Best. Gay. Week. Ever. (March 20, 2009)

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE: TV
In the world of the boob tube, even though the official TV season doesn’t end until May (or at least, that’s the way things used to operate), there are actually several major season finales this week: Battlestar Galactica, Big Love, and Flight of the Conchords.

But the one I’m sure we’re all looking forward to most is the knock-down, drag-out finale of RuPaul’s Drag Show. Out of the three remaining queens, I’d have to say the one I’m rooting for is Nina Flowers, who’s shown us a distinctive and unusual series of looks throughout the season. (Is it just me, or is Rebecca Glasscock’s makeup always lousy? Like she spends all her off hours on a tanning bed?).

Drag Race finalist Rebecca Glasscock

Overall, as much as I enjoyed this show and look forward to its return, none of the contestants struck me as being anywhere in the drag ball park of a RuPaul. None had the big personality (not to mention raunchy sense of humor) that the well-known drag queens have in spades.

None, that is, except for the tragically-eliminated Ongina. But I have a feeling that Ongina is going to be this show’s Jennifer Hudson; a so-called “loser” who comes out more famous than the competitors.

Speaking of competitions winding down to their finales, next week brings us more American Idol. But if you’re looking for something perhaps a tad more homoerotic, maybe you’d prefer the competition that has a bunch of tall, skinny men running around and showing off leg. I’m talking, of course, about the NCAA Tournament.

Lots of new episodes of some of our favorites next week, including Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, The Amazing Race, Kings, United States of Tara, Gossip Girl, Reaper, Real World: Brooklyn, Make Me a Supermodel and Supernatural. Why do I get the feeling my TiVO is going to conk out on me?

Don't forget to join us on Sunday evening for another Brothers & Sisters Viewing Party livechat hosted by Ed. Either we'll have lots to snark about or lots of Kevin and Scotty! Tune in at 10 PM EST/7 PM PST!

Plus we'll also be doing a livechat for the finale of RuPaul's Drag Race on Monday!

Sadly, no new Ugly Betty, as that horrible hiatus kicks in this week (it’s due to return May 7th, and for the first time, is giving us a two-hour season finale to come May 21st). But at least we get a decent alternative in the interim with the return of Samantha Who? Plus the new show, In the Motherhood, which marks a welcome return to primetime TV of Megan Mullally.

One special event worth pointing out: On Wednesday night, PBS’ Great Performance is broadcasting a filmed version of King Lear with Gandalf himself, Sir Ian McKellen.

Ian McKellen (left) treads the boards as King Lear

Everyone I know who saw this on stage just raved about his performance. But then again, they may have been overwhelmed by the sight of Sir Ian’s scepter in all its naked glory. Sadly, the PTB have deemed the sight of a naked Sir Ian too traumatic for the general viewing public, and he keeps his clothes on in the TV version. But still, it’s Sir Ian! In Lear! Not to be missed.

And while we’re on the topic of Shakespearean levels of dramatic intrigue combined with men doffing their clothes, on Saturday night, Lifetime airs the first of their four Nora Roberts Collection movies, Northern Lights. I can’t say I’ll be watching this treacle, even for the camp value. But I greatly appreciate the promotional posters, which snicks blogged about earlier this week, since they confirmed that Eddie Cibrian is contractually obligated to take off his shirt in everything he’s ever in. Whoever’s managing this guy knows exactly what they’re doing.

Eddie Cibrian

Huh. For some strange reason I’m suddenly overwhelmed by the urge to chew tobacco and go to some sort of monster truck rally. So I guess I’m out of here. Now go out there and have the BEST. GAY. WEEK. EVER!