The Wrong Bradshaw?: A Review of Noah's Arc

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Over the past three days, I called my cable company about 15 times and endured three visits from the cable man (one of which was hot as hell) all to get one cable channel: LOGO--Viacom's new gay programing channel.  Why?

Because this Wednesday was the series premier of the America's first black gay series--Noah's Arc.

The creator and executive producer of the series, Patrick-Ian Polk has described the show as Sex and the City meets Soul Food meets Queer As Folk.  Just look at the name of this blog and it should come as no surprise to you that I have a special affinity for the HBO television series, Sex and the City.  So anytime someone says that their show or book is "like Sex and the City" my eyebrows often rise in skepticism. 

Noah's Arc peeks into the lives of four friends in Los Angeles.  The main character, Noah (Darryl Stephens), is a slim, petite, and struggling screenwriter who has never dated a man.  Alex (Rodney Chester), is an HIV counselor who is in a committed relationship with a muscular hot bodied man.  Ricky, is a promiscuous clothing boutique owner who believes that monogamy is boring.  And finally, Change is an economics professor at UCLA who has just moved in with his boyfriend his young daughter.

In this episode, the foursome are on the beach when Noah runs into his fellow screenwriting buddy, the very attractive and supposedly heterosexual Wade (Jensen Atwood--who has a noticeable role in the Destiny's Child, "I Need A Soldier" video).  The episode finds Noah falling for Wade after Wade drops him several subtle and not so subtle hints.  On the journey, Noah's buddys are there to give him bad advice on his numerous pleas for assistance.

Let's get the most obvious critique out of the way first.  Noah's Arc is filled with flaming, black, gay men.  The four friends not only call each other bitch, hoe, and girl--but most of them (with the exception of Ricky) carry themselves in an effeminate manner.  It just so happens that the objects of their affection (and their boyfriends) are exactly the opposite--masculine, good-looking, and muscular.

Is this realistic?  Of course it is.  Let's face it, there are a lot of gay men that are effeminate.  But why are all of the main characters written around this misconception of black gay brothas in America?  Why isn't there more diversity?  It is frustrating to tune into a series that is suppose to be groundbreaking, and find that merely mirrors stereotypes that occupy the American public's imagination.

But actually, the effeminate characters don't bother me so much.  Something even more troubling are the images of beauty on the show.  Again, the bodies that are highly eroticized are slim, svelt, or very muscular.  Ricky, the one person on the show who is unapologetically promiscuous has a body that looks like he spends a good amount of time in the gym.  And the only people that we see engaged in sexual activity have tight bodies as well.  Are the average, thick, chunky, muscle-less, and overweight sexless?  Surely not.  Hopefully, the series will touch on this issue in the future with Alex, who is a heavy brother.

But probably the most troubling aspect of this show is that it is not original.  It is a re-make of Sex and the City with brown and black faces.  The comparisons have already been made, Ricky is Samantha Jones, Chance is Charlotte York McDougall Goldenblatt, and Noah is a fallible and slightly naive Carrie Bradshaw--with cocoa skin.  Noah and Carrie are both writers.  Noah has a petite, tight body like Carrie.  Noah wears crazy outfits--just like Carrie does (did you see the knit ponchos that Noah was sporting?). They both love to try on these crazy outfits in their walk-in closet that leads to their bathroom.  Also when they talk to their friends--everybody else's problems seem to take a backseat to their own.  And finally, why do Noah and Carrie both go after men who initially are emotionally unavailable?  Wade is merely a bisexual Mr. Big on the DL.

So with these problems and lack of creativity & originality, will I be viewing the second episode of Noah's Arc?

Hell yes.

For all of its problems, as a comedy, the show works.  It is cute, bubbly, and light hearted.  The bug eyed shock on Noah's face when the supposedly straight Wade makes a date with him.  And Alex's (who is arguably the funnest character on the show) quote of Whitney Houston after he sees Noah take off his shirt at the club is priceless, "What they put in those drinks?  Crack?  Cause you know, crack is whack." 

