Overview/Commentary on Season 1 - QAF
Aug. 21st, 2005 01:35 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
shadownycI hope you enjoy this:
It’s on to the big leagues for me. After commenting on each episode of S5, starting midway through, I realized that to truly pay tribute to QAF I wanted to do an overview of each season. To make this daunting task more achievable I decided to “attack” each season individually. So here it is Season 1 commentary (IMHO):
Directing: A wide array of talented directors rose to the task of introducing us to the American version of QAF. Using unusual camera angles, camera placement, ramping shots, out-of-the-box lighting and creatively inexpensive special effects (low budget, new cable show) this team of men (I think they were all men) developed a visually interesting view of a gay group of friends and the world in which they live.
Some particular directorial highlights included:
• All ramping shots
• Backroom aura
• Successful illusion of intense intimacy of sex scenes
• Blake in the hospital in ep. 118
• Funeral scene in ep. 119
• Bowling ball down the rode scene in ep. 119
• Flannel party juxtaposed with Brian’s private 30th b-day celebration in the loft in ep. 122
• Bashing scene in ep. 122
These, and many other directorial decisions, made QAF S1 an exciting watching experience that was ultimately NOT “All about sex”.
Writing: As far as I’m concerned the writing in season 1 outweighs all other seasons that followed. That is not to say that I didn’t like the following seasons, however, the creativity and nature of the writing, conflict, comedy and overall interactions was the crispest, wittiest and most dynamic in the first season. Although Cowlip and their team of writers are credited with this season, the truth is that the audience was captured by the stories originally developed by Russell Davies in the UK. The credit for softening the characters and extending the soap opera quality of QAF – US goes to the Cowlip writing team. This is one instance where knowing their audience paid off. It’s interesting to note, however, that while they intrigued and lassoed a large audience, it wasn’t the one they expected. I don’t think Cowlip, in their wildest fantasies, realized the quantity of straight women of all ages that would become their most loyal fans. My guess is that they were actually surprised by the ultimate demographics—mostly straight women & female teens and gay men (mostly younger gay men). Several lesbians I know found the lesbian story lines on the show so peripheral at best or at times insulting that they chose to switch their allegiance to “The L Word” and abandoned entirely the viewing of QAF.
Throughout season 1, the writing fluctuated between exciting and edgy to boring and bland and ridiculous. Since different writers are credited with each episode (some have written more than others), it appeared at times to follow the styles of each writer and how they interpreted the writing team’s discussions.
My vote for the top 5 episodes in the area of writing quality are:
• 101
• 102
• 118
• 119
• 122
This is not to say that I didn’t LOVE the remaining episodes, but I think specifically relating to the words uttered by the characters, these had the most impact. I would give honorable mention to at least 10 other eps., but that would be ridiculous. There are of course specific lines of dialogue that stand out and should be noted. These are lines that are remembered and despite anything else that may have happened throughout the seasons have continued to have memorable impact. (Please excuse me if I misquote by a word or two.)
• “A gay man thinks about sex every 9 seconds” (pilot)
• “I believe in fucking…” (pilot)
• “I’ve seen the face of God and his name is Brian Kinney” (pilot)
• “I could never forget about my dad” (109)
• Ted’s entire “God loves us all” speech to Emmett at See the Light (114)
• “I rather have my flame burn bright than be some little pilot light” (pilot)
• “It’s you who should be dying” (115)
• “Now you’ve really made an enemy” (116)
• Michael’s entire “You’re Brian Kinney for fuck sake…” speech (122)
There are so many more outstanding lines and I’d love for any of you to share them with me during your comments. These are just a few that have been brought up repeatedly and that I think had huge impact on the season they were in as well as in future seasons to develop character and motivation.
Characters: Here we go, down to the nitty gritty. It’s time to check out where the boys and girls of Liberty Avenue started and to see where their growth curve for journeying from boys & girls to men & women began.
I am going to try to list the characters in order of appearance.
