Ted wrote:

I watched the first two seasons of QAF just because it was sexy and gay. I gave up on the show because the writing sucked. The dialog was not interesting, the story lines flat and I decided I really did not like any of the charactors. I think I was just spoiled watching some of the HBO shows.

posted at October 30, 2006 01:39 PM

Jennifer wrote:

I loved QAF from pilot to series finale! Gale Harold is a incredibly talented actor, and definetely someone who I'd like to see more of in the future. Whoever fired him is completely stupid and useless.

posted at October 30, 2006 02:54 PM

Wolfi wrote:

Gale Harold was terrible as Brian- especially after seeing the wonderful job Aidan Gillen did as Stuart, his UK counterpart. I watched one episode of VANISHED and Gale's acting hasn't really become any better since QAF wrapped up.
As for Gale and Hal reaffirming their heterosexuality every chance they got: How offending to every openly gay actor on QAF that must have been! The two had a choice in accepting their roles and with all the stuff going done in episode 1, they knew what they were getting into. QAF had its moments, but it was never the Michael / Brian characters that brought them.

posted at October 30, 2006 02:55 PM

Ash wrote:

At first I thought it was just me, especially as I watched the fourth season and got...bored. I agree with everyone on Hal, it's annoying how he flaunts his heterosexuality - I have a friend like that and I don't particularly like it. As far as "Vanished" goes, I only watched the first episode and was not impressed...I don't think it will last anyway, and Gale was probably smart (or lucky) to get out now.

posted at October 30, 2006 03:57 PM

Laurence wrote:

You are entitled to your opinion of course, but I think your dismissal of Mr. Harold's talent and of the content of Queer as Folk amounts to a weak reading of the subject matter.

QaF was a STORY - a representation of the difficulties inherent in getting through this life with the human spirit somewhat intact; and if you never saw anything worth watching about the dilemma of human existence reflected in that show (particularly in the character of Brain Kinney), then I pity you - because there was precious empathy in abundance.

Let me make it easy for you. I have never met anyone quite like Oliver Twist or Miss Havisham and neither do I live in the nineteenth century, and yet I can still empathise with the humanity of Dickens' characters (even if they are caricatures) because that is the power of story-telling.

Calling 'his people' insecure, naive and scared is highly suspect also. How very awful it must have been for you to have been ignored by them. Reading the self-congratulatory tone of your 'explanation' (above), I for one applaud their discretion.

posted at October 30, 2006 04:17 PM

Ana wrote:

At least you got his name right.

Anyhow, I think you're entitled to your opinion regarding his acting. However, it's disrespectful to say he flaunted his heterosexuality any chance he got, and not show any type of evidence. I have been following his career for years, and I don't seem to have come across any interview where he did what you suggest.

posted at October 30, 2006 05:19 PM

Jack Kellum wrote:

Not everyone thinks Gale Harold is the bestest actor in the whole world, although I do believe he did a pretty incredible portrayal of Brian in QAF even though the writing was dismal at times....and he was one of the best things about the show. But I am pissed about the blatant falsehood that he "flaunts his straightness"... which Gale Harold NEVER DID. It's pretty clear he is not a conventional person and probably could care less what people wonder about him personally.

Wolfi, Gale Harold only said he was straight ONCE maybe twice? to the media... How the fcuk does that make him flaunting his straightness?? Unlike Sparks who says it every other sentence?? And what's with the reverse discrimination, Harold has nothing to be ashamed of admitting he is straight. And yes I am a gay man.

posted at October 30, 2006 05:37 PM

Zack wrote:

Well said. I think it's scary when fans are so into an actor that they flip out when even the slightest negative statement is made about them (even going so far as to attack your opinion and you personally which quite frankly reflects badly on them and IMO takes away from the point they are trying to make). Gale fans have particularly been scary when it comes to this.

