Summary:
The first groundbreaking series of QUEER AS FOLK introduced the main characters: Michael (Hal Sparks), an insecure 29-year-old; Brian (Gale Harold), an ad executive who isn't into relationships; and Justin (Randy Harrison), a wide-eyed and innocent 17-year-old. Just as hilarious, dramatic, and touching as the first series, this fifth instalment offers an even deeper look into the thrills and pitfalls of being young and gay.

Description / Review:
Gay has rarely been so glamorous as in the American version of Queer as Folk. But the show's success rests on more than hard bodies and glossy, picture-perfect sex (though there's an abundance of that); this series gave its characters a multidimensional richness that rivals more high-profile programs like Six Feet Under or The Sopranos, while tackling an impressive breadth of social and political issues without ever (well, almost never) feeling preachy. The fifth and final season lays out its themes with authority: Alpha-gay Brian (Gale Howard) buys and revamps the Babylon, declaring promiscuity and independence as a gay birthright, while Brian's oldest friend Michael (Hal Sparks) embraces domesticity with his partner Ben (Robert Gant). The flamboyant Emmett (Peter Paige) finds success as a TV personality, only to find his persona may trap him in a stereotype, and Ted (Scott Lowell) grapples with body prejudices within the gay community. Meanwhile, the crumbling relationship of Mel (Michelle Clunie) and Lindsay (Thea Gill) takes a more troubling turn when Michael demands more rights as the father of their daughter.

Most TV series would take a topic like this last legal wrangle and stretch it over an entire season, but Queer as Folk is more ambitious. The writers recognise that the resolution of one problem is rarely the end of the story, that muddy consequences can be as dramatically compelling as head-to-head conflict. This aggressive and effective plotting, combined with the show's willingness to explore the complexities of every issue--be it assimilation or the coming out of a celebrity--results in an increasing emotional power as the series steamrolls towards its final episode. Some subplots can be silly (Brian has a ridiculous stud-off with a new hot guy in town), the dialogue can sometimes veer from wit to camp clichés, and the omnipresence of sculpted, muscular physiques is absurd and even a little alienating for some viewers, but Queer as Folk's strengths--the compassion and intelligence of the writers, the commitment and nuance of the acting--make this show a true television landmark and a pleasure to watch. Rosie O'Donnell and Cyndi Lauper make guest appearances, and Sharon Gless (Cagney & Lacey) continues her much-loved performance as Michael's mother, Debbie. --Bret Fetzer

UK release
USA Release (5th/ Final season)
USA Release (5th / Final season)

Additional Information

Categories: Gay Cinema

Running Time: 673 mins, Year: UK release date 2008

Price: Around £26 on Amazon.co.uk*

Starring: Michelle Clunie, Thea Gill, Gale Harold, Randy Harrison, Scott Lowell, Peter Paige, Hal Sparks, Sharon Gless, Robert Gant, Jack Wetherall & Makyla Smith

Directors: Alex Chapple, Jeremy Podeswa, Laurie Lynd, Bruce McDonald, Kari Skogland, Kelly Makin, Kevin Inch, Chris Grismer, David Wellington

Studio: Warner Home Video

Shop Online at: Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com (USA) and TLA Video (USA)

Country: USA, Language: English

Additional info: Region 2 UK/Euro, Region 1 USA/Canada

Summary:
Queer As Folk is unquestionably the gay cultural phenomena of the new millennium. The master behind the scenes is Russell Davies, the writer who created the characters who have captivated the queer world for two years. Showtime, with incredible wisdom, produced a Queer as Folk soap opera that could conceivably run forever, with characters we can all identify with. The American Queer as Folk is set in a mythical Pittsburgh - it's not West Hollywood or the West Village - it's a blue collar city where gay people co-exist with straight - just like where most of us live.

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Buy from TLA Video (USA)

Summary:
The gay cultural event of the millennium keeps on marching along. While the writing on this second season doesn't seem as strong, the character development has been tremendous and there is tons more sex, nudity and trashy soapy fun! All of the actors seem quite comforfortable in their roles and one more has even come out - Michael's new boyfriend, Ben (played by Advocate cover-man Robert Gant).

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Buy fron TLA Video (USA)

Summary:
Based on the groundbreaking British series, Queer As Folk is a brave, funny and sometimes graphic portrayal of a world not usually seen on television and provides an intimate look at a group of gay men and women unapologetically celebrating life.

Buy from Amazon (UK)
Buy from TLA Video (USA)

Summary:
The first groundbreaking series of QUEER AS FOLK introduced the main characters: Michael (Hal Sparks), an insecure 29-year-old; Brian (Gale Harold), an ad executive who isn't into relationships; and Justin (Randy Harrison), a wide-eyed and innocent 17-year-old. Just as hilarious, dramatic, and touching as the first series, this fourth instalment offers an even deeper look into the thrills and pitfalls of being young and gay.

Buy from Amazon (UK)
Buy from TLA Video (USA)

Summary:
The first groundbreaking series of QUEER AS FOLK introduced the main characters: Michael (Hal Sparks), an insecure 29-year-old; Brian (Gale Harold), an ad executive who isn't into relationships; and Justin (Randy Harrison), a wide-eyed and innocent 17-year-old. Just as hilarious, dramatic, and touching as the first series, this fifth instalment offers an even deeper look into the thrills and pitfalls of being young and gay.

Buy from Amazon (UK)
Buy from TLA Video (USA)

Peccadillo