Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Unless you've been living under a rock, you must have at least heard about a homosexual-glorified show called QUEER AS FOLK. If you didn't, my point exactly. You've been living under a rock when you shouldn't have been, during the time when a revolutionary show was being broadcast all across the nation. Needless to say, QAF did have its ups and downs. While highly successful, it still had its fair share of criticism, both from critics and fans alike.

"The thing is... it's all about sex."

Those are the first spoken lines of Episode 1 / Season 1 of QAF, and trust me, it can get a bit misleading (taking place in Pittsburgh but mostly filmed in Canada). Friends of mine made assumptions of the show already, that the show was only going to be about guys pulling their own penises and girls eating each other out. Hell, I thought so myself the first time I heard those lines! But hidden beneath all of that promiscuity is a deep, passioned storyline that can catch anyone, gay/straight/bisexual/homophobic, off guard.

MAIN CAST
Brian Kinney (Gale Harold) - Brian Kinney is a somewhat (well alot) unemotional, unkind, and heartless man who has a high urge for sex, all day, all night, all of the time. He is best friends with Michael Novotny , which is one of the two people he treats nicely (the other is Lindsay Peterson), and works for a million dollar-worth company called Vanguard. Throughout the season, he doesn't have a huge transformation but treats a boy named Justin nicely and shows a little of affection towards him, which is not likely or usual for Brian He also has a choice of pulling the plug or letting Ted live when Ted gets in a coma.

Michael Novotny (Hal Sparks) - Michael's a plain nerd. Although he is best friends with Brian Kinney, who's the coolest and biggest hoe in Pittsburgh, he loves comics and has a somewhat childish personality, always complaining about Brian's lavish lifestyle, which obviously shows his crush for his own best friend. His crazy mother (Debbie), which he's ashamed of, is a very productive and accepting woman who fights for gay rights, when Michael knows it is he who should be. He isn't out at the Big Q, where he works, and doesn't come out until the second season. Throughout the season, Michael hardly changes but grows a sense of responsibility and manhood when he dates a chiropractor named David and his jealousy of Brian not loving him like he wants him to gets overheated when Justin comes into the picture.

Justin Taylor (Randy Harrison) - A teenage boy who hasn't even graduated (only 17) and walks into Liberty Avenue, where Brian finds him and sooner or later, takes him home and takes his virginity. Yes, a 17 year old lost it to a 29 year old. As any teenager would think, Justin thinks Brian loves him because he took his virginity so passionately but Brian thinks otherwise; Justin was just a fu*k to him so therefore, Justin goes looking for Brian to convince him that he loves him and etc etc, he meets the characters along the way and yet again, etc. His mother is very worry some of Justin's behavior and his father is a homophobic, resulting in Justin getting kicked out of his own house (first running away). Throughout the season, Justin still doesn't get Brian's sexapades and begins to rely more on him than anyone else.

Emmett Honeycutt (Peter Paige) - Emmett is the most flamboyant in the entire group and is the most confident in his sexuality, next to Brian. He works at a clothing store named Torson and is closest to the ugliest and less confident of the group, Ted. Throughout the series, Emmett doesn't have anything special to demonstrate on a storyline basis but he gets addicted to porn, gets tested for AIDS, and also tries to go straight in a few episodes.

Theodore Schmidt (Scott Lowell) - He's unattractive, unconfident, insecure, and is best friends with Emmett. Also known as Ted or Teddy, Ted works as an accountant in the first season, episode to episode getting shut down by every man he comes across and he doesn't even take it hard, as by the first episode, he's already used to it; plus he's older than all of the other main cast (excluding the parents and uncles). Throughout the series, earlier than usual in other tv shows, Ted's drama starts early, as he meets a guy who actually likes him, named Blake, but ends up in a coma. Trying not to spoil anything, Brian must either pull the plug or not. This Blake guy continues his appearence in later episodes, leading Ted to actually have an interesting storyline of the romance between them.

