It’s Episode 2 and we’re only now getting the opening credits. I love opening credits! They’re so helpful at establishing the right mood and encapsulating the premise of the show, right? Well, Hidden Palms’ opening is … I think it’s some kind of homage to that old Chanel No. 5 “Share the Fantasy” commercial, except much less coherent. As far as I can make out, this is a show about people living in a nuclear testing facility that makes them spill martinis, prick their fingers, and turn into mutant paper doll monsters.

In other words, WTF?

Honestly, this show completely baffles me. I’ve never seen a show try so actively to prevent its viewers from actually enjoying it. And there is much to enjoy here. For one thing, it’s got a terrific cast, especially Gail O’Grady, a criminally underutilized Sharon Lawrence, and Michael Cassidy who is somehow even more adorable here than on The O.C., even though he’s now playing a smug jerkwad. He’s like a Muppet Baby version of a villain; instead of feeling creeped out by him, you just want to cuddle.

Plus, the show is dripping in Palm Tree Porn. I’m someone who watches Lost primarily to see Hawaii’s beaches, and Hidden Palms is similarly filled with lush money shots of Palm Springs, a location which accounts for the show’s obsession with swimming pools. Which is fine by me, since it creates opportunities for cute boys to take their shirts off.

Kevin Williamson, the openly gay writer and producer who made serial killers talk about movie trivia and teens talk like philosophy professors, is now making something of a comeback with Hidden Palms, which begins airing on the CW on May 30.

It’s worth remembering that Williamson, in addition to Scream and Dawson’s Creek, was also the man behind such duds as Glory Days and Cursed, so set your expectation level accordingly. I’ve screened the original pilot, and if the retooled episode that actually airs sticks closely to it, I have to tell you I’m still not certain whether Palms is good watchable, bad watchable, or outright unwatchable.

In a recent New York Times profile, Williamson said the show is inspired by his experiences in the rich Palm Springs community where he lives part-time with his boyfriend of four years. “Palm Springs isn’t real,” he said. “You lift up the green grass and what’s underneath? A bunch of scorpions and rocks.” While Williamson’s comments indicate he’s envisioning a Twin Peaks-like exploration of a small town’s seedy underbelly, the show most closely resembles The O.C. with a campy hint of Desperate Housewives.

It basically follows Johnny, a troubled teen haunted by a family tragedy, as he moves into a ritzy new community where the privileged kids act out their angst to a funky pop soundtrack, while the grown-ups trade barbs and beds. There’s a hint of mystery, as well, as Johnny learns the teen who previously occupied his house has died, and the other kids in town know something but aren’t talking.

Considering that Williamson has also been responsible for queering up TV in welcome ways – Dawson’s Creek, after all, did feature TV’s first boy on boy romantic kiss – there’s also indication that Hidden Palms might make the summer a much gayer one for all.

I have to confess I've never seen a single episode of The O.C. so when AE contributing writer Locksley Hall sent me her look at the show's gay legacy, I wasn't sure what to expect. But Locksley always has great ideas and delivers great articles, and after reading her take, I was pleasantly surprised to learn what a gay-friendly show it had been (although not perfect, as Locksley points out). And Locksley isn't the only to espy the show's gay sensibility. YouTube features a number of slash videos pairing up Seth and Ryan including this Brokeback Mountain parody. Check out the article and add in your two cents!