Michael Novotny: The quintessential boy-next-door gay boy. He’s cute, charming, a bit whiney and easily swayed by those he follows. He starts out with a shameless crush on his best friend and tries to squelch his feelings by getting involved with a father figure boyfriend who is more controlling than his best friend. Michael takes on Zelig-like behavior characteristics. He can be cute and fun with Ted & Emmett, club-savvy with Brian, stiff & proper at work and ranges from snobby to infantile with David Cameron (his S1 partner). His relationship with his mother has clearly stifled his maturity.
Emmett Hunnicutt: Unashamed of his effeminate qualities and lives a life that’s out and proud. Having lived in the gay-stifling south, he has no intention of subjugating himself to anyone else’s version of appropriate behavior. He is flamboyant, fun and unquestioningly loyal to his friends. In many ways, he is the most mature of all of the male characters on QAF.
Ted Schmidt: Totally self-loathing. If self-esteem were to be rated on a scale of 1-10, Ted would get a zero. The only time he shows his potential is during the ep. 114 “God loves us all” speech. He is the butt of jokes and snarky remarks, but he does seem to laugh along with them most of the time, to his credit. His envy of Brian Kinney’s life is obvious early on in the season and never seems to diminish throughout the season. His early crush on Michael fades rapidly and I believe that the choice to do this relates to a lack of desire by the writers/producers to pursue this story.
Brian Kinney: The undisputed hottest guy/best fuck on Liberty Avenue. Everyone wants to be him and he seems totally comfortable in his own skin. However, here is where Cowlip significantly parted with the UK version of QAF. By the end of the pilot we see that there is a hidden, softer side to this beautiful, god-like being. Remember the facial expressions at the end of the pilot, when Justin drives off. This is clearly not a man who believes solely in fucking. What he is clearly out to do is to protect himself from any long-term emotional attachments and feels the need to always be in control. Having been emotionally abandoned by his parents at birth, Brian spends his life creating success through achievements in his career, in the backroom and by measuring the amount of people who want to always live in his shadow—Mikey in particular. As season 1 progresses the slow softening of Brian is one of the main points of continuity from episode to episode. The development of this emotionally crippled man as he unintentionally creates connections with others that are meaningful and deeper than mere surface relationships begins in this first season. His extreme “mood” swings brought the audience back each week more than any of the other characters. We loved, hated, pitied and wanted to nurture him all at the same time.
Justin Taylor: Baptized into the gay world by crossing the puddled street of Liberty Avenue and brought new light into Brian Kinney’s life as he stood symbolically under a street lamp and looked like an angel from heaven. Torn between the desire to be the pride of his WASP parents and take pride in who and what he truly wants to be, Justin’s growth mirrors that of his older peers. While only 17 years of age he is keenly aware of his sexual, academic and future professional desires. His unabashed inner strength and positive self-esteem affords him the willingness to go for it all without any apologies or any regrets. While Brian professes this as a major component to his life philosophy, it is Justin who acts it out. Justin stands up for himself and makes no excuses for what he wants and lets no one stand in his way.
Lindsay Peterson: The sweet, warm-hearted half of the token lesbian couple. She cares about others more than herself and allows herself to be manipulated—particularly by Brian. While they clearly have a history, she still has some residual feelings for Brian that seem to go beyond the platonic. Lindsay plays the role of the perfect WASP housewife until the façade starts to fall apart and then she becomes belligerent. She’s a good mother and is very much a home-body.
Melanie Marcus: The overly-aggressive lesbian, Jew lawyer who is partner to the generally much more subdued Lindsay. Melanie knows what she wants and goes for it—but not at all costs. She holds grudges and allows them to fester. It is clear that she resents Brian, his outward successes and most of all his influence on Lindsay and biological connection to her son, Gus. Brian is the one person that Melanie feels she has no influence over. Melanie is like a snapping pit bull, who when she feels corned lashes out. Control is as important to her as it is to Brian.
