ROME – Mediaset is washing their hands of the matter. In today's episode of "Dawso's Creek," broadcast at 2:35 PM on Italia 1, the only gay kiss scene in the show was cut: the scene in which Jack, the series' handsome protagonist, overcomes his fears and kisses his partner, Tobey.
Jack McPhee, protagonist of Dawson's Creek
The scene in question was broadcast in its entirety in the first airing of the episode (the 20th of the fourth season, "Promicide," in Italy, "Situazione Impossibile") in spring 2002. At the time, the scene caused much controversy. Now Italia 1 has decided it's best to cut it.
The surprise of the series' followers (and not only theirs) was certainly great, and many asked for an explanation. So we contacted Mediaset to try to understand the reason for this cut, hoping for a statement on the matter... But we found ourselves faced with an incredible "buck-passing." First of all, it was impossible to speak to the press office. After several attempts, we were able to speak to the opinion office. And the situation was, in truth, a bit comical and a bit grotesque. First of all, they knew nothing about it. Then they were surprised that viewers had noticed. They asked us, literally: "How is it possible that you noticed? Perhaps someone has seen the American series?"... We consider any comment superfluous...
They declined to release any statement, using the excuse that there's no specific press office for TV series. The conversation ended with them telling us that if we want to report anything, we can go to www.mediaset.com and send emails to: [email protected]. Do we overwhelm them with protests?
Of course, you won't be able to find out anything by word of mouth.
The TV series boasts the distinction of having treated adolescent homosexuality seriously; even Kerr Smith (who plays Jack McPhee, the young gay man, widely praised for his role) acknowledges the sensitivity and care with which his character was created. But today, Mediaset has decided to make a few cuts to further flesh out the character...
And so, after the Will & Grace dance, after not having included anything concerning the LGBT world in the schedules, Mediaset is also "purifying" its TV series.
