The search for happiness starts with LOOKING
(C) HBORumoured as the gay version of Sex and the City, Looking is not your typical gay drama.
Usually, gay dramas tend to include either drug-fuelled sex orgies with someone eventually dying of AIDS or ridiculously good looking men just sleeping with each other in unbelievable circumstances and situations.
However, Looking is none of this; it is refreshingly unique in its portrayal of modern gay culture. Yes, there are good looking men but they are not ridiculously hot. They are typical gay men who live in San Francisco and are trying to figure out what it is to be gay in the 21st century; including the blurring of relationships, ageing in the gay world and the question of monogamy versus polyamory.
Looking offers an unfiltered look at three friendships in one of America’s most iconic cities. Looking: Season One introduces us to Patrick (Jonathan Groff best known for The Normal Heart and Glee), who is a 29-year old video game designer getting back into the dating world after learning about his ex’s engagement as well as aspiring artist Agustín (Frankie J Alvarez best known for Smash), who questions the idea of monogamy as he transitions into domesticity with his boyfriend and career waiter Dom (Murray Bartlett best known for White Collar), who is the oldest member of the group who, at 39, is soon to be facing middle age with his romantic and professional dreams still unfulfilled. The trio’s stories intertwine and unspool dramatically as they search for happiness and intimacy in an age of unparalleled choices, and rights, for gay men.
Rounding out the world of Looking: Season One are the UK’s own Russell Tovey (Being Human, The History Boys), starring as Kevin, Patrick’s boss and love interest; Dom’s roommate Doris (Lauren Weedman); Agustín’s boyfriend Frank (O.T. Fagbenle); and Patrick’s co-worker Owen (Andrew Law), as well as the legendary Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap, Star Trek: Enterprise) who stars as Lynn.
The complicated, funny and romantically charged lives of three friends living in San Francisco takes centre stage in the sexy and lyrical Looking: Season One which comes to Blu-ray and DVD on 12th January 2015 courtesy of HBO Home Entertainment. The whole season and individual episodes are also available to own and watch instantly on Amazon Instant Video, blinkbox, Google Play and iTunes.
Looking: Season One, created by Michael Lannan (Nurse Jackie, Remember Me) and executive produced by Sarah Condon (Bored to Death) and Andrew Haigh, who wrote and directed the critically-lauded Weekend, is a ground-breaking comedic drama that focuses on the universal themes of falling in love and ultimately finding fulfilment.
DVD & Blu-ray special features include audio commentary episodes 1 – 8 with Jonathan Groff, Frankie Alvarez, Murray Bartlett, Andrew Haigh, Michael Lannan, Raul Castillo, Ryan Fleck, Russell Tovey, Reed Morano, Jamie Babbit, John Hoffman, Lauren Weedman, Tanya Saracho
Overall opinion:
A must see. Regardless of age, this gay drama tells the true story of what it is to be gay in our modern world. Featuring much-loved stars such as Jonathan Groff and Russell Tovey, we promise you that you’ll watch for the eye candy but stay for the story.
First published Dec 2014
