Looking Season Premiere Review: “Looking For The Promised Land” (Season 2, Episode 1)

After his first adventure failed – moving to Oakland to shack up with his boyfriend – Agustin’s descent into a vice-filled implosion is on the upswing. The artiste of the group, he strikes up a friendship during a forest rave that hints at his next venture both professionally and personally. Thanks largely to Patrick’s naivete with regard to the gay community, much of Agustin and Dom’s gay-related quippery is explained to him and therefore, to us, which opens the enjoyment of the show up to a much larger audience. Likewise, as Dom’s new commitment to Lynn hasn’t put a dampener on his extra-curricular activities, Agustin asks how it went ‘popping his cherry’ on his new open relationship. The prospect of Dom coming up against some tough realisations is an exciting one that hopefully will be covered in later episodes.

One of the biggest bones (ahem) of contention that weighed heavily in the critical comment of season one, was the show’s seeming desire to let events unfold without resorting to visual gimmickry. While the series still maintains a stronghold on content over style, there’s a few choice moments of indulgence. Particularly during the rave scene, where the camera glides over throngs of dancing bodies, pausing on each character caught in paroxysms of bliss. A more dynamic visual, it spruces up the uninterrupted, hazy takes that populate the majority of the episode.

“Looking For The Promised Land” is as its title teases; an enticing beginning that’s full of promise for what lies ahead. Some of which rests on the shoulders of the show’s brightest supporting character, Doris. From the time she arrives to disrupt Patrick’s quaint plans for board game night, Lauren Weedman completely steals every scene. Sharp line deliveries amd an effortless humour that rolls from the tongue, she’s the foul-mouthed, heart-of-gold type who could easily be promoted to a more prominent role. But, for now, it’s all about the boys on Looking, and this introduction into the next chapter of their lives brims with possibility. Where will Patrick wind up with his continued affair? Will Agustin’s new buddy provide for him a more fulfilled future? And will Dom ever stop chasing tail? For our sake, let’s hope not.