"Queer as Folk" Episode #2.2 (2002)

Director:

John Greyson

Writers:

Ron Cowen (written by) &
Daniel Lipman (written by) ...

TV Series:

"Queer as Folk" (2000)

Original Air Date:

13 January 2002 (Season 2, Episode 2)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Still traumatized from his bashing, Justin is unable to get close to Brian; Ted's boss fires him for surfing porn at work; Michael and Emmett work as nude waiters.

Plot Keywords:

Gay | Love | Friendship | Friend | Sex

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
Hal Sparks	...	Michael Novotny
Sharon Gless	...	Debbie Novotny
Sherry Miller	...	Jennifer Taylor
Makyla Smith	...	Daphne Chanders
Jack Wetherall	...	Vic Grassi
Alec McClure	...	Christopher Mark Hobbs
Lindsey Connell	...	Tracy
Alex Poch-Goldin	...	Andrew
Robert Church	...	Mr. Wertshafter

Quotes:

Vic: Here, have some coconut cake.
Jennifer Taylor: Oh, no thanks.
Debbie: Vic made it himself.
Vic: Yeah, it's my warm-up for Gus' birthday.
Debbie: He used to be a pastry chef.
Vic: Black bottoms were my specialty.
[clears throat and glances over at Debbie]
Debbie: [holds up hands in defense] I didn't say a word.

Soundtrack:

On The Strip

AMAZING, one of my favorite hours of television!

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

"Then you turned around and smiled—now I know why Debbie calls you Sunshine." ~Brian

I really LOVED this episode. Michael is still hung up over his breakup with David, and he struggles with getting over it while Ted gets fired from work for looking at porn. Brian is struggling to comply with Jennifer's request to "never see Justin again", and Justin continues struggling with his nightmares and recovery. I loved this episode so much because it was an amazing journey for Justin as Brian tries desperately to make him remember the events that happened in the season one finale. Taking the viewer back to that night was a wise decision indeed because it really captures the emotions felt throughout that finale. It's also really refreshing to see and hear Brian being so open about his love for Justin, and especially Justin's shock when he learns that Brian kissed him in front of everyone at his prom. Randy Harrison and Gale Harold continue to be my favorite actors in the series, and it's quite incredible to see an entire episode dedicated to the two of them. They each have lots of chances to convey emotions that their characters never showed throughout season one. Almost all of the scenes between Gale and Randy in this episode were simply magical, and just altogether perfect. Emmett is just as hilarious as always, and Lindsay and Melanie finally get engaged as they celebrate Gus's first birthday. The scene where Melanie tells Lindsay that she wants them to get married was moving and it injected a huge jolt into their relationship. I think it's needless to say that I loved this episode almost as much as I loved the season one finale (but not quite as much!) The ending of this episode was simply amazing and it gave me massive goosebumps. Brian and Justin are just so completely perfect for each other. I'm loving season two so far, and I can't wait to watch the rest!