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28 of 30 found the following review helpful:
 Worthwhile continuation of an essential TV drama Apr 16, 2003
By Libretio
QUEER AS FOLK: Season Two
(USA - 2002)
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
TV soundtrack: Stereo
Following the violent assault which closed Season One, Brian (Gale Harold) takes Justin (Randy Harrison) into his home, where they develop a passionate - but open - relationship. Michael (Hal Sparks) falls in love with a hunky college professor (Robert Gant) who turns out to be HIV positive, leading to conflict with Michael's worried mom Debbie (Sharon Gless). Elsewhere, Melanie (Michelle Clunie) and Lindsay (Thea Gill) are troubled by a ghost from Mel's past, a vibrant free spirit named Leda (Nancy Anne Sakovich) who insinuates herself into their relationship in an unexpected way. Emmett (Peter Paige) falls in love with an elderly millionaire (Bruce Gray), and eternal wallflower Ted (Scott Lowell) finds success as an Internet porn baron! Then, sexy young violinist Ethan Gold (Fabrizio Filippo) enters the fray, turning Justin's head in a manner which has far-reaching consequences for all concerned...
Having exhausted plotlines from the original British TV series, the second season of Showtime's "Queer as Folk" strives to establish its own identity, and largely succeeds on its own terms. Despite the grim storyline surrounding Justin's recovery, the tone of the series is considerably lighter this time around, with an emphasis on character-based comedy and fruity one-liners, many of which appear to have strayed from a particularly filthy 'Carry On' movie! Comedy aside, however, the writers make room for a number of important social issues, including HIV and AIDS, barebacking, pornography, and the gay community's apparent indifference following the death of a young man who was killed by a stranger he picked up in a nightclub. The emphasis on drugs which characterized the opening season has been considerably downsized, and the simmering relationship between Michael and Brian no longer dominates proceedings, while Mel and Lindsay are brought out of the shadows to take their rightful place at the forefront of the QAF ensemble (the 'wedding' episode is a joy). Performances are uniformly excellent, though Gant's character (Ben) is basically consigned to the periphery. Former model Sakovich plays Leda with genuine relish (her brief scenes with Brian are a scream), and ultra-sexy Filippo turns up the heat as a gifted but lonely musician who throws Justin's world into disarray.
Overall, Season Two lacks the dramatic punch of its predecessor, and the lighter tone has led to accusations from some quarters that the show has descended into routine soap opera. Even if the criticisms were justified (and they're not), there's actually nothing wrong with 'soap opera', so long as it's done well, though Brian's stubborn refusal to acknowledge Justin's emotional needs results in a disappointing season finale, whose outcome is never in doubt. Inevitably, perhaps, it's the small moments which make the biggest impression: The profound, but unspoken, love between Brian and Lindsay whenever they're alone together; Justin listening to a CD recording of Ethan's music as he contemplates a life-changing betrayal; Michael breaking down in a hospital corridor as Ben falls prey to an opportunistic illness (Hal Sparks' distress in this scene is achingly realistic). Season two may not scale the same heights as its illustrious predecessor, but it's still as dramatic, funny and empowering as ever, an essential part of the American TV landscape at the beginning of the 21st century.
All in all, a fair continuation of the lives, loves and adventures of these extraordinary characters, though slightly compromised by its lack of heavyweight dramatic fireworks. Brian remains the driving force behind the entire show, Mel and Lindsay are still the best lesbians in the world, Ben's sculpted chest is a wonder to behold, and Ethan is without doubt one of the sexiest guys to stroll down Liberty Avenue since QAF began! Don't miss it.
19 of 20 found the following review helpful:
 An Award-Deserving Series Dec 11, 2002
Queer As Folk may not be winning any Emmys, but it should be. It is hands down the best show on television. The writing an acting is excellent, and whether you were hooked in by the first season or not, you will sure to enjoy season two. I am a mother of two, and I allow my very young girls to watch the show with me. Ignorance breeds hatred, and this show educates us honestly on the lives of gay men. It doesn't matter that the relationship between Justin and Brian is a "gay" one- it just is. Anyone who has ever been in a relationship can relate to the situations. The characters are dramatic but genuine- the writing and acting continues to be superb.
