´óÏó´«Ã½

We are ready for fanfic at LipServiceFans.com! We'll also have a forum and keep news and vids up to date. We can't wait!

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Wow, iv been waiting to watch this for a while it looks so interesting. The girls are absolutely beautiful! iv seen on episode and i love it already!

great first episode,carnt wait for next tuesday.well done.

After the 1st episode I do really hope a good story line appears during the next 5! At the moment I am struggling with so many negative stereotypes, as harriet says, this is a very under represented community! i find myself asking, 'do I want people labelling all Lesbian's in this way?' - especially as some of us work so hard towards equality for all, with this type of media attention, it can only make more work! - However, on a more positive note, i do believe we are in need of a new lesbian drama and I am hopeful that the next 5 episodes could change my opinion once the story lines have evolved further.
Good Luck

Thought first episode was very entertaining. Laughed out loud at several scenes and the banter between the characters. Can't wait for the rest of the series. Well done ´óÏó´«Ã½3. Might forgive you for the Licence Fee now.

I have watched the first episode and was very disappointed. I am a member of the very under represented community concerned and it seems that this programme just reinforces ridiculous stereotypes. I now have to go to work with the knowledge that my colleagues will think that I behave in a similar way as these characters. It seems that 99% of the female population, in the location shown in the series, is also a member of the under represented community. The title of the series is also something that I can be sure will be made into a joke. I hope this first episode was just 'shock tactics' to make people talk and the rest of the series will improve. We will see.

I watched the first episode, both at the press preview and again last night. I loved it both times, but even more the second time around. I paradoxically love/hate Frankie, i like her because she's wild and edgy, dislike her because she reminds me a lot of my most recent ex. I can't wait to see how the characters will develop throughout the series. Well done. PS: also love Mistresses which I think you wrote as well.

After waiting for what seemed like years for Lip Service to finally stop teasing me with trailers and actually air, I have to say I was more than a little bit disappointed.

From what I read about it before it started I was led to believe that it would be somewhat based on reality. I am a lesbian and this comes nowhere near reality!

The characters were 2 dimensional and adhered to pretty much every lesbian stereotype, just reinforcing the opinion that we are not normal, functioning, mainly sane members of society. The acting was wooden, Lou's Scottish accent was dodgy to say the least and the sex scene in the mortuary was thoroughly unconvincing!

And there was no need for the 500 mentions of the fact that they are lesbians- just in case the viewers forget.

I expected a program that portrayed lesbians as normal human beings, with normal issues, normal relationships and normal lives and this is not what I got.

I am sad to say that I will not be watching the rest of the series and I look forward to the day where a lesbian drama on TV is not referred to as 'bold' by the voiceover when it is no more bold than any other program that is aired at 10.30pm.

I think a lot of people built up these wierd high expectations about this show.
Me and my girlfriend tuned in 5 minutes into it not knowing what it was, and we loved it, it is fiesty and we felt it portrayed young women like us very well, my experience of life as a 19 year old is similar to parts in Lip service (group of friends , sexual experiences, comfortable with sexuality,being aroud sexually confident women, being involved with people.men/women).

Everyone has their own unique experiences of growing up and living with their sexuality. It seems a lot of people are trying to relate it to their own lives and dismissing it as unrealistic because they dont have the same experiences or know anyone who are like the characters.

Sex and the City is a show based on women's heterosexual lives, talking about men being with men, relationships and sex with men, this is similar but involves same sex relationships, and sex scenes. Sex and the City is quite normal and enjoyable to watch, so is this. The people who think it isn't normal obviously do not lead that life style, which is fine. Maybe they are from a generation where it is not ok to speak openly about sex and express their sexuality.
It is like denying there were lesbians in the victorian times, there were many. Women's sexuality is fluid, some women only like women, some dip in and out their whole life. That is fact. This is a great show, great writing from Harriet. The relationships between women (gay,bi,straight) and men is so true to me and my friends, it is what we have been waiting for.
I think the sex scene in the mortuary was risky, possibly strange but great none the less. I really don't understand people's issue parts of the first episode, but that's because a lot of people have not been brought up with an open minded family, embracing non-judgemental friends, and accepting community.

I agree with one of the comments below saying people have high expectations of this show. It is after all a drama series, a soap if you will. It's not a documentary! Yes, all the stereotypes are there and yes it might not be objectively educational or representative of every lesbian but that's TV, right? You can't represent every single minority, or have a show for them. I think we should be happy with what we've got. Agreed, the first episode didn't blow me away either but it was entertaining at least and I didn't feel underrepresented at all.

