Queer as Folk
How could I have passed through the first 4 series and not comment here about this magnificent work of art???
Queer as Folk (the American version)
Haven`t heard of it yet? Hard to believe. But if you haven`t so far, you will now. Queer as Folk is based on the British version which had only one series (of about 9 or 10 episodes, if I`m not mistaken). Both versions (the British and American) tale the tale of five gay friends, their lifestyle, joys, sorrows, successes and mishaps. The series has also come to been known as the gay version of "Sex and the City". A straightforward, objective, real depiction of gay life. Along the five series, you are gradually sucked into the plot, you come to care for every character and sit anxiously awaiting the next episode. It is not a publicity stunt to put the gay community in the spot light but merely a presentation of it for better understanding.
Characters (and cast): <-- contains Spoilers (so read at your own risk)
Brian Kinney (my all time favorite) - played by Gale Harold. He is the ruthless bastard who does whatever he wants and whomever he wants. One of his famous quotes (and that best describes him) is: " I don`t believe in love. I believe in fucking. It`s honest, it`s efficient. You get in and out with a maximum of pleasure and a minimum of bullshit."
Michael Charles Novotny - played by Hal Sparks. He is the sweet next door neighbor, out to save the world and be the good guy at the same time. He is Brian`s best friend and always stands by him. He is somewhat indecisive and very attached to his mother, despite his claims that she should mind her own business and let him live his life.
Theodore 'Ted' Schmidt - played by Scott Lowell. He is you average accountant who doesn`t have that much success when it comes to men and has his heart easily broken. However, with the help of his friends, he always manages to get back on his feet and overpass any failure, be it love or professional life.
Emmett Honeycutt - played by Peter Paige. He`s what you`d call the drag queen of the group. Always perky and cheery. Always trying new outrageous clothes and styles, not afraid to experiment and always there whenever his friends need him. Despite the brave way he acts, he too seeks love and understanding in a long lasting relationship.
Justin Taylor - played by Randy Harrison. He is the innocent 17 year old teenager who goes out one night looking for a one night stand and falls under Brian`s spells. After that, his life changes as he tries to adapt to his new found reality, feelings and wishes. Despite the hardship along the way, he fights to have his way and be "the best gay man" he could be and stand up for what be believes in.
The show is that much more complex as it presents all the intricate relationships of these men, their friends and the life they lead, their mistakes, their successes, their attempts at having a normal life, their way of dealing with those that hate them, the fight against AIDS. It is a show that tries to encompass a little bit of what it means to be gay in a society that still has a long way to go before it can accept them. Not for the weak of heart. But if you have an open mind, it is a truly impressive performance.
Queer as Folk (the American version)
Haven`t heard of it yet? Hard to believe. But if you haven`t so far, you will now. Queer as Folk is based on the British version which had only one series (of about 9 or 10 episodes, if I`m not mistaken). Both versions (the British and American) tale the tale of five gay friends, their lifestyle, joys, sorrows, successes and mishaps. The series has also come to been known as the gay version of "Sex and the City". A straightforward, objective, real depiction of gay life. Along the five series, you are gradually sucked into the plot, you come to care for every character and sit anxiously awaiting the next episode. It is not a publicity stunt to put the gay community in the spot light but merely a presentation of it for better understanding.
Characters (and cast): <-- contains Spoilers (so read at your own risk)
Brian Kinney (my all time favorite) - played by Gale Harold. He is the ruthless bastard who does whatever he wants and whomever he wants. One of his famous quotes (and that best describes him) is: " I don`t believe in love. I believe in fucking. It`s honest, it`s efficient. You get in and out with a maximum of pleasure and a minimum of bullshit."
Michael Charles Novotny - played by Hal Sparks. He is the sweet next door neighbor, out to save the world and be the good guy at the same time. He is Brian`s best friend and always stands by him. He is somewhat indecisive and very attached to his mother, despite his claims that she should mind her own business and let him live his life.
Theodore 'Ted' Schmidt - played by Scott Lowell. He is you average accountant who doesn`t have that much success when it comes to men and has his heart easily broken. However, with the help of his friends, he always manages to get back on his feet and overpass any failure, be it love or professional life.
Emmett Honeycutt - played by Peter Paige. He`s what you`d call the drag queen of the group. Always perky and cheery. Always trying new outrageous clothes and styles, not afraid to experiment and always there whenever his friends need him. Despite the brave way he acts, he too seeks love and understanding in a long lasting relationship.
Justin Taylor - played by Randy Harrison. He is the innocent 17 year old teenager who goes out one night looking for a one night stand and falls under Brian`s spells. After that, his life changes as he tries to adapt to his new found reality, feelings and wishes. Despite the hardship along the way, he fights to have his way and be "the best gay man" he could be and stand up for what be believes in.
The show is that much more complex as it presents all the intricate relationships of these men, their friends and the life they lead, their mistakes, their successes, their attempts at having a normal life, their way of dealing with those that hate them, the fight against AIDS. It is a show that tries to encompass a little bit of what it means to be gay in a society that still has a long way to go before it can accept them. Not for the weak of heart. But if you have an open mind, it is a truly impressive performance.