The fact that The Philately Fatality, which has given us more positive gay representation than any other episode, is the second lowest rated episode of all time makes me sad but mostly it makes me angry. One reviewer claims this episode has "an agenda", that there is "a same sex theme in every other episode". That's funny, because, as a frustrated gay fan, I've literally done the math and up until this episode, 6% of MM episodes had LGBT characters and if I'm remembering correctly, only two (vicar from 1x05 and Pendrick's assistant from 11x10) did not end up either a victim of blackmail/outed, jailed for life, or dead (this excludes Dr. Grace, a main character, who, after her girlfriend was needlessly murdered - seriously, they were already going to leave - moved to England by herself, never to be seen again.)
These straight viewers cannot comprehend how important it is to show a thriving gay community in the Edwardian era; to show that we have always been here despite the fact that history books do not always remember us. People are saying that the empathy shown towards these gay characters is not "period accurate". I would encourage anyone who agrees with this line of thought to read historical books such as "Coming Out Under Fire" by Allan Bérubé or watch documentaries like "Reel in the Closet" or "Tab Hunter: Confidential". For as long there have been gay people, there have been straight allies. Yes, even in the Edwardian era gay people found safe spaces, both with other gay people and with straight friends they could trust. Emma Goldman, who has been a recurring historical character on the show, spoke publicly in favour of gay rights!
THE FIRST WIDELY DISTRIBUTED FILM FEATURING A GAY LOVE STORY WAS RELEASED IN 1919, *AT THE TIME THIS EPISODE TOOK PLACE THE FIRST OPENLY GAY AMERICAN NOVEL HAD ALREADY BEEN PUBLISHED*, WE HAVE **ALWAYS** BEEN HERE.
~ SPOILERS BELOW THIS POINT ~
And then there are the people who think that having Watts come out was "unnecessary", that it was "unrealistic", and my favourite, that it "had nothing to do with the mystery story line". I'm sorry were we watching the same episode?? First of all, myself and many other gay fans have seen Watts as gay almost since his first appearance, over three YEARS ago. The fact that other viewers can't "see it" angers them because it forces them to acknowledge that not everything is *for* them. Second of all, his coming out fits perfectly with this episode and to me it seemed like that could be the conclusion as soon as he did a double take with Jack Walker after first interviewing him with Brackenreid. When Watts defended the murder victim to the nosy neighbour and had to take a deep breath to calm himself, I was certain that the episode would end with the reveal of him being gay. How could it not? For what might have been the first time, he was surrounded by gay men who were living ordinary lives just like him. A butcher, a printer, even another detective. He realized he wasn't alone, that he had people he could confide in. Of course that would give him newfound confidence and the desire to be open with someone he knew he could trust.
I had a realization recently that I have been watching this show for almost half my life. It has let me down more times than I would care to admit, especially when it comes to LGBT representation. As a lesbian, I was heartbroken when Lillian was killed. I think most people think that if they write a gay character, then gay people are represented. But if that gay character, and the one after that, and the one after that ends up miserable or dead then it just creates a painful and degrading atmosphere for any fans who might see a bit of themselves in those characters. And, despite what some of these reviewers may tell you, *that* is not realistic. We existed, we had places we could go and be ourselves, we had friends, we were *loved*.
Through Frankie Drake Mysteries we know that Watts has a successful career and a happy life. To have that knowledge when it comes to a gay character means the world. I love this episode and I appreciate it so much and I know I'm not the only one. I just hope this current rating of 6.8 does not have a negative effect on what, for me, has been the best and most interesting storyline in years.
