Am I Right or Wrong? You Decide,,

[sexy_pumpkin]

*waves* to Flist.

A friend of mine has just watched QaF for the 1st time, I met her whilst I was getting my nails done :) & we became friends blah, blah & I told her all about QaF & lent her the DVD's to watch.

Well needless to say, she's addicted & fell in love with B&J & their amazing love story, & NO shes not on the LJ, or reads fanfic, she just loved the show, & after watching 314 she cried, she was sooooooooooo happy they were back together again, after 220 she was demented lol, & I told her *hangs head in shame* that 314 was the final episode.

I just couldn;t give her 4 & 5, I know she'll miss the ILY & the cancer arc, but fuck me if I could go back, I'd stop at 314 as well.

Do you think Im right, would you sooner have stopped there as well, remember she wont have any of you guys, or the fanfic to help her through, & I'm to emotional about S5 & 513 to explain it all to her. I feel she had the best & after reading firehead30  post the other day, about her kids views of 513 I feel I've made the right choice, I know my dearest stephmck  won't agree with me, but what about the others, let me know OK, its's only a little white lie lol,,later J.xx


I love this scene from 314, thats why I told her, total schmuck!!!

Comments

[herefordroad.livejournal.com]

jackie, i disagree with your decision...i think she has a right to judge for herself. i agree that seasons 4 and 5 were riddled with junk but i wouldn't give up a moment watching brian and justin (gale and randy) do their thing. their chemistry is just too amazing. i think you should explain to her why you told her the little lie and that you were trying to spare her! hopefully, she will understand. and if she is upset after 513 (which i expect she will be) why not turn her on to lj and all the wonderful post 513 fiction! she'll have a ball.

jeannie

[petulant2u.livejournal.com]

This is an interesting dilemna. If I had to go back, I think I'd rather it ended with season 3. It was a great ending filled with hope. Yes, Brian was 'poor', but we knew him well enough by then to know he'd make a big come back. It's Brian Kinney for fucks sake! And he wasn't left with nothing, as Justin so eloquantly put it. he had the love of his life by his side.

As for Michael and Hunter running off, personally I could give a shit. For me, the show was about B/J, and though I enjoyed the storylines of the other characters, I would risk not seeing closure to their storylines in order to save me the pain of watching B/J in seasons four and five.

I hated the pink possess thing. It made me soo uncomfortable, and the special connection between B/J was lost somewhere in the writing, and between the actors. Probably because of the shit going down around them.

I only continued to watch for glimpses of B/J, and each time I did see them I was disappointed.
Even if they did get married at the end, for me, the lead up left me unaffected. The storylines were luke warm, the passion gone, Justin's character was psycho. "I love you, I accept you for who you are, to I love you, but you're not for me, I want something more." I mean, what the fuck? What was Justin by the end of 5? 20? 21years old? And he wants to settle down, have kids? Yeah,right, how many 20 year olds want to do that? The Justin I know, was vital, young, and ambitious. He could have had it all with Brian, love, and his freedom to be a great artist. Brian would have allowed it with out feeling threatened by it, and I would think Justin really did understand Brian by that point, knowing he loved him, and that love and monogomy were not synonomous.

So I say, save her the pain of it all, or if you could, get her an edited version of 4 and 5 just showing the good scenes. Where there any? I don't remember. Like you Jackie, I stick with 1-3

Gina Marie

[rromantic.livejournal.com]

I DEFINITELY wouldn't tell her about S4 and S5!! Even with fanfic I wish I had never fucking seen it. :(( 314 - that's where it ended. :)

[bksbracelet.livejournal.com]

No I do not agree Jackie, you my dear are imposing your own form of censorship. No matter how painful the truth is it is better to know than pretend it doesen't, you know that better than anyone.

Connie is about to watch season 4 and then I will give her 5.

love Chris

[ayesakara.livejournal.com]

I don't think I'd want the series to end at 314. I started watching in season 4 and I love it very much. I love season 5 too and as you probably already know, am one of the rare souls who loves the ending, and don't consider it bleak or anything. ;)

I think Brian and Justin are closer than ever at the end of season 5. Also I would hate to lose out on Brian-Ted's friendship in the last 2 seasons. And the cancer arc and the ILY are all very significant to Brian and Justin's development as individuals and as a couple.

They're still together, you know. ;)

[petulant2u.livejournal.com]

ted amd brian's friendship was great in 4 and 5. And I can see where you see the boys being closer then ever at the end, but for me, getting there was painful. the writers paid little attention to B/J's relathionship so even though I choose to 'believe' their relationship was solid at the end, the writers did not lead me to that belief. They created it pretty much in just one episode.

