New web series episodes dropped this week, folks. We have a couple returning champions as well as a new contestant to the arena. I’ve actually lost count on how many active gay web series that are currently in rotation. I guess that’s a good thing.
NO SHADE – EPISODE 09: The Shade of it All
Now that Showrunner Sean Anthony has gotten his tribute to Sliding Doors out of his system with the last episode, we get back to the elements that have made No Shade one of the best black gay web series on the web. Episode 09 “The Shade of it All” managed to erase all doubts about the show’s charm, wit and knack for spoofing and parody.
This episode also followed my “Seinfeld” theory: The show just works better when all four main cast members have their own time to shine in well written storylines, even better when they all have scenes together. If they can keep this balance up, the series can only get better from here.
Having said that, not much plot actually progresses in this episode. The characters situations are literally no different at the end than they were at the beginning. Oddly enough, none of that mattered given that so many silly, laugh-out-loud moments are featured in the episode. From Eric’s side money-making hustle, Kori’s scuffle with his real estate agent and a lesbian couple, Danielle and Noel’s adventures shopping in Brooklyn, all the way down to the entire group engaging in an unexpected parody of “in the woods” horror movies at the end…I was entertained throughout.
It’s pretty cool that Sean Anthony makes full use of the iconic city he films in by actually showing the city itself (even if it means he has to record ADR for whole scenes to clean up the audio). The characters thankfully don’t just sit around in apartments, cars or offices scene after scene…and when they do Anthony still shoots exterior establishing shots to avoid the claustrophobia.
Lastly, not only did actor David Brandyn co-write this episode, he also treated us to 20 minutes of tight man-cleavage. Yes David…you’ve been in the gym…we’ve noticed.
THE OUT CROWD – EPISODE 01: The First Time
Director Ashton Pina sent us the pilot episode of his Web Series “The OUT Crowd” recently…although it’d been out for awhile, we only just had a chance to get around to checking it out and were quite surprised. The directing, editing and writing are pretty clever, especially for a black gay web series.
Even more refreshing was the fact that the show doesn’t feature the typical “gay model” in the lead role. Don’t get me wrong, Liki Wright who plays Marshall is a very handsome guy but he definitely seems more “average and everyday” than a lot of web series leads, which is by design since the character feels that way as well.
In the opening minutes the character tells us through voice-over that he feels out of place in the Gay community, hopefully this aspect will be explored more because most of the other gay web series revel in gay stereotypes in the community.
It will be interesting to see what changes Pina makes in future episodes to adjust from feedback he’s received from the pilot. I’d love to see the show ditch the voice-overs altogether and tell the story more through characters and action. Drama Queenz and Awkward Black Girl have kind of beat the web series voice-over into the ground, in my opinion.
Also it would be great to see Marshall have more than just relationship woes as a young black gay man. I understand that’s primarily what gay audiences want to see, love & sex, but there is more to life as a young gay black man than finding and/or keeping a boyfriend.
Also, some of the jokes here seemed like they worked better on paper than on the screen. Not sure if it was the actors delivery, the directing or the jokes themselves. Overall, I’d say this was a very good start and I’d give this one another episode based on what I saw here. There’s definitely potential.
FREEFALL – EPISODE 11: Stay
Another Episode of Freefall dropped. Haven’t seen it yet. Probably won’t.
But I skimmed through the episode and saw that the annoying “green tint” was dramatically reduced, if not gone altogether! Here’s to small victories! *Starts Pop-Locking like Turbo*
Anyway, they say that Sharing is Caring so here you go:
Nick Delmacy
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I love the Living Single tribute towards the end of No Shade.
Agreed, very dope and unexpected.
Ok I just watched “The Out Crowd” , and to my surprise, I really liked the episode. From the beginning I instantly fell in love with Marshal. He didn’t fit the typical leading character we’ve come to expect from Gay titles. He had a self deprecating realism about himself that made his character endearing to the viewers. And he didn’t take himself too seriously, while realizing that “the scene” wasn’t really for him.
I’ve never been too fond of the gay guy with the ‘female’ best female deal, but I kinda like Lena. She was a natural in her role. The only criticism I have is the lack of more outwardly masculine guys. 1:11 into the short, I had already been introduced to two queens. And the new year’s eve party didn’t provide any balance as far as masculine roles are concerned. Otherwise, I thought it was lighthearted and fun.
btw: the ex boyfriend was annoying as f*ck!
Yeah the ex-boyfriend needs to vanish from the show altogether.
As for the masculine thing, I’ve come to accept that if Deondray Gossett or Quincy LeNear aren’t involved, I probably won’t see any masculine guys or their lives depicted as anything more than objects of affection. So I find other things to enjoy about the shows.
Freefall and No Shade do both have softer inbetween guys who “butch it up” enough to get by, but to see a series with men I really identify with in behavior and lifestyle, so far its only come from The DL Chronicles guys.
But @BlackPegasus, I hear you think men like Keith Boykin are masculine, so you should be okay with all of the “masculine” dudes in these web series, lol.
@Nick was that a slick jab at Mr. Boykin?
You need a time out! go to your room.. 🙂
LOL@NO SHADE..that was kinda fukn ridiculous..in a good way
N yea, i caught that man cleavage lol
No Shade: Hilarious as always, lol. Tell Sean Anthony he should keep that dancer for the end credits from now on! 😀
**Side note: @nick, does Terry Torro have an acct. on here? I really got a thing for those instrumentals.
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Freefall: …*heavy sigh*
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The OUT Crowd: Looks good so far! 🙂 Coulda made the pilot a lil longer tho, but it worked. “You gon learn today”, haha 😀
I’m still learning in “that” particular area, smh
Yeah Terry has a profile here, its: @ttorro
I’m here @drewski23 you can email me at terrytorro@gmail.com !! Thank you @nick
The best thing I can say about freefall is that Niko & X are good eye candy, I realized a long time ago I’m not these web series target audience so I stopped watching them because the acting & production values are so bad……can’t wait for season three of Sebastian La Cause Husting
YES I agree @DEACON CJ,
HUSTLING is the best webseries out!!!
I knew from the trailer that The OUT CROWD was stupid and repetitive!
NO SHADE is great too, extremely comical, but then again I think Terry Torro and Donnie Doright are very talented and were brilliant and convincing with their Goons vs Gays parodies/show!
FREEFALL.. eh’ Idk?! They depress me with all that gray hues/contrast in the overall view of the show technically. I just find it baffling that these dudes hustle and live in this swanky condo looking apartment without major gainful employment…it just doesn’t feel believable enough to me. I tried giving it a chance but its like watching wet paint dry!