The L Herd

Confession of a Lesbian Hollywood Producer

2009-11-20T15:47:00.001-08:00

Ilene Chaiken never ceases to amaze me. I've got to give her her props. She never stops trying to get her stuff put out there. Rumor has it that Chaiken is in talks to develop another television show.

Apparently she's giving the business end of the pen to CW by being on talks to produce the TV version of " Confessions of a Backup Dancer. While we all know Chaiken can mess up a wet dream, one has no choice but to wonder where she could take this kind of series.

There's no way I could confirm these reports, but it seems the news is spreading about on http://www.AfterEllen.com I always wish the best for Ilene, however it is her work that speaks for her. We may or may not have revived a couple of actresses, all while killing of annoying, but reliable characters. She mainstreamed a show that features a prodominately female cast, and for that respect will always be due.

While mainstreaming an all female cast, she also perpetrated most stereotypes that can be deemed applicable to the lesbian community, FYI Chaiken bitches do exist in lesbian circles.

I wish her the best if luck, but I know that I won't be running to catch another "confessional" drama. And while we're talking about confessionals, anybody know the status of that L Word reality show?

Thanks for tolerating,
Spaz

Confession of a Lesbian Hollywood Producer

2009-10-16T01:02:00.001-07:00

Shane: Let's Play Doctor!

2009-10-14T17:03:00.001-07:00

Lesbians worldwide are pretty familiar with Shane, the slim sexpot that was the hearthrob of Showtime's "The L Word". Now that "The L Word" is deader than Jenny Schecter, I'm sure hopes were low for seeing any of our favorite play lesbians on the small screen again.

To the amazement of Sapphic Sisters everywhere, we can keep hope alive. With the film version of web sensation "Girltrash" in developement, we can look forward to seeing the talented, and beautiful Rose Rollins again. *swoons*
The real shocker comes in the form of a wig-clad Kate Moennig as she returns to our homes in the new television venture "Three Rivers". Hold your breathe ladies, Shane is playing doctor! Though Im
boycotting television Right now, the reviews of the show aren't too bad.

I was worried about Moennig. She was one of the most talented ladies of " The L Word" yet the doubt still loomed about her ability to get another gig.
There is definitely more to Moennig than Shane, however in a role prior to that ( Young Americans) she played the same kind of gender-bending character. I believe the actress and her fans worried about her suffering from being type-cast.

The Good news is that the wig expands her horizons image wise, and I'm sure a sethescope is sure to do the same. So ladies if you love Kate Moennig like you say you do, im sure those DVR's and tivo's are working overtime to support her in her endeavors.

Watch " Three Rivers" and tell me what you think. A full interview on Kate may Be found at the LA times site, as well as www.AfterEllen.com

Keep up with Kate on twitter @ www.twitter.com/katemoennig

I can also be found tweeting all sorts of things on twitter @SpazTalkRadio

Thanks for stopping by.

The REAL L Word

2009-09-10T02:42:00.001-07:00

It seems that Ilene Chaiken is the lesbian that could. News of the reality show version of Showtimes hit Series the L Word, spread like wildfire through the interwebs. Showtime green-lit the reality series for six episodes. Which brings one to wonder how bad WAS the other series Chaiken penned that was suppose to star Leisha Hailey? I shudder at the thought. I have yet to see trailers or promos for this crap, but something tells me it's not going to a REAL option for L Word fans and lovers. But in closely related news, Uh Huh Her Is set to release another album AND GIRLTRASH! Will be made Into a film! Now THATS lesbian news fit to print.

Who Killed Jenny?

2009-03-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

For all you that haven't been able to let go of this lesbian version of clue, fret not. There may just be some more options or clues for you. Showtime is doing this thing, where they release a different interrogation tape every week. Sgt. Duffy (played by Lucy Lawless) interviews each character individually in order to get to the bottom of this alleged homOcide. For those of you who are experiencing withdrawal check them out. Though i can already assure you that they are as bad as the season they follow, and will probably leave more questions than answers.

It's fine by me, I already know who killed Jenny . . .

It was me!

TransAmerica and the Castration of Max Sweeney

2009-03-14T15:06:00.000-07:00

Now of all the horrific attempts to bow out of The L Word the Max Sweeney storyline was one that bothered me the most. Max Sweeney has been one of the most complex characters to enter LGBT television. Frankly I'd have to say it was quite premature. The L Word big wigs never seemed to have the writing capabilities for a character like that, and of course not the time. Now since the introduction of Moira Sweeney, viewers have debated and laughed because her butch "hickness" was all too real and all too out of place. She entered a group of glamorous lipstick lesbians, where even the ones who were non-working and broke were chic and clad in couture. She just didn't fit, but still was a comedic balance to the ever annoying Jenny Schecter (who i personally love to hate).