The major thing that annoys me is not the stereotyping (although that does annoy me obviously), but the fact that it is rubbish. The storylines are more ridiculous than Eastenders (which is a real feat!). The acting was rubbish and the characters are stupid.

My civil partner and I live on a farm in Leicestershire, never have any dramas, and live a quiet and happy existence. It's a great life, but it wouldn't make much of a show! This is a drama for goodness sake. I want it to be unrealistic and made up, I can get real any day of the week. I loved it, funny, sassy and British. It's not a political statement, it's art and entertainment. I will be tuning in again, as long as I can get the chickens to bed in time ;) .

I had great expectations of this show and they lived up to them. i hope that there will be more than one season as i know alot of people would love for to get into the characters lives and say yeah she or even he are exactly like me .

I really enjoy the show and i love the L word also and when i found out that they were doing a scottish programme with the theme i was very happy because i am a young actress and i'd love to be a part of something like that but i don't see many lesbians/BI's on tv let alone scottish lesbians/BI's ....Thank you for the boost x

P.s. Living in Scotland i have an immunity to the cold but not to the rain i know your pain thanks again xx

I just want to say thanks for such a fab series!
I'm already looking forward to next week's and am hoping there will be a second series.

Jane

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Hey, does anyone know what shoes Frankie is wearing in ep. 3? Grey/black with white laces.. Would love to know!

Me and my partner have really enjoyed the first two episodes althogh I must admit I do agree it isn't true to live. I haven't seen one pair of dungarees and all of the women are fit!

The whole point of the drama is to show a 'tongue in cheek' side of lesbian life. It has got to contain a certain amount of drama or else why would anybody watch it. I have many lesbian girlfriends who live happy contented lives together but I wouldn't wanna watch a programme on their sex lives/visits to tesco etc!
I think its brave to confront the issues, the series is edgy with the right sort of music and backgrounds. At least there is a story line around each character, but anybody wishing to switch off after the first episode should be ashamed, I can even see many of the emotions raised within myself, and its not easy even these days to admit to your own sexuality!!!!

This show is about as believable as the American show, L Word, as in, its not at all. And how pathetic that the butchy girl is also bi. LAME.

Furthermore, it's just lesbo porn for the male gaze, which is why Frankie, the only pseudo butch in it, is bi. Can't be threatening to the male audience with a realistic show about lesbians, now can we? And I disagree with the commenters here who imply such a show would be boring.

Fantastically entertaining series - thank you ´óÏó´«Ã½ and Harriet.
Hoping there will be a second series...

Talk about tall poppy syndrome, why are folk so eager to knock new shows? It's great to see a series back on air with lesbians relationships as the main theme and it's good to view a few with some straight male friends. As most blogges have said, you can love and hate some of the characters but that is the whole point of having a drama series. Bring it on and I hope there is a series 2.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

I totally disagree that this just an excuse for lesboporn! I'm really enjoying the series and if anything feel that there should be more carpet munching. Thanks for a great drama.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

I think the new series is great, and we should have more, please. Thank you to the creative/production team and the ´óÏó´«Ã½... I've seen lots of negative comments in newspapers and elsewhere - I fully expected this from straight male reviewers and the narrow-minded section of the het population, but hoped that a lesbian audience might be pleased that the ´óÏó´«Ã½ has produced a well-written and witty drama which puts lesbians centre stage (AND includes an out lesbian actress amongst the cast). Of course one drama cannot possibly show ALL aspects of lesbian life -there are as many different types of lesbians as there are heterosexuals - but let's celebrate our visibility and enjoy!

oh my god. i watched this program and i swear you've got me hooked!! i love it, have to say i nearly cried when i heard its over next week!;) really hope your carrying on, its amazing, i felt really quite bad for tess.. bloody hell she's an unlucky cookie haha 2 things that made me cry :(, but i love her, frankie is awsome! haha,. and cat, well shes great! bit on edge thoo haha, honestly, carry this program on because if you dont i think i will cry haha, having something like this on t.v isnt stereo-typical at all, if anything i feel alot more confident about my relationship :) so thanks,well done too everyone who made this:D if ur looking for a new character??give me a shout ;) xx

Lighten up girls!
This programme is fun, it's entertaining, it's witty and it's sexy. And you know what, it's not at all a million miles away from the lives of many a gay girl. Like these characters my friends are beautiful, sexy, funny, smart and yes, somewhat hedonistic at times(okay so not much sex going on in mortuarys, I'll grant you that!), and yes, have their emotional ups and downs. Oh but isn't that the case with many straight people and many straight tv characters too? Indeed it is.
I really don't understand why so many lesbians think that any programme featuring gay characters has a duty to represent every kind of gay woman under the sun - why should that be the case? And is it even possible?
I just thank God it's doing something to show to the wider world that not all gay women fulfil the stereotype. And what's the stereotype? I think we all know.

