Noah's Arc



Noah's Arc is a LGBT comedy/drama that ran on Logo for two seasons from 2005 to 2006. The series centered around a group of Black gay male friends' lives and romances around Los Angeles. While the series bore some similarities to Queer as Folk, it managed to carve its own niche, plus received credit for its portayals of LGBT people of color.

"Noah: "Wow Wade, thats one big truck. Hope you're not compensating for anything." Wade: "Nah playa, it's all good in my hood.""
 * Aborted Declaration of Love: In the movie,.
 * Age-Appropriate Angst: Brandon's reaction towards Ricky's lack of any meaningful interest in him beyond sex, though its fairly subdued compared to most examples of this trope.
 * All Gays Are Promiscuous: Played straight with Ricky, though some Character Development over time helps to give him a bit more depth.
 * All Guys Want Bad Boys: Eddie's motivation for.
 * Allergic to Love: Played with. At the start of one episode Ricky looks unusually pale, and Noah askes if hes sick. Ricky says he thinks hes "falling in love", implied to be thinking about Junito, and then passes out. He wakes up later in a hospital (come to find out, it was a Staph infection).
 * Attention Whore: Ricky, whose promiscuity is at least in part due to this. In fact, when his employee doesn't actively pursue him he relentlessly tries to understand why, actually confronting the employee about it.
 * Anything That Moves: For Ricky, at least anything with a Y chromosome.
 * Armor-Piercing Slap:.
 * Armoured Closet Gay: Wade starts out as this.
 * Badass Gay: Wade, specifically after.
 * Bait and Switch: A notable one at the start of the second season...
 * The Beard:.
 * Beach Episode: The last episode of the second season, during the Pride beach party. Though the first half of the episode plays the trope straight (purely fanservice and relatively relaxed), the last half cranks the drama Up to Eleven.
 * Berserk Button: Ricky is typically as carefree as they come, but if he feels for a second that Noah is threatened he WILL let you know how he feels.
 * Beta Couple: Alex+Trey and Chance+Eddie typically play this role to Noah+his boyfriend at the time.
 * Big Beautiful Man: Alex sees himself this way (and Trey agrees).
 * Big Fun: Alex in a nutshell.
 * Black Boss Lady: Brandy.
 * Book Ends: The TV series opens and ends on the beach (with the beach not being seen all too frequently in between).
 * Boomerang Bigot: Wade is this early on, with a very vocal aversion to gays despite being gay himself.
 * Broken Aesop: In the movie, when Noah finds out Alex is addicted to caffeine pills he takes it very seriously, and thats where the Drugs Are Bad aesop is played out. But throughout the movie we've seen Brandy enjoy a variety of drugs quite a bit harsher than caffeine, and its all Played for Laughs with no real consequences.
 * Buddy Cop Show: The movie Wade had written appears to be one of these (based on the lines we overhear and what Wade and Noah discuss).
 * The Cameo: Raz B from B 2 K as a patient in one episode.
 * Camp Gay: Alex, and to a lesser extent, Noah (Both are feminine, but Alex is more outspoken and flamboyant).
 * Catch Phrase: Alex: Whats the T! (Often followed by "gurl")
 * Cast Full of Gay: Standard for the genre.
 * Cast Full of Pretty Boys: The only man of even average attractiveness in the main cast might be Alex (even that point is debatable), with all the other guys having absolutely perfect physiques.
 * Character Development: Though all the characters go through some, Ricky gets a special mention to gradually growing from a stock All Gays Are Promiscuous stereotype to a much more multifaceted character as the series (and movie) progress.
 * The Charmer: Ricky
 * Children Are Innocent: Chance of Noah's Arc strongly and explicitly believes this, which is why he keeps taking care of Kenya even after he and Eddie (her father) are separated.
 * Chubby Chaser: Alex hints that Trey may be this, but since Alex is the only guy we see that Trey has interest in, its difficult to assess.
 * Closet Key: Noah is this to Wade.
 * Coming Out Story: Not a full story, but in the movie we get to see coming out.