Lindsay Peterson & Melanie Marcus (Thea Gill & Michelle Clunie) - These two women are two lesbians who are also in a committed relationship, never cheating on eachother but going on a threesome in later episodes (I believe season 2). Lindsay Peterson is Brian's close friend since College, where they both had a connection on their different sexualities and Melanie's tough exterior hates this, as she thinks Brian takes advantage of everyone and everything and believes he has no heart, not even for Lindsay. The both of them argue over it on all of the 5 seasons but Lindsay never budges. Lindsay worked as an Art Teacher but when she has a baby on the first episode, she 'retires' for a bit until the third season. Melanie is a lawyer and is the 'husband' in the relationship, working a lot and bringing home the bacon. She is also Jewish and both her and Lindsay's parents disapprove of both of their relationships (but Lindsay's family is only shown). Throughout the series, both of them have a matter of problems. Lindsay has trouble with Brian's way of parenting, since he's the one who donated the sperm, but always ends up winning and Melanie cheats on Lindsay, which is really the only dramatic part in their story lines.

Debbie Novotny (Sharon Gless) - Debbie is Michael's mother, Micheal's proud and crystal clear outspoken mother. She never has trouble speaking her mind and if anyone dares to oppose the gay agenda, or gay rights for that matter, she'll have no problem trying to win their approval or even trying to beat them at their own game (if they protest, she'll protest even better). She's an active PFLAG member, leading her to treat all of the gays like her own family, especially when she meets Justin, whom she treats the most nicely. Debbie also has a notch for seeing past Brian's unemotions and heartless exterior. Throughout the series, you'll mostly see her working at the Liberty Diner (the gay street is called Liberty Avenue) and taking care of her ill brother, Vic, who is cursed with HIV. She also likes to crack jokes, sarcastic jokes, and gives a word of advice in almost every episode.

SECONDARY CAST
Vic Grassi (Jack Wetherall) - Vic is Michael's uncle and Debbie's sister, often acting as the life of the group when both are depressed in any situation. He has AIDS and therefore, lives with his sister Debbie so he can have help taking care of himself, just in case something would happen. Throughout the series, Vic gives Justin his ID Card for Babylon, a popular gay club every one of the characters go to at least once and gets arrested for something he did not do.

Jennifer Taylor (Sherry Miller) - Ms. Taylor is Justin's always concerned mother who works as a real state agent. Throughout the series, she embraces the fact her son is gay little by little (with Debbie's help of course), ends up becoming a member of PFLAG, has a negative vibe towards Brian and divorces her husband.

Dr. David Cameron (Chris Potter) - A chiropractor who meets Michael in a doctor's office when Michael falls off a ladder and hurts his neck or back. He's a patient and understanding man who is also a favorite among Debbie's choice of gay boyfriends. He was previously married but was later divorced and has a son named Hank (played by Degrassi star Ryan Cooley). Throughout the series, he and Michael argue almost every other episode about problematic issues, mainly about Brian, whom he gets a bit of jealousy from and also forbids Michael from seeing. They also argue at the fact that David pays for everything and has a lavish lifestyle rivaling that of Brian, leaving Michael feeling useless and confused about his place in the relationship. At the end of Season 1, David ends up leaving to Portland, Oregon to be with his son and invites Michael to come with him, leading to Michael to choose between the family he loves and the lover he loves.

Daphne Chanders (Makyla Smith) - Daphne is Justin's best friend. She is understanding, helpful in a handful of situations having to do with Justin, and has a tiny crush on Brian, who she calls sexy. Throughout the series, she makes a few appearances, some involving losing her virginity to Justin, falling in love with him, and is also the first person to know he is gay (excluding Brian and Michael).

Blake Wyzecki (Dean Armstrong) - Blake is a crystal meth addict who doesn't realize how much of a tweak he is until something happens to Ted. He is a nice guy and easy on the eyes but the party life gets the best of him and as a result, has no control over himself. Throughout the series, he and Ted have a weird and out of place on and off mental relationship and he only makes a few appearances after Ted's near death experience
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THIRD PARTY CAST
Cynthia (Stephanie Moore) - Brian's assistant at Vanguard. She's a quick answerer, charming, and has a firm enough attitude to deal with Brian. Throughout the series, she only makes very few appearances, often saying a line or two before walking her own way across a Vanguard hall.

