In preparation of tonight’s TV premiere of Looking the Movie, I’ve been re-watching the whole series. Now, in honor of the end of a Looking era, here are my personal Top 5 episodes of Looking.

 

No.1: S1E5 – Looking for the Future

Why I love it: A mini-movie detailing the blossoming of Patrick and Richie’s relationship, featuring gorgeously-shot scenes all over San Francisco, frank depictions of gay sexuality, and honest, insightful discussions about what it is like to be gay & what it means to be gay in this day and age. A lovely, intimate, and nuanced masterpiece in all regards.

Fav quotes:

  • “I love ex-fatties. I feel like they’re always nicer people.”
  • “You have bottom shame.”
  • “You’re like, ‘Oh I’m gay’ and they’re like, ‘Oh, so you’re butt-fucking now?’”
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No.2: S2E6 – Looking for Gordon Freeman

Why I love it: This Halloween episode is arguably the most funny and sitcom-y episode the show’s ever done. The party brings the entire cast together – in fun costumes, no less – and seeing them playing off each other is extremely satisfying. The second-hand embarrassment we got from witnessing Patrick’s gradual meltdown is cringe-comedy at its best.

Fav quotes:

  • “You’re literally the least fun gay I know.”
  • “Homeless gay kids don’t stop being homeless on the weekend, Paddy.”
  • “Your playlist is garbage!”
  • “Well, [Tumblr] is not NOT for porn.”
  • ~Patrick’s entire meltdown monologue.~
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No.3: S2E1 – Looking for the Promised Land

Why I love it: A perfect season opener that nicely showcases the friendship dynamic between the main trio plus Doris. The trip to the Russian River provides a nice change of scenery and pace for the show. That minute-and-half-long one-shot “rave in the woods” scene is an absolute series highlight.

Fav quotes:

  • “I really think this weekend should be the three of us hanging together, not us and 200 homos crammed in a pool.”
  • “I was working… and then everybody died. And now I get to get fucked up.”
  • “Tomorrow you can tell me everything I probably already know, but… now can we just all watch the sunrise and pretend everything is gonna turn out fine?”
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No. 4: S1E7 – Looking for a Plus-One

Why I love it: A well-executed pivotal episode that breaks off Patrick/Richie and starts the Patrick/Kevin mess that will last throughout season 2. The peek into Patrick’s dynamic with his mom provided great insights into Patrick’s WASPy psyche. Plus, major developments on Agustin’s and Dom’s plots as well.

Fav quotes:

  • “No it’s not just a pop-up – it’s the start of a Portuguese culinary revolution.”
  • “You don’t get it, do you, mom? Everyone I’m ever with, every guy I’ve ever been on a date with, I judge him based on what you’re gonna think of him. And it’s really fucking me up.”
  • “Well Patrick, if you asked me how I was doing every now and then, you’d know.”
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No. 5: S2E7 – Looking for a Plot

Why I love it: Finally, an episode that is not Patrick-centric. This episode gives us a look into the past of Dom and Doris, serving as a nuanced examination of their relationship and a much-welcomed turn to flesh out the two lovable characters who rarely get the opportunity to shine.

Fav quotes:

  • “Even after you told him that you were gay, he still wanted us to get married.”
  • “Oh God, that’s terrible – but go on, I’m always interested in hearing about someone’s childhood that was potentially worse than mine.”
  • “Doris – I should be honest and tell you that sometimes when we were making out, I used to think about George Michael.  Dom – Well, just so you know, I did too.”
  • “I’m a big homo queer!! ”
  • “There is no one else that I’d rather invest in more than you, you know that? ‘Cause you’re my family.”
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