![WATCH: Web Series FREEFALL – Episode 2.2 [Open Discussion]](https://i0.wp.com/cypheravenue.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/FREEFALL-__-Ep.-1013-_Trust_-__-@FreefallSeries-2013-11.jpeg?resize=1200%2C675&ssl=1)
Here’s episode two of the new season of the black gay web series FREEFALL. I really enjoyed the debate that came out of the first episode so we’ll continue our Open Discussion format for this one as well. Please throw in your two-cents in the comments section down below to let us all know what you think of the episode, the show itself or anything related to gay content and the web series format in general.As for myself, I’m not going to review the show but will at least say that this episode shows improvement from the last. Freefall is definitely the best looking gay web series out there, even though they strip all of the perceptible contrast out of the images (which I’m sure is intentional). I’m still confused with the randomness of the story and yet to really feel like I “know” any of the characters (or even like any of them for that matter). But I do see the potential and really appreciate the attempt at something different and straying away from cliches, which is more than we’ve seen from other black gay web series creators.
So let me get the Open Discussion started with a few questions. Freefall and Steel River (sigh) are the only black shows created for the web that are at least trying to tell stories from the POV masculine black gay men. For that reason, do they face increased expectations from people like us at Cypher Avenue given their budget or resources? Does budget even matter when critiquing art or creative works? In what ways does Freefall stand out from the rest? If something like Freefall was on Network Television (with a larger budget) would black gay men actually support it or would it die in the crib like The LA Complex?
Watch the Episode and Debate Away!
This episode was really good! I love that the directors and actors are working extremely well with what they have. It’s no secret that it’s not Denzel Washington, Will Smith, or Jamie Foxx skill level of acting in this series but they are decent. The storyline is good enough to keep me tuned in. This is much better than first season as well.
I hope that we see more shows like this in the future. Would be awesome if BET picked it up or something lol!
Thanks for posting the episode DC! You gentlemen rock!
God Bless!
I saw the full episode and I like how the story is developing and I can’t wait to see what’s to come next! I think more people have to give Freefall more time for the characters and storyline to develop.
In discussing some of the questions you brought up Nick, please read below:
As for the other web series, I haven’t seen anything else besides this show and The DL Chronicles. I guess I haven’t made time for the other ones like Steel River, No Shade, etc. As for critiquing the work, I do think that a larger budget would allow Lamont and those he works with to have the potential to do more with the series whether it is hiring people with more experience (not saying these guys don’t have any.. just haven’t seen their resumes), hiring writers and other visionaries to create more compelling stories for future episodes, and having more potential to promote the web series to more potential viewers. But I do believe what Lamont Pierre is doing now is good. I applaud him for stepping away from stereotypes and giving viewers a different perspective and taking his time to develop a new and refreshing take on stories that focus on masculine and gay men of color.
I think that if it was on national television that it MIGHT not survive and the reason being is lack of its commercial appeal to the general public. When I use the words, “commercial appeal”, I am referring to the fact that the stereotypes that most TV viewers in America are used to about (black) gay men. Most people who watch television think of the flamboyant, effeminate and over-the-top black men that have been presented to viewers over the last couple of years on (reality) TV. I think more people who watch television are more comfortable when they view something they expect or something they’re used to. They expect the “gay (black) male” to be portrayed with handbags, lipstick, high heels, etc. While there have been highly successful shows, such as ‘The Wire’, that show different portrayals of the masculine gay (black) male, most shows that incorporate that caricature have not been as successful (see: ‘The LA Complex’).
I do think shows like ‘The LA Complex’, ‘Freefall’, and (maybe even ‘Steel River’) others depicting gay and masculine men of color in a different light can be successful to the general public (or at least a dedicated LGBT and female demographic) when more people who watch television become more open-minded.
Your thoughts? Let’s discuss everyone!
You’re definitely a fan of the series and financial supporter of this series so I always look for your opinion above all others bro. Thanks for commenting!
I agree, this series is def not like any I’ve seen in the black gay sphere. Def in a lane of their own. I think there is a public aversion to seeing masculine black gay men on screen because of the negative down low stereotypes as well as the perception that our “real men” are being “lost” to the gay agenda and epidemic. Blah Blah Blah.
