Battle of the Network Gays: March 12, 2010

Every week we pick the gay characters, actors, or reality show personalities who have most impressed us 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.

Check out the nominees after the break. 

• Two and a Half Men's Ed and Tom

Why? It's not often we saw older gay men on TV, much less frisky older gay couples! But the past two episodes of Two and a Half Men have given us just that with Tom (Stacy Keach) and Ed (John Amos). These two tough ex-military men found each other late in life after being married to women. Not only are they now happily in love, theirs is the show's only truly functional romantic relationship. 

• Southland's Officer John Cooper

Why? John is up again this week, not only because he once again he proved he's the man by keeping Ben from getting himself blown up, but because John also showed a bit more of his personal life when he asked his drug dealer for more than just pain medication. 

• As the World Turns' Dr. Reid Oliver
  

Why? After week's of speculation, Dr. Reid finally came out in this week's episode, which doesn't quite make up for his taking Noah away from Oakdale. Or whatever else he might have planned for Noah. Or the fact he's got the bedside manner of a badger. 

• The Academy Awards' Neil Patrick Harris

Why? Despite the fact that Adam Shankman yanked Neil Patrick Harris' opening number the night before the Oscars, Neil was the consummate trooper and got out there and sang and danced his heart out in front of a billion people. We heart you, NPH!

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!