GayTV Recap: American Princess (Episode 1x4)

Episode 4 of the new Lifetime series American Princess put some focus on its gay characters. Renaissance performer Brian (played by Rory O'Malley) has been focused on his craft, portraying the famed William Shakespeare, at the side of Queen Elizabeth, played by the domineering Maggie. The stuffy duo have been less than enthused about latest arrival Amanda. This week, Brian found himself crossing paths with fellow performer Juan Andrés (played by Juan Alfonso) at the showers. With them all full, the two tried to make small talk, as Brian noticed they were carrying the same shower caddy. Juan Andrés didn't seem too interested in his banter, but Brian continued to try, until a joke comparing him to Hitler brought things to an awkward halt.

Brian retreated to Maggie's tent, late for their performance warm-up exercises. She insisted they get started, while Brian expressed his disappointment with his attempt to get to know Juan Andrés while they waited for the shower. He wanted help to figure out how to tell the man that he likes him. Maggie seemed uninterested in Brian's attempt to have a personal life, but she urged him to take an interest in Juan Andrés' role at the Renaissance fair, as a way to end the subject.

Brian took Maggie's advice and showed up at the stand wear Juan Andrés sold various handmade wares. Juan Andrés didn't give him much attention, as he attempted to attract business for the stand and sell more items. Brian tried to take an interest in the items, but fumbled through his attempt, ultimately knocking over and breaking several of the items. He apologized to Juan Andrés and offered to pay for all of them, when Juan Andrés revealed that he had actually made all of the items himself. Brian was impressed, but his nerves caused him to only ask stupid questions.

A frustrated Brian later approached Amanda with wine, offering her a drink. This surprised her, given their previous conflicts since her arrival. She wondered where his pal Maggie was and he told her about Maggie passing out after a day of drinking at the fair. Sensing something was wrong, Maggie inquired about what was bothering him. Brian opened up about his interest in Juan Andrés and his follies throughout the day. Amanda encouraged Brian to drop everything and go find him. If he was really interested, he owed it to himself to try and be honest.

Brian found Juan Andrés sitting outside of his tent watching a movie. He got cold feet, but didn't back down. He apologized again for his behavior and told Juan Andrés that the reason he had done all of those awkward things was because he really wanted to be friends. Juan Andrés invited him to join him for the movie, surprising Brian, who accepted the invitation.

Juan Andrés began discussing the movie he was watching from one of his favorite filmmakers, but Brian had no knowledge of the movies, surprising him. He told him about some Shakespearean connections to the material, leading Brian to recite a bit from his repertoire. He was then caught by surprise when Juan Andrés finished the line of dialogue and revealed his own knowledge of Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet. Juan Andrés then initiated a kiss.

Brian was very happy to receive it. Juan Andrés then confessed that he had been so nervous around Brian that he hadn't been able to find the courage to really talk to him. This surprised Brian, but it explained why Juan had been so distant in their previous encounters. Brian told him he was just thankful that they were now friends. When Juan Andrés told him that he had enough friends already, Brian realized he wanted more, leading to another kiss.