CHEVAL SERPENT - A Genre Twist for Modern Times

That Feminine Joy is Hard to Hide

Below is a short promo clip for a TV program on Radio-Canada (en francais) called Cheval-Serpant (Horse-Snake). There's nothing remarkable about the overall premise from what i can gather. It's another routine crime/politics/corruption drama. What is unusual however is the fact that the show revolves around a male strip club catering to a Female audience. Even more remarkable is the authentic feel of the Women actors in the audience and Those waiting to get into the club. That vibe, that enthusiasm, looks very familiar and genuine to me. The main story line doesn't seem all that interesting but these club scenes really grip me as it's clear the male actors do actually have to perform and do indeed strip down in front of the Women. Bare male flesh , including bare butts, on ample display. It also seems the males have to display all their assets to the Female actors, if not to the camera (oh well). i was also impressed by the quality of the men's performances which show genuine enthusiasm and talent. i also love the reactions and expressions of the Women when the men finally reveal all. That glint of hunger and power is unmistakable. i suspect those reactions look genuine because they very much are, talk about method acting.



The shows title is also telling. Yes, it hints at classic mafia type films but it doesn't take much imagination to interpret it as literally a show about male stallions showing their cocks, which is of course the basis of the whole show. At it's core this is a show premised on the sexual objectification of men by and for Women (note also the scenes with the clubs Female owner.)



For these reasons alone We/we have here one of the first truly modern TV programs and i would hope, an example for others to follow.

Here's the shows official description :

Caught in the midst of a culture clash, the Cheval-Serpent fights to survive
The Cheval-Serpent is a notorious male dance bar that is always busy thanks to the hard work and watchfulness of owner Dorice McQuaid (Sophie Prégent) and manager David Gauthier (Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge). A unique, iconic place in the heart of Montreal, the Cheval-Serpent helped build the city's image as a haven for freedom, openness, partying and pleasure that was never challenged by former mayor Bernard Saint-Pierre (Paul Savoie).
Following in his father's footsteps, Laurent Saint-Pierre (Daniel Parent) has recently been elected mayor. He's a family man of a different generation. In his view, the time when sex-oriented businesses proliferated downtown is over. Montreal has to welcome visitors of all ages.
In a city where he calls the shots, the Cheval-Serpent is in for a rough ride.
“ Writer Danielle Trottier, the creator of one of Quebec's biggest TV hits of recent years, Unité 9, delves into another world that's just as daring and original: that of strip clubs for women. ” – Hugo Dumas. La Presse