It is hard to believe it has been fifteen years since Patrik-Ian Polk’s “Noah’s ARC” first debuted on LOGO TV Network.
Since then Noah’s ARC has spawned two iconic seasons, an independent film, and now a reunion centered on the affects of the coronavirus pandemic on Noah, Wade, Alex, Ricky, and Chance–“Noah’s ARC: The “Rona Chronicles!”
Needless to say this reunion was right on time and just what we needed during these trying times. A true breath of fresh air! The show was preceded by a pre-show and collection of well wishes with notable Black LGBT stars and fans of the original Noah’s ARC since its early 2000’s inception. The show paved the way for a number of Black LGBT productions like Pose, About Him, Twenties, and so many others.
The show centers on our motley cast dealing with the overcast of the coronavirus pandemic. Noah tells Alex he and Wade are at odds over a “situation” between him and three friends, meanwhile he has life altering news he needs to share with his crew. Alex’s son, OJ, is now identifying as non-binary, while his husband Trey struggles to deal with being a medic witnessing the onslaught of the pandemic. Chance now lives in Mississippi with a new position at a new college, while his husband and stepdaughter, Eddie and Kenya (all grown up and beautiful), are in Florida caring for the other’s aging mother. Finally, Ricky is STILL Ricky, trying to find safe ways to hook up with guys during the pandemic, while possibly reconnecting with his former love, Junito.
The show’s format was based on Zoom calls, allowing them to safely film the series while being true and entertaining to the source content of the series. The guys have all aged well and you can tell they were happy to be back in the swing of things. The timing of this reunion is everything AND creative. Mainstream television had the right idea with rebooting its older series and Patrik has the right idea with bringing back this amazing cast of actors.
There is a real lack of positive and quality Black LGBT content in media nowadays and The ‘Rona Chronicles may be what we need to satiate and fill this empty space. Welcome back guys you were all missed–dearly!
Patrik-Ian Polk, write and creator of “Noah’s ARC”
What We Liked
-Seeing the entire main cast back together, including Brandy (Jennia Fredrique) and Junito (Wilson Cruz), making this project happen.
-Wade and Noah are still together and HAPPY.
-The dynamic of Noah and his ARC are still there. The chemistry, the way they play off each other, and their sense of family and community are as strong as ever.
-The show addressed the dangers and effects of the coronavirus pandemic. It really lets audiences know we are all in this together!
What We Loved
-Wade and Noah are going to be daddies!!! It’s the natural evolution of their relationship and family. This kid is going to be an amazing mix of both his/her fathers and we cannot wait!
-Alex is truly MAMA! Everything he does is a hoot, but we love him nonetheless.
-Meeting Wade’s father and Alex’s brother! It was good to see more family in the mix. Wade’s father definitely set him straight–in a parenting sense, and the duet with Alex and his brother of “Don’t Lose This Feeling That We Have” from “The Wiz” was EVERYTHING!
-The inclusion of Black Lives Matter issues and police brutality. RIP Rayshard Brooks!
-Brandon Karson, formerly of “About Him,” making an appearance on the show! It was a shocker, but well received! Check out his involvement with the series in a brief interview below:
What We Hated
-We didn’t get to see Alex’s child, OJ!
-What happened to Brandon (Gary LeRoi Gray) from “Noah’s ARC: Jumping The Broom?” We need an update!