Debbie Novotny: Every gay boys dream mother. Not only is she totally accepting of her son, his gay friends and the gay community, but she will fight to the death to protect them. She will stand on her soapbox whenever she can to foster the cause of gay rights and encourages her charges in the gay community to do the same—in season 1 this is particularly noted as she is the prime support system for Justin and his mother as they learn what it is to be a part of the gay world. Debbie would die before she would turn her back on any of her family or friends and she is always the first to support them in any of their endeavors. As a mother, Debbie is pushy and aggressive. Despite all her liberal, modern idealism she still wants her son to live a happy, domestic life. While she loves her broader family and has a special affection for Brian, she will attack any of them to protect and defend her son. Sacrifice for others is a concept she is comfortable with; however, unlike others she doesn’t keep her sacrifices well-hidden.
Plot Lines & Story Arcs: Cowlip has never detoured from the premise that their goal was to take their characters from boys to men and that is where the story began. The pilot clearly directs our attention to the two characters who will force the growth curve to accelerate—Justin and Gus. As the words of the song “Proud” by Heather Small reverberates through the season each of the characters in QAF are pushed to develop and expand upon their lives and there own individual versions of gay pride as they face their futures. The extreme pride demonstrated by Justin throughout the season forces each of the members of the “family” to view the world as he passionately fights his way through. The intrusion of both Justin and Gus into the lives of our Liberty Ave. family turns the otherwise consistent lifestyles of Brian and Michael upside down. Despite Brian’s avoidance and Michael’s jealousy and annoyance they proceed on their journey kicking and screaming as they try to avert the inevitable. They can not go through life leaning on each other forever. Brian now has others depending on him and interested in him in ways that he has never experienced. Michael’s jealousy of both of the new additions in Brian’s life fosters his own desire to establish a new relationship for himself—independent of Brian. Both men spend much of season 1 stumbling into their new found relationships and responsibilities, but they clearly mature slowly but surely.
Throughout season 1 the audience watches the development of the connection between Brian and Justin, which is a significant departure from the UK version of QAF. Justin worms his way into Brian’s life as Brian tries to unsuccessfully divest himself of the 17 year old “stalker”. However, by episode 110 it is clear that Justin is more than just a peripheral sexual distraction in Brian’s life. Almost simultaneously, Brian sends Michael over a cliff and into the home of Dr. David. While Brian sacrifices his friendship with Michael to enable him to take the next step in his relationship with David by cutting the proverbial apron strings, (encouraged by Debbie) I am not convinced he would have been able to do this without the knowledge that he still had someone who would support him 100% in the form of one Justin Taylor.
This ongoing balancing act between Brian, Michael and Justin is the crux of the entire season. This is the soap opera that the viewers wanted to see. Each individual episode or combination of two episodes ushered in story arcs that fostered the overall theme. Many of these plots were completed in a single episode. The only story arcs that seemed to last beyond one or two episodes were the lesbians’ breakup which was strongly foreshadowed in episodes 110 & 111 and ultimately lasted through ep. 117 and the See the Light arc which lasted from ep. 112 through 114.
One of the most enjoyable experiences to view throughout the entire season was the continual ensemble scenes that were included in virtually every episode. While the locations changed from the diner, to Babylon, to Woody’s, to the gym and to the loft, it was always fun to watch all the boys interacting as a unit sharing their day to day interactions with the audience. Some of the best scenes were watching the lively conversations amongst these friends. Four examples immediately come to mind:
• Brian, Emmett, Ted & Michael at the diner just prior to Michael taking inventory with Tracy in ep. 105
• Brian, Michael, Ted, Emmett & Justin at the loft instructing Michael on dinner party etiquette in ep. 109
• Brian, Michael, Ted and Emmett at Emmett’s apartment following Michael’s discovery that Dr. David visited the Baths in ep. 118
• Brian, Justin, Emmett, Ted & Michael at Woody’s discussing Daphne’s request that Justin be “her first”
There are so many great ensemble moments during S1. The above are a small sampling of the many scenes of this type. All of these group moments helped us connect to this group of friends and feel that we were a part of them. We were invited into their small circle.