For the record, I agree with your take on QAF as well. While I'm glad that there was a step forward in actually showing sexualized gay male characters, I was also disappointed by the quality of the dialogue and the character relationships as well. Each character ended up feeling like they hit a specific stereotype.

posted at October 30, 2006 05:37 PM

Zack wrote:

Comments like the one from Lawrence are a great example of the inability of certain fans to accept criticism. Just because not everyone liked QAF does NOT mean that we have a weak reading of the material. If anything, I wish the material went to a much deeper place because I found the majority of it to be very superficial. They often covered only the surface of the issues before moving on instead of actually getting into the complexities of them. I'm all for watching the "dilemma of human existance" but thinking that QAF covered that well is laughable to me.

posted at October 30, 2006 05:44 PM

Jon A. Leslie wrote:

I personally have no "beef" to share with Gale, Hal or Aaron. QAF didn't hold a torch to the original version IMO, but I commend all the participants in the US version. We also can't fault Gale or Hal for having to share their "heteroness" with the TV viewers on any given moment. Unfortunately, here in teh US most ignorant viewers can decipher "acting" with "reality"... and as for "Vanished", who gives a f***, it's on FOX so who cares?!

posted at October 30, 2006 05:56 PM

Laurence wrote:

I have nothing against (well-argued) criticism per se, it is with mere unsubstantiated opinion that I have a problem.
I agree that the writing on QaF left much to be desired, particularly in the last two seasons. However, apart from the dedication of the cast, the characterization of Brian Kinney was an absolute triumph for the actor and I genuinely pity anyone that cannot, for whatever reason, appreciate the show.
As for this actor 'flaunting his heterosexuality', such an ludicrous accusation simply reflects badly on the accuser and is therefore beneath notice.

posted at October 30, 2006 06:35 PM

jackie wrote:

Whats up your (EDITED BY OUZONETV.COM) aaron? Unrequited hard on for Gale Harold? good buddies with Simon Dumenco? Gale has NEVER flaunted his straightness. In fact some people still doubt his "straightness".

posted at October 30, 2006 06:39 PM

Becca wrote:

I will admit to being a major Queer as Folk fan as well as a Gale Harold fan. I personally think he's an excellant actor. That's my opinion. I haven't read any of the comments posted above mine but I just wanted to say that you are certainly entitled to your own opinion and if everyone liked the same things the world would be a very boring place.

I admire the fact that you're willing to continue to say that you think Gale and QaF suck even given the large number of people who have told you you're wrong. No opinion is wrong. That's why it's an opinion, not a fact. Kudos, even if we don't agree.

posted at October 30, 2006 07:56 PM

Corbey wrote:

QAF would have been better without Gale Harold? That may be the funniest thing I've read all month. The chemistry between Gale Harold and Randy Harrison was the only thing that show had going for it in the last two seasons. In fact, I doubt it would have lasted beyond the first season without it. I agree that the show was unbelievable and unrealistic. So is the vast majority of what is shown on television. I couldn't disagree more strongly with the claim that Gale Harold's acting was "flat" in the role of Brian Kinney. Perhaps the author of this blog article lacked sufficient interest in the show because of the factors he disliked about it to appreciate the nuances that did exist within the character and the job Gale Harold did in portraying them.

Really, between the claims of how Mr. Harold's "people" treated him, his statements about "playing gay" vs. being gay, and the claim that Mr. Harold is a good heterosexual and "the world is on his side" it seems to me that Mr. Krach is taking out his own feelings of biterness and resentment that Mr. Harold is straight and had success on the series on the series itself and Mr. Harold's performance in it.

posted at October 30, 2006 09:15 PM

Rhys wrote:

I have to agree with Jack Kellum. The writing of QAF/US was inconsistant at best, and stereotypical at worst. Fans of the show are also well aware of the little digs the writers included at their actors and even at the fans. QAF's main "crime" was trying to be too many things to too many people, and consquently was unsatisfactory for many. An actor can only do so much when his character is all over the place. You also have to be trememdously secure in yourself to be able to
do a role like Brian Kinney.
Fans are also aware, that Gale Harold is actually offended if he's asked if he's gay or straight. I understand that reasoning...after all what DOES that actually have to do with the role or his performance of it? Gay actors play straight all the time, and no one asks them what it's like to play a straight man. Why is his personal sexuality so important, and moreover, why is his
"flaunting" (more like lack of thereof)of his heterosexuality the subject of such angry diatribes?
Aaron, you can not like his acting. Every body has an opinion on that, including Harold himself.
But, Jack Kellum is right, what IS with the reverse discrimination? That is what I find the most curious about this whole discussion.

