"I'm not strange, weird, off, nor crazy, my reality is just different from yours," is a line from Lewis Carroll's sequel to "Alice in Wonderland." Earlier this week, at the historic Castro Theatre, that line came to life through HBO's premiere for "Looking." The world premiere showcased the first two half-hour episodes of the ten-part, second season. Before the screening, the cast posed on the red carpet for photographs and gave interviews. Those attending included Jonathan Groff, Raúl Castillo, Frankie J. Alvarez, Lauren Weedman, Murray Bartlett and the latest addition to the cast-Daniel Franzese. As hoped, the boys and girl are appearing as scorching yet conflicted as ever, through an Instagram filtered hue (it's based in the land of apps, after all). This time around the show goes deeper into the Bay Area's landscapes and marks, by filming outside of the city. The realness of this series has been compared to that of Girls and Sex in the City, but in this season, it certainly conjures its own spirit and unique tone.
"The audience knows the back story of each character, by now. So this season, they'll be able to relate to them more, like real people. Their stories are much more fleshed out on the screen," expressed Andrew Haigh (co-creator and writer), to the excited crowd.
After the screening and discussion, guests were treated to a VIP reception at Terra Gallery, with tunes by Juanita More. The theme was "Promise Land," complete with exotic performers and "magical fairies." They kindly provided several full-open bars and delicious food tables, thanks to Taste catering, for almost 800 people! Spotted at the after party were some of SF's finest: Armistead Maupin, Chris Turner, Kevin Sessums and Ken Fulk.
Some times in life, there are things that are even better the second time around. Here's "Looking" at you, season 3!