There were a number of good story arcs throughout S1. Most of them became building blocks that were utilized later in the season or in the series. There were certain episodes that I consider most significant. They shaped the growth of one or more characters, while eliciting an emotional reaction from their viewers by their incredible dramatic content. My personal top 10 include (in no particular order):
• The pilot – episodes 101/102
• 116 – attempt to create the gay/straight alliance, Justin confronts Chris Hobbs on Liberty Ave. & Guillaume
• 117—Brian relinquishes parental rights to Gus, Michael becomes an OOC snob, Justin wins his fight for the gay/straight alliance and declares Brian his protector
• 122—The prom, Blake disappears, Michael confronts David regarding their move and his place in their partnership, Brian faces turning 30
• 118—Justin decides his professional/collegiate goals, Brian expresses his desire to help Justin become the best homosexual he can possibly be against the backdrop of “Forever Young”, Michael faces David’s visit to the baths, Ted reunites with Blake
• 120—Vic is arrested, King of Babylon contest, Brian views Justin as a force to be reckoned with in his own right & experiences jealousy, Michael accepts Blake
• 111—Justin begins working at the diner, Michael’s 30th birthday, Ted & Emmett are tested for HIV, Ted lets go of his crush on Michael, Emmett makes a promise to God, Brian pushes Michael to David, Justin stands by Brian in a mature manner
• 119—Jack dies, Brian tries to cope (or not) with his family history, Daphne loses her virginity to Justin who then loses his best friend, Blake moves in with Ted, Emmett confronts Blake
• 115—Michael is a stepdad (mom), Brian takes on the responsibility of full-time fatherhood for a weekend, the Leather Ball, Ted faces his dull lifestyle
• 108—Justin moves in with Brian for the first time, Michael gets a promotion and sustains the façade of being straight
Each of these episodes held strong messages and motivations to, for and from the Liberty Avenue gang. I invite any of you to share your opinions on some of the most crucial episodes of S1.
I was incredibly impressed by the talent of this group of relative unknowns, except for Sharon Gless. Each member of the cast played their role believably. They breathed life into 8 extraordinary members of the gay community and led us to feel for them as if they were part of our own communities. We were so engaged by the acting that the line between the TV screen and our living rooms became blurred. As an audience we became active participants in the lives of the characters on screen. This can only happen through great writing, directing and acting. We struggled with Justin as he fought prejudice in his school and decided to deviate from his family’s plan go to PIFA. Our hearts ached as we watched the pitiful relationship between Brian and his father and listened to Brian share that his father wanted him aborted and finally stared in shock at his contorted and pained expression following the bashing. We yelled at Michael to get over the desire to sleep with Brian and to grow up and stop letting others make decisions for him.
Season 1 takes us on the beginning of a ride to maturity for a group that has always wanted to remain in Never Neverland. While they may go kicking and screaming each character begins to make choices that will affect their own personal growth and well-being in the future. Decisions are no longer made impulsively or for solely selfish reasons. The final episode of the season brings each of the characters to a new level of maturity due to individual loss or tragedy. Will Ted ever see Blake again, can Emmett fathom supporting one of his best friends while the other plans to leave for Oregon, will Michael ever complete his move to Dr. David and begin a life void of Brian and finally, following Brian’s grand gesture, demonstrating his deep feelings for Justin, will he ever be able to survive the ultimate destruction of the experience? The audience is left with all these questions at the end of season 1. Can any of these characters take one step forward without taking two steps back? How will the growth curve move ahead in season 2? These are all questions to be faced as QAF continued on to its second season.
Be back soon with QAF commentary on season 2. Please let me know your opinions. There was so much incorporated into this season it was hard to include everything.
