 by Lyle Masaki
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The Boys of Summer II: The hotties of summer's scripted TV
Summer TV has traditionally been a wasteland of reruns and reality shows. But lately the warmer months have become a time when the cable networks roll out their signature scripted series and the broadcast nets air edgier or quirkier fare. In the tradition of my earlier look at the men of the summer movies, here are some of the guys bringing the heat to the small screen. Matt Keeslar
Alright, so Keeslar has been on my gay pop culture radar for some time for his roles in films like Splendor, Psycho Beach Party and Urbania. (And then there's that Dune mini-series....) For a little while, we didn't see much of Keeslar, but he's hard to ignore on the ABC Family series The Middleman. With a rapid-fire wit that rivals Buffy's best moments, The Middleman's quickly become one of those shows I can't wait to see and Keeslar only gets sexier for me when I realize what great comedy chops he has. Frederick Weller and Christian De La Fuente
I was surprised when USA's latest procedural series (about US Marshalls working the witness protection program) turned out to be far more addicting than most of USA's shows. Maybe it's the guest stars, which have included the likes of Dave Foley and Missi Pyle. But a definite part of it is getting to see Weller and De La Fuente (who gay audiences probably remember best for playing gay on The Class) in supporting roles every week. Grant Show
Alright, the pornstache really should be a turn-off, but there's something about Show's performance on Swingtown that totally makes me look past it. And I'm certainly looking forward to seeing how far his character goes when his wife's ex-boyfriend comes to town. Dillon Casey and Lucas Bryant
Business-wise, I have no idea why SOAPNet is airing this Canadian hockey soap opera, which got canceled after ten episodes. On the other hand, a quick look at the guys makes me understand why they couldn't resist airing it. Much like the Brit sports soap Footballers' Wives, there are good number of locker room scenes on MVP and that means plenty of scenes with Casey in a towel. Anything less would be a waste of a good six-pack! Sterling K. Brown and Drew Fuller
I don't usually tune in to Lifetime, but Army Wives got me hooked in its first season, partly due to Brown's cerebral Roland and Fuller's big-hearted Trevor (I hear there are some Charmed DVDs I need to rent for him). Jeffrey Donovan
Wearing a suit on the sizzling beaches of Miami should make you look silly, but Donovan looks so good, he manages to make his discredited spy look cool (it helps that he doesn't look like he knows what he's wearing is far too warm for the weather). Jason Momoa and Joe Flanigan
Okay, so it's no Doctor Who, but Stargate: Atlantis can certainly satisfy a sci-fi itch every now and then. I've suffered through a lot of bad TV for the Honolulu-born Momoa (who got his start on Baywatch and then moved on to Fox's deservedly short-lived North Shore) so it's certainly nice to see him on a series that doesn't consistently leave me wincing. Plus, I get to enjoy Jewel Staite on my TV again. Chris Bisson
Shameless is one of my favorite shows on television for its richly drawn characters, episodes that move so quickly they often feel like movies, and ability to mix drama and comedy. I also appreciate that the relationship between gay Muslim shop owner Kash Karib (Bisson, above) and young Ian Gallagher doesn't take a backseat to the other couples of the Chatsworth Estate area. Kash and Ian certainly have an interesting relationship, as Kash's more conservative and religous wife knows about their relationship. And based on the peek I've taken of the third season, they've got a few more interesting challenges ahead. Jon Hamm
While I decided to pass on Mad Men after checking out the premiere (I just didn't enjoy watching a reminder of how everyone who wasn't a heterosexual white male used be much more oppressed then than they are now), lead actor Jon Hamm's handsome visage is tempting me to give the show a second chance. Visually, Hamm is perfectly cast for a show set in Mad Men's era, and he looks fine in a suit. Colin Ferguson, Neil Grayston, and Ed Quinn
Once Doctor Who's fourth season ends on August 1 (and from what little I've read it sounds amazing), I'll be needing a show that can offer science fiction with a mix of silliness, imagination and adventure. Thus, I'll be glad that Eureka returns for its third season a few days earlier. Happily, Eureka also brings the eye candy whether that be Ferguson's hunky everyman quality, the tall and dark Quinn or the adorkable Grayston (who's come a long way from being the mouthbreather on Wonderfalls, hasn't he?). James Murray
I've had a frustratingly mixed history with BBC America's Saturday Sci-Fi series, but I've got my hopes up for Primeval, which is about a team of scientists trying to figure out why extinct predators are suddenly showing up in the modern day. Among the team is Stephen Hart, who apparently spends the time when he's not fighting monsters "perfecting his six-pack abs." I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that the series doesn't disappoint me the way most BBC America sci-fi shows have (sorry, Hex and Robin Hood fans). Matthew Horne
Fans of Catherine Tate probably recognize Horne as the patient grandson of the foul-mouthed Nan on The Catherine Tate Show. In the critically-praised romantic comedy Gavin & Stacey we finally get to see Horne take on a leading role. Hopefully, the adorably goofy side of Horne we sometimes see on The Catherine Tate Show will get a full showcase on Gavin & Stacey. That's just a taste, though, of who'll be gracing the small screen this summer. Which actors are you looking forward to seeing? Submitted by on Wed, 2008-07-09 15:36. |
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Lyle....