 * Compensating for Something: This exchange between Noah and Wade in the first episode:
 * Compensating for Something: This exchange between Noah and Wade in the first episode:


 * Corrupt the Cutie: Ricky actively tries to corrupt his boyfriend Junito by setting him up on sex dates. While Junito is monogamous and believes in love and affection before all else, Ricky sets him up on sex dates in order to turn him into a promiscuous sex maniac just like himself (mainly so he can feel they're on equal footing).
 * Costume Porn: The fashion show, which has some wildly elaborate outfits even by fashion show standards.
 * Cross Dresser: Romeo borders between this and a VERY effeminate man.
 * Dude Looks Like a Lady: Even outside of women's clothes, his features are remarkably feminine.
 * Dating Do-Si-Do: This is mostly avertedin the series, but played very straight in the movie with lot of sexual crossovers between.
 * Deadpan Snarker: Ricky, which is the big contributing factor to his Jerkass characteristics.
 * Death Glare: Malik taunts Wade at a wedding about.
 * Defrosting Ice Queen: Ricky is the Jerkass variety, gradually defrosted by Junito.
 * Devoted to You: Noah seems to have continuous access to deeply dedicated boyfriends, with little real effort on his part. At one point even a millionaire rapper pursues him.
 * Dogged Nice Guy: Interestingly enough,.
 * Double Date: Happens with.
 * Double Entendre: There are plenty, virtually all of the sexual variety. In fact, this is the main way Noah and Wade communicate their Unresolved Sexual Tension early on.
 * Downer Ending: Subverted at the end of the Noah's Arc first season..
 * Drag Queen: Alex, with Noah, Ricky and Chance as drag backup singers in one episode.
 * Drugs Are Bad: See Broken Aesop.
 * Drama Queen: Alex, and sometimes Noah as well.
 * Establishing Character Moment: In the very first episode, Ricky has two. The opening scene has him flirting up and getting a number from a guy on the beach. The thid or so scene that we see him in next hes in his store having sex with his employee.
 * Ethical Slut: Ricky, in sharp contrast to Noah.
 * Fag Hag: Brandy, Noah's boss, comes off as this at times.
 * Fat and Proud: Alex loves his big body.
 * Fat and Skinny: Alex and Noah when they're seen one on one; their personalities also fit the silly vs. Straight Man (no pun intended) qualities of the trope.
 * Fate Drives Us Together: How Noah and Wade happen to run into each other in the bar (as well as other times).
 * Fat Best Friend: Alex is a definite Type A, being the loud, fun, outspoken and confrontational one of the group.
 * Finish Dialogue in Unison: Happens numerous times to the point of being a Running Gag, three times in the first episode alone. Typically one of the four main cast starts the sentence and the other three finish it together.
 * Finishing Each Other's Sentences: Subverted in the movie where Noah and Wade seem to start to give the same answers to relationship questions, but end with completely different ones. This is the first major sign they're have deeper relationship issues.
 * Five-Man Band:
 * The Hero: Noah fits in that he has virtually all the non-combat qualities listed for the trope. He's the protagonist, is morally superior (frequently choosing Honor Before Reason), and compared to the rest of the group has a more balanced personality. He's the one who holds the group together, frequently reminding everyone how much they care about each other, and is almost always right in situations where he provides guidance/leadership. Even the wearing red/blue somewhat fits, as there are several scenes where he wears red specifically to make him stand out from the rest of the cast. He's also invariably front and center in any promotional photos and more often than not in scenes where the whole main cast is together.
 * The Lancer: Ricky, as a very clear foil to Noah. While Noah is very moral, relationship-oriented, romantic, and holds the group together, Ricky is much more pragmatic, highly promiscuous, sexually detached, and more than willing to abandon the group over a one-night stand. The stark contrast between them is lampshaded by both of them at different points in the series. Also, Ricky, Noah and Wade are.
 * The Smart Guy: Chance, being a college professor continually in pursuit of his academics. He also is a bit more withdrawn compared with the rest of the cast, and often will explain more complex matters to the rest of the group (often doubling as Mr. Exposition in the process). Though he doesn't wear them often, hes also the only one of the main cast who wears glasses, and is fairly thin compared to the more muscular (and in Alex's case, thicker) cast members.