Tracey (Lindsey Connell) - Works with Michael at the Big Q, a Walmart type shopping company (except it goes from being in the mall to being its own building, which is a glitch caught in seasons 1-3). She is a well-mannered, kind lady who also is a bit naive. Throughout the series, she makes appearances only when Michael is involved. She crushes on him throughout the series until Brian confesses for him at a house party that he is gay. She is still seen in a few episodes through seasons 1-3.

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Now that the character listing of Season 1 is out of the way, the storyline of Season 1 is a strong one! (NO REAL SPOILERS)

Brian and Justin Story
First off, Brian's heartless exterior and Justin's naive manner, as he is only 17 at the time, is an interesting storyline. In the first three episodes, Brian takes Justin home and takes his virginity, forgets his name a few times, and even tells Justin to forget about him, since it was only a fu*k. Still, Justin is persistent to getting Brian to fall in love with him but instead of backfiring, Brian fu*ks Justin more than once, more than twice, which is a situation Brian is never in. Since I refuse to spoil anything, Brian and Justin's storyline is the strongest of them all, as their so called relationship evolves not into a loving relationship but an on and off love/hate relationship that always ends up being a hot scene between the two.
End Episode Evaluation: In a nutshell, Justin invites Brian to his Prom and surprisingly, Brian ends up going to please Justin, which is something Brian will never do for anyone. During the romantic dance and the walk to the parking lot, something terrible happens to Justin but it is Brian's performance that is rather Award-worthy. It isn't Oscar worthy but it showcases Brian's versatility as an actor and the "bloody-red tear drops" he cries out in the ending is heartbreaking and awe inspiring. 5/5

Michael and David Story
Michael's comedic, childish antics and personality clashing with Dr. David's lavish, sophisticated lifestyle is disturbingly funny, as it is something that usually happens in a relationship when one moves in but in QAF, they make it so overly dramatic and overly done that you can't help but laugh. Michael also doesn't know how to handle relationships clearly, so he leaves David sometimes for Brian, which is obviously something one should not do in a committed relationship. Most of all, Michael and David's relationship isn't even hot or intense like Brian's and Justin's (until the final episode), mainly for the fault of Michael's childish mind. The way they meet, as a result of Michael falling off a ladder, is a bit cheesy but comedic and David taking Michael to dates is almost burst-out-laughing moments.
End Episode Evaluation: In a nutshell, David has no choice but to leave to Portland, where his son is waiting and needing for him. He tries to convince Michael to leave with him and Michael accepts it almost immediately but as he tells everyone he is leaving, he begins to change his mind when everyone says their goodbyes and tell him how much they love him. Brian's award-worthy performance reflects on the answer to Michael's leave and in the end, Michael picks one person, in which he gives a sympathetic performance. 3.5/5

Lindsay and Melanie's Story
Lindsay and Melanie's stories are particularly boring but for some reason, since they are the only lesbians as main characters in the show, their boring conversations about being committed and raising a family and lame sex lives become so interesting that it's almost difficult not to love them as much as you love your favorite character. It's also a bit reassuring to see a healthy lifestyle in the show, as most of the men in the show are promiscuous and hoes, which is enjoyable to watch but when Lindsay comes on with the child in her hand and Melanie helping out to raise the baby and bring Brian out of their lives, it's relaxing.
End Episode Evaluation: Lindsay and Melanie don't have much to do with the final episode, except for the fact they come to Michael's "go away" party and Lindsay tries to convince Brian to go to Justin's prom. It isn't much of a treat but just for being there, the final episode begins relaxing, thanks to them. 4/5

Ted and Blake's Story
Ted might be unattractive and boring to listen to but the story between him and Blake is both short-lived and hot. When they meet, it's a hot hook up gone bad, just as Emmett predicted before Ted left with him and when they depart, it's both heartbreaking to see Ted heartbroken but relieving when Blake disappears from the rehab Ted admitted him to.
End Episode Evaluation: In a nutshell, Blake comes home to Ted so tweaked out, that Ted is forced to fu*k him when Blake begs for it. Ted gets so tired of Blake's crystal meth usage that he admits him to a rehab clinic, where he gives him an opera cd and his word that he will visit him frequently. When Blake disappears, Ted is let down yet angry and even though a bit comedic, it's still a scene where sympathy is hard to overcome. 3.5/5

