Best. Gay. Week. Ever. (August 1, 2008)

Tuesday night we've got the season finale of Jeff Lewis' Flipping Out on Bravo. Now isn't that a relief? But don't fret if you haven't had your fill of annoying gays. Debuting on Bravo is Million Dollar Listing about the LA world of real estate featuring Madison Hildebrand. Alas, unlike his Playgirl spread, Madison is wearing more than just his undies here.

I checked out the first episode and can't say I was exactly blown away. How many shows about rich, self-obsessed Californians can there really be a market for? One interesting aspect to the show is that Madison is open about his sexuality which he defines as polyamorous. In the first episode, we see him discussing his attraction to men and women. That's not something we see on TV every day.

The aforementioned lame-ass gay character on Eureka isn't listed on next week's credits. Guess there aren't any cappuccinos needing foaming for the heroes. Frankly, as unpleasant as Jeff is, I'll take him over Vincent any day as at least Jeff isn't a cliche.

Queer Eye alums Carson Kressley and Ted Allen both have shows on Tuesday nights. Carson's is, of course, How to Look Good Naked on Lifetime while Ted is on the Food Network with Food Detectives. Also on Tuesday night, Logo (AfterElton.com's parent company) premieres Argentinian thriller Burnt Money starring Leonardo Sbaraglia and Eduardo Noriega.

Based on two real life lovers, Burnt Money tells the story of a botched robbery in 1965 Buenos Aires that sent the two men into hiding in Uruguay. Named Angel and Nene in the movie, this is basically a gay, South American Bonnie and Clyde which is one of the reasons I didn't like it. The movie is definitely erotic as advertised and it's definitely a love story, but I personally find it hard to identify with (and enjoy) murderous, drug-addicted, mentally ill criminals no matter how hot they are. But, hey, if that's your cup of tea, this flick is for you. For those of you who don't have Logo (and are in the U.S.) you can watch the whole movie on line here.

Also on Tuesday night is America's Got Talent which I haven't seen, but which has featured some gay-friendly content. As if Tuesday night isn't already gay enough, Soapnet recently debuted a new season of General Hospital: Night Shift which includes Kyle Julian (Adam Grimes) as an out intern and Leo Julian (Ethan Rains), his adopted brother who is currently a doctor at the same hospital. Oh, and they hate each other.

Adam Grimes and Ethan Rains

As I said earlier, the show isn't in any danger of winning an Emmy, but given the crap shows I already have to wade through (Big Brother, The Real World), Kyle is actually a decent character who gets screen-time. I'm not saying you should start watching it, but if you're looking for gay characters and already slog through As the World Turns, you might TiVO this and zip through it for the Kyle moments.

Wednesday night is Shear Genius, Project Runway, Dress My Nest, and Sordid Lives.

Thursday night brings a close to Season 4 of Kathy Griffin's My Life on the D-List. Probably a good thing to give "Gayby-gate" some time to die down. I know some folks were offended by Kathy's recent remarks, but I have to say I wasn't one of them. Kathy has been a good friend to us 'mos and if we laugh at her jokes about straight people, we should be able to handle a few thrown our way.

BUT WAIT! THERE'S MORE!
I think I've finally recovered from the sixteen days of the TCA which had both highs and lows. Sixteen days with no Brent? Big, big low! One of the surprise highs came when we did a set visit to the Jim Henson Studios. While we waited to tour the studio, we watched the introductory movie shown to guests to acquaint them with the history of the place. Imagine my surprise when the movie turned out to be hosted by Samson and Bobby, the gay Muppets from Tinseltown! Here is a pic of me with the now mothballed Muppets.

Can you pick me out?

For those who might not know Tinseltown, it was a pilot about Samson and Bobby who work in Hollywood and have an adopted child. Alas, it never got picked up and only lives on as a short over on Logo. However, I thought it very cool that the Henson Studios saw fit to use the couple as a way to welcome folks to the studio and to do so while making it clear that the twosome are a couple. No doubt Jerry Falwell is flipping over in his grave and I can only imagine what uber-homophobe Orson Scott Card will do if he gets wind of it. Given that he already thinks the government should be overthown for recognizing same-sex marriage, I'm guessing he'd like to raze the studio and sow the ground with salt.

Next page! Pigs fly!