Cheap Queer as Folk - The Complete Second Season (Showtime) (DVD) (Hal Sparks) Price

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Customer Reviews of Queer as Folk - The Complete Second Season (Showtime)

Worthwhile continuation of an essential TV drama
QUEER AS FOLK [Season Two] (2002): Following the violent assault which closed Season One, Brian (Gale Harold) takes Justin (Randy Harrison) into his home, where they develop a passionate - but open - relationship. Michael (Hal Sparks) falls in love with a hunky college professor (Robert Gant) who turns out to be HIV positive, leading to conflict with Michael's worried mom Debbie (Sharon Gless). Elsewhere, Melanie (Michelle Clunie) and Lindsay (Thea Gill) are troubled by a ghost from Mel's past, a vibrant free spirit named Leda (Nancy Anne Sakovich) who insinuates herself into their relationship in an unexpected way. Emmett (Peter Paige) falls in love with an elderly millionaire (Bruce Gray), and eternal wallflower Ted (Scott Lowell) finds success as an Internet porn baron! Then, sexy young violinist Ethan Gold (Fabrizio Filippo) enters the fray, turning Justin's head in a manner which has far-reaching consequences for all concerned...

Having exhausted plotlines from the original British TV series, the second season of Showtime's "Queer as Folk" strives to establish its own identity, and largely succeeds on its own terms. Despite the grim storyline surrounding Justin's recovery, the tone of the series is considerably lighter this time around, with an emphasis on character-based comedy and fruity one-liners, many of which appear to have strayed from a particularly filthy 'Carry On' movie! Comedy aside, however, the writers make room for a number of important social issues, including HIV and AIDS, barebacking, pornography, and the gay community's apparent indifference following the death of a young man who was killed by a stranger he picked up in a nightclub. The emphasis on drugs which characterized the opening season has been considerably downsized, and the simmering relationship between Michael and Brian no longer dominates proceedings, while Mel and Lindsay are brought out of the shadows to take their rightful place at the forefront of the QAF ensemble (the 'wedding' episode is a joy). Performances are uniformly excellent, though Gant's character (Ben) is basically consigned to the periphery. Former model Sakovich plays Leda with genuine relish (her brief scenes with Brian are a scream), and ultra-sexy Filippo turns up the heat as a gifted but lonely musician who throws Justin's world into disarray.

Overall, Season Two lacks the dramatic punch of its predecessor, and the lighter tone has led to accusations from some quarters that the show has descended into routine soap opera. Even if the criticisms were justified (and they're not), there's actually nothing wrong with 'soap opera', so long as it's done well, though Brian's stubborn refusal to acknowledge Justin's emotional needs results in a disappointing season finale, whose outcome is never in doubt. Inevitably, perhaps, it's the small moments which make the biggest impression: The profound, but unspoken, love between Brian and Lindsay whenever they're alone together; Justin listening to a CD recording of Ethan's music as he contemplates a life-changing betrayal; Michael breaking down in a hospital corridor as Ben falls prey to an opportunistic illness (Hal Sparks' distress in this scene is achingly realistic). Season two may not scale the same heights as its illustrious predecessor, but it's still as dramatic, funny and empowering as ever, an essential part of the American TV landscape at the beginning of the 21st century.

Showtime's region 1 DVD - which runs a total of 955m 10s - spreads all 20 episodes over five discs, with a sixth disc reserved for supplemental materials. The image is letterboxed at 1.78:1 (anamorphically enhanced), and picture quality is fine, though a little grainy in places. Dolby Surround is credited at the end of each episode, but the discs have been encoded in Dolby 5.1, which is only really noticeable during the nightclub sequences (love that HEAVY bass!). Closed captions are provided. The supplemental material is fun but superficial, with only minor contributions from the show's main cast. Brief snippets (less than a minute in most cases) have been included from what must have been longer interviews, though Gale Harold seems a little uncomfortable vocalizing his characters' motivations. By the way, viewers are advised that the previews of forthcoming episodes - listed as 'Next On' in the sub-menus of each instalment - contain some ill-advised spoilers (the preview for the season finale even gives away the ending!), so you may want to watch the previews AFTER you've seen the episodes in question...

All in all, a fair continuation of the lives, loves and adventures of these extraordinary characters, though slightly compromised by its lack of heavyweight dramatic fireworks. Brian remains the driving force behind the entire show, Mel and Lindsay are still the best lesbians in the world, Ben's sculpted chest is a wonder to behold, and Ethan is without doubt one of the sexiest guys to stroll down Liberty Avenue since QAF began! Don't miss it.

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Season Two of the Compelling Show
"Queer As Folk" season two, which was aired 2001-2002, wonderfully continues where season one ended. This brilliant show, aired on Showtime, offers a broad range of subjects that many can relate to, not just GLBT. It explores HIV/AIDS, the aftermath of gay bashing, gay marriage, and many others. "Queer As Folk" has raised many eyebrows since its first episode aired in 2000. The amazing daringly provocative themes keeps audience watching closely to every episode and excited for the next episode. This is one of only few shows that explores issues that many unfortunately consider taboo. Before the beginning, only two other sitcoms have explored GLBT issues to this level of magnitude: "Ellen" and "Will And Grace". Taking this risk earns the cast and crew tremendous respect.

Every episode was written uniquely wonderful, expressing powerdrama and humor in the perfect scenes. The series of events never lose their interesting theme. The realisms expressed give audiences the added shock value. Such great episodes offer a highly unforgettable entertainment experience. It explores Justin's brave recovery from his gay bashing incident from first season's season finale, Michael and Ted discovering their dream job, a relationship revolution between Mel and Lindsay, Emmitt finding fame, Brian slightly maturing, yet still being Brian, and much more. The chain of events lead to a compelling season finale that will surprise every viewer.

The settings remain as spectacular as always. The nightclub Babylon continues to amaze audiences with its elaborate background, sexuality, and lighting. All other settings, including Babylon, widely express GLBT pride, expecially the diner. The decorations and the use of color wonderfully blend with the characters' personalities and interests. The creativity wonderfully separates the crew from other shows.

"Queer As Folk" stars Gale Howard, Hal Sparks, Scott Lowell, Peter Paige, Randy Harrison, Michelle Clunie, Thea Gill, Sharon Gless, and Robert Gant. Gant is wondefully introduced in the mid-season. Every actor offers a unique sense of theme for the plot and within their character. The wide variety of personalities and habits keep every detail interesting. The acting has clearly improved compared to the first season, especially Sparks, Paige, and Gless.

The bonus edition contains some interesting articles about the show's background. It includes the cast touring to various radio stations and gay pride parades, the construction and the secrets of Babylon, interviews with the cast, a short episode of "Queer Duck" (also on Showtime), a sneak peak of season three, and more. They show how "Queer As Folk" has come together as well as it did. The actors' expressed influences make audiences watch the show in a better way.

"Queer As Folk" season two is sure to keep its audiences entertained for a long time. It remains one of the greatest GLBT pride shows on television. Those interesting in this edition must watch season one first. Otherwise, the events will be hard to fully understand.

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Sex, Drugs, Clubs, and...Sex
Is this really what gay life is all about? I think...once and a while Queer as Folk tends to focus a bit too much on the sexual side of gay life.
However...Season 2 is addictive! I plowed through all the DVDs included in this set in less than a week...I couldn't stop watching to see what would happen next!
The characters in Queer as Folk developed quickly - and do have a lot of substance...with the exception of Brian, who just wants to have non-stop fun, if you get my drift...(SEX SEX SEX)
I'm eager to get Season 3 to see what happens next.
This set is definately geared towards the gay community and girls who like gay boys! ; )