"Queer as Folk" Episode #1.21 (2001)

User Rating:

9.3/10   

Director:

Alex Chapple

Writers:

Ron Cowen (writer)
Daniel Lipman (writer)

TV Series:

"Queer as Folk" (2000)

Original Air Date:

24 June 2001 (Season 1, Episode 21)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Brian turns 30; Michael and David prepare for their move to Portland; Ted faces the truth about Blake; Justin and Daphne attend their prom where a big surprise awaits; On his way to the airport, Michael receives a call from Brian. |

Plot Keywords:

Queer | Queer As Folk | Same Sex Dance | Gay | Friendship

Cast

Michelle Clunie	...	Melanie Marcus
Thea Gill	...	Lindsay Peterson
Gale Harold	...	Brian Kinney
Randy Harrison	...	Justin Taylor
Scott Lowell	...	Ted Schmidt
Peter Paige	...	Emmett Honeycutt
Chris Potter	...	Dr. David Cameron
Hal Sparks	...	Michael Novotny
Sharon Gless	...	Debbie Novotny
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Dean Armstrong	...	Blake Wyzecki
Jefferson Brown	...	Birthday Boy #3
Adam Cole	...	Birthday Boy #5
Christopher Cordell	...	Birthday Boy #4
Kevin Hare	...	Drug Counsellor
Craig Lund	...	Birthday Boy #1
Andre Matthews	...	Birthday Boy #2
Alec McClure	...	Christopher Mark Hobbs
Sherry Miller	...	Jennifer Taylor
Makyla Smith	...	Daphne Chanders
Gillian Vanderburgh	...	Ticket Agent
Jack Wetherall	...	Vic Grassi

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: In the first season finale, while Michael and David are arguing about their move to Portland, a crew member can be seen through the glass of bedroom door. As David slams the door, the crew member runs up and catches the door before briefly ducking out of sight.

Quotes:

[Ted at Emmett's flannel going away party for Michael]
Ted: Flannel. Isn't that Lesbian lingerie?

Soundtrack:

Save the Last Dance for Me

Powerful... One of the best hours of television ever!

~"What do they have in Portland?" "Lumberjacks…" "Maybe I will come pay you a visit!" ~Emmett, Michael, and Brian

The first few minutes of this episode are absolute gold. As Brian has a series of amazing orgasms, everyone is looking for him. There is also a hugely surreal element when they lead him to his 30th birthday party celebration. With the prom coming up, Justin asks Brian if he can come with him after some wise words of wisdom from Deb. Justin also bonds with Daphne for the first time since their lovemaking session. Michael and David's relationship also reaches its boiling point as they prepare to leave all of Pittsburgh behind. This episode was by far my favorite of season 1, and one of the best hours of television I've ever seen. The ending is a huge cliffhanger, and it's so stupendously well-written and acted that it's a wonder this show isn't more popular. The dark humor takes a sour turn for the worse as Brian actually shows that he has feelings. I laughed, I cried, and I just plain LOVED this episode. As I stated, the final few minutes are shocking and beautiful, and one of the many reasons that this show has become one of my favorites. The whole relationship with Blake and Ted was also highly interesting, but my favorite parts of this episode were all of the delectably luscious moments that we get between Brian and Justin. Not a single moment is a disappointment, and everything clicks together in the end with the overall theme of the show finally being displayed. This show is about life, it's 'fiercely realistic', and, believe it or not, it is very provocative and engaging. Love live Queer as Folk, season 1!