Queer as Folk - The Complete First
Season starring Gale Harold, Hal
Sparks, Randy Harrison, Michelle
Clunie, Thea Gill
Great Show
Theyre here, theyre queer, and they make Sex and the City look like a
demure tea party. Showtimes quintessentially American Queer As Folk--
based on the British miniseries--pours on copious amounts of hot and
steamy sex. This slick (and slickly entertaining) series shares the same
basic concept as its British counterpart--centering on a group of gay
friends living in a primarily industrial city--but after that, all bets are off.
Whereas the British version focused on the gritty, realistic drama of its
characters, the American QAF is a glossy, fun soap opera that
occasionally tackles big issues but never lets you forget that life at times
can be a party, and you shouldnt be one of those poor suckers starving to
death. A good part of the shows charm lies in its cast--boy-next-door
Michael (Hal Sparks), ruthlessly seductive rake Brian (Gale Harold), out-
and-proud Emmett (Peter Paige), wallflower Ted (Scott Lowell), and nubile
teen Justin (Randy Harrison)--who grew from standard gay prototypes to
intriguing characters by the first seasons end. And while some subplots
didnt work (such as Emmetts farfetched foray into gay-conversion
therapy), others were quietly affecting, including Brians coping with his
fathers death. Some may object to the shows relentless fixation on sex
(and gay men--there are just two lesbian characters), but this is a series
that in its own polished way is both engrossingly fun and truly
groundbreaking. Its liberating to watch an American TV series in which the
straight world is only peripheral. Lets hear it for the boys! --Mark Englehart
I knew of the series, but wasn't particularly interested; I don't have HBO or
Showtime. The depiction of gay people has seemed to go in one of two
directions: outrageous or subtle. "Queer as Folk" is ou trageous, and may
have some stereotypical characters, but each one has a special distinction.
A colleague loaned me season One, and I watched it over a period of
about 3 weeks. Not sure what to expect, I was almost immediately
absorbed into the lives of these people. I enjoyed every episode
completely. There's a lot of truth being conveyed, and it becomes a battle
of which character you like the most. I liked Ted. Michael was endearing;
Brian was reprehensible; Elliott was amusing (and wise); Justin is typically
head-strong and adorable. The Lesbian sub-plot involves a wonderful
scenario which is inter-weaved with all the other characters. I liked Ted the
best; after years of disappointment, he is suspicious of affection, and has a
deep alterior side that accepts life perhaps more objectively than the rest.
The realist of the bunch, but as a human, he makes the most dumb
choices. Acting is uniformly excellent. The only "big name" in the cast is
Sharon Gless, as Michael's pro-gay mother; also her brother is HIV
positive and lives with her. I guess I don't need to say this stuff cuz if you're
reading this, you already know. I was absorbed and intrigued by every
episode; the sweetness as well as the seediness is explored. Hatred and
homophobia are also well examined. Wonderful characters and writing
make me look forward to watching Season 2. Let's give some time to the
Queer community. The Hetero condition has already been explored ad
nauseum.
For More 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest Price:
Queer as Folk - The Complete First Season starring Gale Harold, Hal Sparks, Randy
Harrison, Michelle Clunie, Thea Gill - 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest Price!