Debbie and Vic's Story
Debbie is both seriously funny yet sarcastic and Vic is the same, although in this particularly season, Vic doesn't get angry or aggravated very much, if not at all. They're both very close siblings who argue frequently, which gives the show an even more comedic and light feeling. Debbie's story does intertwine with Vic's a bit, as she's the one who takes care of him because of his HIV, but Debbie is mostly on her own, with her PFLAG involvement and her disappointment in Michael for not getting more involved in gay rights as she is. She grows attached to Justin, giving him the nickname of "Sunshine" (ironically the nickname Brian gives his son) and they soon have a closer relationship than even her own son has with her. She also grows a friendship with Justin's Mother, Jennifer, while Vic is in the background either cracking jokes or trying to be the life of the party.
End Episode Evaluation: Debbie's and Vic's presence at Michael's "go away" party is noticeable, which make them the stand out characters in the series, mainly for the fact that they stand out plainly and questionably. They don't have much to do with the finale of the first season but their actions and lines in the beginning episodes give them the right to be quiet and useless in the finale. They've done all they can to give the episodes that 'umph.' 3.5/5

Emmett's Story
Emmett might just be the most annoying out of the group of characters. Though he is flamboyant and his storyline is borderline useless, his friendship with Michael and Ted actually influence each storyline ending. Emmett lives with Michael for most of Season 1 so Michael's actions in different situations are influenced by Emmett's way of advice. As for Emmett's connection with Ted, Emmett is actually the one is there for Ted most of the time and he even evicts Blake sometimes from Ted's heart so Ted wouldn't fall for the tweaked out man. Emmett might have had a useless storyline (endless sex scenes do become a bit repetitive) but in the end, without him, Ted would have died and Michael would have never survived the first date with Dr. David.
End Episode Evaluation: Emmett doesn't have any new things to bring to the table in the final episode but the way he's always there for his friends and the fact he threw a party for every situation possible, including Michael's "go away" party, is truly reassuring and gives off a happ-go-lucky feeling. 4/5

Jennifer's Story
As a concerned mother, Debbie could relate to her in so many ways that it's almost scary how their paths cross. Her performance as a concerned mother (compared to the mysterious woman she played on The-N's "The Best Years") is almost amazing, borderline award-worthy.
End Episode Evaluation: While the only real line she has in the end episode is convincing Justin to go to the prom, Jennifer's character has grown so much that by the end of the episode, thinking of all of the characters, her growth should be a definite stand out. 5/5

Daphne's Story
Daphne, as Justin's best friend, plays it cool and confident. Her crush on Justin is almost so sudden that it's shocking and the way she loses it to Justin is almost unimaginable, and even disgusting. Daphne's acting isn't anything near award-worthy but she's a novice and she acts well. This role was made for her and the way she portrays her loyalty to Justin is reassuring.
End Episode Evaluation: Daphne starts out in the final episode as meeting up with Justin in the hallway, speaking about not going to the prom but once Justin changes his mind, so does Daphne. At the prom, her final performance after seeing Brian and Justin dance is marvelous, as the smile on her face is both amazed and mesmerized. In the end, like I said before, Daphne makes a good friend; this role was made for her. 4/5

IN A NUTSHELL
Queer As Folk, Season 1, holds 6 disks with about three to four episodes in each disk and trust me, it's enough to hold your attention for over a couple of months. You'll keep coming back for more and the ending of the season finale is heartbreaking and so tenderly touched that it's impossible to resist. As for the bonus disk, the only thing worth seeing is the Hal Sparks-introduced bloopers, which are hilariously funny. Hell, if that don't satisfy, look at the cover! I hear the cover of all Queer As Folk seasons are orgasmic.

FINAL SCORE: 4/5 (The episodes deliver but the bonus disk pretty much drops the ball)  

Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age