South for Spashley

If “South of Nowhere” had existed while I was in junior high or high school, my how things would have been different. As is, the first show I saw about teenagers that dealt with gay issues was “My So-Called Life,” which started while I was in college. But a show with a lesbian teen couple that involved actual sexual tension and physical affection (even if we may grumble that it is too limited) was and continues to be a rarity. So I was saddened to hear late last month that the series is ending its run at the end of its third season this spring. The eight-episode second half to the season, which starts April 11*, will be it’s last.

Did I like everything (ugh, Glen, seriously ugh) about the show? Clearly, no. Did I sometimes fast-forward to the Spashley parts? Admittedly, yes. But regardless of its shortcomings, what the show helped do was normalize gay relationships. Gay teen couples flirt and fight and fawn over each other, just like straight teen couples. Gay teen couples face the same joys and pains, insecurities and desires, just like straight teen couples. And, most importantly, gay teen couples exist in practically every high school and deserve to be respected in the hallways and classrooms of America (and, of course, beyond). We’re here, we’re queer, can we copy your trig notes?

So, I’ll tune in to catch the final eight. And I’ll mourn the loss of the show even though it was so far out of my age demographic it bordered on embarrassing. And, heck, I’ll even sign a petition and send blog love to those troupers at the Save Spashley campaign. Hey, if peanuts worked for “ Jericho ” fans, maybe compasses can work for SoN fans. Though, if it were up to me, I’d send trench coats. Lots and lots of trench coats. Yeah. I am totally going to miss this show.

*UPDATE: Huh, well apparently The PTB and The N have decided to push back the final episodes premiere date to the fall because the network has “been absolutely overwhelmed” by the fan reaction to the cancellation and now want to “give South the proper send-off it deserves.” OK. So, delayed disappointment. I see. Very clever. Most people go for delayed gratification, but you just had to be different.