Gays of our Lives (July 13, 2009)

In this week’s GOOL THEATER, The Young and the Restless gives us one of the gayest weeks in daytime history. Between the return and coming out of Phillip Chancellor III (played by out actor Thom Bierdz) and the scandalous affair between Adam and Rafe, it was a very interesting week in Genoa City and we’ve got all the clips.

Also, Forbidden Love begins an intriguing new plot arc for Christian and Olli that warrants attention. SCOOPS AND SPOILERS has the lowdown on a shocking development in Christian and Syed’s relationship on EastEnders that could mean the beginning… or the end for them. And in GOOL NEWSBEAT there’s some great casting news for United States of Tara and some not so great news that may spell an uncertain future for As The World Turns.

Plus, as always, we’ve got SNAPSHOTS and our SOAP STUD OF THE WEEK!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
GOOL THEATER
IN MY HUMBLE OPINION (IMHO)
SCOOPS & SPOILERS
GOOL SNEAK PEEKS
GOOL NEWSBEAT
SNAPSHOTS
SOAP STUD OF THE WEEK
QUESTION OF THE WEEK

GOOL THEATER – This week, in GOOL THEATER, we bring you the best and the worst in gays in soaps as Phillip makes a shocking announcement on The Young and the Restless, Sean has a steamy time in the hot tub on Coronation Street, Christian takes a fall on Forbidden Love – and more! As always, I will share my thoughts and invite you to share yours at the end of this column.

*PLEASE BE AWARE THERE ARE A FEW NSFW WORDS AND IMAGES IN THESE CLIPS!

PICK OF THE WEEK – The Young and the Restless

This week’s POW award goes to The Young and the Restless as not only did this show tell two unrelated gay themed stories, making it one of the most ‘gay’ weeks in daytime history, but they also made both stories compelling, intriguing and provocative. Other shows (I’m talking to you As The World Turns) should sit down and take notes.

CLIP ONE

CLIP TWO

Let’s start with Phillip’s return. What works about these scenes is the show’s incredible use of its own history. Folks who have watched a long time know that back then Phillip was very troubled and hated his life. Add a struggle with his sexuality to his list of issues and it makes sense he might run away from home. He wouldn't be the first gay teen to do so.

But what strikes me most is how incredibly selfish and self-absorbed Phillip is being. He’s not particularly apologetic or remorseful about his past actions. Instead, he’s self-righteous and full of himself. And he seems quite deluded as to how cruel and thoughtless his past actions were, even in the face of the pain of his family.

To be honest, right now Phillip is not that likable or sympathetic – but he is definitely watchable. It will be interesting to follow his journey as the reality of what he has done actually dawns upon him.

If there is a flaw in these clips, it would be Thom Bierdz himself. He’s got some talent, but he’s obviously a little rusty in regards to his acting. Thankfully, I’m already seeing improvement on that score.