Thanks for the show Harriet!
As i'm still suffering withdrawal symptoms from the closure of "The L Word", "Lip Service" has provided me with a welcome tonic.

I subscribe to the usual gripes about both this show and it's American equivalent not being genuinely representative - all gorgeous folk, living in spacious apartments, drinking in fancy bars, money to spend and upwardly mobile. I'm inclined, however, to agree that this is a small gripe. This is television after all, and straight dramas like "This Life" (not forgetting the Gay Welshman) and Gay male dramas like "Queer As Folk" are not so different in this respect.

Perhaps a "Handsome Butch" would be nice to see tho'?

The show has a great cast. Ruth, Laura and Heather stand out, particularly Heather whom I find to be a fine actress with a most sensual beauty.

Someone commented above about this show pandering to the male gaze. I would agree with that, but certainly not in a negative way anymore than i'd complain about any number of films with pretty male leads pandering to the female gaze. Sex sells because we are sexual - get over it.

I'm sure you've heard this already, but I have to say it - Frankie is a blonde Shane. Yes there are differences, but not enough to stop others saying the same.

I hope a new series gets commissioned and we get to see more character development, a decent story arc and an introduction of new characters.

Fingers crossed.
Alex

Thanx for great show, I enjoyed watching it. Just don't keep us wait too long for new episodes. I adore Glasgow and Frankie :)

Just finished watching the final episode - so a 2nd series is merely a possibility at this stage since the ending was ambiguous.
Loved the chemistry and passion between Helen and Ruta (Both straight). Fine acting and the love scene was very passionate...from Helen especially, but the tear from Ruta was so very beautiful.
I have to add that the cinematography was quite excellent. I've never seen Glasgow looking so good. The directors choice of shots was similarly well executed, showing a good marriage of scenery, character and emotion.
I completely disagree with the eejit from the "Indie".
This was a very fine show. Congratulations.
More please.

if you don't write a series 2 of Lip Service, with the same characters continuing the story line, i will never forgive you. it was such a cliffhanger. i need a series 2.

Just finished watching the last episode of the season. Thank you Harriet!
This is one of the best lesbian shows so far. Excellent sex scenes! We all need a series 2, that's for sure.

I hope the writers will develop Sam's character further - she has so much potential and we haven't had characters like this one in any other series. The power dynamic (and the eroticism) between Cat and Sam is just mesmerizing and really interesting to watch. I hope we have more of that in season 2.
Frankie, I agree, is a bit too much like Shane and Brian Kinney, and I feel that we've seen this already.
Well done Harriet!

My opinion on lip service is that it is everything you want out of a drama. It's edgy, fast paced and doesn't go into too much detail of the characters individual trials and tribulations to the extent of being too drawn out. Which (sorry L word fans) I thought the L word did- where much of the time I'm bored and waiting for it to pick up and get on with it! Although I'm not denying I can see that it successfully raised many political and cultural issues about lesbians, I just thought it could have been done better. In my opinion todays books, series and films are racier. They have to be. To compete with this fast paced world, we need a fast paced story-line, a quick fix, we want to skip to the juicey, sexually exciting, romantically indulgent areas. Who has the time or the patience for all the little arguments and recreational events to make it as close to real life as possible (L Word :-/). It's a drama not a documentary. Who picks up a book and says I want to read about my life? Your living it aren't you? I want what most people want out of a romantic novel or drama- Escapism.

On the subject of the comparison of the two characters Frankie and Shane- although I can most definitely see the similarities between Frankie and Shane- and I prefer Frankie. They are both promiscuous and may seem similar, however no seems to have noticed that they are in fact like that for different reasons. Where as Shane on the one hand just seems unable to resist temptation, as it's something that (and I quote her) "comes naturally to her." Frankie uses it as a flight from the pains of her life. Not to mention what racey romantic story-line is complete without the heartbreaker who leaves us on the edge of our seats, undecided upon wether the heroine should choose them over the safer less exciting road.

I think this series has been over harshly critiqued. It's either seen as porn because of the typical male lesbian fantasy because many men will not be able to see the series any further than this because they are quite obviously unable to relate to female to female love and can only associate it with what they know of. But when straight Sex in the City does it it's ok? Or we have Gay women slating it because that's not how they live their lives! Yes because every straight drama on T.V is a perfect representation of people's lives.