Eventually the direction of the character went from over-the-top butch to someone struggling with their sexual identity. Still things we could follow and even relate to. The series goes on to chronicle the alienation, ignorance and bigotry that follow those of Trans Experience. All things we need to see. But in true Chaiken fashion the storyline takes a turn fro the worse. So Max is a man not a woman, we get it-- but on a Lesbian drama to take Max through the sexual dysphoria that follows turns us off to a potentially wonderful character. Max then struggled with sexual desires towards men and women and takes the viewers through an emotional rollercoaster of mild understanding , to confusion, to utter disgust. Instead of taking a prime opportunity to educate us on any aspects of Trans life, she decides to turn this character into a freak. So know we hate the character and groan when he's onscreen.

Season 5 began and Max pursues a monogamous relationship with Tom, Jody's interpreter. A bit annoying but to gay men right? Not too bad. Even though at this point it's obvious Max has decided not to got through with the surgery, but he's still taking his "T" and now benching massive weight. Ha. Ha. So besides the big contradiction of the prior season with trying to raise awareness to this community, the actual surgery is written off as "a really serious irreversible procedure. " No shit! Anyhow the real K.O.D (kiss of death) is the irreversible season 6 . . .
The final season of The L Word the ultimate insult is added when Max first enters the scene. The werewolf formerly known as Max Sweeney is a dramatized caricature. Is this suppose to prove that Max is a real man? As i laughed myself off a chair i had to think that Chaiken has one hell of a sense of humor, and that she was going to jump from behind a prop and shout "Gotcha, this has been a spoof, and the real final season is coming right about now. . ." It never happened and I'm no longer laughing. To add insult to injury they incorporate some unoriginal Thomas Beatie bullshit. Really, i mean really -- Because America needed another pregnant Trans-Man? So on top of everything that goes wrong with this character, he's now pregnant.

Here's where i play devil's advocate, and ask all those stupid, ignorant but much need questions.

First of all, from what I've known about people of trans experience, it is not likely that they feel comfortable or are even capable of sexual activity with their biological -er parts. If you've felt like a man in the wrong body all you life, once you come to terms with this, do you still use your "lady parts?" Doubtful. But i may uneducated in the matter. So let's say you re sexually active pre-op, post-"T". . .you are feeling more like a man with a few glitches, are you going to have vaginal intercourse, and go totally against everything you are working towards, being counseled for, paying for? Doesn't make much sense.

So let's say you are the type of Trans-Man who DOES carry on this way. And you prefer sex the traditionally heterosexual way, and you end up pregnant. . . Do i call you sir or ma'am. Because generally i wouldn't refer to anyone whose pregnant as sir, and i do think its a lot to ask of someone to process a such a complex scenario. Opinions aside, i do wonder how common this very situation is. Thomas Beatie was another (real-life) pregnant transman, but he too exploited himself fro the sake of an audience.

What doesn't sit well with me is that we as an LGBT community have to overcome more than enough hurdles. We have to deal with being harassed, leered at, and disrespected. The trans-community gets a great amount of the intolerance and are often made to be the biggest freaks. So when they fight, and rally for tolerance and understanding its a big deal. An even bigger deal is when these issues are publicly contradicted. It's confusing for people to fathom the idea of someone who wants to be a man having vaginal sex, or a working uterus, or a fertilized egg--and still identifying as a man.

I really wonder what the Trans community feels about this, the character, the real life model, and how the world interprets and in turns reacts to this community.

Any thoughts? Leave them here . . .or email me @ spaztalk@yahoo.com

The Last Couple Standing!