Should that woman see 4 and 5? It's her choice. Would I be the one to give her 4 and 5? No. I'd let her go through that painful experience by her own chosing, I wouldn't want to be responsible for any disappointments, or disillusionments she might have, as I did.

[ayesakara.livejournal.com]

Yes, it was painful getting there.... but B/J has always been painful. They love each other to death but they can also be the biggest drama queens ever. It was never an easy ride for them, and it wasn't one for us as viewers either.

I don't know if it was or wasn't the writers who lead me to my "B/J are solid at the end" belief, but I know Gale and Randy's portrayal certainly helped me get there. I'd never want to miss out on that portrayal. Their chemistry was amazing and Brian and Justin grew so much in the last 2 seasons. It was especially rewarding for me to see how beautifully Gale handled Brian. He was amazing. And by the end, I was pretty much head over heels in love with Randy's Justin as well.

I do believe it should be 'her' choice. Much of what I had against season 5 in the beginning was because of the negative commentary I'd read about it from fans before I'd even seen the seasons. When I saw them for myself, I loved them. As much as I love season 3 and its ending, without season 4 and 5, QAF is incomplete to me. :)

[metafascinating.livejournal.com]

You are so sweet to try and spare her the pain that was 513, but there were some good things in S4 and S5 and I would tell her to watch it. Then tell her about all the amazing and happy post 513 fics. Even with how crappy 4 and 5 were overall, I'm still glad that I saw them--I just don't watch them anymore. lol. Explain the situation and let her decide for herself. Some people didn't mind how S5 ended--maybe she'll be one of them. :)

Read this when you get time. It made me feel a little bit better about the ending.
http://bigboobedcanuck.livejournal.com/255664.html

Although, there will never be any reason why Justin couldn't have been at the re-opening of Babylon even if he was living in NY. He would have so been there for Brian.

[sodoesrachael.livejournal.com]

For me, some of my favorite parts are in seasons 4 & 5. Sure, those seasons suck generally, but I'm a fan of the bicycle!sex scene (nom nom lol), the post LA reunion sex (once again, nom nom), and even though I don't like the way they dealt with it, I'm glad that Justin's reaction to his bashing is further explored. There still isn't closure in my mind (his PTSD is never even discussed), but it's better than nothing. Plus I love worried!Brian in that arc. :D And, both that arc and the cancer arc show that even though they're both stubborn assholes, Brian and Justin always come back together, no matter what. Those are the things I love about those seasons, and I just watch those now and not the whole things. :) I think you should tell her, 'cause she might look it up or something and then where would you be? There are good things about those seasons, that in my (warped) mind overshadow the bad. :)

[foreverbm.livejournal.com]

I disagree with your decision. The show is called Queer as Folk, not Queer as Brian and Justin. Even if your friend loves B/J, surely she has the right the follow the story lines of the rest of the characters as well. Stopping at a certain part because you do not like what happens in the story line leaves you only knowing the characters as they were, not as who they become, which is part of them and their growth within themselves and their lives.

I am watching for the first time ever season 1, which as a complete Ben and Michael shipper, is very hard for me. The Michael/David story lines makes me ache, but I need to see them to see how Michael becomes the man he is when he meets Ben and also to see the rest of the characters become who they are and why they end up as they are.

I think your friend needs to know there is more and then the decision is hers alone.

Viv

[dani-blondy.livejournal.com]

Im with others here.

You should let your Friend watch S4 and S5 too see what she thinks of it.

Sure there are moments in S4/S5 they suck Monkey's Balls but you finally get the "I Love You" in S5 and the Cancer Arc I think is Wonderful.

Also with Viv the show is not as much as we would like it about Brian and Justin it's about the Ensemble and how they all deal with things together (At Times)

Whilst the ending of 513 is Sucky I mean I feel Empty/Hollow after watching it there's loads of Fanfic around to show that the boys are happy together :D *g*

[shazam67.livejournal.com]

It's a dilemma I agree but if she is really in love with the show then she may go looking on Youtube for clips (as I did) and will wonder what's going on when she sees episodes she hasn't seen before. I have to admit that I don't tell my friends I am on the computer every moment I get looking for B&J clips etc. and she might be the same. I think you should probably tell her your feelings about the whole thing and let her make her own mind up. I agree that it would be lovely to have ended at 314 but there are so many beautiful B&J moments to come!!!

