Page 1 / 2 / 3 - Next

The homosexuality depicted in The State Within is portrayed in a refreshingly low-key way. No undue fuss is made over it, nor does the plot hinge on some salacious aspect or give us a stock "gay" villain.

In fact, The State Within offers a fascinating, down-to-earth reflection on current social realities in American politics. Daniels and Jenkins offer blunt, shrewdly subtle portrayals of political players engaged in a game with very high stakes.

These are two savvy Washington insiders on somewhat different sides of the ideological spectrum who nonetheless have a relationship that is hidden due to political considerations. Their on-screen actions in relation to each other are imbued with that kind of reserved, traditionally "straight-acting" homoeroticism — which of course makes their scenes together seem all the hotter.

Interestingly, audiences are given no clue to Brocklehurst and Styles' sexual orientations until halfway through the first episode, when the two meet up privately in a hotel room. After engaging in some roundabout, work-related small talk, they suddenly come together in a very hot, no-holds-barred kiss that will take most viewers by surprise.

Unsurprisingly, The State Within's same-sex kiss has already been extracted and is featured on websites including YouTube. Unlike so many same-sex kisses on television, this one has actual heat; one can practically see the sparks fly and feel the temperature rise when the two men kiss.

As the plot evolves, Brocklehurst uncovers evidence that Styles is involved in a clandestine U.S. conspiracy to bring down British ambassador Brydon. Naturally, this causes his relationship with Styles to become conflicted, if not fully compromised. He wants to believe the best of his lover, but must make difficult and dangerous decisions regarding Styles' actions.

Considering the recent real-life outings of such varied U.S. political power brokers as ex-governor Jim McGreevey, evangelical leader Rev. Ted Haggard and Republican Rep. Mark Foley, the gay relationship depicted in The State Within comes off as easily believable, if not downright par-for-the-course for a behind-the-scenes drama set in Washington, D.C.

Furthermore, there are both physical and situational similarities between The State Within's Brocklehurst and Styles and the real-life coupling of politicos Jim McGreevey and Golan Cipel. Both couples carried on secret relationships that were compromised due to conflicts of interest. However, unlike McGreevey and Cipel, Brocklehurst and Styles are unmarried and not even completely closeted. Nor are there any quid pro quo shenanigans taking place. Their relationship remains under wraps strictly for political reasons.

Ben Daniels represents a welcome new breed of openly gay actors. His talent is such that he manages to be cast in both straight and gay roles, and his performances of characters of either sexual orientation are taken seriously by critics and fans alike. Hopefully, he is paving the way for more actors like him. Unfortunately, it is doubtful that the openly gay Daniels could have had as wide and varied career in the United States as he has managed in the more gay-friendly U.K.

Page 1 / 2 / 3 - Next