There is a fear there and there will be some resistance because of that fear for primarily black shows featuring black gay men.
For sure man! I’m glad to comment!
I agree with you 100%. I don’t know what it will take for the masses to be drawn into a show such as this one BUT time will tell. Even if there is a black version of a channel like LOGO then that may be the best thing.
I do think that one way shows like this can become bigger is if more gay men of color begin to see things how you do as explained in your post about financial support in the gay black/latino community.
I think there is a public aversion to seeing masculine black gay men on screen because it would force the public to imagine gay people as “normal”. Yes! They go to work, pay bills, fail school, just like everyone else.
The black and evangelical churches makes sure that their congregations perceive homosexuality as an abomination and inherently evil. So when gays are on the screen looking like damn fools it is acceptable; it proves their point and forwards their agenda, one set by homophobic homosexual clergy members (irony). But having them appear as decent people is simply wrong.
They are not ready to accept the truth, that not all gays are flaming drug abusers. Who only have sex, you know because when your gay, its hard for people think of you without wondering who your poking or who’s poking you.
I think it has less to do with the DL phenomenon, and more to do with the fact that some people want to make homosexuality as something easily ridiculed, scorned, and inhuman. Masculine black men challenge that view. Props to Freefall.
I like this series but I feel as this episode was a bit slow.Although there were three different storylines,, this episode just seemed to be plodding along.There is intrigue to look forward in upcoming episodes such as the Tony/Cameron angle and the backstory behind what is going on with Xavier.I do feel as if Lamont Pierre is doing a great job and taking the series in the right direction so therefore I do think that he deserves the continued support of the black gay community.
I’ve been sorta M.I.A around these Discreet City streets and it seems like I’ve been missing out on some pretty dope topics. So, while I have a little free time off of MyVidster, I gonna dig into a few these hot topics (starting with the Freefall fellas).
Now just a quick personal review of the Official Season of Freefall so far…
PROS
– The Cinematography/Directing/Editing has been beyond dope
– The Audio/Sound Arrangement is definitely on point
– A bit too Matrix green at times, but I still dig the Color Grading
– The location/scenery is a huge improvement over the pre-season
– The story seems far more intriguing (while a tad over dramatic)
– It’s great seeing masculine black gay characters (but…)
– The dialog/script seems pretty solid (the delivery though..)
– Plenty of eye-candy (not enough acting)
CONS
– As handsome as these fellas are, the acting has to improve
– The plot so far seems a bit overly convoluted.
– NoFems/NoFats, but the characters/plot are still stereotypical
– Black, Criminal/Thug, Drug User/Dealer, Murder = Stereotypes
– Pet Peeve, but Xavier’s beard annoys the shit out of me.
With that said, Freefall has to be one of the most well done *INDEPENDENT* black gay web series to date (right up there with No Shade and The DL Chronicles). It’s truly an exciting time for black LGBT filmmakers and fans alike. Since the realm of quality black LGBT media has become more active/accessible than ever before.
Now jumping back to some of Nick’s initial questions..
“Does budget even matter when critiquing art or creative works?”
I think before you critique anything (or anyone), you should at least analyze/review the overall situation. Comparing an inde series (on a technical level) with a budget of -0, to a major multimillion dollar studio production, is not only unbalanced, but its also obviously unfair. Although, they’re still core aspects that apply to both inde and major studio media productions. and that core aesthetic is the creativity and passion put into the project You could be working with no budget at all, but still give your all. So when I do critique a inde project, I’m reviewing the realistic creative effort that goes into the production (regardless of budget).
“In what ways does Freefall stand out from the rest?”
Even though the acting may be on the level of a Latino Fan Club production, Lamont Pierre (and his talented team) are showcasing the technical beauty of true filmmaking. You can literally put the audio on mute and simply appreciate the passion that went into
the cinematography, directing, editing and pacing of scenes (not even including the eye candy). This is something that is absent from so many independent black LGBT web series, but is overflowing in waters of Freefall.