*hugs* x x x

[wake-upsunshine.livejournal.com]

It's very difficult... On one hand, if she's a B/J shipper she should stop there (even though Season 4 is not that bad imo). But as you said, she'll miss a lot in the characters' development. I coudn't possibly imagine myself stop watching the show at 314. Is she addicted as we are? Or does she simply really like the show?

[hansardgal.livejournal.com]

I think you made the wrong decision. Queer as Folk ran for five seasons, and had other characters besides Brian and Justin. It's only fair that your friend be given the chance to watch seasons 4 and 5 if she so chooses. There was quite a lot of character development in the latter seasons that's worth watching.

[critic75.livejournal.com]

Are you her only friend? Does she never talk to anyone else about the QAF she loves?
How do you think she will feel about you when someone asks her if she liked Season Five? Or simply runs across a mention of it somewhere.
She will think that you simply didn't want to loan her the other seasons. She won't know that you did it for the best of reasons, but even with the best of reasons, most people, in fact, almost all people prefer to make those decisions for themselves, and not be treated like a child who must be protected, and have others make their decisions for them.
Tell her now, and explain that you were trying to spare her feelings.
A lie will always find you out, and you will lose a friend.
I wouldn't have missed 4 or 5 for ANY reason. They weren't as good, but they were still QAF.

[brianswalk.livejournal.com]

Let her watch the rest, sweetie. Just tell her to stop it when Michael walks into the loft in 513. That's when the show ends for me.;)

[rapunzel50.livejournal.com]

No you are wrong _ I would want to see as much of BJ as I could even if some bits annoy the shit out of me. Introduce her to fanfic if it will help her through.

[akintay.livejournal.com]

I say let her watch it. If you could go back to not having watched s4 and s5, wouldn't you feel like you might miss something?

Plus, s4 and s5 aren't bad seasons. You might not like them, but that's not necessarily the general opinion. I for one love s5 more than all the other seasons, it's my absolute favorite!

Let her decide for herself if she likes it or not :D

And yay for you converting someone into a QaF fan!

[stephmck.livejournal.com]

Ok... I won't give you my opinion, seeing as you don't want it :P...
BUT,
I have passed on my DVDs to 5 different people to share the love, and not one of them felt the ending was bad or disappointing. I didn't tell them a thing, and that's the difference I think. They interpreted things for themselves, which wont happen if they are given any hint of prejudice from outside sources. If you decide to give her the other seasons, you can not tell her why you stopped, nor can you tell her of your own dissatisfaction with the ending.

[rhiannonhero.livejournal.com]

I agree with this assessment. I stopped reading fandom reactions when I realized that there were people in fandom that a) hated Micheal (WTF????), b) hated S4, and c) basically ruined it for everyone with their bad attitude about the show. So, I stopped reading QaF stuff until the show was over, and I am one of the few who was very happy and satisfied with the ending. (Basically, because I don't think they broke up.)

Anyway, yeah, I think this woman might like them much better without the input from fandom that other people had to deal with when watching.

Also, I still don't understand how anyone could hate Micheal. :)

[stephmck.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I often feel like a lone voice in this matter.

I've always been thankful that I didn't find fandom until after the final episode aired for exactly the reasons you state. I don't see a 513 break up either, I see two men totally in love, communicating effectively, and finally over the biggest hurdles of their relationship.

[rhiannonhero.livejournal.com]

Heh, I just realized that I mispelled Michael. I have a client who spells his name "Micheal" and I've gotten in the bad habit of using his spelling all of the time now.

Also, glad to provide some validation! :D

[stephmck.livejournal.com]

I have a similar problem with the spelling. I now sound out in my head every time I write it... A... E... L :)

[shadownyc.livejournal.com]

I think if you introduce her to the way so many of us have written "epilogues" she should be encouraged to see 4 & 5.

You can be honest and tell her that for you, you would have been happy with 314 being the finale but there are two more seasons that you have mixed feelings about. Then leave the choice up to her.

If she finds out you lied, it may make her angry or insulted by your actions.

[sandra-qaf.livejournal.com]

well if she is as into it as you say she will find out sooner or later...I know i would...i think you were wrong and too bad!...but i understand!:)

[schnute23.livejournal.com]

I wish I could still live in Denial-land without the memories of Season 5 :(
After rewatching S4 I kinda like it now. They are so commited. But S5 ? I wish I never watched it. :(

So your decision to "save" your friend is totally understandable.