It’s on to the big leagues for me. After commenting on each episode of S5, starting midway through, I realized that to truly pay tribute to QAF I wanted to do an overview of each season. To make this daunting task more achievable I decided to “attack” each season individually. So here it is Season 1 commentary (IMHO):
Directing: A wide array of talented directors rose to the task of introducing us to the American version of QAF. Using unusual camera angles, camera placement, ramping shots, out-of-the-box lighting and creatively inexpensive special effects (low budget, new cable show) this team of men (I think they were all men) developed a visually interesting view of a gay group of friends and the world in which they live.
Some particular directorial highlights included:
• All ramping shots
• Backroom aura
• Successful illusion of intense intimacy of sex scenes
• Blake in the hospital in ep. 118
• Funeral scene in ep. 119
• Bowling ball down the rode scene in ep. 119
• Flannel party juxtaposed with Brian’s private 30th b-day celebration in the loft in ep. 122
• Bashing scene in ep. 122
These, and many other directorial decisions, made QAF S1 an exciting watching experience that was ultimately NOT “All about sex”.
Writing: As far as I’m concerned the writing in season 1 outweighs all other seasons that followed. That is not to say that I didn’t like the following seasons, however, the creativity and nature of the writing, conflict, comedy and overall interactions was the crispest, wittiest and most dynamic in the first season. Although Cowlip and their team of writers are credited with this season, the truth is that the audience was captured by the stories originally developed by Russell Davies in the UK. The credit for softening the characters and extending the soap opera quality of QAF – US goes to the Cowlip writing team. This is one instance where knowing their audience paid off. It’s interesting to note, however, that while they intrigued and lassoed a large audience, it wasn’t the one they expected. I don’t think Cowlip, in their wildest fantasies, realized the quantity of straight women of all ages that would become their most loyal fans. My guess is that they were actually surprised by the ultimate demographics—mostly straight women & female teens and gay men (mostly younger gay men). Several lesbians I know found the lesbian story lines on the show so peripheral at best or at times insulting that they chose to switch their allegiance to “The L Word” and abandoned entirely the viewing of QAF.
Throughout season 1, the writing fluctuated between exciting and edgy to boring and bland and ridiculous. Since different writers are credited with each episode (some have written more than others), it appeared at times to follow the styles of each writer and how they interpreted the writing team’s discussions.
My vote for the top 5 episodes in the area of writing quality are:
• 101
• 102
• 118
• 119
• 122
This is not to say that I didn’t LOVE the remaining episodes, but I think specifically relating to the words uttered by the characters, these had the most impact. I would give honorable mention to at least 10 other eps., but that would be ridiculous. There are of course specific lines of dialogue that stand out and should be noted. These are lines that are remembered and despite anything else that may have happened throughout the seasons have continued to have memorable impact. (Please excuse me if I misquote by a word or two.)
• “A gay man thinks about sex every 9 seconds” (pilot)
• “I believe in fucking…” (pilot)
• “I’ve seen the face of God and his name is Brian Kinney” (pilot)
• “I could never forget about my dad” (109)
• Ted’s entire “God loves us all” speech to Emmett at See the Light (114)
• “I rather have my flame burn bright than be some little pilot light” (pilot)
• “It’s you who should be dying” (115)
• “Now you’ve really made an enemy” (116)
• Michael’s entire “You’re Brian Kinney for fuck sake…” speech (122)
There are so many more outstanding lines and I’d love for any of you to share them with me during your comments. These are just a few that have been brought up repeatedly and that I think had huge impact on the season they were in as well as in future seasons to develop character and motivation.
Characters: Here we go, down to the nitty gritty. It’s time to check out where the boys and girls of Liberty Avenue started and to see where their growth curve for journeying from boys & girls to men & women began.
I am going to try to list the characters in order of appearance.
