Netflix has for a while now been pushing the barrier of diversity by trying to be as inclusive as possible through its range of casting decisions and onscreen characters. However this is not just some subtle approach that they are trying to keep in the background, but something they want to make sure they take into the mainstream. And in keeping with this approach, they have ordered a new animated series titled Q-Force, which is set to feature some LGBTQ spies.
According to TV Line, Netflix has just committed to ten episodes of the series, described as an adult-themed animated comedy about a team of LGBTQ superspies who are led by a handsome, James Bond-esque secret agent. As a team of superspies, Q-Force will regularly be underestimated by their colleagues and constantly working to prove themselves, despite having an excellent history of getting the job done. In addition to the regular obstacles the team faces, they also deal with their own personal challenges as a part of the LGBTQ community.
Q-Force is the brainchild of Will & Grace star Sean Hayes and Brooklyn Nine-Nine producer Mike Schur. There are also rumours that Hayes will also voice Q-Force’s lead character, though Netflix has yet to confirm this. There is no current release date for the series, nor any official writers, director or stars attached to the project at the moment.
I think this is a neat decision from Netflix, who despite already showing their commitment to be inclusive of all gender groups, will likely face some form of backlash from an audience not quite as accepting. Especially in the world of secret agents where suave agents are supposed to only sleep with hot women according to the movies.
Netflix has tried to introduce many LGBTQ characters in some of their previous shows, with mixed success and not always wonderful reception. Having a show with a message as unsubtle as this and dealing with these topics openly is a good decision by them and will hopefully start to establish a platform in which future shows of this sort can be made free of any fear of backlash.
Last Updated: April 5, 2019
Magoo
April 5, 2019 at 14:39
I guess it could be hella’ interesting. One of my favourite characters in Big Mouth is the little gay dude. He is just chock full of over-intelligent sass.
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
April 5, 2019 at 15:53
So many jokes embedded in here, but this is 2019, where jokes are offensive.
Original Heretic
April 5, 2019 at 14:54
Gay spies?
…..
SPHINX!
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
April 5, 2019 at 15:53
What’s Q in LGBTQ?
G8crasha
April 5, 2019 at 15:54
It means I have no idea what I am..seriously! It means Questioning. It means I am whatever is not the status quo!
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
April 8, 2019 at 08:04
You cannot be serious?!?!?
Admiral Chief
April 8, 2019 at 08:38
Janee dude, just, O_O
G8crasha
April 8, 2019 at 12:09
In reference to the letter Q:
Gr8_Balls_o_Fire
April 8, 2019 at 14:58
If i’m not mistaken, queer originally meant something interesting, slightly different.
HvR
April 5, 2019 at 17:10
It is actually funny since in the real world the intelligence agencies were probably the fastest to adopt policies to be inclusive towards LGBQT employees since the official “gay bans” were ended in the early and mid 90’s
G8crasha
April 5, 2019 at 14:39
My question is does one’s sexual orientation have any bearing on the portrayal of a character like a spy. I mean, if I watched a spy series, I wouldn’t care if they were straight or LGBTQ, as long as they play the part well enough for me to believe they were the character. Some parts, yes, a portrayal of a LGBTQ character has a purpose if there are stereotypes around that character, but a spy is someone who takes on any persona to achieve their end goal – straight becoming lesbian or gay, and vice versa – so why should such a series about an LGBTQ super spy be any different to any other super spy series?
Magoo
April 5, 2019 at 14:53
I don’t think they are targeting the “spy film” market specifically. So all “why is my spy movie full of social justice” argument can honestly get lost. It’s clearly meant for an audience who is invested in the LGBTQ aspect.
G8crasha
April 5, 2019 at 14:53
I guess that as good a reason as any other. There is also the point of representation I suppose.
Admiral Chief
April 5, 2019 at 14:54
Yeah, keep the SJW kak out of my stories please
Original Heretic
April 5, 2019 at 15:33
Just because something is LG blah blah doesn’t mean it’s got a SJW agenda.
I agree with you in that I also hate the hamfisted kak that some show try to shove down our…throats. yes, throats.
But if you’re purely making a show that features gay characters as the main? I don’t see any issue with that.
Magoo
April 5, 2019 at 15:13
But how is this your story?
You didn’t ask for it, it’s not being made for you. All you have to do is not go out of your way to watch it and then you will be fine. >.>
Admiral Chief
April 8, 2019 at 08:38
But I’ll have to see articles/ads about this. It will be in the Netflix feed. I’m sorry but I’m fully against this ‘woke’ BS. Focus on the story. Most of the time series producers will put this type of nonsense in because the STORY is weak, instead appealing to the ‘woke folks’.
(Specifically, CW. Arrow and Flash and the awful Supergirl hid behind the SJW agenda because the story was just worse than a drama soap opera)
Magoo
April 8, 2019 at 10:36
But this IS the story.
Admiral Chief
April 8, 2019 at 11:18
And I’m NOT interested in seeing it, anywhere
Magoo
April 8, 2019 at 23:17
Let’s do everything YOU wanna do. 😛
Admiral Chief
April 9, 2019 at 08:18
Cool. We shall have lunch at 09h00 today followed by beer and bilton