The DL ChroniclesKISS...But DONT Tell.
A Critical Review by
ZaXembi Ako.Sua
ActorsTerrell Tilford
and
Kareem Ferguson
Last night, I had the opportunity to meet Christopher V. Sergi, a 27 year old, Los Angeles based producer who has worked with everyone on the Circuit from Patrick Ian Polk and his Tall Black Skinny Boy Production company, to Maurice Jamal, the Writer and Director of Dirty Laundry and The Ski Trip. As Chris and I were discussing the current state of Black, Gay male characters, and their representation, or lack thereof, on mainstream, network television, we began discussing the soon to be released, NOAH'S ARC, feature film. The conversation quickly turned into a positive trade and sharing of theories, philosophies, and ideas regarding why the Black and Latino community do NOT support Gay oriented projects. Chris and I were able to make an exception for programming or projects that are geared towards the existence of this current, marketable 'Trend' regarding Black Men and the 'DL[Down-Low]' LifeStyle.
Filmmakers, Deondray Gossett and Quincy LeNear, partners of the past 11 years, have created a Made-for-Television series, The DL CHRONICLES, which delves into the lives of Black men; all stemming from various socioeconomic backgrounds, who are each dealing with internal and external factors regarding their sexuality. Forcing each of the four, central characters to lead lives of infidelity, fear, self detriment, disloyalty, self loathing and struggle, the dual and secret relationships that these men carry on, eventually create modes of silent hysteria.
As Ive been aware of the creation and existence of The DL CHRONICLES, for over a years time, I hadnt seen anything more than footage stills and character profile photographs. Last night, however, Christopher was gracious enough to allow me to hold his studio copy of the series. I took time this morning to preview all four of the first season episodes, highlighting the man vs. man, man vs. nature and man vs. himself plot lines for the central charcters of WES THOMAS, ROBERT, MARK and the local Thug, BOO. Each story is chronicled by an Up and Coming journalist, Chadwick Williams, who is writing his tales of men who have crossed his path and entered his life through the years. These chronicles are executed in episodes involving different characters, whose parallel lives do not necessarily intertwine.
Whats so intriguing about this project is the depths and artistry of each storyline, every shot, and the overall content of the varying episodes. The characters, though dealing with internal struggles and outward demons of despair, exude the confidence, strength and decorum that is seldom portrayed in the mainstream media of Black, Gay men. It's rare to find a showcase of this calibur, where the majority of the characters arent glossed and glitzed in spray gel, polish, tights, extensions, and an over-the-top, 'Sashay-Shaunte' attitude. I was very pleased to see male sexuality, portrayed on screen, in a less than grotesque, raunchy, offensive manner. Every sex scene was shot and filmed like moving portraiture; exposing the natural sensuality and connection between two men, who happen to be attracted to one another, and in love, as well.
Rahsaan Patterson, one of my favorite, underrated, Male R&B singers, contributes his vocals to the series' soundtrack; offering a mood melody that easily transcends one scene of chaos, to another scene of conviction. The dialogue is written and performed in an effortless manner; one that is easily enveloped by any audience who has ever experienced the feeling of being torn between themselves and society, or anyone who has ever known the feeling of fear paired against desire. I am extremely impressed with Deondray and Quincy's ability to create storylines that reflect the DL lifestyle on levels that extend beyond the conventional 'Thug Type'; prowling around for the next piece of Ass to beat open. The execution of these stories are reflective of a realistic phenomenon.
In one of the most emotional stories, Robert, a talent agent, falls in love with a young, health food store manager, 20 years his junior. Though their initial meeting, behind closed doors, was 'suppose' to result in a one night stand romp, at the request of the youngest man, the relationship takes a slower journey. This interaction leads to a union that grows into a special bond. Robert fights his love, as he battles with having to divulge his sexuality to his college aged daughter, Rhonda. Eventually, after realizing that Love is stronger than Lies, Robert is able to face the truth of his existence and his heart. With the strength of Rhonda's love for him, Robert makes the decision to stand proud, alongside his new Soulmate.
In another gripping plotline, one that aesthetically reminded me of two good friends in my life, Mark and Donte(above) are a couple who have maintained a strong commitment during the past three years. As the time has approached for Mark to fully commit to Donte by turning their fake, 'We're Roommates' bedroom, into a Study, Mark gets cold feet. As Donte becomes extremely excited about no longer having to pretend that his relationship with Mark isnt simply a homeboi-style situation, the couple is surprised by an unexpected house guest. Mark's wild, young, and irresponsible cousin, shows up at his front door, with nowhere to stay, and very little money to his name. Smashed between a rock and a hard place, as Mark relishes in the fact that he is looked upon and admired as the 'Golden Boy' of his family, he decides to not confess the truth of his three year relationship, with Donte. Instead, Mark asks Donte to continue their 'We're Roommates' routine; opening the book for a page turner of ironic, comedic events.
The men and creators of The DL CHRONICLES should be commended for their Dare-to-Do presentation of LIFE; which so happens to involve Gay, Black men, battling the demons of their present and past. I spent 2-Hours of my morning, engulfed in a visual movement. I know, more than ever, that there DOES exist a haven on American television, for a series that reflects the reality of Gay, Black men. Though we are considered to be a sub-culture, of the already Gay Minority, our stories, our struggles and our triumphs, are just as significant as those portayed in QUEER AS FOLK, DANTE'S COVE, WILL & GRACE, and the other series that showcase the relationships and lifestyles of Gay, White men. The DL CHRONICLES delves into places and situations that NOAH'S ARC almost reached. Its saddening that LOGO did not have the financing and/or good sense to continue another season of the groundbreaking series. However, with talent and exposition as refined and realistic as The DL CHRONICLES, there's hope for even more positive reflections....
Who Knows?...Maybe the Next One, which actually receives Mainstream, Crossover Support, will be Written and Directed by Me.
'Life Without Photographs are Moments that Never Happened'
While I was on the East Coast during my Holiday Vacation, I had the distinct pleasure of chillin and hanging out with the Carrie Bradshaw amongst noted Bloggers, in the LGBT community. Known very widely for his Bold, Abrupt and In Yo Face details regarding Love, Sex and Relationship sagas, Adam's Blog has become one of the most popularly visited and read websites amongst Men and Women across the country. As a native and writer of NYC, Adam is currently working on his debut Novel, and continues to contribute articles to an array of mainstream and up & coming periodicals.