posted at October 30, 2006 09:25 PM

Morgaine wrote:

The writing on QAF may have been lacking at times, but Gale Harold was flawless in his role as Brian. That show wouldn't have lasted past the first season without him. He took a one dimensional character and not only gave him depth, but made him lovable in spite of his open hostility to others. There was always more going on in his eyes than what was written in the script. It's a shame you mistake subtlety and restraint for "flatness." Maybe you should watch a few episodes and pay attention to Gale's face instead of his body.

Gale not only never "flaunted" his straightness, he was so natural with and accepting of his role and his gay co-stars that many people refuse to believe he's straight. You're entitled not to like his acting if that's your opinion, but you aren't entitled to misrepresent the facts.

posted at October 30, 2006 09:45 PM

yzzah wrote:

geez people fighting about something that was already finished. I bought a cd of all the season and i shared it to a friend who doesnt know about the show since it was not shown in our country, afriend of mine told me about the show in the states. anyway i was really surprised when she returned the CD to and she's screaming, "OMG the show is great, its just the ending sucks" anyway my point is that QAF made an impact with a lot of people, my friend is hesistant at first but then she never regretted watching it all. I guess coz its shows that you don't choose people you love, and just be proud of who you are.
with gale harold, he is a fine actor not because he is good looking but i think the way he portarays his character is really belivable. And i think about his personal life or so called attitude said by other people, we dont have the right to judge others coz, we're not GOD, i dont care if you're straight, bi, gay or les, it doesnt give you the right to judge others.
what the hell this is your job if you didn't write something like this you wont have a job.
some are angry how the shows is fucking unbelivable, maybe because you don't live a life that way but i know a lot of gays and lesbians that live the way QAF shows.

posted at October 30, 2006 10:06 PM

Ceares wrote:

"Gale Harold was impossible to deal with on a press level. His “people” (who take guidance from him) were impossible and not forthcoming and most often rude. No, “rude” is probably not the word. They were insecure, naïve, and scared. "

Considering that he was a newcomer to acting the above is not doubt true, but I'm curious as to why it seems to inspire you to dislike him. Do jounalist automatically dislike people that aren't good at spin or haven't learned how to play the game well?

Gale Harold pretty much sucks at interviews. The few I've seen him in have been almost painful to watch. I'd say it's a wise move on his part to avoid them as much as possible.

Whatever your feelings about his acting, I do think it's a shame that you gleefully celebrate the bad luck of someone whose apparent sins in your eyes seem to be heterosexuality and bad publicity skills.

posted at October 30, 2006 10:45 PM

Chris wrote:

Sounds like you're a pissy queen who can't get over the fact that Gale doesn't bat for the same team. So you're raking him over the coals for it. That's just *my* opinion.

posted at October 31, 2006 03:56 AM

Bill wrote:

Aaron wrote: "As for Hal Sparks. This was never about him. I have my own issues with him, too. And it appears that many readers have their own issues with Mr. Sparks. Let’s deal with him later. Okay?"

One simple question: W H Y

posted at October 31, 2006 10:04 AM

tam wrote:

Hey, Aaron, could you do me a favor and site examples of when Gale Harold has flaunted his heterosexuality? I can't think of any incidents off-hand, and I was wondering if you could enlighten me. Thanks.

posted at October 31, 2006 10:20 AM

Dea wrote:

You are perfectly entitled to dislike QAF and Gale Harold's acting, as well as to express your opinion about that. In fact, I might even agree with your general assessment of the show.

But accusing Gale Harold of flaunting his heterosexuality is a blatant distortion of facts, when you yourself admit that he rarely gives interviews and is a very private person. He mentioned his sexuality in exactly one interview and only because he was asked a direct question.

