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After being so impressed with the original British version of Queer As Folk, I was sceptical when I learned that the US had begun their interpretation of the series. Since the original had been a witty, shocking and frankly excellent television experience, could America manage to do the same? Well, after some trepidation, I gave in and gave it a go. Much to my delight, Queer As Folk is fast becoming one of my favourite shows of the moment. Fresh, sexy, compelling, heartbreaking and, above all, hilarious, each episode is a blast of energy that grabs you firmly and keeps you hooked throughout. Once the first season had finished with the original UK storylines, it grew into its own, becoming an accomplished series with exceptional characters and striking plots. It's hard to find a bad word to say about it, although it has come under fire from many, which is often baffling. After a few episodes with this group of people, it becomes impossible to dislike.Of course, most of the criticism comes from the gay community worried that it sends out a bad message. Well, as a gay man myself, I can find many a situation that I have experienced in the show. Worrying about representation is a banal activity, as creator Russell T. Davies once said, "Representation makes bad drama". So these characters may not live the life that you know, it doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. Besides, what would be more interesting, a show about interesting, out and proud individuals dealing with the many problems that try to beset them, or a show about dull, boring, closet cases assimilated in society with nothing to say or do? I'll let you decide on that one. It's a series with the purpose to entertain, and it does it in massive doses. The writing is also untouchable, weaving priceless one-liners and moving circumstances together that leave you floored. The quality of each episode is stunning, like a film all on it's own each week. But Queer As Folk succeeds most with its cast; a talented ensemble of actors that I just can't praise enough.The three leads of the piece are normally not left with as much of the plaudits, but they are more than capable of doing their roles justice. Gale Harold is perfect as the steely-eyed sex machine Brian Kinney, showing each side of his character, from heartless to caring whenever the script calls for it. Hal Sparks can be rather cloying as doe-eyed best friend Michael Novotny, but when he does well in his role, he is sparkling. Randy Harrison is good, if a little bland at times, as young Justin Taylor, but is given enough good storylines to warrant his presence. The supporting cast usually steal the show from under them, and always raise a smile. Peter Paige is always a joy to watch as flamboyant Emmett Honeycutt, storming his way through every episode with flair and hilarity. Scott Lowell is also brilliant as the achingly normal Ted Schmidt, with his dry delivery and Lowell's ability to make him completely adorable at times. Thea Gill is stunning as Lindsay Peterson, as is Michelle Clunie as Melanie Marcus, showcasing a lesbian couple happily living their lives whilst dealing with the problems that any couple with a child face. It was refreshing to see their characters explored in more depth than they were in the UK series, becoming real people and not just plot devices. Chris Potter was fine as David Cameron in the early days, but Robert Gant has a much more interesting character with Ben Bruckner, with his battle against being HIV+ and his relationship with Michael, which Gant pulls off effortlessly. Special mentions should also go to Makyla Smith, Sherry Miller and Jack Wetherall for their portrayals of Daphne, Jennifer and Vic respectively, who are always reliable in delivering the goods. But the star player of the series has to be the wonderful Sharon Gless, who has made the foul-mouthed yet fiercely proud Debbie Novotny one of my icons. The mother you always wanted, Gless is astonishing in every scene she appears in. Where Denise Black was excellent in the UK series, Gless has does what I imagined impossible and gone one better. There are many reasons to watch the show, but Gless is without a doubt one of the main ones.Overall, Queer As Folk is probably one of the best shows on television right now, regardless of whatever country it comes from. It's definitely one that is not to be missed, and if a quite literally staggering series about the loves and lives of a very special group of gay people is what your after, then look no further. It's here, and it's been waiting for you. No excuses, just watch it. Now.
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