Of the four main leads, Derek and Ryan are the most flamboyant and obviously gay. One PR helpfully whispered, “just think, Ryan: blonde, Derek: spraytan” when I couldn’t keep them straight. But for all their perfect eyebrows and too-tailored clothes, I found them to be straightforward, honest, earnest boys just trying to make it in the big city. They bucked as many stereotypes as they embodied.
The relationship drama comes courtesy of toned, tanned, uber-masculine Reichen and his Brazilian boy-toy Rodiney, who is jealous, and rightfully so, of Reichen’s deceptively baby-faced ex, Austin. Reichen has had the most experience in show business, and it shows. His answeres were helpful, intelligent and very calculated. His eye contact was shifty, and he seemed to be scanning the room for a more opportune interview no matter who he was talking about.
Watching Reichen onscreen I thought him candid and even guileless, but meeting him called that into sharp question. Maybe I’m judging him too harshly. Nevertheless, when you’re on the A-list, you don’t have to be a queen to be a bitch.