You could be my best friend when it comes to TV viewing. I watch the majority of these shows and I really like the guys you've mentioned.
I find myself drooling sometimes when they let Roland (Army Wives) take off his shirt. And I can't wait for "Burn Notice" to start again. I had forgotten just how hot Jeffrey Donovan is. Yummy!!
Sometimes I just say "Oh my", when there's a camera shot that lingers on one of these guys; when there's a twinkle in their eye or they're about to seduce someone. They are all great fantasy fodder.
I'll get back to you after the Doctor Who finale. It'll be interesting to see what you have to say about it.
Enjoy your week...
Swingtown & Mad Men *****
Regarding Swingtown, at first we were curious about the show, and after watching the pilot, we decided we weren't really into seeing straight couples making out, Lord knows, we get enough of it, but we got hooked. Wonder how it's doing in the ratings?
Regarding Mad Men.. well, >cough, cough< all that smoking.. wow.. it's hard to imagine that's the way the world worked. The lead, Jon Hamm.. well, I do declare, he is one fine looking hunk. I find him extremely sexy and look forward to seeing him without his shirt. Again, wonder how it's doing in the ratings.
Regading In Plain Sight, while watching the pilot, the lead fremale annoyed me with all her spewing off of the mouth. She seems to have toned down quite a lot and I find her more tolerable than the pilot. Is it just me or does their boss seem like he might be gay? The mambo dancing kinda made me think so. He just seemed to be a natural hip swisher to me.
the rest of the shows, we don't seem to get them here in Canada, or at least I haven't seen them on the guide listings unless Bravo or Showcase run them and I just haven't noticed. We seem to get them after the second season has already run on US television.
Something for everybody.
Something for everybody in this post. Both in shows and in men.
Thanks for bringing attention to some of this show. Primeval looks good and Jon Hamm...yummy.
Burn Notice and Swingtown...
...airing at the same time. Well, that's annoying. I'm lucky enough to have two VCRs. Last summer "Mad Men" aired on Thursdays too. I'm glad it's moved to Sundays.
'Cause having to choose between Jeffrey Donovan, John Hamm and Grant Show just ain't fair.
(As for the shows themselves, I like all three, but I'd say "Burn Notice" is the most entertaining.)
Bill, Bill, Bill...
...airing at the same time. Well, that's annoying. I'm lucky enough to have two VCRs.
Bill! It's 2008; time to upgrade to TiVo! You can record two show at once and watch a third that's already been recorded.
And no, I don't work for TiVo (but if you sign up and mention me, I get a discount) :-)
Yea, Middleman!
Weeds?
Shameless
Thanks for the tip about Shameless, season 3 starting. I'll have to make sure the TiVo picks it up. Really excellent show, if you can get through the Mancunian accents (or turn on subtitles).
And as far as hotties, seasons 1 & 2 featured James McAvoy and Dean Lennox Kelly in all states of undress, including full frontal. Whether you like 'em smooth or hairy, that's some prime British beef.
I'd recommend giving Mad Men another try. It turns out those obnoxious, privileged, straight, white males are unhappy and lying and hiding from themselves, too. Just like real people. The characters in this show have amazing depth.
Shameless and Mad Men
First of all I love "Shameless". I discovered it earlier this year and fell in love with this show that makes the Fisher family of "Six Feet Under" look like the Amish. The show just wrapped it's fifth season earlier this year and the show is still as good as ever and they don't shy away from Ian's storylines and his relationship. There is a big reveal that almost made me turn on the show but I thought the way they handled it was pretty good. When you get to season 5 (I've watched it through torrents) you'll understand what I'm talking about.
