Best. Gay. Week. Ever. (September 5, 2008)

UNTIL UNTIL THE WEDDING IS SUBTITLED
Here at AfteElton.com we're always eager to cover shows with gay characters from around the world and given the success of our recent article about gay TV in Europe, you AfterElton.com readers are certainly interested in the topic. Thanks to AE reader Roiko, we've got yet another show to tell you about, this time a new program from Israel called Until the Wedding (Ad Hachatuna).

Niv Raz and Ofer Shechter

While the above photos might look like something from a Kristen Bjorn video, the show features actual actors including Ohad Noller and Niv Raz. Niv's face you might not recognize, but Ohad should be familiar to many gay viewers as he's played gay twice before starring in Eytan Fox's Yossi and Jaggar as well as The Bubble. Alas, Ohad isn't playing gay this time. Instead, that fellow with Niv is Ofer Shecter, a well-known Israeli actor that Roiko compares to Milo Ventimiglia from Heroes, though I'm not sure what Ofer's superpower might be. Looking hot, perhaps?

Roiko tells me Until the Wedding is very gay-inclusive as the two gay characters try to come to terms with their sexuality. When the two first hook up, Niv's character is closeted whil Ofer's is recently out. Additionally, this being a non-U.S. show, the writers aren't afraid to show the characters naked while having sex and there is also an amusing subplot where the two straight male characters pretend to be a couple in order to get a partners discount at a country club.

And here is a frequent difference between the US and countries such as Israel: In Israel, the two straight guys pretending to be gay is just a minor subplot on a show with actual gay characters. In America, that's the entire premise for a summber blockbuster.

BTW, we've got our eyes peeled for subtitled clips and will bring them to you if we find them! Until then, here are the fellers sharing their first kiss!

FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE!
Thank heavens that the fall TV season is underway because there is zilch at the box office this weekend. And there isn't anything on DVD either — so fire up those DVRS!

BTW, some folks have written in asking where the results of our 50 Greatest Gay Movies Poll are as we promised to publish them on Monday. Turns out those darned Flying Monkeys refused to work Labor Day Weekend so the results were delayed until this coming Monday. So check back then for the rather surprising results. I mean, I figured Brokeback Mountain would at least make the top 50. (Relax, it's a joke!)

Starting today and every Friday for the next couple of months here! presents a new season of The Lair and after watching the first couple of episodes, I can report that the show is pretty much the same as last season — for better or for worse.

Definitely for better is the latest installment of here! TV's Donald Strachey mystery series Ice Blues starring hunky and talented Chad Allen. Check out Brent's review here!

Also on Friday night, Real Time with Bill Mahrer is back with a new season and out editor, advice columnist, and humorist Dan Savage (pictured right) is listed as the Real Time correspondent.I checked with Dan and he tells me he'll be reporting on the Republican National Convention for Bill. He's scheduled to discuss Bush's appearance (or lack thereof) as well as all the problems swirling around soon to be former Vice-presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

Saturday at 8 PM Logo launches a new season of Real Momentum, their documentary series about LGBT lives. Up first is Sisters Scissors' Jake Shears starring in Jake's Adventure in Dollywood. Jake Shears? Dolly Parton? I am so there.

Jake Shears and Dolly Parton

Next page! Is the Vatican busting up a dead gay couple?