegaverse. #ao3 #fanfic #omegaverse
♬ original sound – berklie (jack allen era)
Works that function outside of gender norms have always had a taboo attached to them, meaning Pit Babe‘s adaptation was a huge step in a creative direction. However, fans were disappointed when the author shared that many Omegaverse aspects would be removed.
เราขออนุญาตตอบเท่าที่ตอบได้นะคะ ก่อนขายลิขสิทธิ์เราได้มีการตกลงกับทางผู้จัดแล้วว่าต้องตัด omegaverse ออก ซึ่งทางผู้จัดก็ตกลงว่าจะตัดออก เหลือแค่ส่วนที่เป็นพลังพิเศษเท่านั้น ซึ่งก็เป็นแบบนั้นจริงๆค่ะ ในเรื่องไม่ได้มีระบบเพศรองแบบอมกว
— โอโลโตบิ (@jjkimine) November 18, 2023
We had an agreement with the organizer that omegaverse must be cut out. Only the special power remains. Which is really like that. There is no secondary gender system.
— Pit Babe’s author (via Google Translate)
However, now that the show has aired, there still seem to be some Omegaverse aspects included!
The two leads are alphas, something mentioned in the series and by one of the actors during a live stream.
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Babe is an alpha confirmed by Pavel! #pitbabetheseries #pitbabe #pavelphoom #pavel #bl #thaibl #bltiktok #thaiblseries
Pheromones also exist in the Pit Babe‘s live action, as Babe specifically mentions that Charlie’s are unlike other alphas.
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While the series saw significant content changes, many are excited for the genre’s future!