“If something like Freefall was on Network Television (with a larger budget) would black gay men actually support it or would it die in the crib like The LA Complex?”
It would flop quicker than Antoine Dodson acting career. For starters, you need more than the support of “Black Gay Men” to keep q primetime network series on air (except if you’re a RNB diva). Sadly, mainstream America is are far from ready to except black gay men outside of the DL/Fem Queen Stereotype.Not saying that should discourage us from breaking these common cliches, but more so.. we should be encourage to do this in more creative ways. I think by implementing POSITIVE non-stereotypical black gay/bi characters in leading/powerful roles in mainstream media, will gradually breakdown the negative perception of black gay/bi men in film/television (offering the opportunity of major black gay/bi masculine series on network television).
Also on a final note, Google recently revealed that soon Youtube users/partners will soon be able make a profit offering premium subscriptions on their Youtube channels. So inde productions like ADTV, Freefall, No Shade, The DL Chronicles (maybe even Discreet City), can charge a small monthly subscription (on Youtube) to help fund their productions.
Maybe the Google Gawds been checking out a bit of Discreet City…
STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM, STILL HERE? – The Lack of Financial Support in the Black/Latino Gay Community
I had high hopes for this web series but this second episode plot references is confirming to me that is morphing into a mellow dramatic black gay soap opera albeit with an edgy tone. Seems as if this story line of some vague murder ring is being unaturally grafted onto these characters. Nothing wrong with a soap opera particulary one with black gay content but I was hoping for more plausible drama.
I had high hopes for this web series but this second episode plot references is confirming to me that is morphing into a mellow dramatic black gay soap opera albeit with an edgy tone. Seems as if this story line of some vague murder ring is being unaturally grafted onto these characters. Nothing wrong with a soap opera particulary one with black gay content but I was hoping for more plausible drama.
Yeah I agree and I think this goes without saying but it probably does need to be said. We at discreet city get criticism about our writing skills all the time, most of the time we agree since we’re learning on the job. These actors appear to be learning as they go as well. Tough Criticism like the kind we welcome here may seem harsh but (from what I’ve seen) it hasn’t come from a malicious intent or motive. Its merely from being honest. On American idol, ppl who obviously can’t sing get told as much. Same on Apollo in Harlem…Hollywood is filled with stars who were told they weren’t very good at one point which drove them to get better.
I was not feeling this episode that much. I’m trying to grasp the purpose of the characters and figure out what message the creator is trying to relay. Perhaps he is not trying to put a message out there at all. Maybe he is just showing us that masculine gay characters can be in film as well, I don’t know. I felt episode 102 was similar to episode 101 quite frankly. They both were OK to me. I actually enjoyed the initial four episode clips so much more. I know you all felt too much was being told in the intials clip before the season one episodes began, but I still felt those clips were a bit more interesting. I will be following the show either way because I feel the creator will make it more and more interesting as the episodes continue. Glad that this show is accessible and look forward to watching more of it!
steel river is a mess. i actually unsubscribed. steel river hopes from one story to the other and leaves viewers confused. their episodes are very short for them to switching stories like that. if steel river would stick to one storyline and make it good it would be better that having 5 episodes or so with coherence. Freefall does not have a the best acting out there but for a black gay web series its acting is by far the best. there is just too much bullshit on youtube in the name of webseries. why is the acting on black gay webserieses so bad? look at theouts or hustling on youtube and see how great the acting is. why can`t blacks cast based on acting skills? its funny tho cos other black webserieses like roomieloverfriends or awkard black girl have great acting. why can`t the gays have great acting as well? even on tv shows like noah`s arc had the worse acting i have ever seen. DTLA wasn`t any better. BLACK GAY ACTORS WAKE UP AND PERFECT UR ART DAMN!!!!!!
