When the American version of Queer As Folk premiered last January, we were all set to dismiss it. Why diddle with the UK version? Why take 22 hours to tell what happened nicely in six?.Why shoot the damned thing in T.O., pretend it's Pittsburgh, and then make Pittsburgh seem gayer than T.O.? But after a few weeks, something happened. The show got better. And better. And now it's a seriously good gay soap, equal parts brains, brawn and balls. The adapters didn't fuck it up. Sure, all the right hot buttons are pushed: gay parenting, drug

Queer As Folk's Michael (Hal Sparks), Brian (Gale Harold) and Justin (Randy Harrison) get ready for the show's June 25 finale.

abuse, ageism, cyber-dating, Christian ex-gays and high-school and workplace homophobia. But the characters are far more detailed and fleshed out - literally - than the Brit originals. Plus, the token lesbian couple (who, by the way, get some of the hottest sex scenes) aren't an afterthought. You can attribute that to the longer season. But don't forget the directors, including locals Jeremy Podeswa and John.Greyson (whose cybersex episode was one of the best). The show is essentially the dark side of Will &.Grace. It's just been picked up for another year. Hmm. Will Michael and David stay together?.Will Brian leave for New York?.Will a non-white actor ever have a feature role on the show? Can't wait to find out. Thank god for cable.

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