Queer as Folk - Series 2 (British TV )Same Men New Tricks

I couldn't wait to see the follow-up. I have to admit that I came away very disappointed. There were numerous individual scenes that were powerful and/or funny, but they were not bound by a cohesive plot nor by consistent characterization.

If I were to sum it up in one quick explanation, I would say it suffers from the "Broadway Damage" syndrome. ("Broadway Damage" is a gay romantic comedy which is a flawed movie that I still enjoy. The biggest problem is that the movie has the ending that the audience wants it to have, but does not make sense in the context of the characters as they are presented. "Free Enterprise" suffers from a similar problem.) In this case, the movie has the ending that I think the author thought the audience would want, but to be honest, I thought it was wrong on many levels. (Or, perhaps it's the ending the author wanted it to have, but didn't know how to get there in a believable way.)

I should also note that the blurb on the back of the DVD packaging paints a much different picture of the contents than is what is actually contained in the 90 minute movie. The description makes the movie sound like a suspenseful thriller, which it is not. The blackmail plot, while one of the more interesting elements, is merely a subplot that totals maybe eight minutes of screen time. And the whole "Stuart crossing the law for revenge" element is not anything like it sounds, and does NOT tie into the blackmail plot directly. (Such as it is, it's also not one of the more believable elements, either.)

I find it curious that writer Russell T. Davies, who created such rich, interesting, and believable characters for the first series could undermine them so thoroughly in the follow-up. Not only does Stuart spin completely out of control to the point of being unbelievable even in the context of Stuart (his whole "revenge" plot doesn't make much sense in terms of his character. His motivation is murky at best, and I didn't buy it at all). Hazel and Bernie stoop to illegal activities in order to help Vince in what I believe was intended to be a humorous side story, but only succeeded in undermining their characters. Nathan shows brief glimpses of a working brain, but remains more dedicated to his reproductive organs (which is in keeping with his character, so I can't object to this). And Vince--well, he doesn't seem to learn anything. Every time it would appear that he has finally grown up and realized that his obsession with Stuart is unhealthy and counterproductive, he immediately caves in and goes back to being whipping boy/lap dog. It all leads to a conclusion that I didn't like nor believe.

The cast remains charismatic, in spite of the material with which they are given to work. The direction is solid. The sheer filmmaking of the final scene in Manchester was visually interesting (although I kept wanting to hear the sound of Doctor Who's TARDIS in order to tie the images together with Vince's character, but alas, such was not to be. At least that would have tied elements together, although how many people outside of the UK would have understood that reference is questionable). The editing was solid. Locations well chosen (although I'm not convinced they used the same set for Stuart's apartment. It didn't look the same to me. I did miss seeing Vince's home. He was defined only by his job in this installment). All in all, a well produced movie, but at its core is a script that doesn't quite work. Too bad, really.

Stick to the original. A great investment of time and money. Rent the follow up first to be sure you want to purchase it.


It doesn't get better than this, full stop   August 30, 2001
30 out of 37 found this review helpful

This is the best and most faithful depiction of gay characters you will ever see on television, full stop (to use the Brit's slang from the film).
Writer Russell T Davies knows the gay life and how to express it in a very unpolitical way. Russell got it right in his writing. The actors, directors, editors, sound, etc. hit the mark to make a glossy, polished TV show.
Forget the stretch it to the limit, superficial, they-missed-the-entire-point American Showtime version; this is the real deal. Don't get me wrong, the Showtime version is good, (I love Debbie (Sharon Gless)) but it has much more violence, with more sex and moves at a dull pace when you put it up against the British version.
Gay or straight, if you're not infuriated, saddened, moved or provoked by this show, you'd better check and see if you have assumed room temperature.
I found added insight to the series when I read the scripts
(amazon.uk) and viewed the documentary "The Boys of Manchester" on VHS tape.
Series 2, the finial episode is somewhat darker then the first series and the ending, WOW what an ending. You got to see it for yourself. Best money I ever spent. I'll be watching these DVD disks for years. (This text refers to the widescreen version series 1 & 2 from the UK.)


Worth watching for QAF fans   June 14, 2002
Jen Chiasson (Boston, MA)
13 out of 16 found this review helpful

I thought this was an excellent follow up to the first series. Sure, it was a little outlandish at the end (the Thelma and Louise feel to it was amusing), but the characters are so endearing, complicated, sympathetic, and appealing that I still enjoyed every minute of it. I was disappointed and incredulous that there was only one disk in the box, as I expected to get another four episodes out of "Series 2" -- sadly, it was just one movie. But it did wrap up a lot of the strands from the first series, and I felt satisfied by the weird ending. For fans of the first series, I think it is well worth watching. (If you weren't a fan already, there's no point.)

I prefer this series to the American version any day of the week -- but then, I am generally a fan of British film and TV, and I generally hate American TV. So there's my bias. Also, I watched the British version first, so I was already digging the Brits before I started watching the American series. Brian and Michael were doomed from the start for me -- they just can't measure up to Stuart and Vince, in my book.


disappointing   October 9, 2001
8 out of 14 found this review helpful

I have never seen the American version, but I loved the original British "Queer as Folk". It was funny and real. I didn't just believe in these characters, I felt like I knew them. Series 2 is more than a disappointment, it is almost a betrayal. It is not just that the action seems contrived, but so do the characters. I couldn't believe a minute of it. If you were a fan of series 1 you will probably have to see series 2, maybe with lowered expectations you will enjoy it more than I did.


I held my breath...   April 10, 2002
D. L. Paulson (Chicago, IL USA)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful

I found myself holding my breath at times during this final part of the series. The story line is bold, quite disturbing at times, even alarming. It's not happily ever after. But I LOVED IT. I couldn't believe how exciting it was. It's not what you expect. If you want a gushy love story, go back and read Gordon Merrick. This, however, may shake you up a bit.