2009-03-02T03:44:00.000-08:00

Im a being my usual "Spazie" self in rooting for Talice? I mean was the proof not in the pudding? Tasha and Alice are the strongest couple to survive our lesbian train wreck formally known as The L Word. Ok so The L has kept us glued to the telly for six years straight because it chock full of more drama than a soap opera . . .but geez do we deserve this? Its been so bad that I've felt this tug of remorse for even starting this blog to honor it. That aside, there are some interesting concepts. Im going to bring you all up to speed on characters without any spoilers, lets see if it can be done:
Creepy Schecter
Self - destructive Shane
Ambitious Tina
Tested Bette
Tempted Tasha
Everlasting Alice
Screwed up Schecter
Skeptical Helena
Determined Dylan
Naughty Nikki
Maternal Max
Tri-Curious Kit
And Deatbeat Tom
With guest appearances by
Skanky Kelly
& Cold hearted Jodi
. . .Look out for the Lawful Lucy Lawless next week.
That's the final season ladies.
There were some moments that I loved, and ill be sure to go n2 full detail after the finale. Just wanted to stop and and alert the public that I've been watching and I have a lot to say! Lets keep our fingers crossed for Carmen and if there is no love connection there, we deserve the eye candy! Lezzys in the tristate area, plz don't forget that the finale party will be held here in NYC at Mansion! Email or Comment me for details or you can just stop by the HRC website. This party is looking to be as hot as the premiere, don't miss it! More to come, sooner than l8r. Peace,, Love and happy watching! -Spaz
Www.Twitter.com/SpazTalkRadio

The L Word Premiere Party

2008-12-25T21:35:00.001-08:00

In a couple weeks we will witness our favorite lesbian drama began to take it's bow out. There's so many ways we can do this and almost none of them are wrong. You can:

-Watch it at home with your girlfriend
-Have a dinner party and watch it with your good friends
-You could go out and party and just Tivo it
-You can find out what happened on blogs, podcasts or around the water cooler at work
-Or you can join as many NY lesbians as possible at Pacha's premiere party!

I'll be there taking notes, people watching, mixing, mingling, networking and of course watching the season premiere of the sixth and final season of The L Word! So RSVP, bring a couple friends, and let's Lez Out!

More information could be found on the HRC website and in the latest issue of GO! magazine. The ladies are steaming up the cover, and there's an interview with Ilene Chaiken. So pick that up and enjoy! Hope to see you at the party. I'll post the information as i get it.

A "Grey" Day for the L Word

2008-11-20T20:48:00.000-08:00

Janina Gavankar The L word's Papi, is calling it quits after only two episodes of Grey's Anatomy. OK so for those of us who don't watch much television, or haven't fed into the Thursday drama that is Grey's. In any case the woman we have come to know as Papi, did a stint on the show but is calling it quits. Gavankar has been quoted as saying something similar to "I thought this role would be good for my career, but it's not looking that way. I've decided it was time to go." Janina has decide to pursue another T.v Show in hopes of a better role. It's also rumored that Shane's one time competition may be returning to end out the upcoming final season of The L Word. I can't imagine what she has to offer if this is true, but maybe Papi will find love and live happily lezzy after. Stay tuned as we would all like to find out.

Couples Counseling- Session 1: Shenny

2008-11-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

Another fun area I'm going to explore here on The L Word fan blog is Couples Counseling. So myself and all you readers will give our relationship advice to those hot L couples through the beautiful power of blogging. So grab your "smart-girl" glasses, your pen and notepad. And aid "Dr. Feel. . .Good" in providing healthy relationships for our favorite fictional characters.

The Patients
The beautiful and tormented writer Jenny Schecter and smoldering womanizer Shane McCutcheon began their journey together as roommates. This soon blossomed into an unlikely friendship that proved both comical and heartbreaking. From normal disputes to love triangles their friendship has remained strong and one of the best relationships on the show.

The Issues
For the second time one of these blue-eyed brunettes hurts her friend by fooling around with a partner/lover. It has happened before with Carmen and now with Nikki. There's a twist though, Jenny confessed her being in love with someone shortly before witnessing her bestie and her beau getting it on. Of course she was devastated, but what hurt her more? Now as a doctor ( and i use that term loosely), I am not one for the transition between good friend and girl friend. But there is a huge possibility that the speech could have been targeted at every one's favorite player, Shane. With the surrounding drama, latest love triangle and the series ending, what will come of Shane and Jenny?

The Solution
I'm going to try and go as slow as possible, being that there are so many issues here. First up, Jenny and Nikki: Jenny, my love let her go. Shane would have made her second infidelity during your short relationship. Not to mention she hasn't been to loyal to you either. Not supporting you after you were booted from your own movie set is the ultimate KOD (kiss of death). She's cute but she's a child not ready for that typical Jenny Schecter intensity that you've become known for. Find yourself an adult and live happily ever after! Next up, Jenny and Shane: No! Just no Shenny! You too make awesome pals, but to attempt to venture further romantically will leave scars and end a friendship to beautiful. Shane is also still a child doing adult things. And let's face it J you don't have the skills equipped to deal with such a case. So work on your friendship, talk out the hurt, the pain, the betrayals and grow stronger because of it. Last but not least, Shane: We love you, but your player ways are so 2003! Find Carmen! She was your soul mate! What you did to her is inexcusable and unjustifiable. Only thing left to do is grovel shamelessly and beg her forgiveness. You two are meant to be and we witnesses of the love are hoping for a happy ending! So work it out!

