Trying to keep the plot fresh and the series going, writer-director Lee Galea introduces a key new character (Ethan—played to the literal and figurative rim by camera-friendly Joel Nankervis) and reunites (in more ways than one), series anchor Adam (lovely locked Will Hutchins) along with on-again, off-again, on-again uncertain what he really wants, Gabe (Jake Hype dutifully moving in and out of the bedsheets as the narrative decides).
As Adam’s apparently long-lost step-brother, Ethan sets the action in motion by admitting he’s “bi” during the belated reunion (without any evidence of an attraction to the fairer sex throughout the seven episodes) and being a terrific writer (just ask him), soon lands a trial at Single, Out magazine, then promptly falling head over word processor for his editor, Oliver (furry-chested, emotionally uncertain as needed, Oliver Thomson).
Lurking in the subplot background is a Melbourne film crew trying to get to a wrap, allowing for the funniest scene of the lot when the balding director (Jasper Jordan Magri) teaches his unsure “star” how to truly act scared—that bit alone is worth the price of admission.
On the actual feminine side, there’s the coming marriage of Oliver’s confidante Ange (Shamita Shiva exudes important wisdom at the drop of the “what do I do now?” hat) and the charming Kat, leading to a further confession of vows far above and beyond the nuptials.
The writing masterfully follows the required build up to a “let’s stick around” cliffhanger for every episode, if only occasionally being too “on the nose” (the result of the stolen laptop sequence can be seen several miles away), but who are we kidding: this production is more about queer fun, hook ups, declarations of ‘forever yours” along with extended family values, than page-turning drama.
And it must be said that the music (original score from Jacob Waxman, Bianca Hendy and Salvador Jacobo) replete with such lyrics as You make me feel go good and This crazy feeling, You are the reason, are at one with the actions they complement.
It’s well worth a viewing—gay, straight, or curious—with just enough skin revealed to keep everyone awake and even a Stephen King clown thrown into the mix to cause one and all to cuddle up, whether or not being capable of saying the love word. JWR