Michael Novotny: The quintessential boy-next-door gay boy. He’s cute, charming, a bit whiney and easily swayed by those he follows. He starts out with a shameless crush on his best friend and tries to squelch his feelings by getting involved with a father figure boyfriend who is more controlling than his best friend. Michael takes on Zelig-like behavior characteristics. He can be cute and fun with Ted & Emmett, club-savvy with Brian, stiff & proper at work and ranges from snobby to infantile with David Cameron (his S1 partner). His relationship with his mother has clearly stifled his maturity.
Emmett Hunnicutt: Unashamed of his effeminate qualities and lives a life that’s out and proud. Having lived in the gay-stifling south, he has no intention of subjugating himself to anyone else’s version of appropriate behavior. He is flamboyant, fun and unquestioningly loyal to his friends. In many ways, he is the most mature of all of the male characters on QAF.
Ted Schmidt: Totally self-loathing. If self-esteem were to be rated on a scale of 1-10, Ted would get a zero. The only time he shows his potential is during the ep. 114 “God loves us all” speech. He is the butt of jokes and snarky remarks, but he does seem to laugh along with them most of the time, to his credit. His envy of Brian Kinney’s life is obvious early on in the season and never seems to diminish throughout the season. His early crush on Michael fades rapidly and I believe that the choice to do this relates to a lack of desire by the writers/producers to pursue this story.
Brian Kinney: The undisputed hottest guy/best fuck on Liberty Avenue. Everyone wants to be him and he seems totally comfortable in his own skin. However, here is where Cowlip significantly parted with the UK version of QAF. By the end of the pilot we see that there is a hidden, softer side to this beautiful, god-like being. Remember the facial expressions at the end of the pilot, when Justin drives off. This is clearly not a man who believes solely in fucking. What he is clearly out to do is to protect himself from any long-term emotional attachments and feels the need to always be in control. Having been emotionally abandoned by his parents at birth, Brian spends his life creating success through achievements in his career, in the backroom and by measuring the amount of people who want to always live in his shadow—Mikey in particular. As season 1 progresses the slow softening of Brian is one of the main points of continuity from episode to episode. The development of this emotionally crippled man as he unintentionally creates connections with others that are meaningful and deeper than mere surface relationships begins in this first season. His extreme “mood” swings brought the audience back each week more than any of the other characters. We loved, hated, pitied and wanted to nurture him all at the same time.
Justin Taylor: Baptized into the gay world by crossing the puddled street of Liberty Avenue and brought new light into Brian Kinney’s life as he stood symbolically under a street lamp and looked like an angel from heaven. Torn between the desire to be the pride of his WASP parents and take pride in who and what he truly wants to be, Justin’s growth mirrors that of his older peers. While only 17 years of age he is keenly aware of his sexual, academic and future professional desires. His unabashed inner strength and positive self-esteem affords him the willingness to go for it all without any apologies or any regrets. While Brian professes this as a major component to his life philosophy, it is Justin who acts it out. Justin stands up for himself and makes no excuses for what he wants and lets no one stand in his way.
Lindsay Peterson: The sweet, warm-hearted half of the token lesbian couple. She cares about others more than herself and allows herself to be manipulated—particularly by Brian. While they clearly have a history, she still has some residual feelings for Brian that seem to go beyond the platonic. Lindsay plays the role of the perfect WASP housewife until the façade starts to fall apart and then she becomes belligerent. She’s a good mother and is very much a home-body.
Melanie Marcus: The overly-aggressive lesbian, Jew lawyer who is partner to the generally much more subdued Lindsay. Melanie knows what she wants and goes for it—but not at all costs. She holds grudges and allows them to fester. It is clear that she resents Brian, his outward successes and most of all his influence on Lindsay and biological connection to her son, Gus. Brian is the one person that Melanie feels she has no influence over. Melanie is like a snapping pit bull, who when she feels corned lashes out. Control is as important to her as it is to Brian.
