From the creative minds of David Kohan and Max Mutchnick, the duo behind the hit NBC sitcom Will & Grace, came Partners, a 2012 television series that once again explored the dynamics of relationships, albeit with a slightly different twist. Much like their own dynamic, Kohan and Mutchnick crafted a show about Joe, a straight architect, and his gay childhood friend Louis, mirroring the “art imitating life” theme they’ve become known for. The familiar energy and feel of Will & Grace permeate Partners, although the characters navigate different scenarios and relationships.
David Krumholtz and Michael Urie showcasing their on-screen partnership in the Partners TV series.
Joe, portrayed by David Krumholtz, known for his role in Numb3rs, is depicted as the grounded, more conventional half of the partnership. Michael Urie, of Ugly Betty fame, takes on the role of Louis, an overtly flamboyant and stereotypical gay character, reminiscent of Sean Hayes’s portrayal in Will & Grace, but perhaps even more amplified. The series centers around their architectural firm and their personal lives, with much of the initial episodes revolving around Joe’s engagement to Ali, played by Sophia Bush. While Ali’s profession isn’t explicitly defined early on, her presence is significant in the unfolding narrative. The interactions between Joe and Louis often oscillate between their professional projects and Louis’s constant, and often intrusive, involvement in Joe’s relationship with Ali, driven by a misguided sense of helpfulness.
Louis’s character is intentionally designed to be a source of comedic relief, yet his exaggerated personality might prove grating for some viewers. Sitcoms often feature such characters, and their effectiveness hinges on their role within the ensemble. While a supporting character with such traits can add flavor, making them a central figure, as is arguably the case with Louis, risks alienating the audience. Louis’s relentless and over-the-top nature, while generating many of the show’s laughs, teeters on the edge of becoming insufferable.
One of the initial shortcomings of Partners is its failure to delve into the backstory and established history of these relationships. The series provides little insight into the longevity of the partnerships, not just between Joe and Louis, but also Louis and his boyfriend, Wyatt, played by Brandon Routh. Wyatt, a nurse, is portrayed as physically attractive and health-conscious, which explains Louis’s initial attraction. However, Wyatt is also depicted as somewhat dim-witted, contrasting sharply with Louis’s intelligence and sharp wit. This disparity in intellect and interests leaves the audience questioning the foundation of their relationship and what truly binds them together.
While not demanding a complete backstory upfront, the initial episodes offer minimal clues about the depth and history of these partnerships. Interestingly, the portrayal of Louis and Wyatt’s gay relationship, despite leaning into clichés, didn’t generate the same level of controversy as The New Normal, which faced criticism for perpetuating negative gay stereotypes. Partners seems to navigate these stereotypes from a less judgmental perspective, allowing viewers to either find humor in them or dismiss them.
Partners distinguishes itself by placing the friendship between a gay man and a straight man at its core, a dynamic less explored in network television as the central premise of a show. Kohan and Mutchnick seem aware of this novelty but consciously choose not to overemphasize it, at least in the initial episodes. This approach could be interpreted as a subtle yet effective way of challenging lingering homophobia by showcasing a natural and supportive friendship between men of different sexual orientations, normalizing such bonds through representation.
However, by downplaying this aspect, Partners misses opportunities to explore the nuances and complexities of such friendships in more depth. Despite this, the series could be seen as a step towards further normalizing gay-straight male friendships, reflecting a reality that has long existed and deserves greater visibility and acceptance.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars.
Rated TV-14-DL. Running Time: 30 mins. Originally aired Mondays at 8:30PM on CBS.
