DTLA - Downtown LA

Darryl Stevens is definitely the most natural, at ease, effortless, and probably most seasoned,actor in the cast (aside from small roles from wonderful actors like Leslie Jordan, Melanie Griffin and Sandra Bullock). The script is pretty contrived and the acting is sometimes painfully forced. Sometimes it felt like the editing was to blame, but over all it was a failure in the writing.It was a good effort, but didn't come together. It was nice to have a variety of gay men shown in some positive light along with their straight friends, but the script just seemed to be all over the place. Aside from some sexy, hunky men showing a little skin, this was rather lackluster.

This writer is not so gifted in ideas involving words, relationships, love, other human beings, friendship, loyalty contradictions, denouement, beginnings, etc. But instead tries to teach us that we're all just food for thought, expendable, things to use, ideas to bounce off of, tricks to be played. I could see at certain points where there was some twinkling light of brilliance, a touch of genius had graced this for a minute like silver, a little whisper, a little voice that disappeared. Its sad because there is a trace of someone or something brilliant that shined for a minute. Its confusing. But I do feel this sadness, this hurt not in the actual acting or writing but in the production. This absence of talent that could have been, like a great work that was left on the playground. The acting is bad but not just by that alone. The director has no idea of space, using it to enhance emotion, power, greed, doesn't understand light and how it is used to convey or intensify the scene, the mood, seems to be still learning about film. I get the feeling that a more talented partner was cut out, denied and discredited. Because there is a shadow in this that hints a what could have been, but is lost to time, buried and forgotten.

This movie has sub par writing, acting, and technical production, there, I admit it up front. As to whether I would encourage or discourage others on viewing, I would definitely encourage with the knowledge that this is a flawed production. Overall I enjoyed viewing this series and therefore gave it a 5 out of 10 rating. If you are looking for intellectual stimulation or interesting commentary on gay life there is some but not always developed skilfully to gratifying conclusions as one would get in a more masterfully done project. Some acting is overly emotional and feels like the character is "acting" rather than naturally interacting. Without giving anything away there are also situations that seem gratuitous within this season. Encounters happen but then are not mentioned again. This leaves feelings of unfinished story lines (perhaps bad editing). This is a series and perhaps things might be explained in the following season but given the uncertainty about the continuation of a TV series, wrapping things up better would have been very much advised inside the season instead of one that follows. Two or so of these "unfinished" stories involve the main character and are also somewhat contradictory to his presumed values. If you are laid back and can enjoy a flawed but interesting story then you just might find this series an OK diversion.

I can't believe anyone that would give this show anymore than 2 stars, the plots are OK but the acting is just terrible. I couldn't make it 10 minutes through the second episode because the acting was so painful to watch. I was hoping a gay show would come around again since Queer As Folk and hoped this was it but this show can't hold a candle to it as far as the acting is concerned. Which is probably why it only made it one season.

I was surprised by the main character because I have seen him in other movies/television programs, I think what was bothersome is he bobbles his head to much trying too hard to act, I wanted to reach into the television and tell him enough with the head movements, Just act!

Given that this show was made on a small budget and were trying to create characters with depth and complexity in thirty minutes, I thought the show was great. I think if they can get the backing of a production studio with a decent budget behind it, it will be fantastic! I found it refreshing to see gay characters portrayed in a way that is not stereotypical and showed their lives As a whole, not just focused on their sexual orientation. Actually, that is only a small facet of their lives. This show touched on relationships, friendships, family, career choices, and addiction. I watched the unedited versions on Netflix. There were a few production problems, with sound especially. Some of the story lines weren't as fully developed as I would have liked. And probably not as much as they would have wanted either. I mean, how in depth can you get with seven characters in nine episodes that are thirty minutes? There were several guest appearances that were fun to see, but I don't think they were utilized as well as they could have been. Some of the scenes seemed rushed and out of place.. i.e. Paul Mooney as Len's dad. It seemed to come out of no where and the dialog hinted at a strained relationship between father and son, but there really was no time to explore any part of that relationship and if that scene were cut out, we (the audience) wouldn't have missed it. I did read that if DTLA comes back for a second season the shows will be a full hour-which I think would be most appropriate. I also found it a little weird that some actor's nudity would be blurred out while others would be on full display. I mean, one would think if you signed up for a gig that required nude scenes, you would be prepared for that no? Overall I found the characters to be interesting and I wanted to know more about them. Fingers crossed that we'll see a second season on Netflix soon.