To Jackie: the bitchy reference to Simon Dumenco was completly uncalled for.

posted at October 31, 2006 12:39 PM

Kent wrote:

On QaF and the character of Brian Kinney - I don't give kudos to someone for simply having an unperceptive point of view and being able to type.
On the rest - what has been written here about Mr. Harold personally is more akin to slur; 'opinion' is too grandiose a title.

posted at October 31, 2006 02:51 PM

boncoeur wrote:

His people were hard to deal with, eh? That's a bit telling.

I will add my voice to the others who say that Gale has done the OPPOSITE of flaunting his heterosexuality. That is just a flat out misrepresentation of the facts, and is not covered by the "just my opinion" clause.

As a professional homosexual for over 40 years (and I HAVE met people like some of those on QAF), I applaud this groundbreaking show and all the people associated with it. How many TV shows have you watched that portray us as the complex, deeply flawed people that we really are? Not enough, that's for sure.

posted at October 31, 2006 04:34 PM

Siti wrote:

I'm a fan of QAF and Gale Harold. Though QAF is not shown in my country, I've heard rave reviews from those who have watched the show and encouraged me to watch it and so I did, through other mediums of course - namely, the Internet. But that's not what I want to say here. The one I want to comment is about Gale flaunting his "straightness". I've read practically all his interviews (and there's few of them) and somehow, I could only remember one interview where he answered his sexual orientation and that's when he was asked. He never "flaunt" his heterosexuality, as far as I know. Unless Gale fans have short-term memory and suffer blindness, please do enlighten us all with some back-up examples. Thanks in advance.

posted at October 31, 2006 08:36 PM

Craig wrote:

As a gay man and a fan of the original British version, I REALLY wanted to like QAF... and I stayed with it for 2 whole seasons... but bottom line - the acting was flat, the writing was lame, and it just wasn't all that well done. It was a phenomenal event and I am so thankful that it was put on the air - I just wish it had been done better, so that I could have liked it because it was GOOD and not just because it was GAY.

posted at October 31, 2006 08:57 PM

Ana Roy wrote:

I haven't read anything about Gale Harold "flaunting" his straightness. Could you please give us details/proof on where you've read such things, Mr. Aaron Krach?

posted at November 1, 2006 02:58 PM

Bob wrote:

I two didn't make it past the first two years, but the show deserves respect for doing things no one else was willing to do at the time. Let's face it, the show was a soap opera after all.

posted at November 2, 2006 09:42 PM

kel wrote:

QUOTE: "But take Gale Harold out of the show, and it might have been better. He is a flat actor."

I never thought Gale was flat but didn't think he was on fire either. His character, the lackluster writing, made him hard to like. He has good looks, but without something simmering underneath good looks only get you so far. And for Harold, right now that means the cutting room floor.

QUOTE: "Whats up your (EDITED BY OUZONETV.COM) aaron? Unrequited hard on for Gale Harold? good buddies with Simon Dumenco?"

Oh no, we all know what this is. Some "believer" of the Gale/Randy true love forever. I can actually sympathize with Gale Harold for having fans like this.

QUOTE: "In fact some people still doubt his "straightness"."

READ: "Some fans" = many of bored straight women who can't let this FICITIONAL show go. Get a life girls. Wearing fantasy is so unflattering. And it makes your hips look huge.

Bravo to you Aaron, for stating your opinion and sticking by it. Even if it means girls everywhere who can't seperate fantasy from reality might not be your friend. I am sure you will recover just fine.

posted at November 3, 2006 12:47 PM

Al wrote:

I just could not get into Queer as Folk - the US version. I was bored outta my skull. I found it entertaining that guys I've met from Fargo or Des Moines or smaller cities say how true to life their lives were to that show. I just looked at them wondering, "So, how many hours have you wasted on your life?"

