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2003 - Feb

‘Queer as Folk’ ready for romance in new season
By Lynn Elber AP Television Writer
28 February 2003
Gwinnett Daily Post Online Edition

LOS ANGELES — ‘‘Queer as Folk’’ is wearing its heart on its sleeve this season.

The Showtime drama made a splashy debut in 2000 with its frank, freewheeling depiction of sex and social escapades among a circle of gay and lesbian friends in Pittsburgh.

But the stories are as much driven by relationships as they are by bare skin — even more so in the third season beginning Sunday at 10 p.m.

‘‘I think in certain ways it’s the year of the couple,’’ said Ron Cowen, who developed the series (based on the British program of the same name) with partner Daniel Lipman.

While the sexy, promiscuous Brian (Gale Harold) has yet to change his ways, he’s being squeezed on all sides by pairings that began or were hinted at last season.

Brian’s ex-flame Justin (Randy Harrison) has fallen for a music student (Fabrizio Filippo) whose unbridled romanticism is in sharp contrast to Brian’s cynicism.

Comic book store owner Michael (Hal Sparks) is still an item with hunky professor Ben (Robert Gant), while happily committed Melanie and Lindsay (Michelle Clunie and Thea Gill) are contemplating having a second child.
Even buddies Emmett (Peter Paige) and Ted (Scott Lowell) are taking the leap into love — a friends-to-lovers shift that’s worked more than once on ‘‘Friends.’’

There’s a daring twist involving Michael’s single mom, Debbie (Sharon Gless) and her police detective friend, Carl (Peter MacNeill).

‘‘Yes! Heterosexual sex on ‘Queer as Folk!’’’ exclaims Gless, who is as enthusiastic about her role — she plays the brash, proud mother of a gay son — as she is about the show.

‘‘I think it’s probably the most fun I’ve had with a character. They’ve made such a mouth on me for this,’’ said the former ‘‘Cagney & Lacey’’ star. ‘‘I’ve been doing television for 30 years and never had the freedom I’ve had doing this show.’’

She doesn’t expect a middle-aged straight couple to become the drama’s focus, and neither should viewers. Other lovers, especially Justin and his new squeeze, are center stage in the early episodes.

‘‘To Justin, Ethan represents a certain romantic love that he did not experience with Brian, who’s more pragmatic,’’ said Cowen. ‘‘I think what Justin may discover through his relationship is how valid is a romantic relationship, does it work, does it last.’’

The ‘‘neg-pos’’ problems confronted by Ben, who is HIV-positive, and Michael, who is not, also will be an important story line, Lipman said.

‘‘It’s a gay relationship that hasn’t been seen on TV at all, I feel,’’ he said.
As for Brian, his love affair with one-night stands continues. But there’s more screen time for another passion, his ad agency work. One new client is a local politician who represents a threat to gay liberties while raising questions about how those liberties are exercised, the producers said.

For the actor who plays him, the arrogant Brian’s professional success make his longtime friendships — and sexual conquests — more believable.

In real life, Harold said, ‘‘if you were his friend, you wouldn’t want to keep hanging around him.’’ But the same power Brian exerts at work allows him to control people in his personal life, he said.

One viewer, who’s a comedian and writer of a gay-TV update that runs online and in some newspapers, previewed several episodes and said he’s pleased with the series’ direction.

‘‘I really love romantic story lines,’’ said Gay Boy Ric, who goes by his stage name. ‘‘I would watch the show anyway but it’s the Justin and Ethan story line that makes me feel like I can’t miss it.”

Actors seen shying away from "Queer as Folk"
U-Daily News
Thursday, February 27, 2003

Two seasons in, "Queer" is still a hard sell to thespians.

After back-to-back seasons as Showtime's most popular original series, "Queer as Folk" remains a detour for many career- conscious actors, co-executive producer Ron Cowen says.

"There's still a great reticence among actors to come up for the parts," he said. "The fear of being identified with a gay show is as strong as it ever was."

"QAF," about a group of gay friends in Pittsburgh, launches its third season at 10 p.m. Sunday. Fourteen hour-long episodes are ordered.

Two new (male) characters will join Brian (Gale Harold), Michael (Hal Sparks), Justin (Randy Harrison), Emmett (Peter Paige), Debbie (Sharon Gless), and the gang this season.

One of the newbies is homosexual, the other hetero. Guess which one was tougher to cast?

Auditions were held in Toronto (where the series is shot), Vancouver, Montreal, New York, and L.A.

