Sigalius Myricantur
I discovered this show in a retrospective observation within a YouTube video, which looked at the development of gay characters in television (specially situational comedies) from the early days of television to current. The observation was how the negative perception and representation of gay characters on screen was thankfully lightening itself over the years. And now, more than ever, gays are represented in television series with little remaining stigma in contrast to the early years. Or perhaps not. You see, as a gay person, I don't expect or demand television shows to represent the gay perspective, seeing as how homosexual demographic is less than 5% of the average population; however, I always want a show that I can relate to, just as much as any one does. The presence of two great actors such as McKellen and Jacobi, along with other actors and actresses, who's works I enjoy also (including Iwan Rheon with his role in Game of Thrones), is indeed favorable for the show. A prior knowledge of their serious works almost adds to the comedic power by a contrast. So, of course, I wanted to love this show, expecting the actors to do marvelously, without necessarily expecting anything particularly from the show altogether. I thought the performances were excellent, and although the plot requires a degree of suspension of disbelief, I enjoyed every episode, every season, and had many laughs. I must note that the humor employed in Vicious is not for every one's tastes, as it is often dark, sardonic, or vitriolic. People who enjoy a lot of sarcasm in their every day jokes with friends should enjoy this show. I also love the setting. This is more a personal matter of aesthetic, but I can really see myself in that flat living with my partner, sipping teas at morn and afternoon. The decor is marvelous. Which one might not think to be significant to note; but it helps that the show is fair to behold, and not an eye sore like certain other shows.I also like how subtly intelligent the show is, using borderline breaking-the-fourth-wall; and one must realize that the show itself does not take itself too seriously. Now,for those reasons, and because I want to see more television shows with gay main characters (and I would personally like to see more committed relationships) in the future, I am giving this a 9 out of 10. I can't bring myself to comfortably linger around the 10 rating, though, because the show is not immune to my criticism. And much critique there is indeed! Firstly, the show--however much I laughed and enjoyed it--also angered me with its portrayal of the gay men, along with the generally one dimensional caricatures, and tiresome use of shock factor. (Part of the humor is a disbelief of the horrible things being said.) The character of Ash is incredibly useful for the plot, and it shows... painfully. This is where the suspension of disbelief comes into play, because sometimes it can be overbearing. There is no legitimate or realistic reason to suppose why Ash regularly frequents Freddie's flat, other than to be a plot device. What got to me most, though, was the relationship between Freddie and Stewart. I HATE this portrayal of bitchy, sardonic, vicious gay queens; and I hate their regular and borderline promiscuous mentality. Now, as a gay man--one who can easily slip into being 'sassy' myself--I understand the viciousness in Vicious: It's quite natural for a minority group which is discriminated against, second class, and loathed to exhibit reactionary defenses in the form of biting, bitchy behavior. But the perpetuation and grinding constancy of the use of the bitchy, sassy, narcissistic, promiscuous gay couple is something that I find repugnant. I honestly got used to it after watching all the seasons and the Christmas special (I like to give things a chance); and it got better in the second season as there were introduced more heartfelt and tender displays of character. I had to completely rid myself of any notion of taking the show very seriously. But still, Ian and Derek should have known better; and apparently they did, seeing as how for the second season they told the people in charge to make it more tender and loving, because otherwise the suspension of disbelief was too burdensome to ask of the audience. "There had to be something that was keeping them together." Most gay couples in committed, loving relationships don't act this way; and I know with unequivocal certainty that it is quite possible to produce a Situational Comedy that portrays gay men in a less stereotypical manner, and STILL be funny and engaging. In this sense, there is long way to go for television shows with or centered around LGBT protagonists, because I can't list off the top of my head even any modern and "progressive" shows which escape the depressing stereotypes. I understand that it is comedy, but these are the serious reason why I want to begrudgingly popularize this show, because at least the main characters are a committed gay couple. I would love to see a show in the future, with a loving and committed gay couple, more like my relationship, which is virtually free of any fighting or bickering whatsoever, and focus more on exposition, character development and dimensionality, though it can still be comedic. I know it can be done, because there are plenty of funny things which don't rely upon people being jerks to each other. I hope to see it done. And I hope that people give Vicious a try, and yet understand my perspective and hope as well.
dotjames-70221
Celia Imrie, known for the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel movies, plays La Tour's sister in one episode. She is not mentioned in the cast list. I really don't have a lot to say, otherwise, about the series. This was the only place I could find to mention the omission. I have always enjoyed Jacobi's work, esp. I, Claudius and more recently Last Tango in Halifax & think his talents are a bit wasted in Vicious. All in all, the comedy is a pleasant way to kill a half-hour without expending any brain power on it. I'm not particularly impressed with the actor who plays Ash. He's not handsome or impressive enough for all the oo-ing & ah-ing the elders do over him.
wrstewart
A show about aging Gay characters and how they cope with life and aging has a great deal of potential for poignancy and even humor, but "Vicious" falls incomprehensibly short of the mark, given its pedigree of actors and writers. After viewing episode two (the series is just now being shown in the U.S.), I could not believe this was written recently, but judging from the looks of McKellan and Jacobi it had to be fairly contemporary. Sure enough, the series began in 2013. Incredulous, I read some of the other reviews here. How did this show ever get to the air? Why on earth would such distinguished actors stoop to performing in such drivel? About the best I can say of the show is that some few of its references to aging ring a bit true, but the Gay stereotypes are ludicrous, insulting, and woefully out-of-date (if these portrayals were ever accurate). The only people I can imagine would find this even mildly entertaining are those who are not yet ready to get to know real Gay people or can appreciate that our lives far more closely resemble theirs than they may be ready to admit. But do we really need to still pander to those people in the 21st century? I am baffled.
GrigoryGirl
I watched the first few episodes of this, and found it hysterical. Many here (and some others) have said this show is terrible because its main characters are caricatures/stereotypes of gays, and I think that's silly. I've met gay guys like the two depicted here, so it's not all a "stereotype". I would also like to point out that Ian McKellen is gay himself (and has been out for years), and if Sir Ian thought this was a terrible show about gays, he wouldn't have done it. It's not like he needs the money.Watch this show and laugh. Don't let the uptight PC crowd deprive you of laughs.