Debbie Novotny: Every gay boys dream mother. Not only is she totally accepting of her son, his gay friends and the gay community, but she will fight to the death to protect them. She will stand on her soapbox whenever she can to foster the cause of gay rights and encourages her charges in the gay community to do the same—in season 1 this is particularly noted as she is the prime support system for Justin and his mother as they learn what it is to be a part of the gay world. Debbie would die before she would turn her back on any of her family or friends and she is always the first to support them in any of their endeavors. As a mother, Debbie is pushy and aggressive. Despite all her liberal, modern idealism she still wants her son to live a happy, domestic life. While she loves her broader family and has a special affection for Brian, she will attack any of them to protect and defend her son. Sacrifice for others is a concept she is comfortable with; however, unlike others she doesn’t keep her sacrifices well-hidden.
Plot Lines & Story Arcs: Cowlip has never detoured from the premise that their goal was to take their characters from boys to men and that is where the story began. The pilot clearly directs our attention to the two characters who will force the growth curve to accelerate—Justin and Gus. As the words of the song “Proud” by Heather Small reverberates through the season each of the characters in QAF are pushed to develop and expand upon their lives and there own individual versions of gay pride as they face their futures. The extreme pride demonstrated by Justin throughout the season forces each of the members of the “family” to view the world as he passionately fights his way through. The intrusion of both Justin and Gus into the lives of our Liberty Ave. family turns the otherwise consistent lifestyles of Brian and Michael upside down. Despite Brian’s avoidance and Michael’s jealousy and annoyance they proceed on their journey kicking and screaming as they try to avert the inevitable. They can not go through life leaning on each other forever. Brian now has others depending on him and interested in him in ways that he has never experienced. Michael’s jealousy of both of the new additions in Brian’s life fosters his own desire to establish a new relationship for himself—independent of Brian. Both men spend much of season 1 stumbling into their new found relationships and responsibilities, but they clearly mature slowly but surely.
Throughout season 1 the audience watches the development of the connection between Brian and Justin, which is a significant departure from the UK version of QAF. Justin worms his way into Brian’s life as Brian tries to unsuccessfully divest himself of the 17 year old “stalker”. However, by episode 110 it is clear that Justin is more than just a peripheral sexual distraction in Brian’s life. Almost simultaneously, Brian sends Michael over a cliff and into the home of Dr. David. While Brian sacrifices his friendship with Michael to enable him to take the next step in his relationship with David by cutting the proverbial apron strings, (encouraged by Debbie) I am not convinced he would have been able to do this without the knowledge that he still had someone who would support him 100% in the form of one Justin Taylor.
This ongoing balancing act between Brian, Michael and Justin is the crux of the entire season. This is the soap opera that the viewers wanted to see. Each individual episode or combination of two episodes ushered in story arcs that fostered the overall theme. Many of these plots were completed in a single episode. The only story arcs that seemed to last beyond one or two episodes were the lesbians’ breakup which was strongly foreshadowed in episodes 110 & 111 and ultimately lasted through ep. 117 and the See the Light arc which lasted from ep. 112 through 114.
One of the most enjoyable experiences to view throughout the entire season was the continual ensemble scenes that were included in virtually every episode. While the locations changed from the diner, to Babylon, to Woody’s, to the gym and to the loft, it was always fun to watch all the boys interacting as a unit sharing their day to day interactions with the audience. Some of the best scenes were watching the lively conversations amongst these friends. Four examples immediately come to mind:
• Brian, Emmett, Ted & Michael at the diner just prior to Michael taking inventory with Tracy in ep. 105
• Brian, Michael, Ted, Emmett & Justin at the loft instructing Michael on dinner party etiquette in ep. 109
• Brian, Michael, Ted and Emmett at Emmett’s apartment following Michael’s discovery that Dr. David visited the Baths in ep. 118
• Brian, Justin, Emmett, Ted & Michael at Woody’s discussing Daphne’s request that Justin be “her first”
There are so many great ensemble moments during S1. The above are a small sampling of the many scenes of this type. All of these group moments helped us connect to this group of friends and feel that we were a part of them. We were invited into their small circle.