"We cast a wide net," said co-e.p. Daniel Lipman, Cowen's life partner.

"Each actor weighs in with his or her team about what the role means to their career," Lipman added. "The first question that every actor on the cast is asked is, "Are you gay?' The second is, "Who else is gay?' "

In reality, only a few regulars are gay, most notably Harrison, Paige and Robert Gant, who plays Michael's HIV-positive lover, Ben. (FYI: Gant's given surname is Gonzalez.)

Homophobia is nothing new to Cowen and Lipman, whose credits include the landmark 1985 AIDS movie, "An Early Frost," and NBC's long-running "Sisters." Still, they're always surprised when it hits.

"It's discouraging and depressing," Cowen said. "It's like coming up against anti-Semitism. You think you've moved beyond that, especially in a liberal business. Then you find out you're wrong."

Since its debut, "QAF" has not changed a whit, according to Lipman, but viewers' perceptions have. The audience has gone beyond the graphic sex and language to become hooked on characters and plotlines.

"Viewers are surrendering to the show," Cowen said. "They're more accepting of its style, voice and content. They're giving up preconceived notions of what a gay show should be and accepting the show for what it is."

What it is, works for Showtime. The premium cable network is committed to four seasons, with an option for five. The actors are locked in for five years, and the complete second season debuts on DVD Tuesday.

Gale Harold on Queer as Folk
by Liz Smith
gay.com
February 27, 2003

A GAGGLE OF TYPES descended on the Tribeca Grand to join fashion's W and Perry Ellis for the third season premiere screening of Showtime's gay soap "Queer as Folk."

Gale Harold, who plays the not-always-likeable Brian, says this offbeat hit is "a work in progress that will never entirely satisfy those who look to it as a reflection of their lives. It can never tell every story completely, nor can it be as complex as its critics hope for."

Considering the graphic nature of some of "Queer as Folk," Gale was asked about his show's big following among straight females. He shrugged: "Why is that a surprise? A big thing with heterosexual men is watching women together. So maybe our show has discovered some new aspect to female sexuality. Can that be bad?"

Gale, who was so effective in last year's Off-Broadway offering "Uncle Bob," hopes to do more work in the theater during his TV hiatus. He also has two movies in the can, so playing "gay" doesn't seem to be hurting this good actor.

They're Back!
By Meg Allen
gaywired.com
February 27, 2003

"Queer as Folk" returns for its third season this week. The boys and girls of Liberty Avenue take up residence once more on Showtime, Sunday at 10 p.m.
QAF has been something of a phenomenon proving not only popular with its core gay audience but with young women as well.

This season we can expect the same freewheeling depiction of sex and social escapades among the circle of gay and lesbian friends in Pittsburgh. But, this year as the franchise matures it begins to focus more on relationships. After all boys are getting a bit old to be spending every waking hour looking for casual sex.

"I think in certain ways it's the year of the couple," said Ron Cowen, who developed the series (based on the British QAF) with partner Daniel Lipman.

Season two ended with Justin (Randy Harrison) falling for a music student (Fabrizio Filippo), Ted (Scott Lowell) realizing his feelings for Emmett (Peter Paige) were stronger than mere friendship, and Michael (Hal Sparks) wondering where his relationship with Ben (Robert Gant) is headed.

So, if you're tired of the reruns of reruns of reruns of season two, and just can't wait to find out what happens this season, we pressed Cowen and Lipman for the skinny.

Sexy, promiscuous Brian (Gale Harold) has yet to change his ways and he's being squeezed on all sides to get himself together and get Justin back.

But while Brian's personal life is in turmoil his ad agency career keeps catapulting along. One new client is a local politician who represents a threat to gay liberties while raising questions about how those liberties are exercised, Cowan tells us.

Justin has moved in with his violin player student whose unbridled romanticism is in sharp contrast to Brian's cynicism.

"To Justin, Ethan represents a certain romantic love that he did not experience with Brian, who's more pragmatic," says Cowen. "I think what Justin may discover through his relationship is how valid is a romantic relationship, does it work, does it last."

Comic book store owner Michael is still an item with hunky professor Ben. The "neg-pos" problems confronted by Ben, who is HIV-positive, and Michael, who is not, also will be an important story line, says Lipman.

"It's a gay relationship that hasn't been seen on TV at all, I feel."

Emmett and Ted take the leap into love. Melanie and Lindsay (Michelle Clunie and Thea Gill) are still together and contemplating having a second child.