27 of 30 found the following review helpful:
Just Plain Great Entertainment Mar 30, 2003
By Michael T. Rognlien
When I originally pondered purchasing the Season One DVD set, I must admit it was because I was tired of not knowing what all my friends were talking about every Monday morning after watching QAF on Showtime. I really did NOT think I would like the show at all (too many stereotypes, too much drug use, too much casual sex) .. and while the show HAD all of those stereotypes, it reminded me that they were only parts of what were real, well-developed characters.By the time I got to the end of Season One, I couldn't wait for Season Two to become available on DVD (I don't have Showtime). Well, it doesn't disappoint. While some of the story lines are a bit contrived (Emmett and the billionnaire, Ted's overnight website success, etc) the writers and producers of the show have put together another cohesive, well-written batch of 20+ episodes. I may just have to put out the money to order Showtime, because I'm not sure I can wait another full year before Season 3 is available. This is just great entertainment with a heart, with a lot of fun, and storylines that will keep even the most anti-stereotypical types engaged.
13 of 13 found the following review helpful:
Moments in Season 2 surpass Season 1, but overall just as brilliant Mar 04, 2006
By A. G. Corwin
Another year, another season of the fantastic show, Queer as Folk.This heartbreaking, funny, dramatic, and serious look at gay life in Pittsburgh among a small group of close friends steps it up emotionally and dramatically for season 2.
Where this show sparkles is in its dealing with life, love, relationships, drug addiction, the struggles of gay teens and coming out, sex, dating, and discrimination against gays and lesbians. In season 2 we see Ted become the Pittsburgh internet porn king(which still doesn't help his self-esteem) and begin to realize that his true love may be just standing their right in front of him the whole time, and it's not Michael. Emmitt is Ted's big star attraction on the site, and falls in love with a much older man, George, who teaches him about love's many forms. Justin longs for the romance Brian can't give him and falls for someone who can. Debbie deals with the unsolved and apparently uncared about death of a local boy, and meets a detective whose coarse exterior hides a kinder man. Michael falls in love with Ben, and has to deal with Ben being HIV+. Mel and Lindsay face discrimination from family in their search to wed, and love from their queer family to make the big day possible. And Brian...Brian continues his hedonistic, destructive ways, but Season 2 shows that the dismissive uncaring front is slowly cracking. His love for Justin is starting to break through, but he still can't act on it the way he needs to. Season 3 ends with an incident that may just break down the wall forever or rebuild it stronger.
The box set extras are quite good, lots of commentaries, character and actor bios, deleted scenes, and outtakes. The first season is a full 22 episodes, with great character development and dramatic arcs, and of course, enough eye candy for anyone. This series is worth every penny, and has now found a permanent place on my shelf. Showtime deserves recognition for being bold enough to produce the American version of this show and The L Word as well.
12 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Keep on with Queer Mar 19, 2003
By James Hiller
"Queer as Folk", the monumental Showtime series, has returned with vengence and "Rage" with their release of the second season on DVD. I was fortunate enough to receive my copy as a gift from a very special fella, and it occupied my DVD player for a couple weeks! Living up to its reputation, "Queer as Folk" continues the storylines so successfully started in season 1. After recouping from his bashing, Justin struggles to find his center of control in his life, and with his relationship with hunter Brian. Michael recovers from the failed relationship with Dr. David. Ted examines his career goals, venturing into a new business more aptly suited to his "talents". And Lindsay and Melanie dare to dream of marriage, and the ramifications of it afterwards. Where the first season dared to break all the conventional television rules, season 2 found a bit of difficulty in starting by wrapping up the events from season 1 in the first couple of episodes. Once given room to breathe on its own, Season 2 takes off and never loses steam. New characters and plotlines generated much needed energy, creating a very satisfying season overall. I loved Emmett's storyline with new/old boyfriend George, as well as the entire comicbook storyline. Michael's new boyfriend Ben allowed the series to "deal with" HIV head on in a realistic manner. All allowed for new, interesting twists, and character illuminations. The DVD collection is quite good. Each episode is quality done with even a listing of all the songs that were used in the show, even ones done in the "background". It was a good reference in case you enjoyed hearing a song and wanted to know the artist. Overall, you can't go wrong. Hopefully "Queer as Folk" will be around for a long time. If it isn't, the DVDs will be!
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