 * The Big Guy: Alex is a class 4, being outspoken, boisterous and dramatic. Though kind, he is the most aggressive and confrontational of the group when threatened. He is also an Emotional Bruiser.
 * The One Guy: Wade; though the cast is made up of guys, Wade is by far the most masculine and lacks the "girlfriends" dynamic that the rest of the group share. He's also used for fanservice VERY frequently, as opposed to the main four cast members. And he's in a relationship with Noah.
 * Foreshadowing: At the start of an episode, Chance is giving Noah advice that there's always a time when a man has to choose between his principles and his paycheck. During the next episode, Chance has to choose between helping a lesbian couple and allowing Eddie to keep his career (one of the lesbians is Eddie's boss's wife).
 * Four-Temperament Ensemble
 * Sanguine: Alex.
 * Choleric: Ricky.
 * Melancholic: Chance.
 * Phlegmatic: Noah.
 * Fourth Date Marriage: Fourth date is an exaggeration, but its revealed early on that Chance and Eddie have only known each other for six months at the start of the series, considering marriage (and get married very soon into the series) and are moving in together. This is also notable for being portayed as a Fourth Date Marriage in-universe.
 * Flying Under the Gaydar: In an episode where Noah wants to go to a bar to meet Wade's friends, Wade gets Noah to tone down his look for this purpose.
 * Fun T-Shirt: This is a standard part of both Noah and Ricky's wardrobe, seen at least Once an Episode.
 * Gay Aesop: Interestingly this isn't actually played straight, though the movie has Brandon coming out to his parents and immediately getting the backlash. We never see how it resolves though.
 * Gay Cowboy: Alex dresses up like a sexy one in to surprise Trey.
 * Gay Groom in a White Tux: A variant, the tuxes are light gray.
 * Gentleman and a Scholar: Chance tends to lean towards this versus the Absent-Minded Professor.
 * Gayborhood: The Los Angeles of the Noah's Arc universe is chock full of gay men. The vast majority of anyone the cast interacts with is gay.
 * Gayngst: In the movie, Brandon goes through this briefly over a rough coming out to his mother.
 * Gayngster: Baby Gat.
 * Good Adultery, Bad Adultery:.
 * Guy-On-Guy Is Hot: Brandy definitely believes this, though overall it goes without saying for the genre.
 * Henpecked Husband: Trey increasing becomes this as Alex's demanding nature is highlighted as the first season progresses. Interestingly, rather than being Played for Laughs its taken as a serious relationship issue (for which they even go to counseling).
 * Honor Before Reason: This is one of Noah's more frequently seen characteristics, such as in one episode where he turns down a $4000 check from Wade because he feels he should get himself out of his financial mess (despite having to sell his beloved car to do so).
 * Hopeless Suitor: Baby Gat from Noah's Arc relentlessly pursues Noah, particularly in the movie (to no avail).
 * Hospital Hottie: Junito, the attractive young physician (and Ricky's major love interest).
 * Hot Teacher: Chance, having a student and teachers aide pursue him as well as being fanservice in his own right the few times we see him shirtless. Note that though he is the oldest of the main four cast, hes still quite young for a college professor in his position.
 * Hypocrite: A notable example is when Noah enters a sex party to try and find Ricky, and a guy tries to aggressively flirt with him. Malik immediately steps in and tell him to back off, and that no means no. He then immediately proceeeds to flirt with Noah even more aggressively, as Noah says no.
 * I Love You Because I Can't Control You: This is one of the things that draws Ricky towards Junito early on (as Ricky's sexual advances don't seem to take).
 * The "I Love You" Stigma: Ricky hesitates to tell Junito he loves him over fear of him saying it changing things for the worse (as well as some deep-seated difficulties with commitment).
 * If You Ever Do Anything To Hurt Him: Ricky says this verbatim to Wade regarding Noah (and means every word of it).
 * Imaginary Love Triangle: Interesting subversion between.