I enjoyed the UK version a lot more. It's fun, witty and charming and it never took itself seriously.

posted at November 3, 2006 12:58 PM

muchado wrote:

Well whad'ya know, three in a row. As a 'writer', you should be familiar with the difference between presenting something as factual, and stating an opinion. For whatever its worth, your indignant justification came across as just that - NOT an explanation. *tch*

But I'm not here to fight Mr Harold's battles for him. Its been fun. *yawn*

posted at November 4, 2006 01:59 AM

msgryl wrote:

Aaron Krach you have a right to your opinion...

I luv QAF i have season 1-5 DVD and I especially like the character of Brian Kinney, he was HOT! It was the eyes. Besides, straight girls, see straight men, go thru women like kleenex, in real life and tv shows. So there are no gay men who treat men the same way...oh yeah right...

On QAF gay men were worried about lookin' good, fashion, finding someone, and dealing with the daily dramas their lives, now really, that's pretty much what girls in 20's & 30's worry about..so yes women can relate!

Brian Kinney has been the only character on TV to treat Men like kleenex, sex'em & leav'em...even if it's a gay man. Finally, someone doing to men what they've been doing to women everywhere for years. The no commitment, whoring around, self-centered being...yes, that man is real...that's straight life & gay life. He did a darn good job playing gay for pay!

Now Gale Harold the actor doesn't seem to say much and he surely doesn't promote himself or his straightness. He said it shouldn't be a question.

posted at November 4, 2006 01:33 PM

Shannon wrote:

I agree with the mediocre actor comment. His role was very limited to playing a flippant arse hole. Whenever he had to play something emotional, he wasn't able to pull it off.

Plus I've heard many rumors that he showed up to work stoned so maybe that's why he couldn't fine tune his performances on QAF. Have you ever seen his QAF interviews? He can't even get this thoughts together because he's so wasted. Take away his nudity, fine direction and editing by the QAF production team, and there isn't much depth left to Gale Harold's performance.

posted at November 5, 2006 08:56 AM

Hiding in Gale's Closet wrote:

Thanks for the laugh! Gale Harold is about as heterosexual as Clay Aiken. Have you ever looked at Gale and his mannerisms? The overly animated facial expressions, the gay eyes. Gale looks as hetero as Rev. Ted Haggard. Many in the gay community talk about him being closeted.

He doesn't like the press because he's always being afraid of being outed. The buzz is he tries to avoid fans because he doesn't want them plastering his pics online or talking about him on the net because the more buzz there is, the more likelihood someone will come forward to reveal his secret. He's always walking the tight rope of trying to fly as far under the radar as possible yet trying to advance his career.

One of his costars was quoted as saying Gale is the most gay friendly straight man he's ever met. No matter how liberal or evolved the average hetero man is he's still not going to cross the line the way Gale does. Hetero men equate their sexuality to their masculinity and kissing men and grabbing their crotches off screen isn't something a straight man would do. People don't want to see the forest for the trees or the homo through the I'm a hetero propaganda.

posted at November 6, 2006 04:22 AM

Ann wrote:

Gale Harold is oooh so HOT!...Gale Harold is NO, Clay Aiken!!!! Clay got that fairy thing going...
Hell, I know plenty of straight women who could care less, they'd do him gay or straight!! Gale Harold is not the only actor who doesn't like to take pics and if the Hetero propaganda is being spread, it's being spread right here! There are a number of websites already on the net dedicated to Gale Harold... I know plenty of women who don't think he's the average HETERO man, that's what makes him HOT!! He's not Average!! HOMO or HETRO you are right we don't want to see the forest or the trees...just GALE HAROLD! His eyes and the emotions he can reflect in a scene...oh yeah, GALE HAROLD is ALL THAT! Well, Hidin' in Gale's Closet can you make room for me!!

posted at November 7, 2006 09:35 PM

Shauna wrote:

