This second season (seven episodes) chronicles Adam’s (the somewhat furry Will Hutchins readily carries the production from stem to stern) journey from “Ready to try” with current partner Gabe (Jake Hyde seems eager enough as their romance moves towards some rocky shoals, but, sadly the chemistry is never apparent—or, perhaps that’s on purpose…) to—finally, successful, if underpaid—queer magazine cover photographer.
Curiously, the multiple storylines (cowritten by Hyde and Lee Galea—who also directs) feels more like everyone’s life, rather than the lavender set. Issues: love going sour after a hidden kiss is discovered, Single Mom “bedding” current boyfriend in the kitchen (hilariously walked in upon by Adam), brother Clay (a fine take on one of the most developed characters by Steven Christou) switching from “no happy ending masseur” to anything goes “scenes à la kink spurred on by much better cash and “let me spank you if you get the arithmetic wrong”, Vera (Julie Strini, truly savouring every moment of the woman who must be obeyed!). All peppered with an ounce of “Oh, but I’m not gay”, (Grant Young hardly fooling anyone as Dylan) and the inevitable bar scenes, the rowdiest leads to an unexpected/unwanted STI.
As Adam reels from instant love, to rejection, a literal nightmare and double dose of “let’s just be friends”, there’s an aura of, “Well then, let’s keep him single so we’ll have a shot at Season Three.” The skin parade is also discreetly kept to the, er, bare minimum (and you feel the censors watching every frame), which definitely sets this production apart from others such as The Weekend (cross-reference below).
Still, the pace of each episode, dutifully building up to the de rigueur cliff hanger, ably assisted by Jacob Waxman’s ever-vibrant original score and a covey of songs that sing volumes to the action.
Look no further than the final birthday party dance sequence where gay and straight personas merge into one series-defining thing: the human experience. JWR