A half-hour soap dramedy from gay cable net Logo revolving
around a quartet of gym-sculpted, homosexual, African-American West
Hollywoodites, Noah’s Arc isn’t necessarily
in what one might characterize my diversionary entertainment wheelhouse. That’s
OK, though. Downplaying the “bitch factor” that still plagues gay characters on
many mainstream, regular broadcast “straight” shows, Noah’s Arc charts the personal and professional lives of its
regulars with aplomb and style.
Noah’s Arc centers on its titular
protagonist (Darryl Stephens), a struggling screenwriter who believes he’s
finally found lasting love in a relationship with a newly out man, Wade (Jensen
Atwood). Noah’s hopeless romanticism is put to the test by his friends Alex
(Rodney Chester), Ricky (Christian Vincent) and Chance (Douglas Spearman), all
of whom constantly remind him of the pitfalls of getting involved with a gay
newbie. Nevertheless, Noah is determined to try to make it work, no matter the
cost.
educator and the de-facto matriarch of the group — involved in a seemingly
happy, seven-year relationship with registered nurse Trey (Gregory Keith).
Shaven-headed college professor Chance seemingly has a similarly rooted
personal life — a prim and proper relationship relatively new boyfriend Eddie
(Jonathan Julian) and a step-daughter to boot. Ricky, meanwhile, pines after
Junito (Wilson Cruz).
briskly paced, and packs most of its tension, fun and punch in the
juxtaposition and clash of its characters’ varying opinions, and how these
attitudes are tested through romantic temptation and other trials and
tribulations. The most conservative and supposedly rational of the group,
Chance always has an intellectual explanation for everything. But after getting
the family he’s always wanted in one-stop-shopping fashion, can he handle the
pressures of domestic bliss? And how will he cope if the fairytale he’s dreamed
of turns out to be more like a nightmare? Alex, meanwhile, copes with jealousy
and suspicion, particularly when Trey starts trying to spice up their
stagnating sex life with some role playing and new ideas. There are other macro
plotlines, but some of these feel like a stretch. Noah’s Arc is best when just sticking to the more inherently
relatable struggles of its well-sketched main quartet. From new boyfriends to
strained friendships to career changes, these men persevere and live their
lives with grace and wit.
slipcover, this attractively packaged set contains all eight of Noah’s
Arc’s second season episodes, as well as a nice complement of supplemental extras.
Special short digisodes with optional commentary and episodically grouped
deleted scenes stud the first two discs, while cast interviews, behind-the-scenes
featurettes, special photo galleries and a brief blooper reel round out the
collection. There’s also an Easter egg for a calendar shoot several of the
characters took part in, accessible by toggling up on the main menu screen of
the third disc. For more information, visit the show’s web site by clicking here. B (Show) A- (Discs)