In the 21st century, you can do pretty much
whatever you like when it comes to romance; just as long as it involves another
human and is within the established legal and ethical framework that has been
refined and developed over human history. Thus, new unusual stories pop up and
that’s just what Sam and Evan is all
about
The documentary follows posh southerner Sam, who at the age
of 17 and after five months dating 20 year old Evan, moves 200 miles north to
live together which kind of makes it sound like a cross between a buddy movie
and a rom-com but in the 21st century. And set in Rochdale.
Both Sam and Evan were born girls, but are now on the way to
becoming men as that is both what they feel they are and so they technically are
in a gay relationship. They’re just a typical couple all things considered in
the way they act and talk and relate. They probably argue like real (deliberate
provocation FYI) couples too though broadcasting couples arguing is reserved
for heterosexual couples on TV, it would appear.
Sometimes it gets a bit confusing when its men who are
having a period and so on but modern life is quite confusing; working a Sky+
box takes some getting used to. Not that this is anything like working a Sky+ mind,
the confusion bit is the only thing that would be in shared circle on a Venn
diagram.
As the show continues, the viewer is show the pair undergoing
the process of becoming men; starting with names and then moving on to clothes,
testosterone injections, something called a “packer” to simulate a penis in one’s
trousers (probably not available on Amazon) and eventually exploring gender
realignment
The third key character is Evan’s very approving mother Kath
who says she is so supportive as Sam “makes my son happy”. The couple live with
Kath who even goes so far as to injecting Sam with the testosterone that he
needs fortnightly. Other examples show of the bond of support from other
members of the pair’s family and their friends; the strength of humanity.
But humanity has two faces of course. Little, (not gonna
mince words here) cunty kids shouting abuse in the street and throwing eggs.
That said, with only one instance of such prejudice being shown, perhaps it isn’t
as prevalent as the “info” box about the show made out. Then again, an hour where
every five minutes a scene of cunty kids shouting abuse isn’t exactly uplifting,
inspiring TV. Unless immediately after shouting it they get immediate
comeuppance in the form of a kick in the bollocks; damn this unfair world.
Things get even more confusing later on with revelations
about Evan and his potential to undertake the sex change process but it only
shows the couple’s strength of bond together and their support as they grow up
and grow together.
The theme of growing up isn’t just to do with the
participants of the show but also the BBC3 channel as a whole. BBC3 used to be
more point and laugh style of documentaries but the channel is maturing. The subject
matter does sadly have the point and laugh factor, that tends to come with the
territory, but it’s so much more mature and refined.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not exactly award-winning
documentary making but it wouldn’t be on BBC3 if it was and the fact that the
show ends with a plug for the BBC Action Line for people who have similar
feelings only serve to emphasise the show’s responsibility. Perhaps it would
have been nice if they played the same message after Hotter than my daughter.
Im glad you havnt taken the approach alot seem to have with this documentary and saying its wierd. Im one of Sam and Evans friends and I know what they have been through before, during and after the filming of this. They do get that abuse on a daily basis, they couldnt walk their dog on that estate without getting abuse. Im just happy to see that some people in this world are open minded and realise this is the 21st century, people are being who they want to be not who society tells them to be! :)
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