{"id":93385,"date":"2019-07-31T14:25:45","date_gmt":"2019-07-31T18:25:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gayfriendschat.com\/socialblog\/pose-returns-to-form-and-its-primary-storylines-recap\/"},"modified":"2019-07-31T14:25:45","modified_gmt":"2019-07-31T18:25:45","slug":"pose-returns-to-form-and-its-primary-storylines-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gayfriendschat.com\/socialblog\/pose-returns-to-form-and-its-primary-storylines-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"\u2018Pose\u2019 Returns to Form (And Its Primary Storylines) [RECAP]"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u2018Pose\u2019 Returns to Form (And Its Primary Storylines) [RECAP]<\/b><\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

After a few weeks of ambitious (though uneven) storytelling<\/a>, Pose<\/em> returned to its central characters and conflicts for a strong seventh installment of its second season.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve spilled enough pixels<\/a> bemoaning the creative choices of the last few episodes, so let\u2019s focus on the positives: Once again, Pose<\/em> is telling stories rarely glimpsed on television with a cast that could rival any prestige drama. Expertly written by Janet Mock and directed with extreme care by Jennie Livingston, the episode, \u201cBlow,\u201d made significant narrative gains.<\/p>\n

Last night functioned as a something of a reset. The crushing popularity of Madonna\u2019s \u201cVogue\u201d seems to have waned, and, thus, so has the demand for ballroom culture in the mainstream. Ricky and Damon are depressed about the lack of gigs, and Lulu is still mourning the loss of Candy.<\/p>\n

Instead of letting the three youngsters wallow in misery all summer, Blanca and Pray give them a task. They are going to wrap Frederica\u2019s house in a giant condom as part of an ACT UP demonstration. It\u2019s a perfect way to weave several stories together, and it grounds us in such a moment in time in terms of HIV\/AIDS awareness and advocacy. <\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

Having this project and purpose energizes Damon, Ricky and Lulu. They decide to get a giant inflatable condom made for the task. The installation provides an opportunity for Ricky and Pray to bond a bit. Ricky admits he did cheat on Damon. (He didn\u2019t sleep<\/em> with other dancer, Chris, but he did let him go down on him.) <\/p>\n

Even more important than the reveal is the conversation between Pray and Ricky. I struggle to think of examples wherein two gay<\/a> black men<\/a> discuss sexuality so naturally. Pray admonishes him for \u201cbottom shaming,\u201d and, although he was just recently tested, Pray wants him tested again.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a small moment, but on any other show there would be one episode where the characters go for an HIV test. (Remember when Samantha Jones went for one and never again?) This is a huge part of these characters\u2019 lives, and it should be an important part of the show, not the subject of \u201ca very special episode.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ricky, Damon, Lulu \u2014 along with Blanca, Elektra, Pray and Judy \u2014 successfully get the condom on the house, humiliating Frederica and making an impactful statement in the process.<\/p>\n

It also helps move along the conflict over Blanca\u2019s salon. Frederica rushed their conflict to court and lost. (I wish we could have watched that courtroom scene rather than Pray\u2019s hallucinations last week that barely reverberated in any meaningful way last night, BUT WHATEVER.) Frederica admits defeat, but is sure to threateningly warn Blanca about leaving late at night. The battle is over, but their war rages.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not all victories, though. Pray takes Ricky to get tested, and Ricky learns he\u2019s positive. There are hints that Ricky and Pray are developing a relationship of some kind, but is it mentor\/mentee or something more?<\/p>\n

<\/figure>\n

The other major storyline focused on Angel\u2019s blossoming modeling career and relationship with Lil Papi. They\u2019re celebrating Angel booking a new campaign with Bebe. They hit a VIP club and do a little too much VIP cocaine. They also have sex<\/a>, and, despite being high, it\u2019s one of the most tender scenes the show has ever produced. It\u2019s beautiful.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, Angel shows up hungover for the shoot.<\/p>\n

Even more unfortunate? The photographer is the one who took her initial pro photos and tried to extort her. <\/p>\n

The episode ends on a cliffhanger. Will Angel\u2019s secret stay safe? How will Frederica get her revenge? What\u2019s happening between Pray and Ricky? Share your theories in the comments!<\/p>\n

The post \u2018Pose\u2019 Returns to Form (And Its Primary Storylines) [RECAP]<\/a> appeared first on Towleroad Gay News<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n<\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"
\n<\/p>\n

‘Pose’ Returns to Form (And Its Primary Storylines) [RECAP]<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n