Hmmm, I wouldn't classify myself as an Uberfan but I certainly enjoyed all 5 seasons of the show and I was very sorry when it ended. Being on the slightly middle-aged side, I certainly appreciate all the ground-breaking aspects of QAF. I think it would be utterly ridiculous for any GBLT person to not commend the actors and Gale and Randy in particular for their brave portrayals of one version of gay lifestyle. Even if this does not fit your experience as a gay man, certainly you can appreciate that in some ways the show is an idealized and insulated version of one community. We all know just how insulated our communities can be. We can certainly agree to disagree but I think to be fair whether his "camp" is difficult has no bearing on the quality of his performances. It is also a fact that Gale was the only audience draw for Vanished whether you enjoyed the show or not and his abscence is surely going to be a nail in the coffin. I also think that you know full well as a journalist that when you are critical of any star that there is bound to be some negative feedback. Your shock at it being less than respectful is amusing. Regardless, QAF was groundbreaking and at even the tender age of 34 you should understand that.

posted at November 9, 2006 01:30 AM

Heather wrote:

People will continue to believe what they want to believe as far as Gale's sexuality, but really, he had a 5yr window of 'perfect' opportunity to 'come out' if he was. 'Hiding in Gale's Closet' appears to have a rather stereotyped view of straight men. Gale has admitted in the past that he's been heavily hit on by gay men who have "tried to convert him". (Can't say as I blame them for trying) Lol. And as for Gale's interviews -
Harold confesses, "I’m a bad interview because I want to always feel like I'm being totally honest, but at the same time I'm absolutely paranoid. That combination results in a lot of spaces. [Laughs]"
He's intensely private. Not comfortable with fame or squeeing fangirls. I say let the issue of his sexuality go. (All info on Gale googled)

posted at November 10, 2006 12:27 AM

Alana wrote:

I personally don't care what Gale Harold does with his life or acting career. He can just stand there and pose and I'll be happy.

posted at November 11, 2006 08:29 AM

marisa wrote:

As a critic, dear sir, you are certainly allowed to like or dislike an actor or a show. I actually find your words, mostly, entertaining.
The only thing I take exception to is your murdering habit of using "it's" -as in "it is"-, instead of the appropriate possessive "its". You used it twice on this page (it's heyday? it's actors?).

posted at February 13, 2007 08:11 PM

sandra broome wrote:

Well...having read what this critic has written i am totally surprised to read that he thinks Gales acting was flat...It seems to me to be a critic you have to actually watch what you are criticising and put aside any personal feelings about the actors you are criticising...maybe i am wrong?...as a straight, middle aged woman i was totally blown away by the acting of Gale and all the actors and enjoyed every season although sometimes the writing was not so good...but having said that...whoever writes a screenplay or whatever has their own vision of what they want to acheive...therefore unless you are that person you are gonna see something different. As i had time to see the British version before the US version i enjoyed them both but for different reasons...the British version was more gritty and true to life in Manchester...but the US version held my attention for its initial following of the British series and then continuing in a truly American way...I was not going to state my sexuality and gender but really it should not matter...i enjoyed the show...i enjoyed especially seeing Gale Harold...i think he has the makings of a fine actor...i do not care if he is straight or gay or bi...the impression i get from your article is that of a jealous and insecure person...i should know i have been one myself for a while...makes me think i could get a job like yours!...as for him flaunting his heterosexuality...when was this?...wheres the proof...and i am also a little shocked at the hatred that seems to surround Hal Sparks and his so called flaunting of his hetero status...i must have been asleep...i have met both Hal and Gale and find them to be polar opposites(one intoverted one extroverted) but both attentive when you speak to them and both great actors and human beings.
I allow that you are entitled to your opinion as am i but when you start being downright untruthful in your criticism...then i think you should be pulled on it.
I will continue to applaud QAF both versions(thank you Russel,Ron and Daniel) for having the push to give people something great to watch...as for it not being realistic...are any soap operas totally realistic to everyone who watches them?...i think not!

posted at February 14, 2007 03:51 PM

Jennifer wrote:

I love both the show and Gale. He is the reason i started watching the show, but i got hooked on the show itself. I think that he is a very good actor who just happens to be very sexy also. Everyone is entitled to there own opinion, but i agree that he never flaunted his sexuality either way, and the interviews i have seen with him in it he does not look or act stoned just very shy and is trying to find the right words. I should know me being very shy myself, that is the way i am in interviews and in front of crowds.

posted at November 18, 2007 02:31 PM