Bad Girls

I used to cringe when hearing of British shows being adapted for U.S. TV until I was pleasantly blown away by the American version of "The Office." So I am actually looking forward to the prospect of an HBO rendition of the U.K. prison series "Bad Girls," especially since Alan Ball of Six Feet Under will be involved in the project. Bad Girls ran for 8 seasons in the U.K. The first three seasons featured a steamy relationship between Moroccan-descended / Scottish-accented prison warden Helen and butch inmate Nicki, and were carried by LOGO here in the states. My friends and I bought region-free DVD players so we could enjoy the mischievously diabolical antics of prison officer Jim Fenner and inmate Shell Dockley during subsequent seasons. The series' writers consulted extensively with prisoner rights groups so there was social consciousness to be derived amidst the campy melodrama. I hope the U.S. creators are able to do the show justice, so to speak.

Sapphic Elevator Scenes

A lot of fuss is being made of the Callie/Erica storyline on Grey's Anatomy, but as of yet I don't think it has advanced the gay agenda on TV any further than the usual mainstream "straight girls pecking during sweeps week." Let's compare the lesbian elevator kissing scenes on Grey's Anatomy vs. Spain's Central Hospital, and you will see why most discerning lesbians turn to cable or European TV to see more authentic, less male-centric girl-on-girl action.

Exhibit 1: Grey's Anatomy. Their motivation appears to be arousing Mr. Man's jealousy (among other things). And he is watching the whole time! Ew!!



Exhibit 2: Central Hospital is a Spanish drama series with a storyline that revolves around the tumultuous relationship between gorgeous pediatrician Maca and head nurse Esther that has lasted seven seasons so far. Below is a scene from early on in the relationship before the couple was LEGALLY MARRIED on the show. About five minutes into this clip, Esther and Maca are in the elevator with a male doctor who poetically rhapsodizes about lesbianism. Maca and Esther, who at this point haven't yet consummated their relationship, exchange knowing glances and rush him out the door before engaging in a passionate kiss that might not make it past U.S. network television censors. Check it out!