Battle of the Network Gays: June 11, 2010

This week's Battle of the Network Gays is a grab bag and features some less well known contestants. Where possible we've provided a video clip (or link to an online episode) to help folks cast an informed vote. More on this week's nominees and a chance to vote after the break!

Les Bleus' Kevin LaPorte

Last week's contest pitted European gay soap opera characters against one another. Kevin might have been a better fit there, but didn't make the cut. He actually had a great storyline this week though - and the sparks really fly between him and a handsome surfer who needs help finding his drug dealing brother. 

Since the show has been canceled and we might not see much more of this hot frenchman, we wanted to include him here. You can watch the clip of this past week's Les Bleus in Gays of our Lives Theater.

United States of Tara's Marshall & Lionel

Why? His aunt's wedding in this past week's season finale provided an interesting chance to compare Marshall's mutually-supportive relationship with Lionel to sister Kate's unhealthy kept relationship with her weaselly, faux-libertarian boyfriend.  No surprise, but Marshall & Lionel are by far the better match. (That scene where they kissed in Marshall's bedroom was adorable.) The fact that Kate eventually recognized that her date was out of line and kicked the creepy guy out of the wedding was an added bonus. We can't wait to see what happens with Lionel and Marshall next season. 

The Gay Witness Protection Couple on In Plain Sight 

Why? This episode originally aired on June 3rd, but can currently be seen on their website.

The setup has a closeted gay man in the federal witness protection program hiding the fact that he's in a relationship from the federal marshal he's assigned to – a situation that poses a literal threat to his life. Then he almost lets his unwillingness to be come out of the closet chase off his open and loving partner. The ending felt a little hokey, but even so the story managed to literalize for straight viewers the very human costs of being in the closet. Well done. 

You can watch the entire episode (which was entertaining even beyond the gay subplot) here.

Last Comic Standing's' Chip Pope

Why? The world needs more unapologetic out gay comedians and Chip fits the bill. His reality show audition (an impression of the B-52s) was really funny and dispenses with the matter of his orientation in about 3 words. We'd love to see more of him.

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