I beseech to all of you for a second to try to forget seeing it as a controversial lesbian drama, and just see it as a drama. You can not judge something by it's genre so harshly when so few of them exist in comparison. Not to mention if we insist on labeling it this manner, then it promotes that gay women and men should always have this controversial sticker attached to their sexual preference, when isn't the ultimate goal to be excepted and seen as normal as any male and female relationship? I enjoyed the series for what it was written to be- A romantic drama. It just happens to be about lesbians.

Congratulations ´óÏó´«Ã½ 3 on filling a void in the market. Lip Service has been a really enjoyable drama, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed you'll soon be commissioning a second series: you have left us with far too many unanswered questions, and eager to see more from the fabulous girls!

I have absolutely loved this first series of Lip Service and hope to hear news of another on the way. However, the Cat/Sam/Frankie love triangle upset me! Having understood Cat's character to be sweet, loyal and loving, the idea that she would actually act on anything with Frankie didn't ring true for me and made for frustrating viewing. To see Frankie and Cat getting it on with what looked like such little chemistry made me cringe, whereas Cat and Sam were utterly believable. I really hope in the next series Cat comes clean and chooses Sam over Frankie. I'm not talking happily ever after-I understand the show needs a storyline but do lesbians always have to be portrayed as cheaters? Frankie, fair enough but not Cat! I don't want to lose faith in the show, please make the right call!

I was reticent about the new lesbian drama Lip Service. I even thought the 1st episode was a bit wooden and a teensy bit fake. However having now watched all 6 episodes I am loving it. The characters are fabulous. I love Frankie, Cat, Tess and Ed. Not keen on PC Sam but then I guess thats a sign that shes playing the part well. I think every one wants Cat and Frankie to get back together.
I think this is a triumph for Harriet Braun. My girlfriend and I cannot wait for series 2. Brava ´óÏó´«Ã½3 !

I loved the show and especially Heather Peace as DS Sam Murray. Please may we have a 2nd series with much more DS Murray?

When is season 2 coming?! Great show, great acting, beautifully shot. We need more of this calibre of television in the UK.

LOVE LIP SERVICE. Brilliant Series 1, although could of done with 10 or so episodes rather than 6 but will take what's given. Huge well done to ´óÏó´«Ã½3 for filling the lesbian TV drama void. Please create Series 2, don't leave us gay girls hanging on...!!

THANK YOU HARRIET! Arguably, this has been the best lesbian show we have seen on TV so far. Much better and much more carefully crafted than the L-word. The stories are great and the characters unique (with the exception of frankie, perhaps, who seems to be very shane-like). Cat and Sam are fantastic characters, with great chemistry. And so is Sadie, actually - an interesting and recognizable character. We all loved how the sex scenes are part of the story, and are very powerful that way. It is interesting how "Sam" stole the show - initially, she seemed like a minor character, but then develops into a powerful figure and everyone just went crazy for her. I think she needs to solve a crime in season 2 btw. Thanks again, and please please make season 2!

Please please can there be another series of the Wonderful Lip Service. Most enjoyable and great story lines- love the Frankie-Cat-Sam dynamic and the dippy delightful Tess! More more more.

This is the simply the best drama, modern or historical, ANYWHERE in the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s schedule...

Yes, I was hooked in by the idea of the subject matter, and for sure there were a couple of hot scenes in the first two episodes... BUT it is the grit, the excitement, the drama, poignancy and clever interweaving of plot lines that make this special and frankly I cannot remember if there were any sexy scenes in the last four episodes as I'm now too focussed on the plot.

The casting is exceptional, the acting first rate (it would have been so easy for it to have been hammed or wooden) and if any of those girls are NOT into girls... then that only makes the acting even more impressive - if you get what I mean...

Cannot WAIT to see the next series - please GOD there will be one... this one has better even that This life...


PS = PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE ´óÏó´«Ã½... focuss on more of this quality and fostering talent and developing those still on the way UP... instead of paying millions of (OUR) money to so-called stars with over-inflated wallets and egos... If they're not happy with working for a public service let them bog off to C4 or ITV...

Ok, so the series is wrapped up and begins to filter through to settle into its place in my cultural memory. It's a show I want to remember - I'm still thinking about it and that means the characters have engaged me with their lives.

I loved the comedy of Tess - in a way her struggles were the warm and comforting sheepskin rug on the cold hard floor of the other characters' emotional ruin. Whether she's sad, drunk, being stupid, being fun, she always responds with a lightness that is so adorable. A beautiful balancing act.

