After a 12-year hiatus, showrunner Patrik Ian-Polk brought the iconic show back for a reunion with the entire cast picking things up in the middle of a Covid-19 quarantine. Show offers from Gabrielle Union, a surprise baby, and several cameos from the melanated LGBTQ glitterati — and the Gay Black version of ‘Living Single’ didn’t miss a beat
Premiering on the then, new LOGO TV network, ‘Noah’s Arc’ focused on Noah, a struggling screenwriter, who meets and falls in love with Wade, a straight (or so we think), screenwriter who he sometimes meets with to workshop scripts. After a night out on the town, the rest is history. Noah’s saving grace is his tribe, or more appropriately, his arc — his best friends, Chance (the college professor), Ricky (the fashion merchandiser and whore), and Alex (the AIDS activist and mama bear).
For only two seasons, Patrik excelled at showing the nuances of Black Gay life and the differences that exist in the sub-culture within the mainstream gay culture. Moving through issues of society, racism, religion, and family — Noah’s Arc tackled everything, and they did it fairly well. Just ask TS Madison, Lena Waithe, and Karamo Brown — all new Black Gay Icons who have co-signed the show and credited it as being a beginning for them, of positive representation that they could relate to.
This reunion episode was no different. In the first scene, Alex is wearing a mask. Covid-19 has infiltrated the arc and it’s not cute. Noah’s not talking to Wade because he played basketball with three of his friends — one of which tested positive for the virus.
“Actions have consequences nigga!” Noah screams.
Fans won’t be disappointed with the reunion — Patrik chose to stay true to what works which was smart. Putting things into perspective and reminding themselves and the audience that they are still Black, the show closes with news of Rayshard Brooks murder.
With Black Lives being taken on an almost daily basis and Black Gay and Trans lives being taken at an even more alarming rate, ‘Noah’s Arc’ reminds people that this community is relevant — enough to matter.
Check out the reunion episode below: