Men of Hidden Creek Season 3

 
 

This was surprisingly low on the coming-out angst.  I was honestly expecting a lot more vacillation and denials from Vince than we got.  What we saw instead was an earnest man who was willing to accept something new and different about himself with very little shame or inner turmoil.  The passion he shared with Koby was sweet and a little hot but nothing to write home about because most of the story was spent educating us about labels and dividing the allies from the extremely homophobic responses.  Koby was an anticipated character for me and he did live up to the kind, supportive, creative, and straightforward person we caught glimpses of previously.  Together he and Vince were more sweet than anything as was the response to their announcements.  Overall this was a nice story that had a quick and low angst build-up to a genuine relationship.  3.5 stars.

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Another relatively easy acceptance of another side of their sexuality has the men of Milestone at the low side of the angst scale.  While I think their relationship's "conclusion" was a bit rushed, their progression was believable.  I liked how they built a friendship and a mutually beneficial arrangement that included using both men's talents to help one another and, ultimately, allow both men to realize their individual potential as well as their potential together.  This was such a win for me that I didn't even mind the overly dramatic and then quickly deflated "reunion".  4 stars.

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When we first met Zach he was a man who yearned for love so hard that he got walked all over by a manipulative pretender and my heart ached for him.  What he finds with Shane has all the makings of something really amazing, but he's so gun-shy that he almost blows it.  I found his almost paranoid hesitance distracting and frustrating most of the time.  His focus on doing what's right, doing his job, and being honest with Shane, however, just about redeems him.  He grew by the end of the story and made me feel confident that he really could get it together enough to be a good partner for Shane.  Shane was stalwart right from the start and deserved someone who could support him and accept all the goodness in his heart.  I was glad the drama was appropriate for each man and it suited the story as well as getting them both to the point of crumbling or standing tall in the face of adversity.  While one just about crumbled, he found his inner strength and confidence enough to work out a very sweet ending for both of them.  3.5 stars.

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Micah and Brandon dance around their chemistry in a way that's actually quite sweet.  We know the predicament they're in and know where they'll end up, but the journey to that point is one of a lot of complicated feels, more feels than I expected.  I liked Brandon's honesty at the outset of the change in their dynamic as well as his concern for his daughter.  Micah's yearning for love was endearing as well.  What didn't work for them was what frustrated me the most and that was the complete lack of communication.  And then Micah's refusal to apologize enough for his actions, no matter how much Brandon overreacted, was disappointing to say the least.  This couple had the potential to be one of my favorites and the side cast was both overwhelming and wonderful as well.  The superstars were actually the brothers who gave the words of wisdom, the support, and the kicks in the bums both men needed to get their heads on straight.  I was set up for such greatness in the beginning and while the ending was full of tenderness and vulnerable honesty, the apology wasn't two-sided and the individuals' indignation soured all those wonderful warm things I felt prior to those moments.  3.5 stars.

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