Secondly, the show has Wade.  Jensen Atwood's looks and portrayal of his character alone are worth your time.  In addition, the mere act of watching attractive black men on television--kissing, holding each other, or being sexual was simply exciting.  I have never seen these images, and I until the show came on television, I didn't realize how much I have been starving for them.  There was something that was just amazingly hot when I saw Ricky and his employee tonguing each other down at work.  I was watching the show with FRIEND, and seeing the interaction between the black men on the show made me touch and be affectionate with the black man next to me.

Hopefull, Noah's Arc will move past great intimate black gay images and elaborate on more realistic black same-sex experiences.  What made Sex and the City a huge success was that so many people--straight women and gay men--saw themselves and their experiences on the show.  The creators of the show often pulled real life scenarios into the series so that it imitated life.  How many times would things happen in your life and you would think--this is the same shit that happened to Carrie?  Yet instead of creating storylines that happen to real everyday gay brothers, Noah's Arc seems to strive to imitate its predecessor, Sex and the City. 

Maybe the writers of Noah's Arc have the wrong Bradshaw.  Instead of basing the Logo series on Carrie Bradshaw and Company, maybe Patrick-Ian Polk and the writers need to take a look at the experiences of me--Bernard Bradshaw--and other black gay men like (and unlike) me when constructing new storylines.

But honestly, I give kudos to the creators of Noah's Arc.  No matter how good or bad the show becomes, I'll be tuning in every week.  Where else can I go to see people like me on television?

Comments

[Aisha Garner]

Oh my God, I love your Noah's Arc! You are so talented, and to think no one has ever come up with something like this. I am so enjoying it right now as we speak. I will be purchasing all the seasons of Noah's Arc. Much love and respect for this masterpiece.

[charletta atkins]

i love wade i think that he is a very good actor n i think noah and wade has very chemistry together a juicy 34

[Shanita Daniels]

I have an absolute fetish for noah's arc. It may be a remake of sex in the city or girlfriends but, niether of these shows were important enough for me to tape the whole season the way I did noahs arc. I wish Ricky was straight or that I was a man so that I could fuck him. These guys are exception actors. It is almost pathetic that it took so long for them to become on screen hollywood actors. Whoever idea it was to start this show and logo was a GENIUS!!! Thanks to this show I know there will be more movies and shows for american black gay men and woman. Noahs Arc has practically put logo on its back and ran with it. I preddict these four actors will blow-up as the media and public hang on to their every word begging for more. I know they are individually going to brace the big screen. In the meantime I have an important question, my email is on this web site an logo doesn't have the information up right now. Mr. Bradshaw I was wondering if you get the information on the date and time of when the new season starts before I do would you post me that information because I searched the web through and through and there is no information on it, Thank-you.

[buddhaman]

I think a lot of the people commenting are missing the point of Noah's Arc. You only think the characters are sterotyped because you never see gays portrayed in any other way. Keep in mind, these guys are "out." They don't have to be concerned with adopted pseudomasculine facades to blend in. This is a start, and I think it's a good one. I hope Noah's Arc lasts for several seasons more so we can see the characters grow and develop.

[Ryan]

ok...the show is ok at best....yeah Wade looks good but i dont think thats gonna be enought to carry the show to another season. WHY ARE ALL THE MAIN CHARACTERS EXTREMELY EFFEMINATE??? It just seems like they made a show based on common steryotypes....there are no characters that represent different types of guys..like myself...Im gay but i dont walkin around in calf-high Ugg boots and clothes that just fit me...Im tired of gay bein a "fad" or an "idea". Im me...a regular around the way guy that jus happens to like guys...when will there be a character that represents me and people like me??? In my honest opinion its time for Noah's Arc to set sail...and come back to dock when it is carrying some cargo with some substance and realness...

[Lester King]

I am totally hook the show is all that and more. I only wish it was on for a hour. I have all my friends hooked. Jenson Atwood is simply breath taking.

[2real17]

This show me and my guy friend both watch and we both love it.I have friends who can relate to the characters closely. So just keep it up what your doing becuz i luv this show.

