Queer As Folk

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Any television show that refers to the “asshole in the White House” within the first three minutes of an episode can’t be all bad. As a matter of fact it might be more than not bad. It certainly can draw the viewer in above and beyond political commentary. Actually the thread of political issues woven into the fabric of the lives of the community of fictionalized Pittsburgh has made this a more than worthy Soap Opera.

Homosexuality as a societal scapegoat is nothing new. Terrorism is more than a timely topic. Rampant homophobia depicted in Senator Rick “Forrest Gump with Attitude” Santorum’s home State is more than appropriate. It can only be hoped that it gets the message across that religious and political rhetoric can lead to violence. Let's hope that people actually care that this kind of violence is very possible. The ghost of Timothy McVeigh should teach the same lesson.

All the elements were there and, for the most part, well done. Subplots that seemed unnecessary can be forgiven and Ted's new agoraphobic boyfriend might have been funny given the situation were it not for the distractingly bad hair and those of the ensemble whose line delivery was off beat can be forgiven because of the timeliness of the bigger picture and the emotional output that eventually draws the viewer further into what's happening.

Once again QAF respects its viewers. The next three episodes, and the finale on August 7, deserve some respect in return.

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