Battle of the Network Gays: January 22, 2010

Every week we pick the gays who we think have made the biggest splash in television (or pop culture in general) and leave it to you, the keepers of the flame, to decide who will be crowned Gay of the Week.

This week's candidates include a "silver stud", a PDA-prone prophet, Wisteria Lanes' gay grace notes, and a ball-busting ocular surgeon. Check them out after the break and vote for your favorite.

• Brothers & Sister's Uncle Saul
  Why? Two words: "Silver Studs." That's the name of the online gay dating service Saul joined this last episode. Ever since the character came out to his family (in his late sixties no less) he's been at the periphery of the action, without a love life to speak of. This week he gave in to loneliness and despair and complained that at seventy "he was now too old for all his dreams." It was a poignant moment. But one self-involved pep talk from Kitty (it's always about her, isn't it?) and Saul is ready to get out there on the dating market. Here's hoping he meets someone on Silver Studs, because this character deserves a shot at love.  

• Big Love's Alby Grant
  Why? For tracking down that closeted trustee accountant at an ex-gay support group and bravely planting one on him in the parking lot. Alby might have his problems (he did try to blow up his mom last season), but at least he goes after what he wants.

• As the World Turns' Dr. Reid Oliver
  Why? For making a killer first impression. We loved how completely dismissive and unimpressed he was with Luke Snyder and can't wait to see how their relationship develops. 

• Desperate Housewives' Bob and Lee
  Why? We've complained a lot that they never have their own storylines, but lately we've come to appreciate them as a fine comedic grace note for DH. We're so glad they both survived that plane crash of a few weeks back. Their few scenes this week (dinner with the Scavos and Angie's delivery of Lee's mysterious sex toy shaped package) were by far the best parts of the episode. Case in point, this exchange:

Bob: Lee's written an entire chapter in his therapy book about me forgetting to put down the toilet seat.
Lynette: I thought that would be the one advantage with two guys living together.
Bob: You'd think.

Vote for your favorite by noon EDT Monday. And be sure to check back next Tuesday on the blog to see which network gay our readers have carried to glory!