Yes, the first half of the season was less interesting than the second half, but that was just the show finding its feet. And the show's relaxed style might not be the perfect fit for the initial establishing episodes. Perhaps if an episode like episode 4 had happened earlier in the series, the audience could have developed greater interest.
This season was very clearly about setting up where these characters are in their lives, and their slow growth. Patrick needs to learn how to be comfortable with himself and with others in a romantic relationship. Augustin needs to discover who the fuck he really is and wants to be. And Dom needs to get past no strings attached hookups to longer term relationships, just as he is planning to move from a pop-up restaurant to a permanent one. But I don't expect this to happen overnight, or in one short 8 episode season.
Because yes, the story and style does not have the heart-thumping (and hard-humping) energetic pace of QAF, the sarcasm and witty double-entendres of SATC, or the self-conscious quirkiness of Girls, as some were hoping/expecting. But if you want those things, watch QAF, SATC and Girls instead. These shows do a pretty good job of it themselves, because they have their own singular voices and visions. And so does Looking, and that's what I love about it. It's not just a 'gay' show - it has its own narrative and visual style and its not afraid to stick it out.
And I am grateful for the show's visual style, which is rare among television and allows us to do our own 'looking'. The observational naturalistic cinematography usually follows the characters around in long uncut shots, often capturing two or three characters at a time, paying as much attention to atmosphere and mis-en-scene as it does to plot, sometimes more so. It doesn't just capture the big moments, but all the moments in between. It makes you feel like you're a part of the action, quietly observing and soaking in what is happening from a safe distance. We know these characters not only because we hear what they say and what others say about them, but because we see how they act and react.
Each shot has a wealth of information about each character's personality ticks, their clothes, how they look at each other, how they act in front of each other, and how they fit in with their surroundings. There is so much more detail and depth to this than simply cutting between mid-shots or close-ups of the two characters. What better way is there for us to observe how friends behave, how two people learn about and get to know each other, how people express themselves through body language? It's a style that allows you to study these things in detail, or at least more subconsciously let it wash over you.
This means that when Richie shows up at Patrick's door, clean-shaven and in a suit, it has a real impact because we've been able to linger on him in the clothes and in his style. It is the two-shots, rather than the close-ups, that allow us more time to absorb what his style is, and who he is. Because how often do we really see people's faces, in close up? Very rarely and that's the same here. Close ups are used sparingly and saved for the important moments, so it's not surprise that the best were in the season finale. And that's when they hit you the hardest.
Doris, in the background for most of the season, stepping up and telling Lynn that Dom is worth it. Bam - you go girl. Don't we all want someone like Doris on our side?
Dom and Lynn's tentative, tender kiss. Bam - awww. It's never too late to open up.
And Patrick and Richie's heartwrenching break up/non breakup. BAM. TEARS!
Like life, the show is not 100% action all the time, but when there is action, it hits you hard. And that's just what I am looking for in a drama. Bring on Season 2 (and yes more than 8 episodes!).
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