There were a number of good story arcs throughout S1. Most of them became building blocks that were utilized later in the season or in the series. There were certain episodes that I consider most significant. They shaped the growth of one or more characters, while eliciting an emotional reaction from their viewers by their incredible dramatic content. My personal top 10 include (in no particular order):
• The pilot – episodes 101/102
• 116 – attempt to create the gay/straight alliance, Justin confronts Chris Hobbs on Liberty Ave. & Guillaume
• 117—Brian relinquishes parental rights to Gus, Michael becomes an OOC snob, Justin wins his fight for the gay/straight alliance and declares Brian his protector
• 122—The prom, Blake disappears, Michael confronts David regarding their move and his place in their partnership, Brian faces turning 30
• 118—Justin decides his professional/collegiate goals, Brian expresses his desire to help Justin become the best homosexual he can possibly be against the backdrop of “Forever Young”, Michael faces David’s visit to the baths, Ted reunites with Blake
• 120—Vic is arrested, King of Babylon contest, Brian views Justin as a force to be reckoned with in his own right & experiences jealousy, Michael accepts Blake
• 111—Justin begins working at the diner, Michael’s 30th birthday, Ted & Emmett are tested for HIV, Ted lets go of his crush on Michael, Emmett makes a promise to God, Brian pushes Michael to David, Justin stands by Brian in a mature manner
• 119—Jack dies, Brian tries to cope (or not) with his family history, Daphne loses her virginity to Justin who then loses his best friend, Blake moves in with Ted, Emmett confronts Blake
• 115—Michael is a stepdad (mom), Brian takes on the responsibility of full-time fatherhood for a weekend, the Leather Ball, Ted faces his dull lifestyle
• 108—Justin moves in with Brian for the first time, Michael gets a promotion and sustains the façade of being straight
Each of these episodes held strong messages and motivations to, for and from the Liberty Avenue gang. I invite any of you to share your opinions on some of the most crucial episodes of S1.
I was incredibly impressed by the talent of this group of relative unknowns, except for Sharon Gless. Each member of the cast played their role believably. They breathed life into 8 extraordinary members of the gay community and led us to feel for them as if they were part of our own communities. We were so engaged by the acting that the line between the TV screen and our living rooms became blurred. As an audience we became active participants in the lives of the characters on screen. This can only happen through great writing, directing and acting. We struggled with Justin as he fought prejudice in his school and decided to deviate from his family’s plan go to PIFA. Our hearts ached as we watched the pitiful relationship between Brian and his father and listened to Brian share that his father wanted him aborted and finally stared in shock at his contorted and pained expression following the bashing. We yelled at Michael to get over the desire to sleep with Brian and to grow up and stop letting others make decisions for him.
Season 1 takes us on the beginning of a ride to maturity for a group that has always wanted to remain in Never Neverland. While they may go kicking and screaming each character begins to make choices that will affect their own personal growth and well-being in the future. Decisions are no longer made impulsively or for solely selfish reasons. The final episode of the season brings each of the characters to a new level of maturity due to individual loss or tragedy. Will Ted ever see Blake again, can Emmett fathom supporting one of his best friends while the other plans to leave for Oregon, will Michael ever complete his move to Dr. David and begin a life void of Brian and finally, following Brian’s grand gesture, demonstrating his deep feelings for Justin, will he ever be able to survive the ultimate destruction of the experience? The audience is left with all these questions at the end of season 1. Can any of these characters take one step forward without taking two steps back? How will the growth curve move ahead in season 2? These are all questions to be faced as QAF continued on to its second season.
Be back soon with QAF commentary on season 2. Please let me know your opinions. There was so much incorporated into this season it was hard to include everything.
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Date: 2005-08-23 05:20 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-08-23 09:52 am (UTC)That season was the one that captured our hearts.