So After viewing this episode of Freefall and of others, I must give props where they are due. While as many stated before Freefall isn’t on that “Hulu” webseries type status yet, I see major improvements with this season. For one the addition of characters, I can’t remember many of the characters names, so If I get them wrong in this post, please excuse me. One major thing that I like about Freefall, that I must point out, nowhere (so far in the series), is being gay an issue. I like shows like that, because it begins to confirm how normal we are. For example on modern day shows, when there is an interracial couple on you won’t see them discussing the fact that they are interracial at all, and thus this same element of normalcy is presented in Freefall, with the fact that the characters are gay. Yes all the characters are gay but that is just a subtext to their lives which I love.
I understand although the gay community has evolved we still have a long way to go, I personally don’t see being gay as a big deal anymore at all, and maybe its because of the merging of the gay community onto our television screens. One thing I want to object to, was somewhere here in the comments, someone wrote that society would predominantly not accept black gay men on television unless they were playing their stereotypical roles of the “feminine gay men”, I must admit there probably is some truth to that, but I think Hollywood is more open to the idea of that, then they ever were in the past. I mean just recently of an episode I saw on BET of “Let’s Stay Together” one of the characters was gay and was not feminine at all. Another trait I’ve noticed is that when gay men are usually in a serious role on a television or movie, they seem to be alot more masculine and feminine and steer from stereotypes Some examples: The LA Complex, Elliot Loves, God’s Children, Days of our lives, One life to Live, Frefall. And yes some of those shows don’t have gay characters of color, but that’s just to prove my point. I mean usually the only time I see what is considered to be a feminine gay man on tv is when they are interviewing for the oscars or something like that, they are fun to watch, I mean gay men come in all different shapes and sizes just like straight guys. I mean they are some straight guys out there who are very feminine so don’t be surprised. lol.
I personally do welcome when gay characters don’t portray the usual gay stereotypes, and by stereotypes, I don’t necessarily mean feminine, because what one defines as feminine and masculine is in the eye of the beholder. Because one point in time, I read a post here on Discreet City, where you guys had said the main character in the movie “The skinny” didn’t seem masculine to you guys, and I actually thought he was pretty masculine, maybe he might need to have the body of the bodybuilder and talk like Mr. T to suffice. I’m just kidding so please don’t take offense to that. But back to my main point, I like shows that stay away from putting gay characters in typical situations such as aquiring HIV, etc. Because I understand filmmakers try to bring attention to such notions, but I feel that’s just reinforcing stereotypes and increasing the fears of others, if you ask me, if you want to help bring awareness of HIV to all communities, teach acceptance, because I feel we have enough education as it is, but not enough acceptance. If people with HIV were to feel more accepted many more would come forward and get the treatment they need. It was the same with homosexuality at one point, we no longer needed to educate people, because there was enough education out there about it, but instead we needed to promote acceptance in order to move forward, which is why we are where we are today, where gay marriage is legal in certain states.
But anyway, I’m glad filmmakers like Lamont, have strayed from the typical plotlines (so far that is), because its showing how gay people are just like everybody else.
Now on to my mini critique of Freefall, I don’t like what they are doing with X’s character. They are making him seem like a mess, and in the first season, even though we knew he was all over the place, he seemed very human and redeemable. I feel Lamont is on the pathway to making X’s character irredeemable.
But with the new additions such as Niko, I’m very interested in learning the backstory on them. I do enjoy other shows such as No Shade for their comedic relief, however I do agree on the many critiques of Steel River, it doesn’t give us a chance to be fully invested in any of the characters. But I would love hear replies to my comment, and by the way, you guys at Discreet City, keep doing your thing, because I really enjoy this site,my only critique to you guys, I want to see more posts!!! I’m always hungering for more on this site, so please more posts by you guys, the commentary you guys give is always point and is always inquiring to read and…
I watch this because this is one of the best gay web series we have right now, and it features masculine black men. With that being said, the first 5 minutes were unbearable. I understand, Lamont is trying build a storyline not around just sex or normal gay shit, but some of the writing is unbelievable, combined with some hit or miss acting. I will continue to support and watch because I respect his vision and hope to see his best continue to grow.
I swear this show is my guilty pleasure. Every time i watch i feel like i just did something that i wasnt supposed to do. i can’t stop watching for some reason. I like reading these remarks too. Nice job free fall. Looks like things keep improving and thats a good sign. How many episodes can we expect?