The recent TLA Releasing DVD set of the gay-oriented Dekko streaming service series "Three" provides food-for-thought for both hetero and homosexual couples who have gone from a honeymoon period to a daily routine. Folks with relevant experience know that this tale of a committed gay couple inviting a third into their home (and bed) is not drama-free because a threeway always leaves someone feeling left out.
The drama begins on the evening before the time-frame of the first episode of "Three." A distraught Dylan is pouring his heart and soul out to neighbor/aging queen Elliott about the horrendous behavior of Dylan partner of five years Patrick at the 40th birthday party of Patrick the night before. It ultimately comes out that the misdeeds of Patrick include chasing hot young things at the party to the extent of expressing a desire to build a nest of t-shirts to make a home for one of the young men in the guest room of the home of Dylan and Patrick.
A subsequent tough "morning after" talk reveals that Patrick still loves Dylan but wants to find a third man to join them for sex; a reluctant Dylan agreeing leads to a hilarious scene in which our boys go online to search of an interested man.
The preparation for the new friend provides additional humor, and the morning after that evening largely is drama-free.
The real problem begins when a very enthusiastic Dylan invites 23 year-old Jason over for an evening of socializing and whatever else might happen. Seeing this trio in bed together the next morning provides a strong sense of "whatever else."
Dylan and Patrick meeting multiple physical and emotional needs of Jason makes him a permanent presence in every room of their home in the same manner that feeding a stray cat makes him your new pet; this creates angst for Dylan, who both is unhappy with arrangement and wonders if Patrick is preparing to trade him in for a newer and sportier model.
Things come to a head in a surprisingly low-key manner in the final episode of the season; Dylan confronts both Jason and Patrick in a manner that requires that all three examine what (if anything) needs to change for them to achieve a reasonable level of happiness.
On a deeper level, "Three" reflects a few truths about gay men that is particularly true of the generations that predate the current era of widespread marriage equality and much less prejudice against boys who like other boys. The obstacles to being fully out and to having a traditional relationship is behind many such men mostly having casual encounters during their 20s. Finding "the one" and settling down is a big and desired change that does not always prevent wanting to once again spice things up a little.
The more general truth that boys generally will be boys also plays a role in that a third wheel intimately befriending a gay couple may turn that interloper into a homewrecker. The member of the couple who considers taking things in a direction that runs that risk must ask himself if embarking on what likely is short-term pleasure worth the risk of losing "the one" and likely ending up like a stereotypical lonely old queen.
Anyone with questions or comments regarding "Three" is encouraged to email me; you alternatively can connect on Twitter via @tvdvdguy.
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