*hugs*

Happy weekend :)

[iamzulma.livejournal.com]

ohhh, she should know about S4 and 5, just because they do exist. let her judge for herself whether she likes those seasons. i actually liked S4 myself, with the cancer arc and the start of brian's business and the liberty ride. i hated S5, but i still watched it. i think you should tell your friend why you fibbed, but she needs to know about the other seasons, definitely!

[allisgood.livejournal.com]

As far as I am concerned S4 and S5 didnt deserve a second look and I am sorry I had to watch either of them.
They should have definitely stopped at 3-14. The show went straight downhill after that, especially in terms of extraneous characters, annoying abundance of story lines preventing any in depth exploration of any of the main ones. script and dialogue.

[tawny-7.livejournal.com]

Hi honey!

I think you should tell your friend there is season 4 and 5. Trust me babe, I have the same issues as you with these seasons! And as far as I'm concerned...the whole ILY and what happened afterward was ridiculous.

*I know some disagree with me*

However, she should be able to make her own decision to watch them or not. Although season 4 was a disappointment for me and well season 5 was a fucking nightmare, those seasons are still a part of the series.

Looking back I think 314 would have been the perfect place to end the series...I say that now...however season 4 was the first season I watched on Showtime each week. Not two and three episodes at a time due to them being repeats. I found qaf a few months before season 4 aired. I was thirsting/yearning/dying/lusting (you get the idea) for more and I imagine that's how your friend feels.

You obviously know your friend and how she may react
...it's your call what you want to do...

[inthekeyofd.livejournal.com]

i responded on whats up qaf on this, but I'll post it here.

Honestly, if I could give an organ to go back and time and tell them to stop after 3 I would.

But at the same time, the more you don't want someone to watch something, they want to, so you may have to pass them on, but like I always do, give them fair warning about Season 5, I lived through it when it was on, but I've only watched those dvd's for season 5 once and that was it, I just CAN NOT DO THAT AGAIN.

seriously, they end up telling me I was right, but it's like someone that wants to touch a hot stove, they have to get burned to realize they shouldn't.

Honestly, season 5 was the only season that I wished there wasn't a week inbetween..the other ones were so much fun, we talked and discussed, season 5..it was just not so much fun inbetween and with the reactions to that one and some other things, that led to me leaving the fandom for a little while.

It's been three years and there are even SONGS from that season I can't listen to.

[rhiannonhero.livejournal.com]

As someone who enjoyed S4 AND S5, I think you should tell her. She might not have the same read on it that you did. *shrug* :)

[litlemspowerful.livejournal.com]

Tell her about S4 & S5. She's gonna look on the net & find out about it anyway. Just tell her it was an April fools joke 4 months late. ;) LOL.

*hugs your little Brian lovin' heart*

[jairus-tobon.livejournal.com]

I'm one of those people who had never even heard of the show either. I discovered it a year and a half ago. So I didn't go through the apparent negativity that was occuring in fan forums and such.

That being said, I was simply overjoyed to find out their were five seasons in total when I decided to spend the big bucks and buy the DVD's. There were things about each season that I treasure, although I will admit B/J have become the absolute best thing about QAF for me.

I would not have wanted to be denied seeing S4 and S5 for anything. They added some enhancements to the story. Yeah, I sure wish they would have shown it ending differently. I am still brought to tears when I see Brian up there dancing all alone at the end. But you know what? That painful tug in my heart at the end is what cemented my complete love for the show.

Additionally, Justin is absolutely gorgeous in S5. His eyes are to die for. I don't know how Brian could ever throw on clothes when Justin was looking so incredibly hot.

Honestly, I detested the whole Lindsey/Melanie break up story line. It dragged on way to long IMO, and I got to a point where I could care less about their plight.

But I loved how close Ted and Brian became. And then there's Blake. I was so excited to see poor, sad Ted finally reunited with Blake. There's just simply too many good things sprinkled here and there in S4 and S5 to keep it from someone who has grown to care about these characters.

[spike7451.livejournal.com]

Bit late in posting I know but my Internet has been playing up.

I'm afraid I'm one of those who think your friend should be allowed to make up her own mind and I think you should give her Season's 4 & 5. Only because not everyone hated how it ended, I most certainly did, which is why I am such a sucker for post-513 fics that rewrite the ending, as did your wonderful fic.

You never know she may hate the ending just as much as a lot of us and you can give her your fic to read as we all know that's how it should have ended.

And you can have someone else to bitch with about the ending Cowlip gave fans after five years of faithful viewing. :)