[d*ia]

I think some of the critics have to keep in mind that it is a new show, on a new network about a controversial topic. I love it! I also like coming here and reading takes on things because it's positive feedback. I did think some of your comments were different from what I saw. Like they do have a heavy set or rather thick brother on the show who's sex life is predicted. They show thugs, drag queens and a whole gamut of gay. I don't think all the guys are femme except for Noah and Alex, the other two don't ping for me. Hopefully the producers and writers will troll the net and consider these comments, all the same. I will have to say it's a breath of fresh air not to see the stereotypical portrayal of black men on t.v. Most oftentimes they aren't looked upon as brotherly. So if it took a gay slant to portray that I'm all for it. Every great show has it's critics. SATC sure did, QAF did, hey even the Cosby show was put down but they still made a difference and for that I give Noah's Arc two thumbs up.

[Gus]

this is the show that needed to be on tv, it is refreshing especially to see a show that is nothing like Queer as Folf, although i did enjoy watching thshow, this takes it to another level. very positive and not offensive or stereo typical, and hey if it's compared to Sex and the city, that is a huge compliment. and Jensen we luv you . no doubt. good luck to all you and the best.

[kneene]

Hello!

Noahs Arc is hilarious. I work in the cable industry and was informed of the new channels being added to the line up. When I turned to the channel to check it out I was quite surprised at the subject matter of the channel. I was not aware it was a gay and lesbian channel. Clips from Noahs Arc where being shown and that was enough for me to tune in for the first episode. I could not believe some of the story lines. I think the show is original(nothing like Sex In The City) and very interesting. It is refreshing to see black people on TV living and dealing with situations and issues that cross gender, race and sexuality. Even though I am a straight single African-American woman I see myself, friends and family members situations being acted out in the story lines each week.

I'm hooked.

[Ken Stein]

As I have found your review to be entertaining I also find it to be a little off the mark.
Yes, most of the time we are looking at men who might be considered unobtainable, but on the other hand that is what makes it so irrestible.
I found Alex' character to be quite open both in over the top comments and in the fact that maybe his physicality might be quite different from the other cast memebers you see him shirtless and get the impression that he is very comfortable with himself.
I found he and his partners relationship to be quite refreshing in that they seem to be middle class working people who have problems like the rest of us.
The Chance character is making a big leap of faith to pick-up and move into someone elses home with a child.
Ricky's character is of-course the promiscuous one. Don't we all have a friend like that in our lives.
Noah being the naive youngster who needs to be guided by his more knowledgeable friends makes the show gives the show a great balance.
Being white and having watched the first episode with a couple of my black friends, I found their take on the show to be hilarious.
Great job guys,
I look forward to up-coming episodes.
Ken Stein

[castiron]

Beautifully written critique.

[doug]

Nicely written critique. I think you've got a lot of valid points, but I always thought my character was more like Miranda than Charlotte. And good, I'm glad you'll keep watching. You're going to see us go through a lot of changes. Even more importantly, you're going to see yourself reflected back on a television show, maybe not perfectly and maybe not clearly, but at least you'll see us, black men, gay men, being. On television for Heaven's sake, in a way that's never been seen before. Thanks for watching and bugging your cable company.

Doug Spearman

[summer]

i refuse to order logo, so i'ma rely on your recaps, bernard.

[saveME]

I wish I could have logo channel to watch a some of the show or see the other programs. in the meantime congrat's on your offering well audition I hope you link us to where ever in the hell they post the podcast so we can listen!!!!

Stey Cool, Bernard!

[carl]

"I was watching the show with FRIEND, and seeing the interaction between the black men on the show made me touch and be affectionate with the black man next to me."

OMG!!!!!!!!!!, Bernard Bradshaw was being affectionate and cuddly! ...LOL! just kidding dude ...

I agree, why are gay men always flaming bytches on TV... UGH!! and skinny-ass, knit pocho-wearing bytches with pursed lips and snap-back necks ...LOL!

[mysta3]

Paco, in the Soldier Video Jansen was the dude on the motorcycle that was watching Michelle "try to dance" during her part of the song.

Thanks for the review Bernard.

[Paco]

oh my fucking god at Jensen Atwood... i dont remember him from the soldier video! WHERE THE FUCK IS HE!??!?! Im sure i would remember him... altho I salivate at almost every single guy thats on that video so i might have seen him and dont recognize him but GOD-DAMN. makes me wanna c the show just for him...

[d]

you keep those tv/film rights to yourself for now, deear. i'm confident someone will stop by to pick them up for some cha-ching ;-)