"NOAH'S ARC: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON"
DVD Review
by Rachel Buccicone
| MOVIE: **1/2 (out of 5 stars)
DVD EXPERIENCE: *** (out of 5 stars) STARRING Darryl Stephens as NOAH NICHOLSON Rodney Chester as ALEX KIRBY Christian Vincent as RICKY DAVIS Doug Spearman as CHANCE COUNTER RNot ated Studio: Paramount Created by Patrik-Ian Polk Back to DVD Review Home |  |
The term “drama queen” or just “queen” has been applied to many gay men, but only upon watching “Noah’s Arc” does one truly grasp what is meant by the title.
Noah (Darryl Stephens), his three closest friends, and their respective lovers are the focus of “Noah’s Arc”. There is no other way to put it than to say this is a show about gay black men. The presence of men of any other race or sexual orientation is nearly nonexistent on this program. Also, anyone you think is straight will ultimately be gay, and that includes the occasional woman.
Noah is a Hollywood screen writer living in Los Angeles, a town apparently occupied by only gay black men. Noah struggles with romance throughout this season as he cannot rid himself of the love he harbors for his ex. Alex (Rodney Chester), the flamingly gay one, spends a number of episodes fighting a secretly gay man who’s attempting to steal his boyfriend. Chance (Doug Spearman), the professional college professor, works to create a positive relationship with his partner’s daughter, and Ricky’s (Christian Vincent) promiscuity makes an enemy of the word “love”.
The plot lines within “Noah’s Arc” are too absurd and melodramatic to ever occur in reality. While I understand the theme of the show to be gay black men, the overt exclusion of any other group is almost offensive. “Noah’s Arc” has selected its demographic and alienates all who cannot identify with the show’s characters.
Common misconceptions about gay men are embodied by each of the main characters in “Noah’s Arc”. Ricky represents gay men as whores, Alex the severely feminine, Noah the hopeless romantic, and Chance as affluence. Add them all up and you’ll have the stereotypical gay man.
“Noah’s Arc” takes some getting used to. Once you become acquainted with the characters and can deal with their severe personalities, it is easy to become hooked on their plights.
Seasons of “Noah’s Arc” are apparently kept fairly short as season two contains only eight half-hour episodes. The DVD offers a third disc of nothing but bonus features. With audio commentary, Digisodes, deleted scenes, cast interviews, behind the scenes footage, bloopers, and a Tales from the Arc Side featurette, you’re up to your neck in extras.
This is the perfect show for gay black men, but for the rest of us, “Noah’s Arc” may not be our cup of tea. Cast any racial or sexual-orientation prejudices aside before approaching “Noah’s Arc” and the gratuitous sexuality therein. Once over those hurdles, you may find yourself hooked on this one-of-a-kind dramedy.
Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. Full Frame. English Language Track. English and Spanish Subtitles.
