Queer as Folk

My family was taken more than somewhat aback to find out that this mainstream retired accountant highly touts Queer as Folk and watches it not just once a week, but also the repeats. I tell them that after awhile you forget that these are gay people - yes, a few of the more scorched sex scenes are very explicit and take some getting used to. What wins one over is the superb writing and story lines (especially the first year). The characters are well fleshed-out and you can't wait from week to week to see what happens to them - in point, you have really learned to care for these people and understand their joys and agonies and day to day tribulations. The acting is first rate and you sometimes forget that these are people just emoting and not playing out their own lives. I love to see the contrasting facets to Brian: sometimes ruthless and cunning, but perfectly balanced with great acts of compassion and kindness - and he juggles these traits perfectly.

I subscribe to Showtime Cable Channel just to see this show.

It's about time that filmmakers created a series that doesn't revolve around the trivial and comic relationships of heterosexual couples - many of the sitcoms these days seem to have that theme in there somewhere do they not? It's controversial, often quite graphic and rarely comic - it's an adult 'soap opera' with alot more content than your average. Apart from anything else, Queer As Folk has thrown a revealing light onto the trials and tribulations of gay relationships - proving to those unfamiliar with the subject that they are not relationships that should be ridiculed or discriminated against. Regardless of the moral merits, it's just a really good series. The acting is great and the storyline keeps you watching week after week. The series explores numerous relationships that all differ in some way or another - yet in many ways they are also very much alike. This series can be enjoyed by anyone, despite some of the reviews I've read in the past. In fact, I'd encourage anyone to try it out at least once - you may be presently suprised.

QAF is, in my opinion, the best cable TV series of all time (since Rude Awakening is off the air). Kudos to Showtime for having the courage to put it on. The most important reason this show works is because of THE ACTORS, who are all superb, creating 3-dimensional characters that you care about, deeply, week after week. It's impossible to imagine any different actors in the main roles, in fact - the true sign of brilliant casting. This is the only show on television, cable or network, that I watch religiously and I couldn't be any more thrilled that it's been renewed for another 2 seasons.

Added on August 8th (a day after the series finale aired) - Just wanted to say that this show has changed television forever, not just because it pushed the envelope - actually, it EXPLODED the envelope - but also because of all the lives it touched, informed and/or changed. This show crossed all barriers, appealing to every kind of viewer, thanks to the beautifully written characters, magnificently realized by the superb cast, and I for one am sad to see it end, this once-in-a-lifetime bold and redemptive journey.

Before I begin, I am a 35 year old guy who tried to supress my homosexual feelings until May of this year. Now I have slowly been coming out and experiancing my true self,and "Queer as Folk" really is inspirational in hitting so many issues in the Gay society. As sexually active as some of the main characters are they always use a condom and make a point of saying so. The show came around at a great time for me, as I am still new to gay culture and want to become part of the culture, and this series,QAF really gave me glimpses of it, and I am ready to start exploring the many gay bars down in Santa Monica Blvd and perhaps meet some cool friends, or something more? Anyhow, this show is the smartest soap opera type show, gay or not, because it makes you think about things! It makes issues of very relevant topics. ANd the actors are amazing. Especially Gale Harold, as the sexy, manipulative, self serving Brian Kinny, who's portrayal is so ruthless and emotionless at times, the actor manages to sometimes show a very human, soft loving side that Brian trys to keep hidden. Hall Sparks also is another big reason to watch. He gives his character of Micheal such warmth and compassion and sincerity. Any gay guy would love to have a best friend like Micheal. And the chemistry between Brian and Micheal is undeniable. This is the best series on TV! And thanks QAF for giving me a much needed spark of interest to actively pursue the gay culture and be true to myself....

It's always fashionable to negatively critique US versions of British material, but I am not always into that fashion.

I loved the first two episodes of this Americanized QUEER AS FOLK. It certainly follows the plot of the British version (so far at least). Yet the pace is more leisurely since the US version takes 45 minutes to do what was done in 30 minutes on the British version.

The US version is also easier to understand -- and it's not just the fact that we aren't getting the British slang in quickly-spoken thick British accents. Maybe it's the more leisurely pace that makes the plot easier to follow.

Hal Sparks has a wonderful dead-pan dry humor as the narrator, Michael. Randy Harrison is sweet as Justin, the newly-out teenager. When he was rejected by his dream-man Brian, his pain looked genuine and touching.

Even though the opening narration indicates "It's all about sex," the show is actually about more than that. The narrator is referring to the fact that gay night life in trendy bars is "all about sex," but we see in Michael and Justin the reality of people searching for a sense of connection in a world that doesn't offer a lot of connection -- especially for gay people.

While the British version was only 8 episodes with a 2 hour finale (which I found disappointing), this US version promises to begin with 22 episodes and possibly go on from there. I look forward to the future developments. So far, I see nothing to complain about.