Frankie's journey through the six episodes was painful and familiar. In real life you can watch someone who is self-destructing and know it is happening, yet not see it. Not enough to be able to change anything. Disbelief is an intolerant exclamation 'Aw come on! Nothing's that bad' And you walk away - with Frankie we couldn't. We had to watch her desperate attempts to hide from her feelings and instead shouted at the TV screen - 'For God's sake, Frankie!'

It was never easy, never comfortable and my feelings about her became more and more ambivalent - until that last heart-rendering shot of her real mother's pain and love on the doorstep. That was a sublime and brilliant way to wrap the show and all that Frankie is/isn't is revealed in that moment.

Solid sexy policewoman Sam, who started out tough, self-contained and assured is a portrait of how love and passion unravel us. Leaves us standing vulnerable and afraid of loss. Hers is a subtle, unexpressed fragility, again so familiar - and very well played by Heather Peace.

And Cat, the caring, compassionate lead who is trying to be perfect all the time. She never wants to hurt anyone, always wants to be her best in every situation but finds herself in the ultimate relationship 'crime' of being in love with two women at the same time. I love the complexity of this. Societal morality about 'cheating' is a big bat of a taboo to bash a person with and Cat is the character who stumbles into it and into the inevitable turmoil that comes with it. In a US show, she would never be allowed to be so human and so flawed - it's great that you let her breathe into her mistakes and just go for it.

I have bought 2 DVDs, one for a friend in the US, one for me.
I would really like to see another series.
Thanks for this one!

i loved lip service, and i cant wait for the next series, we need more programmes like this, keep it coming, i will definitely watch more of this as it kept me gripped to the tv every week

Loved the show wish there was something like this 20 years ago Thank you for making my city look beautiful. I cycle thru these streets most days and see all the images you have shown. We get such a bad press sometimes. thank you
Jeanie

woooooah !!!!
i just discored the show. It is the first time I actually felt in love with a TV show... I jsut watched the 6episode out of 24h.
It's fantastic realistic and funny in the same time...

congratulation to Harriet and every one else working on that show !!!!

Well done ´óÏó´«Ã½ 3 at last tuesday night tv (although be it a little on the late side) I had something not only to look forward to but relate to and have a blooming good chuckle to!

The characters were fab, great storylines that i would sooo love to see developed further and oh my goodness don't we want to find out what goes on with Frankie and her mum, Cat and (the rather lovely) Sam and the lovely Tess and her electrician (ahhh) There is definately something to continue here bbc please please PLEASE DO!!!!!! Just think of the equality and inclusion brownie points hmm!!!

OK, bad bits first - the first episode didn't appeal much, Frankie's acting is a little wooden (although she IS easy on the eye) and I was saddened by the fact that there wasn't much diversity - no butch or larger-than-size-10 characters. Curves are flabalicious!

The good bits are - it soon became compulsive viewing for me, the sex scenes are a lot better then L Word sex scenes and some of the issues raised (eg about Cat being in love with 2 people at the same time) were very touching, human and as another poster mentioned above, quite original.

I would love to see a second series of Lip Service, as I'm sure would many others.

Please take notes of complaints though ´óÏó´«Ã½ - you are doing 'real' queer women a diservice by not representing us. Yes, glamour sells, but so does reality - look at some of the characters in your highly successful Eastenders. Life is made up of a myriad of people.

Thanks
PS Tess's character is great, very, entertaining.

LOVED Lip Service,
i think Ruta Gedimtas did a great job playing Frankie, Heather Peace did a smashing job of playing Sam...
i love them all, really hope the will be a Series 2...

amazing.. (:

Have seen the first 6 episodes and they are PHENOMENAL. Soooo much better than L Word. Can you PLEASE make this available to US audiences? We'll GLADLY buy the DVDs!!

Love the show!

Does anyone know who does the casting for Lip Service? How I could audition for a future series?

Heeeeeeeeeeey, guys
people need to know what happened to Lou!
Just some advices.
Cast... scenes...
please, please!
It's important for us.

Great job!
=)

I totally loved it! Can't wait to see the 2nd season! xx

Its officially back.

Sounds like this is going to be another great series with new faces and the best of the old.

Very glad Sam is back; whew I'm overheating at the thought.

2012, long wait but will DEFINITELY be worth it.

So watching the Behind The Scenes footage, Ruda Gedmintas mentions that she liked to come up with reasons for why Frankie chose each woman she slept with... Is there any interview or place where she elaborated on this? I'd really love to hear what she came up with, but I haven't been able to find more details anywhere! Or, does anyone know of a place where fans can ask questions of the cast?