And, we can expect some straight sex this year. PFLAG poster mom Debbie (Sharon Gless) and her police detective friend Carl (Peter MacNeill) finally get it on.

"Yes! Heterosexual sex on 'Queer as Folk!'" exclaims Gless, who who has slimmed down and looks marvelous.

"I think it's probably the most fun I've had with a character. They've made such a mouth on me for this," said the former "Cagney & Lacey" star. "I've been doing television for 30 years and never had the freedom I've had doing this show."

But, if there is a problem with season three it is the number of episodes: Only 14, compared to 22 in the first year and 20 the second. (Showtime has committed to another 14 episodes next year.)

Lipman and Cowen say they are comfortable making fewer episodes. The two, who are partners in life as well as business partners are executive producers of the series along with Tony Jonas.

"For everyone, cast, crew and us, emotionally and psychologically it has been a little easier. Fourteen hours still is a lot to do and you can get a lot accomplished," Lipman said.

Cowen concurred. "I think we can create a shape to the season that with a longer order is order to do. The story arc plays out nicely in 14 episodes."

'Queer As Folk' Ready for Third Season
Wed Feb 26, 2003, 12:42 PM ET
Washington Post
By LYNN ELBER, AP Television Writer

LOS ANGELES - "Queer as Folk" is wearing its heart on its sleeve this season.

The Showtime drama made a splashy debut in 2000 with its frank, freewheeling depiction of sex and social escapades among a circle of gay and lesbian friends in Pittsburgh.

But the stories are as much driven by relationships as they are by bare skin — even more so in the third season beginning Sunday at 10 p.m. EST.

"I think in certain ways it's the year of the couple," said Ron Cowen, who developed the series (based on the British program of the same name) with partner Daniel Lipman.

While the sexy, promiscuous Brian (Gale Harold (news)) has yet to change his ways, he's being squeezed on all sides by pairings that began or were hinted at last season.

Brian's ex-flame Justin (Randy Harrison (news)) has fallen for a music student (Fabrizio Filippo (news)) whose unbridled romanticism is in sharp contrast to Brian's cynicism.

Comic book store owner Michael (Hal Sparks (news)) is still an item with hunky professor Ben (Robert Gant), while happily committed Melanie and Lindsay (Michelle Clunie and Thea Gill) are contemplating having a second child.

Even buddies Emmett (Peter Paige) and Ted (Scott Lowell) are taking the leap into love — a friends-to-lovers shift that's worked more than once on "Friends."

There's a daring twist involving Michael's single mom, Debbie (Sharon Gless (news)) and her police detective friend, Carl (Peter MacNeill).

"Yes! Heterosexual sex on 'Queer as Folk!'" exclaims Gless, who is as enthusiastic about her role — she plays the brash, proud mother of a gay son — as she is about the show.

She doesn't expect a middle-aged straight couple to become the drama's focus, and neither should viewers. Other lovers, especially Justin and his new squeeze, are center stage in the early episodes.

"To Justin, Ethan represents a certain romantic love that he did not experience with Brian, who's more pragmatic," said Cowen. "I think what Justin may discover through his relationship is how valid is a romantic relationship, does it work, does it last."

The "neg-pos" problems confronted by Ben, who is HIV (news - web sites)-positive, and Michael, who is not, also will be an important story line, Lipman said.

"It's a gay relationship that hasn't been seen on TV at all, I feel," he said.

As for Brian, his love affair with one-night stands continues. But there's more screen time for another passion, his ad agency work. One new client is a local politician who represents a threat to gay liberties while raising questions about how those liberties are exercised, the producers said.

For the actor who plays him, the arrogant Brian's professional success make his longtime friendships — and sexual conquests — more believable.

In real life, Harold said, "if you were his friend, you wouldn't want to keep hanging around him." But the same power Brian exerts at work allows him to control people in his personal life, he said.

One viewer, who's a comedian and writer of a gay-TV update that runs online and in some newspapers, previewed several episodes and said he's pleased with the series' direction.

"I really love romantic story lines," said Gay Boy Ric, who goes by his stage name. "I would watch the show anyway but it's the Justin and Ethan story line that makes me feel like I can't miss it."

He's willing to defend the drama's randier aspects, which have drawn fire from some gay observers but which he believes "show the reality of some gay lives" and allow people to honestly assess their behavior.

