Queer as Folk
Created by British writer/producer
Russell T. Davies, "Queer as Folk" made sparks fly when it came out in the U.K. a few years ago as an honest and explicit portrayal of gay life. Based on the everyday lives of five gay men and a lesbian couple, the series openly dealt with subjects like gay parenting, coming out, relationships and, of course, sex -- lots of it.
Showtime's version has stayed true to the unabashed frankness of the original. (Liz Smith has called it the "Sex and the City" for gays.) Writers/producers Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman (partners both on- and offscreen) have also retained the show's working-class feel -- hence the setting along Pittsburgh's gay strip, Liberty Avenue.
The second season
Season One of "Queer as Folk" ended in typical cliffhanger fashion. Sensitive newbie Justin was gay-bashed after spending a magical prom night with his lust object, Brian, the hot but oh-so-distant ad executive. As the sophomore season kicks off, we're relieved to find Justin on the mend. With time, the young artist slowly regains his memory and motor skills.
Perennial player Brian finds himself unable to deny his concern and affection for Justin, and the two actually achieve some semblance of a meaningful relationship, which includes moving in together. Brian eventually begins to feel tied down (natch), and they agree on an open relationship (with limitations). As the season winds down, Brian's friskiness and lack of sensitivity toward Justin is threatening to backfire. A hot and talented violinist at Justin's university has drifted into the picture and begun to tug at the artist's little heartstrings.
Meanwhile, Michael receives word of the bashing and returns to Pittsburgh to support lifelong friend Brian -- and to pine over him, of course. He finally gets up the nerve to ditch his job at the Big Q in order to pursue the dream of owning a comic book store. One of Michael's first customers is Ben, a sensitive, sexy college professor. The two begin to see each other, but their romance hits a snag when Ben reveals his HIV-positive status. After initially deciding to end the relationship, Michael learns to let go of his fears and give in to his feelings for Ben. Ben's health concerns, however, are still not out of the picture. A business relationship evolves between Michael and Justin as they join forces to create a comic book character based on mutual idol Brian.
The second season finds Emmett, Liberty Avenue's resident queen, becoming an inadvertent porn star. When Zach O'Toole fails to show for the debut of Ted's new Internet porn site, JerkatWork.net, Ted enlists the help of his best friend. Emmett proves to be an enormous ... um, talent, and a star is born. The success goes to Emmett's head, however, and diva-sized tantrums ensue.
Emmett's porn-star prowess earns him countless admirers, among them a wealthy but ancient geezer named George. Despite his initial reluctance, Emmett falls for the golden oldie. When Emmett attempts to initiate George into the "mile-high club," however, the thrill proves too much for the poor guy's ticker. (Definitely one of the season's best moments.)
In the season finale, Ted professes his love for Emmett, and the two share a smooch.
"QAF's" second season also devotes a great deal of attention to lesbos Lindsay and Melanie, whom some viewers (primarily of the female persuasion) felt were largely neglected the first time around. As the season opens, Lindsay stuns family and friends by proposing to Melanie at her (straight) sister's wedding reception. Melanie initially accepts out of shock, but then reneges on the proposal, viewing marriage as an "antiquated, meaningless heterosexual ritual." In typical "QAF" fashion, Mel eventually comes to her senses, and the two are wed in a chaotic but joyful ceremony.
The newlyweds' domestic bliss is interrupted when Leda, an ex-flame from Melanie's motorcycle-mama past, breezes into town. Lindsay finds herself at once threatened by and attracted to Leda. Melanie and Lindsay eventually enjoy a hot menage-a-trois with Leda and then kick her to the curb.