 * It's All About Me: Noah seems to fall into this regarding his relationships, and occassionally catches himself not really giving the same focus to his friends' relationship issues as they give him. Its highlighted at the end of one episode where Ricky just went through a breakup and is clearly depressed, and Noah calls him to complain about the "emergency" of Wade wanting to go house hunting with him.
 * Jerkass: Ricky can come off as this at times, particularly when putting his consorts before his friends, although....
 * Jizzed in My Pants: This is what happens to Noah during his and Ricky's sexual experience in a flashback.
 * Karma Houdini: To an extent,
 * Labcoat of Science and Medicine : Junito has one in one episode, though its not seen again.
 * Latin Lover: Ricky, though he usually focuses on the physical side of love.
 * Spicy Latino: Despite being male, Ricky fits this better, given the strong sexual nature (and not as much romantic) of his character.
 * Leather Man, Firemen Are Hot: Trey posed as these for a calendar shoot.
 * Lady Drunk: Brandy is a bit younger than the typical Lady Drunk, but still fits the trope otherwise (her position of power somewhat puts her in an "older" role). Her jaded and sarcastic personality also fits the trope.
 * Bottle Fairy: As seen in the movie, where Brandy takes on an unusually fun, playful demeanor with Alex and the rest of the group.
 * Ladykiller in Love: Ricky with Junito (though he never breaks his promiscuous ways for long).
 * Los Angeles: The setting.
 * Love Makes You Crazy:
 * Macho Camp: A variant in Alex; while he may not be super-muscular, he is larger than most of the cast and physicially doesn't fit the stereotypical slim and toned physique that the rest of the cast does. He's also the most campy one of the 4 main characters.
 * Madonna-Whore Complex: Initially it appears that Ricky doesn't want to have sex with Junito because.
 * Masculine Boy Feminine Boy: Noah's feminine to Wade's masculine, Alex's feminine to Trey's masculine. To a lesser extent, Chance's feminine to Eddie's masculine.
 * Men Prefer Strong Men: When Wade and noah briefly live together for the first time, Noah sees all the beauty products Wade uses. Noah later comments with his friends about how the whole "metrosexuality" thing is a bit of turn off and prefers a strong, rugged man.
 * Meaningful Name: Brandy (she does enjoy her alcohol).
 * Men Are Uncultured: A variant: Masculine guy Wade invites the artsy, feminine Noah to watch the movie he worked on. Its turns out to be a cheesy, low-brow Buddy Cop Show film, during which Noah quickly falls asleep.
 * Mistaken for Cheating: See Imaginary Love Triangle above.
 * Monochrome Casting: Almost everyone any of the characters interacts with is either black or latino. You can count the number of white people seen throughout the series on one hand.
 * Moral Myopia: One that stands out is based on Ricky's protectiveness of Noah. Ricky makes it clear that.
 * The Movie: Noah's Arc: Jumping the Broom.
 * Mr. Fanservice: Most of the cast could qualify, but Trey is notably portrayed as one in-universe.
 * Must Have Caffeine Pills: Alex in the movie.
 * Nice Guy: Junito is probably the best example, being consistently kind, courteous, patient and understanding with Ricky (who is a promiscuous, emotionally stunted, and often times Jerkass individual).
 * No Bisexuals: Men in the Noah's Arc universe are apparently only gay, straight, or closeted. Even characters who have at least been implied to have had opposite sex relationships, such as Wade and, are depicted as doing so solely to hide feelings for males or out of a poor understanding of their own sexuality.
 * Oblivious Guilt Slinging: Frequently occurs, usually with Wade (or Noah's boyfriend at the time) slinging the guilt at Noah.
 * Oh Crap: Several throughout the series, but.
 * Pair the Smart Ones: College professor Chance paired with clever, strategic businessman Eddie.
 * Papa Wolf: Interestingly, Ricky fits this role in regards to Noah (both as a protector and mentor; Ricky introduced Noah to much of the gay scene).
 * Porn Stash: In the first episode Noah is trying to find Wade's stash to determine if he's gay or straight.
 * Pride Parade: Seen in the last episode of the second season.
 * Prince Charming Wannabe: Millionaire rapper Baby Gat is this to Noah, trying to rescue him from his "mundane" life.