This season's action takes place on a compressed stage. There are 14 "Queer as Folk" episodes, compared to 22 in the first year and 20 the second. Showtime has committed to another 14 episodes next year.

Although the drama has proved a success for the channel, attracting both a straight and gay audience, Showtime is following the common cable practice of shorter runs.

The HBO drama "Six Feet Under," which also returns Sunday, has a 13-episode order, as did "The Sopranos (news - Y! TV)." Cable channels have more flexibility in marketing and production because they aren't locked into broadcasting's 22-episode seasons, a Showtime spokesman said.

Lipman and Cowen say they are comfortable making fewer episodes. The two, along with Tony Jonas, serve as executive producers for "Queer as Folk."

"For everyone, cast, crew and us, emotionally and psychologically it has been a little easier. Fourteen hours still is a lot to do and you can get a lot accomplished," Lipman said.

Cowen concurred. "I think we can create a shape to the season that with a longer order is order to do. The story arc plays out nicely in 14 episodes."

Gaywatch: a "Queer as Folk" Preview
by Christine Champagne
gay.com
February 26, 2003

Those of us who have been suffering from "Queer as Folk" withdrawal will be happy to hear that the show kicks off its third season on Sunday, March 2 at 10 p.m. ET on Showtime.

What's not so thrilling is that we're getting less "Queer as Folk" this time. Showtime has only ordered 14 episodes (as well as 14 more for next season), compared to 20 last season.

The reason? "I don't want to speak for Showtime, but a lot of it has to do with economics," says "Queer as Folk" executive producer Ron Cowen.

"They're giving all of their shows 14 episode orders," Cowen's fellow executive producer and life partner Daniel Lipman chimes in. Looking on the bright side, Lipman says, "It takes the air out of a season."

Despite the fact that we'll be treated to fewer episodes, Cowen and Lipman promise season three will be one to remember.

So what's in store for us? As we saw at the end of season two, Justin (Randy Harrison) chose Ethan (Fab Filippo) over Brian (Gale Harold). Season three picks up right where season two left off, Cowen says.

"Justin not only made his choice between Ethan and Brian, but he made his choice between the things they stand for, with Ethan representing -- as Brian would say -- the quasistraight life, in which you're completely and utterly monogamous and you send flowers and it's very romantic," Lipman says. "Brian is the anti-romantic type, which represents -- again in Brian's words -- the queer life."

"So Justin has made his choice," Lipman says, "and Brian is faced with life without Justin, and that might cause some complications."

And what might those "complications" be? Lipman hints that Michael (Hal Sparks) could be one of them. "Who knows what could happen now that Brian doesn't have Justin in his life," Lipman teases. "He always likes to keep Michael on the hook."

Meanwhile, can Ted (Scott Lowell) and Emmett (Peter Paige) make the transition from friends to lovers? "It's a fairly interesting and common thing," Lipman says of friends embarking on a romantic relationship. "Sometimes it ends up where people are together for years. Other times it ends up where people separate, and they become friends again, and it enriches their friendship. And other times it's a total train wreck. So we'll have to wait and see what happens with Ted and Em."

What about Michael and Ben (Robert Gant)? At the end of last season, Ben decided against going to Tibet, choosing to stay in Pittsburgh with Michael. Their relationship has certainly had its ups and downs. Last season, Ben, who is HIV-positive, had a serious health scare, and this season Ben and Michael will continue to contend with issues relating to Ben's health, according to Lipman.

Michael's mother Debbie (Sharon Gless) will see her relationship with Detective Horvath (Peter MacNeill) heat up this season. "You might see the most controversial thing we've ever shown on 'Queer as Folk,' which is a heterosexual romance," Cowen says.

How about lesbian romance? What's next for Lindsay (Thea Gill) and Melanie (Michelle Clunie)? "They have thoughts of perhaps expanding their family," Cowen says.

So might one of them give birth to another child?

"Perhaps."

Or might they adopt a child?

"Maybe."

Since we can't get a straight answer about that, can Cowen and Lipman tell us if Leda (Nancy Anne Sakovich) will roar back into Lindsay and Melanie's lives on her motorcycle? "She might drop in unexpectedly one day. But I think right now, they probably have had enough of Leda in their lives," Cowen says laughing. "A little Leda goes a long way."

By the way, if you want to catch up on season two of "Queer as Folk," Showtime Entertainment has just released it on DVD and VHS. Cowen and Lipman were involved in the project, helping to select the numerous extra features, which include interviews with the cast, a photo gallery, a funny blooper reel and a behind-the-scenes look at the "Queer as Folk" Babylon set.

