Also on ABC Family, Kyle XY last night added a some gay subplotting (albeit in a more "preachy" manner). Seems the school wouldn't allow same sex couples the discount ticket price for a dance - which sparks an alternative dance, the youngest son's new girlfriend has "two mothers", Kyle was curious as to what the big deal was - and why two guys together bothered the youngest son more than two girls (with the mother bluntly stating that it shouldn't). All in all, even though it wasn't anywhere nearly as well written as the continuing arc of Calvin on Greek, and it was a bit heavy handed in its message, at least they did it on yet another "ABC Family" show.

I must have some weird instinct.  Whenever I watch network TV (rarely) I seem to catch the gay episodes.  It was also gay night on New Something or other for Old Christine (or Carolyn or whatever her name is).  The episode revolved around the ex-husband's brother coming out (then in, then out, then in rather confusingly).

But it did at least have one good line:  If I weren't so gay I'd probably fall in love with you and marry you... and cheat on you with guys.

since I was involved back in the 80's.  But even then it wasn't all that unusual for guys to dance together.  After all, they were your brothers. 

And my take on Calvin's dancing was that it really wasn't all that obvious - or wouldn't have been in that setting.  For a guy to grab a brother a drink and dance with him for a few minutes while drinking from a canteen - not considered gay.  Playing with his bandoleer... ok, maybe that was a little more obvious.

As for Calvin being out, I'm not seeing that.  Clearly he's not "burdened" and his closet door is ajar, but his brothers and friends don't seem to have gotten the announcement.  It's actually not that far off of what I remember.  We had guys in the house who everyone knew was gay, but there wasn't any announcing and they weren't treated any differently.  Pretty much don't ask don't tell.  In fact, everyone kinda knew that the gay brothers would plan the parties and run the house and the greek system (and often student government) while the straight brothers would hit on the girls.

But that was two decades ago... and from what I hear things have improved in Greek life on campus.  Now you can be open and still rush and be accepted.

 I think Calvin's still in the closet.

In the first episode, after he had sex with the guy, the guy denied he was gay and Calvin said they were just drunk. He then snuck out of the fraternity's house so none of the other guys would see him.

 In this episode, when the pledges from the sorority were dancing and the guys were hooting, and Evan looked at Calvin to see him looking disinterested, Calvin pretended to be excited as well.

And the preview for next week's episode looks like it deals with Calvin's fears of people finding out that he's gay. 

I'm surprised at how much I like this show. The characters seem to have more depth than I expected. I especially like Calvin and look forward to seeing where they take his character.

I have a tendency to be biased for the gay character.  Always.  But surprisingly, not here.  Why?  Because almost every other (straight) person is more interesting than Calvn.  Yeah, even Rebecca Logan.  Rusty is adorable, his dorkiness actually elevated Seth Cohen into the King of Cool. So is his roommate Dale, who for all intents and purposes, should be disliked -- I love that he's this opinionated religious Soiuutherner who may or may not  come from a family of racists.  I was meh on Casey until the latest ep where the red dress adn period styling slayed, especially military skank Rebecca.  She kicked all kinds of ass, especially those of the men in her life --  mainly Rusty, Evan & Cappy. Even Evan showed why he's not such a sleaze, when he showed us why Casey fell in lvoe with him in the first place.  And nothing comes close to Cappy mu love, who is an amalgam of Veronica Mars' Logan & Dicl as well as a little of The OC's Zach and another Michael Cassidy character, HP's Cliff.  I love him.

So Calvin, not  I just don't know.  I started liking him at the start because he was very self-assured and confident but sometimes, there's a certain cockiness that grates.  Anyway, I find myself wanting to know more about the fratboy he's hooking up with -- what's his deal?

It is important to remember that Greek is being shown on ABC Family. Having a prominent gay character is a huge step forward for that network. This show is reaching young people across America who have not seen all the gay material we have.

Yes, the show is predictable. But it is cute, charming and well acted for the most part. This past Monday was only episode #3 and we still have a way to go to see what they do with Calvin and his sexuality. Calvin could end up doing more for gays on TV than many who came before him.

 

 

will ask all these questions. Let me know if you have others!

OK, so I thought Cappie looked familiar.  But I live in LA; everyone looks familiar.   Last night one of my best friends told me he lives across the street from him and we've hung out at parties.  So I guess that explains it.

But sorry any of y'all that think he's a cutie - he's straight.