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Showtime sets its 'L Word' spinoff lead
After a couple months of speculation -- maybe not here, but somewhere -- Showtime has settled on a centerpiece for its possible spinoff of The L Word.
The premium cable network announced on Thursday (Sept. 4) that The L Word creator Ilene Chaiken will write and produce a spinoff pilot presentation built around Leisha Hailey's Alice.
The presentation will be shot in December, one month ahead of the January 2009 premiere for the sixth and final season of The L Word on Showtime.
Showtime executives teased the still-untitled spinoff at July's Television Critics Association press tour.
"[W]e're doing this interesting thing: The storyline at the end of The L Word, the final episode in the final season, there will be an open-ended component to it," Showtime CEO Matt Blank explained. "And Ilene is going to carry that story along on the Internet, which we think is an interesting way to keep The L Word experience going. Then if we decide to go ahead with the spinoff that storyline will segue into the new series."
Hailey has played Alice Pieszecki since The L Word premiered on Showtime in 2004. A journalist, Alice may be best remembered as the creator of The Chart, a graphic representation of the romantic entanglements and sexual escapades of her group of friends, loved ones and acquaintances.
So, The L Word fans, did Chaiken and Showtime choose the right character for the spinoff? Would you want to follow Alice into her own series?
I was sad after I first heard that The L World was going to end in 2009, but now I have new hope that this amazing series will carry on.
Alice has become the franchise of this series and she's perfect for a setup of a spin-off. I hope Showtime follows through on this.
Hot Pocket | Sep 5, 2008 12:11:25 PM | #This was by far the best choice for the spinoff...Alice is my favorite character in the show by far...and as Ive read on many articles about this spinoff, one of the most relatable and loveable characters, next to Dana...who wouldve also been a great choice, if Ilene hadnt viciously killed her off in season 3 :( Long live Crispay.
Heather | Sep 5, 2008 1:59:14 PM | #If they're only continuing with one character, it makes sense to go with the character with the best sense of humour. You need some fun with the angst. They made the right choice in this instance.
Andy EN | Sep 5, 2008 7:18:56 PM | #The best choice for a spin off - Alice is a great fun character and Leisha Hailey one of the most versatile actresses. I wonder whether any of the L Word cast will be carried over to the planned spin off?
Cathy | Sep 6, 2008 8:00:20 AM | #Where can i send a headshot/resume for the spinoff?
Thanks,
Laura
The perfect choice for the new series. Leisha Hailey is one of the best underrated actresses on TV, and now she will get a chance to shine in the spotlight. Showtime has always been sweet on her character, so it's not really a shock they are carrying her on.
sharon | Sep 8, 2008 6:43:57 PM | #I'm excited for the Alice spinoff, can't wait to see more Leisha Hailey. But I can't help feeling a little sad that it's not a Shane spinoff.
Jen | Sep 10, 2008 6:37:30 AM | #I am heart broken that the six season is the final season. I'll miss Bette, Tina, Shane, and even Jenny! But I will miss Alice most of all! So if there is a spin off I'll stay tuned for Leisha Hailey...yeah..I'm kinda in love with her. =)
Jayme | Sep 15, 2008 5:56:24 PM | #WoW what a bummer no more L-Word after 2009 :( it was the best series of anything i have seen, however i am happy they are doing a spin off and it is with Leisha Hailey, also i hope that some of the original cast are in the spin off often. The spin off in my opinion will be good with Leisha playing Alice i love that character.
T | Oct 20, 2008 11:28:18 AM | #It's sad to see the end of the L word I hope the spin off will bring back some of the old cast from time to time. In reality lesbians are known for keeping contact.
Scarlett | Nov 21, 2008 11:11:07 AM | #I think Shane, Carmen, Papi & Howard Fairbanks(Dana's brother) would've made a good combo for a spin-off. It would be nice to see another view of lesbian & gay life.
Mr T | Jan 10, 2009 12:13:32 PM | #why drop L word and do a spinoff? The characters and actors of the L word were established, loved and had many world wide fans. I like "alice" but disagree that she was the L word's franchise. Most L word fans would agree that THE laurel Holloman and Jennifer BeaLS CHARACTERS OF tINA AND bETTE HAVE LONG BEEN THE BIG DRAWING POWER FOR THE l WORD. tO LOSE THIS PAIR OF GIFTED ACTORS AND THE EXPLOSIVE AND UNMATCHED CHEMISTRY THEY BROUGHT TO THEIR RELATIONSHIP ON SCREEN SEEMS A WASTE OF TALENT. mANY SHOWTIME SUBSCRIBERS WILL DROP THEIR SUBSCRIPTIONS IN PROTEST OF THIS MANAGEMENT DECISION.
C COLLESANO | Feb 27, 2009 12:06:24 PM | #Alice is a great character for the spinoff, and frankly, the only possible choice, since Tina and Bette have become such a boring couple and Helen stabilized herself. I'd like to see more of Shane in the spinoff too however.
Elaine | Mar 4, 2009 9:19:58 AM | #I think a spinoff with alice would be wonderful...however since shane and alice were so close i think it would be weird if they never spoke again so i think alice and shane shoudl be in the spinoff together
Mia | Mar 9, 2009 4:37:22 AM | #i think i might be interested, only to find out whats going on. I was VERY upset with the way they ended The L Word. It didnt answer ANY questions!
brianna | Mar 9, 2009 5:29:11 PM | #Leisha Hailey's really incredible actress and Alice is my favourite character, I like the sound of this spinoff :)
Kat | Mar 9, 2009 6:05:55 PM | #I agree with Elaine; Tina and Bette are boring. I love Alice because she is quirky and true, it would be awkward for Shane not to be around. Especially with the new interrogation tape and more detail on the new series. NOW the season finale makes sense! I still can't imagine no more L Word :'(
Joyce | Mar 18, 2009 3:19:35 PM | #I agree that Alice Pieszeci is by far the most evolved, dynamic and the most colorful character among the L Word ladies. Im not surprized that it is her story line that is the most worth continuing on. Leishia Haley is also brilliant and fliud in her role as Alice. Being a true lesbian compliments her portrayal of the role. Well, nothing beats the natural.
In the said spin off, i hope that IC will be able to anwser all the questions unanswered in the finale of the L Word. Also, i hope that she will be able to dig more on other faces of lesbianism like how teenage lesbians are treated in school; how lesbians with strict cultural backgrounds come out to their families and the society; how former lesbians who want to live a straight life also struggle with coming out as straight; how other lesbians were born lesbians and others are influenced by their environment; etc. I also hope that there will no longer be characters like Max whose life story was filled with misfortunes. I really think that being a trans is not always as bad as it was reflected in L Word where it was shown and described as scary and hideous. Just an opinion.
I think that Alice was a great character, but my favorite actresses on the show would have to be Laurel Holloman and Jennifer Beals. Watching their life go on its crazy roller coaster ride was amazing and i felt so much for them, I hate to see them go!
Shar | May 1, 2009 7:22:04 PM | #
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