The Outcome

A picture is Worth a thousand words! Need I say more?

Tell me what you think! Leave a comment and offer your own solutions and feedback on the romance that could be Shenny!There are no wrong or right answers. Have fun with it!

Scenes from Season 6

2008-11-10T01:42:00.000-08:00

So we've been looking and browsing, chatting and speculating and finally a little bit of payoff. I know Ourchart is doing nothing to quench our L thirst right now. And ladies let's go easy on Ilene Chaiken, the poor woman is putting her baby to rest. Buuuuut have I got a photo for you! OK so it's not video, or an actual promo but from the looks of this photo there may be hope for the furnace that hosts the heat between Talice. I get the goose flesh just thinking about those two working out. For your viewing pleasure I offer up hope . Enjoy!

What a Tasty couple these two make eh? Rose in her uniform, Liesha in her fire engine red pumps. . .Yowzers!

Rose in character

Now I must point out a very important factor in this lovely photo: Body Language! The body language here is way off! My predictions are that this is a possible moment for the breakup that seems to be in the cards for these two. Neither of the two sport a smile, odd for Alice, typical for Tasha. But Tasha's folded arms and Alice's hands on her waist show that this is a very tense moment. She's either coming clean or possibly even confronting Tasha about something. Tasha being the tough gal she is has braced herself and possibly even glanced away to avoid showing immediate emotion to whatever Alice is saying. I must also tell you all reading this. . .there are more photos* where this scene came from!

Tell me, What could possibly be going on in this photo?

*credits due to roserollingsfanblog.blogspot.com

Links to the rest of the photos as well as more from that photographer may be found there as well

The Truth About Shane

2008-11-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

Let's take a little trip down memory lane when in L times during the lifespan of Sharmen, where Shane would have done anything to make the sexy Carmen happy. Sigh, like looking horribly hilarious in this dress! In case you missed it (which i doubt) this indeed happened. Kind of makes us second guess about forcing women who refuse to go frilly, to dress this way. There's a reason why she dresses like a rock star. She's just probably really that much of a bad ass.

sweet memories!

And What's going on with this lady's character now. . .

Well when we last saw every one's favorite womanizer, she was making out with Jenny's current beau Nikki. This Came after Jenny's endearing speech of " I've found someone who I'm completely in love with." Uh-oh, LA we have a problem! Now was she referring to queer bait Nikki or roommate and best friend Shane? Either way rumors or stirring, which brings on my season 6 predictions:

*Romance and fusion of Shane + Jenny = Shenny = NO WAY!!!
*A possible end of a friendship for "Shenny"
*Jenny attempting revenge by going after Carmen (whose suppose to be returning!!!)
*Jenny + Shane + Carmen = The triangle part deux and a waste of a final storyline!

I guess we have to wait for http://www.ourchart.com/ to update us, although everyone is being pretty hush hush about the final happenings. And with that I'll ask for L word fans across the globe to continue to exercise the democratic process by voting Yes for Sharmen and No for Shenny. Shane deserves to be happy, yes? Express your thoughts. . .

The L Herd

2008-11-09T00:22:00.000-08:00

Welcome Fans and Friends to the L Herd, your blog spot fro L Word news and dish. I've watched the season's pass, and all the past seasons. I've purchased and netflixed anything I've missed, but the time has come. . .I'm fresh out of L options. So I've decided to blog about the things and events that have happened and are soon to happen on our beloved sapphic series. My Sources will be plentiful and I'll try my best to give credit where it is due. Don't sue me, I am merely a fan.

I'll provide videos, other blog posts, articles and of course those great photos we crave. Be sure to check out other links to the right of this post (and blog) and leave comments feedback and things of an L Word nature. More news and tidbits of a lesbian nature can be found at my blog and on my podcast. So tune in and Happy Reading! I'll try to keep this updated and fun for fans feel free to add feedback and ideas. All are welcome!

Stay tuned and Welcome to The L Herd!

(BTW what's the deal with Rose being left out of that pic?)