DVD The DL Chronicles: The Complete First Season
Books and Publications Average Rating:

Rating: - good enough to watch the next season
I was pleasantly surprised. I bought this DVD on a whim. The term DL is always negatively associated with black men while our white counter part (ie brokeback mountain) is heralded as a gay love story. I was pleased that it was not stories of Black men who habitually cheat on their wives and girlfriends. While a couple of the shorts involved the secret lives - others where about coming out (or not) and the fear of losing friends and family members as a result of that choice. Episode 1 Wes - his story is not finished - so I'm not sure he is on the DL or just made a bad decision during a drunken pity party - it dosen't mean he will continue to sleep with men
Episode 2 Robert - A middle age man who is embarking on a new relationship for the first time with a man and afraid for his college age daughter to find out - this is not DL - this is more coming out.
Episode 4 Mark - A couple living together - tries to hide the statis of their relationship from an univited out of town relative- again not DL .. this is closet
Now edisode 3 Boo - this is DL ..this character is freely sexing both men and women without any regard for safe sex practices -while adamantly denying being gay (his rationale he doesn't get f**ked and he'll let a guy suck him or he'll do him and that is different) this is the most compelling character in the whole series. Boo really is on the DL he has no remorse or desire to make a choice or make a change - the life of a DL man is self serving
I recommend this product and I hope the makers will continue to explore the various life experiences of gay men - I just wished they named it something else - the show really explores the different struggles in self acceptance verses the life of a DL man

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Rating: - Definitely Worth Watching
There are four stories in this set which all deal with aspects of the 'Down Low' life. It gives us a view from not only the DL person's viewpoint, but many of those who he comes into contact as well. I felt Episode #1 was the weakest, since by the end of the story, there is no real change made in the lead character's life. There's plenty of eye candy in each episode to keep you interested in these characters and see how they resolve thier life issues. Episode #2 is cute, predictable and very 'sweet'. Episode three is a real eye-opener as to what often happens in society. Blame for the spread of STDs is shared not only by the DL individuals, but also their contacts as well. It makes a strong case as to why we need to use protection EVERY time with EVERYBODY. Episode #4 has an interesting 'plot twist' and keeps the viewer's attention focused. The additional conversations by the Directors and actors in the "Commentary" section makes for a very interesting expose on this DL topic as well. I'd heartily recommend it.

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Rating: - Too Good
I would recommend that all females watch this then check out your husband or boyfriend.

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Rating: - Needs More Episodes Produced
The DL Chronicles: The Complete First Season is lacking in very few aspects. However if there is a sore spot, it is the number of episodes - too few for this viewer. Hopefully here! cable channel will allocate more funding to generate a full season - 22 episodes. The variety of actors and their respective talent happens to be the cornerstone of the high quality production. The fact the directors/producers keep the story lines moving forward is another reason to celebrate The DL Chronicles. Here's hoping the second season will be just as sucessful and thought provoking.