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In moments it is lovely.
In other moments, though,Tales of the Cityfeels like a rough draft, both bloated and aimless.
There mightve been more momentum pushing the series toward its ending revelations.
Instead, pulling out the pleasures ofTales of the Cityrequires some patience, and some determined picking and choosing.
None of the young people of Barbary Lane, straight or queer, start from a place of shame.
It was that its characters lives were full and good, and they were often very happy.
Ben is younger than anyone else there, and he quickly bristles at the older mens racism and transphobia.
When I was 28 I wasnt going to fucking dinner parties.
I was going to funerals.
I understand, Ben tries to tell him, but Chris is not willing to listen.
Why, because you sawAngels in America?
The specificity and unashamed directness of that scene is unlike almost anything else in the series.
It is unwilling to soften either side of the argument.
But neither does it gloss over the horror they experienced, the lasting wounds of their youth.
Much of the rest of the season, though, is too willing to fall back on obviousness.
The other major weakness of the series is in its relationship with current San Francisco.
There are protest scenes, but they feel goofy rather than furious.
Right now, its hard to not see that same impulse as a little out of touch.
And perhaps most frustratingly, theres justtoo muchof it.
This version comes close, but not close enough.