Gless plays mother role off TV, too
The Miami Herald, herald.com
Posted on Wed, Feb. 26, 2003
BY NICHOLAS SPANGLER
nspangler@herald.com

When you're a television star, people recognize you. Even if you look very little like your character, who wears a teased-out scarlet wig and enough makeup to keep Revlon in business for many years to come. Even if, these days, most of the attention is on your costars.

So it was that a man holding a white cat and a giant photo collage of men in bathing suits accosted Sharon Gless in the lobby of the National Hotel in Miami Beach Tuesday. Gless, who plays waitress/mother/matchmaker Debbie Novotny on Showtime's Queer as Folk, was in town to promote the show's third season.

''Sharon! Sharon! You're making a difference!'' he shouted, hurrying toward her. A very large security guard interposed himself. ''Sir, you can't have that cat in here,'' he said. ``You're going to have to leave.''

The man was indignant. ''I know that woman,'' he told the guard who escorted him and his cat out the door.

Lots of people know Gless, who spent the 1980s playing Detective Chris Cagney in Cagney and Lacey.

''I don't look too much like Debbie, I hope, but people do recognize me,'' Gless, 59, said. ``They recognize the face, or the voice. There are things you can't camouflage.''

Debbie Novotny is one of a handful of women and an even smaller handful of heterosexuals on Queer as Folk, a drama that follows the lives of a group of gay men in Pittsburgh. She is the mother they turn to the morning after for lemon pie, comfort and advice.

Some fans do the same. ``Young men come up to me looking for hugs on the street. When you're on television you're in their homes every week. You become real for them. They think you're the person you play.''

Gless made her way to the hotel bar, where a couple of cast members were waiting, mobbed by photographers and fans. She acknowledged some misgivings. ``It's the boys that everybody wants to see -- they're young, handsome. I'd want to see them, too.''

The ''boys'' -- Hal Sparks and Robert Gant -- hugged her when they saw her and flashes went off all across the room.

The man with the cat lingered outside. ''I wish my own mom was more like her,'' he said.

Press Release Source: SHOWTIME
Showtime's Hottest Series, QUEER AS FOLK, Returns for a Third Season in March
Wednesday February 5, 3:33 pm ET
Stars Michelle Clunie, Robert Gant, Thea Gill, Gale Harold, Randy Harrison, Scott Lowell, Peter Paige, Hal Sparks and Sharon Gless

SHOWTIME's highest rated original series QUEER AS FOLK returns for its third season on Sunday, March 2 at 10:00 PM (ET/PT). Featuring 14 new episodes, the series, starring Michelle Clunie, Robert Gant, Thea Gill, Gale Harold, Randy Harrison, Scott Lowell, Peter Paige, Hal Sparks and Sharon Gless, will continue to air on Sundays at 10:00 PM (ET/PT).

Each hour-long episode focuses on the relationships, careers, loves and challenges of a group of gay men and women living in Pittsburgh. We continue to explore the lives of Brian (HAROLD), Michael (SPARKS), Justin (HARRISON), Emmett (PAIGE), Ted (LOWELL), Lindsay (GILL), Melanie (CLUNIE), Ben (GANT), and Michael's loud and proud mother Debbie (GLESS). The third season will continue to challenge the audience with compelling and provocative storylines. A series like no other, QUEER AS FOLK offers an unapologetic look into a world rarely seen on television.

QUEER AS FOLK is executive produced by Ron Cowen, Daniel Lipman and Tony Jonas. Cowen & Lipman developed the series for American television based on the British series created by Russell T Davies. Sheila Hockin serves as producer. The SHOWTIME series is from Cowlip Productions, Tony Jonas Productions and Temple Street Productions.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom Inc., owns the premium television networks SHOWTIME, THE MOVIE CHANNEL and FLIX, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME TOO, SHOWTIME SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME, SHOWTIME BEYOND, SHOWTIME NEXT, SHOWTIME WOMEN, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE and TMC Xtra. SNI operates and manages the premium television network SUNDANCE CHANNEL, which is owned by SNI, Robert Redford and Universal Studios. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SET (Showtime Event Television) Pay Per View. Additionally, the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME EXTREME is available in Spain through a joint venture with Media Park and the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME is available in Turkey through a joint venture with UK-based Zone Vision.

Rating: TVMA