 * Put on a Bus:.
 * Real Song Theme Tune: The remixed variety of "Remember the Love" by Adriana Evans.
 * Really Gets Around: Ricky's most defining characteristic.
 * Revealing Hug:.
 * "The Reason You Suck" Speech: Brandon gives a short but effective one to Ricky regarding his promiscuity in the movie.
 * The Reveal: Several, but one that stands out is.
 * Running Gag: See Finish Dialogue in Unison.
 * Sassy Black Man: Despite being male, Alex otherwise fits the trope flawlessly.
 * Spit Take: Noah has a small one when Wade describes a guy he'd sleep with (as a perfect description of Noah).
 * Straight Gay: Wade, Trey, and Eddie.
 * Manly Gay: Same as above.
 * Screwed by the Network: The series was canceled by Logo after its second season, despite being the highest-rated and most critically-acclaimed show on the channel and bringing some much-needed representation to gay media. Network execs were shocked by the outcry from fans, and said they'd bring it back if The Movie was a success. It was, but Logo didn't keep their word.
 * Sensitive Guy and Manly Man: Noah and Wade. Also, Junito and Ricky (though Ricky's "manly" tends to be sexually aggressive and detached).
 * Sex Montage: Occurs in the movie.
 * Shirtless Scene: Happens at least Once an Episode.
 * Shrinking Violet:.
 * Something Else Also Rises: When Eddie sees Chance in the speedo he wore when they first met, the champagne bottle in his hands pops.
 * Sour Prudes: Chance has moments of this, much to Eddie's dismay.
 * Suddenly Sexuality: . Your Mileage May Vary, but to many it definitely felt like a Retcon.
 * Tagalong Kid: Brandon in the movie.
 * Team Dad: Chance, being the typically more rational, level-headed leader. Also is the oldest of the main 4 characters.
 * Team Mom: Alex generally falls into this role, being more warm and nurturing.
 * The Heart: This is Noah's role, as hes often the "peacekeeper" of the group and reminds everyone else how much they care about each other.
 * The Resenter: This is a big part of.
 * Token Minority: Ricky and later Junito (Latino), who are the only non-African-Americans of the cast.
 * Traitor Shot: This is one of the clues that.
 * Triang Relations: Three type 4 examples: . Noah, Wade and Baby Gat have a similar dynamic.
 * True Companions: Noah, Ricky, Alex and Chance, who see themselves as family and explicitly state that nothing they go through can break their bond.
 * Twofer Token Minority: Though this is the entire main cast, so the Token part doesn't really qualify.
 * Unable to Cry:.
 * Uncle Tomfoolery: Alex, with his over the top mannerisms, falls into this at times.
 * Unresolved Sexual Tension: This is Noah and Wade's driving dynamic early on before they get together.
 * Token Minority: Ricky and later Junito (Latino), who are the only non-African-Americans of the cast.
 * Traitor Shot: This is one of the clues that.
 * Triang Relations: Three type 4 examples: . Noah, Wade and Baby Gat have a similar dynamic.
 * True Companions: Noah, Ricky, Alex and Chance, who see themselves as family and explicitly state that nothing they go through can break their bond.
 * Twofer Token Minority: Though this is the entire main cast, so the Token part doesn't really qualify.
 * Unable to Cry:.
 * Uncle Tomfoolery: Alex, with his over the top mannerisms, falls into this at times.
 * Unresolved Sexual Tension: This is Noah and Wade's driving dynamic early on before they get together.


 * Visual Pun: At the start of the second season Noah is trying to figure out if . His friends tell him to kiss him, and if the earth moves he knows its love. Noah kisses him, and an actual earthquake occurs.
 * Waking Up Elsewhere: Happens with Ricky following passing out due to an infection, waking up in a hospital.
 * Weddings for Everyone: Subverted. Just before Chance and Eddie's wedding.
 * What Did I Do Last Night?: Brandy in the movie wakes up after a drug-fueled night in a total state of confusion.
 * Where Everybody Knows Your Flame: The majority of gay bars seen fall into this trope.
 * Wounded Gazelle Gambit: