In the penultimate installment of "Don't Come Home," titled "1992," the series embarks on another mesmerizing leap through the convoluted tapestry of time, deepening the entanglement of Varee and her family within a labyrinthine web that intertwines past and present. The episode commences with a chilling phone call from Varee to Inspector Fah, the eerie soundscape punctuated by a child's voice counting off numbers before the connection is abruptly severed. This hair-raising prelude sets the stage for a narrative that delves into the intricacies of time travel and the perilous repercussions of meddling with one's past.
The police, now on the premises, uncover a suitcase laden with over a million baht in cash and divorce papers, which they escort as incriminating evidence to the precinct. This discovery adds another enigmatic layer to the already intricate mystery shrouding Varee's disappearance. Meanwhile, in the year 1992, Panida grapples with the surreal reality of accepting Varee, now grown, as her daughter, a situation further compounded by the whimsical intervention of time travel. Panida's denial drives her to imprison Varee within the confines of a cubicle machine, a stark manifestation of her fear and bewilderment.
The quandary of Panida's ability to embrace an adult Varee as her flesh and blood stands as the focal point of this episode, mirroring the emotional turmoil of a mother confronted with a daughter who has aged beyond the bounds of natural time. In contemporary times, Fah's investigation into the basement encounters opposition from Natee, who claims that the area was a no-go zone, thereby furnishing zero helpful information. This addition swells the burgeoning tally of mysteries Fah must decipher.
When shown a photograph of young Varee and Wat, Natee's hesitation to discourse on Varee hints at a deeper, undisclosed secret he is reluctant to unveil. At the police station, Fah and Tae wrestle with the intricacies of the case, only to be disrupted by Danai, who beckons Fah into a cabin where Yutthachai, Varee's abusive spouse, awaits. Yutthachai's presence, coupled with his bombshell revelation that Min is not his biological offspring, injects a fresh dimension into the investigation.
In an inexplicable twist, Fah stumbles upon a firearm from the 1992 case in the evidence room, yet the weapon's registration dates to the 2000s, further muddling the timeline and exacerbating the complexity of the case. Back in 1992, Varee's ingenuity shines as she simulates illness to outwit Natee into unlocking the door, affording her the opportunity to eavesdrop on Min. This poignant moment serves as a vivid reminder of Varee's relentless determination to reconnect with her daughter, regardless of the personal sacrifices involved.
However, Varee's relentless efforts are abruptly halted when Natee whisks her away, while Panida seizes Min, resulting in a poignant and heart-wrenching separation. Panida's chilling plea to Natee to eliminate Varee underscores the profound desperation and trepidation that the temporal meddling has unleashed. In the contemporary timeline, Fah and Tae's investigation draws them to a hotel, where they harbor hopes of exonerating Yutthachai from suspicion. Instead, they are startled to witness Yutthachai and Danai departing with two women, presumably sex workers, in the early morning, a revelation that deeply disturbs Fah.
Back in 1992, Natee's bid to spirit Varee away culminates in a harrowing car crash, a dramatic setup orchestrated by Varee herself, who narrowly escapes into the dense forest. As Varee inches closer to the house, she shares a fleeting, poignant gaze with Min, only for it to be abruptly shattered by Natee's stone, leaving Varee's fate hanging in the balance. "1992" stands as a gripping chapter in "Don't Come Home," delving deeper into the ramifications of meddling with the fabric of time. The episode masterfully intertwines the past and present, crafting a tapestry of events that are both tragic and suspenseful, drawing viewers into a world of emotional turmoil.
The performances are raw and deeply affecting, particularly in the scenes depicting Varee's desperate struggle to reclaim her daughter and Panida's arduous journey of acceptance regarding her grown-up daughter. The episode concludes with a palpable sense of urgency and discomfort, as the characters' actions in the past cast long shadows over their present. As the narrative unfolds, the stakes escalate, compelling the characters to confront the dire consequences of their choices. "Don't Come Home" continues to enchant and intrigue with its atmospheric storytelling and the gradual unveiling of a family's dark secrets, rendering it a compelling watch for enthusiasts of psychological thrillers and supernatural mysteries.