As for "Mad Men", I fell in love with the show from the pilot episode. The dialogue, the way it's shot and the way it's acted all contribute to it's amazing brilliance. In addition to being very excited about season 2 later this month, I am really pulling for the show to be nominated for Outstanding Drama Series, Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Jon Hamm) and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series (John Slattery) when the Emmy nominations are released next week!
Shameless is kinda mad, i'nit?
It's so hard to describe this show to people who haven't seen it.
"It's a family of six in a council flat with an alcoholic, deadbeat, useless Dad; no Mum; looked after by the oldest sister who has a car-thief boyfriend. Stablest elements are the next-door neighbors, a beautician and a barman (gwahrr!), with a delusional mother and pyromaniac brother. Oh, and it's really uplifting, life-affirming, and funny!"
Oh, fuck it, just watch the bloody thing! You'll be glad you did.
I'm abstaining from the torrents only because I don't like watching good shows on my laptop.
As for the Emmys, yeah, Mad Men should sweep it, but I'm not holding my breath. Emmy's are run by idjits.
Great summer TV list, Lyle!
Mad Men is an amazing series - well written and thought out, and chock full of exquisite period detail. Jon Hamm is SO well cast as the golden boy whose confident facade hides inner turmoil and secrets, and I've always had a thing for guys who look like they have a five o'clock shadow immediately after shaving. Bryan Batt is also heartbreaking as the in denial/barely-closeted Salvatore. My favorite bit of Mad Men casting is Bobby Morse, who played the eager young go-getter in the musical "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" back in the 60s, as the head honcho of the ad agency. Brilliant.
I've also been a big fan of Eureka from the first episode, and I'm definitely looking forward to the new season. Aside from the aforementioned eye candy, there's hasn't been a lot of gay content so far, but there's a promising-looking promo currently airing for the new season: http://video.scifi.com/player/?id=258479#videoid=274150 - I'm especially fond of the rainbow of umbrellas.
I've been very pleasantly surprised by how good Swingtown has been so far. For some reason, I thought the show was going to be more of a satirical look at the suburban sexual revolution of the era than a serious exploration of some of the underlying drives. And the male cast is definitely up to the challenge, acting-wise as well as visually. Grant Show, Josh Hopkins and Jack Davenport are all doing well, and seeing Grant and guest star Mark Valley rocking the porn staches (not to mention the guy playing real-life porn star Harry Reems) has been a real treat for those of us who appreciate good facial hair!
The Middleman has also been a nice summer addition this year, and will hopefully be a breakthrough role for Matt Keeslar. It's fast-paced and breezy, and definitely a lot of fun. My only wish is that the special-effects budget gets a boost for the next season (if there is a next season), as some of the effects are pretty laughable - and not in the good way.
The only favorite of mine that's missing from your list is Psych on the USA Network, starring James Roday and Dule Hill, whose characters are so close that they've been mistaken more than once for a gay couple. To their credit, those assumtions were not followed by reassurances that the characters are strictly heterosexual.
Oh, Primeval is definately
"Burn Notice" rules! (but so does Vincent)
afhickman
"It takes a village (to make Village People)"
And now I get to watch the first season on Hallmark in my country! I've loved Jeffrey Donovan since I first saw him as Jerod's brother on "The Pretender." I wonder what Michael T. Weiss is up to these days?
I also got to watch the first season of "Mad Men," and, I must say, for my money Vincent Kartheiser is the real draw. He's always been an interesting actor, even when he popped up unexpectedly as Angel's "son." He was especially good in a little-seen short a few years ago called "Shakespeare's Sonnets" (Read Samuel Park's book!). The film is available on Boys Briefs 3. A brief clip is available on YouTube at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5VVJZguCac
The boy he is trying to seduce is Jordan Brower. And if you like Vincent, check out this loving tribute:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tj1CgtgzvfM&NR=1
Keanu and Jon Hamm Together--For the First Time?
afhickman
"It takes a village (to make Village People)"
I didn't know where else to put this, so I'll just add that Jon Hamm is featured in Keanu (yes That Keanu) Reeves' next film, a remake of "The Day the Earth Stood Still." John Cleese is also on board. It's not due out until Christmas, but there's already a trailer on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UULvGwjEpuA
In answer to my question, I can find no evidence that Jon and Keanu have ever appeared on screen together before TDTEST, but both have starred in shows called "Providence." Coincidence? Or proof of some more sinister connection? Stay tuned!