Queer as Folk USA

Directors:

Russell Mulcahy, Michael DeCarlo; John Fawcett; Kelly Makin; Alex Chapple; Kevin Inch; David Wellington; Bruce McDonald; Jeremy Podeswa; Kari Skogland; Thom Best; John Fawcett; Chris Grismer; Laurie Lynd

The American version, a butt-cheek extravaganza...the British version, in comparison, is like an incompetent short that precedes the feature...the rough stone becomes a diamond.

It certainly was/is groundbreaking...but, it really is all about sex - where every mini crisis is resolved by a fuck?

Season 1:

Most issues are summarily covered...amid a plethora of uncolourful central characters:

Michael - an insufferable, hobbit-like, whining, closeted comic geek - by the end of the season you will want to murder this little moron.

Brian - an unrelenting cynical grotesque, who seems to be irresistible to everyone - inexplicable.

Justin - the pretty, cocky, clinging, money-grabbing, adoring airhead teen.

Ted - a dreary, stalking, accountant type with a hardcase of perpetual moaning syndrome.

Emmet - a superficial, dense Nellie - who has a slight vestige of likeability and colour.

The forceful/selfish Jewish lesbian storyline becomes acutely wearing - the not-so-happy lesbian endeavour at metaphorical heterosexuality.

Sharon Gless and her character shine all the way through. Possibly, the only saving grace.

This all may sound a bit harsh but, as a groundbreaking series, it really does need to develop beyond the realm of sphincter clinching - where it is fully entrenched.

It is (initially) entertaining, enjoyable, enlightening (to some) - simply because it has a freshness.

The performances are above average as are the production values - which is a welcome improvement on the diabolically amateur (and mercifully shorter) British version.

All it needs is to improve - especially in the writing department.

Season 2:

Okay...the whining hobbit becomes more detestable - the 'comic' theme is paltry, puerile and pathetic.

The one-up-manship of the open relationship is overly laboured.

And...the lesbians continue to rip your tits off - without mercy.

The first half of this season is NOT homo-friendly - if anything it is acutely offensive.

As with season 1, it's still all about sex - and now, with the added attractions of money and porn thrown into the equation - it's not a pretty sight in the slightest - nor is it believable. Forgiveness: is just a fuck away.

Things don't improve - the typical writer-running-out-of-idea disease kicks in - make a character into an instant millionaire...woeful.

The character arcs suffer: Brian becomes slightly more human, Debbie: slightly less human. Ted, that dribbling oaf, becomes even more ridiculous. But...it's that repugnant comic-reading roach who will have you gunning at the screen - thinking/wishing...hobbit homicide: 101 ways to kill the little shit.

Season 3:

It starts off so well...the malignant munchkin gets whacked in the face - unfortunately, it's not a fatal blow and he continues to writhe and whine throughout the formulaic monotony of lusty looks and frivolous frottage.

The lesbians' heterosexual metaphor manages to manhandle sperm donation as if it was their divine right to have any squirt that they demand - and they definitely pick a squirt.

This season sees steroid abuse as being more important than erroneous child abuse allegations - a storyline that had huge potential but is resolved within 10 minutes - the steroid thing drags on for hours.

This whole thing is dragging on for eons.

Season 4:

Fairy retreats, gay vigilantes, singing waiters, happy gay fostering and the myopic comic story continues with the moaning gnome at the helm...whatever will they think of next because they really are scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Hollywood, HIV and healthy eating and the happy homo family are the featured guest stars in this season.

Bugchasers and bicycle rides - there's nothing that the writers won't address - in no more than 100 words.

Particular mention must go to Mike Shara who plays the Hollywwood director - a talentless actor if there ever was one (cringingly bad) in a cringingly bad storyline.

Season 5:

Finally...Pukeboy will have you wretching all the way to the finale.

Well...was it worthwhile?

The jury is most definitely out on that one - superheroes and comics - total nonsense.

As a window into gay-life...ooops! But...there was 'fun' to be had. Still, it will be missed.

Trailer...