The Week in Gay TV: The Doctor is in, Spartacus Rebels, and RuPaul Reminisces!

Welcome to a new edition of Week in Gay TV, your source for the shows that will be competing for space on your DVR this week including the new season of Doctor Who, Glee's "Power of Madonna" episode and what looks like an explosive season finale to Spartacus: Blood and Sand.

Speaking of which, Spartacus' finale is easily Friday's big event. Now that Spartacus has become aware of the treachery of … well, everyone, and he’s decided that his next step is to “kill them all” I’m guessing we’re going to see the slave uprising begin before the season fades to black.

I don’t think Spartacus is going to give any of Batty’s other slaves a choice other than to join in the fun, considering that pesky Roman law that says if one slave gets lippy, they all get kill.d.

I think I'll start with Batiatus... no, Numerius! No Glaber!
Hold on, I almost forgot about Illythia. So many...

Jesse Brune’s run as a private chef continues on The Food Network's Private Chefs of Beverly Hills with a murder mystery dinner party among the odd jobs the chefs have to face. As I recall, Jesse was able to deliver his share of drama on Work Out, so I’m glad this show has a calmer, more focused Jesse. Maybe that’s what happens when you stop working for Jackie Warner.

Friday also sees Clark deal with red kryptonite exposure on Smallville while Morganna tries to deny her magic abilities on Merlin. 

Saturday’s highlight is the return of Doctor Who on BBC America which offers a minor reboot to the franchise. With Steven Moffat taking over from Queer as Folk creator Russell T Davies, Matt Smith taking the role of The Doctor from David Tennant, a new logo and a new TARDIS, it’s a new era is beginning. 

My first reaction to the change in leadership was mixed. I loved Moffat’s previous Who episodes (which gave us great moments like the introduction of Captain Jack Harkness and the incredibly creepy weeping angels) and his sci-fi miniseries Jekyll. Still, I knew what to expect out of Davies’ Who and was more than a little hesitant to take a chance on a change.

However, by the time Davies’ two swan songs had aired, I was eager to see Doctor Who to make a change. Davies’ run had been wrapped up so thoroughly there was nowhere else to take it.

I wonder if I can use the sonic screwdriver to make this pick up episodes of Hollyoaks?

The Who fans I know who watched the UK broadcasts were pleased with the new episodes, so I’m feeling hopeful about where Moffat and Smith take the franchise.

This weekend’s Real Momentum documentary on Logo is The Butch Factor, which explores the relationship gay men have with masculinity, including how different men deal with the stereotype of effeminate gay men to how straight men’s view of masculinity has changed thanks to metrosexuality and bromances. I’m just thrilled it has nothing to do with Paris Hilton. 

Saturday also sees Ryan Phillippe host Saturday Night Live on NBC as well as new episodes of The Dish and The Wanda Sykes Show on Fox. Finally, The Graham Norton Show returns with Christina Ricci, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant and Pixie Lott.