Give a drunk, frustrated, sad man a microphone and, well, there you have it.
Patrick delivers the most awkward moment of the season in the latest episode of HBO's "Looking," managing to offend both of his best friends and both of his exes in a matter of minutes as he spouts the sort of internal judgments his sober self has no doubt been tongue-biting to keep within.
Last week, on a sober road-trip with ex-boyfriend Richie, Patrick's truth-telling seemed liberating, a clearing of the air. This week, delivered drunk at a Halloween party he is throwing in an effort to seem like a "fun gay," it seems pathetic.
Patrick is naturally self-conscious, and the party he has put together provides plenty to test his composure.
First, there are the little things. He thinks his costume -- the episode is called "Looking for Gordon Freeman" -- is great, but nobody knows who he is supposed to be. He thinks his music play list is great, but nobody else does. He thinks the karaoke machine he rented will be a hit, and nobody uses it. (Except him, of course, to make his little speech.)
He also has invited both of his exes -- Richie and boss Kevin -- and both show up with their current boyfriends.
We see Patrick point the bottom of his cup to the ceiling during one-too-many moments of insecurity as a result. And soon enough, Patrick grabs the mic and makes everyone at the party acutely aware that it's all just too much.
It's cringe-worthy. But it also produces the episode's greatest take-away.
Despite the fact that Patrick says things about Agustin and Dom that they obviously take some offense to, both of them immediately have his back amid the fallout -- and help prevent him from doing even more damage.
Richie doesn't seem too offended, either, even though Patrick took aim at Richie's boyfriend, Brady. And even Kevin -- who's relationship with Jon was nearly torpedoed by Patrick's rant -- seems more sympathetic than angry.
Patrick isn't the "fun gay" he wants to be. He's too self-conscious and vulnerable. But even as his neurosis begins to feed his loose lips, his friends rally to him rather than flee.
The bottom line is that Patrick's friends love him, and even the people most affected by his issues -- namely, Richie -- have a soft spot for him. People understand where he is coming from, even if they don't like the way he deals with it.
Agustin, just offended, sitting by Patrick's side and having no time for Kevin? That's a friend.
As the show's protagonist, it's important that Patrick is relatable. And he is.
Patrick will no doubt be dealing with the repercussions of his actions at the Halloween party in coming episodes, giving viewers another chance to see "Looking" at its best -- as a chronicle of everyday missteps being dealt with by characters who, in one way or another, we can all relate to.