Columnist Lewis Fellow takes a quick look at his favourite American Television programmes, past and present.
Right then.
The New Normal
This week “The New Normal” started over here in the UK. Written by Ryan Murphy (The man behind Glee and the utterly superb American Horror Story) The New Normal is a fairly unique show, following a high maintenance gay couple in California, looking to embark into surrogacy. Also relative new comer Georgia King plays a shy Ohio waitress and young mother “Goldie” who dreams of a career in law. After a challenging few years, Goldie relocates last minute to Los Angeles with her nine year old daughter Shania (By far one of the funniest characters in the show and a promising young actress). The gay couple “David and Bryan” begin to look for an egg donor (Cue hilarious and genius cameo by Gwyneth Paltrow). Then begins the search for a surrogate mother, eventually the couple come across Goldie, looking to make some money and escape her wicked grandmother “Jane” played brilliantly by Ellen Barkin who is destined for an Emmy. This series is a real treat and not to be missed. It’s worth watching just to see the little girl (Bebe Wood) doing her Grey Gardens impression.
Advertisements
Amercian Horror Story
Another Ryan Murphy creation American Horror Story is entering the final stages of Season 2. Series 1 was truly something special, with some breath-taking acting and superb writing. However season 2 has just surpassed it completely. Jessica Lange in what must surely be another Emmy winning role, rules an asylum situated on America’s east coast in the 1960s. I cannot reveal too much as the show is just riddled with genius twists and plot lines. Naomi Grossman’s stand out role as “Pepper” will be interviewed by TheGayUK soon, so fans of the show stay tuned!
Advertisements
30 Rock
Finally, 30 Rock is ending soon. Way back in 2006, Tina Fey pitched an idea for a TV sitcom set on a cable news show, focussing on the behind-the-scenes antics of the anchors and crew, and she was told to go away and think of something better. ‘Write what you know’ she was told, so like any writer stuck for an idea, she wrote about what she knew, her time on Saturday Night Live as head writer. So it came to pass and ’30 Rock’ was born. 30 Rock is undoubtedly one of the best TV shows of the last decade. Hilarious writing and brilliant performances all round. Alec Baldwin in possibly the best role of his career as the sarcastic and extremely sharp tongued business executive Jack Donaghy is truly something to see. This show seems really messy at first, and then the genius of it hits you, truly not to be missed. This show was bizarrely snubbed by the UK, and is difficult to find on UK television screens, so I would suggest buying the DVD’s as this show truly is outstanding and the funniest thing to come out America in a long time.
Lewis is quite possibly the most clichéd gay among us. His wardrobe is mostly sarongs; he is obsessed with Judy Garland and enjoys 1 or maybe 5 cocktails a night. He bases his love life on that of Glenn Close’s in Fatal Attraction. Shockingly he is single. Despite this he is unspeakably fabulous. He is a gay activist and enjoys strolls along the beach...with a large net in which to catch men.
Opinions expressed in this article may not reflect those of THEGAYUK, its management or editorial teams. If you'd like to comment or write a comment, opinion or blog piece, please click here.
