News, Reviews & Commentary on Lesbian and Bisexual women in Entertainment and the Media

Michelle Paradise's "Exes & Ohs" Video Blog: Episode 1

Good news for fans of cute, funny lesbians! Out Exes & Ohs star/creator Michelle Paradise has graciously agreed to do a weekly video blog on AfterEllen.com, every Tuesday after each new episode airs — to answer your questions about the show, tell anecdotes and "making of" stories about the episodes, and just generally ramble on in that charming way she does.

In this first vlog segment, Michelle introduces herself, responds to a few of the comments about the show left by readers in my BLWE column Friday, and explains how much fun it was trying to get a cockatiel with a bad attitude to land on her head in the show's first episode.

I have a few questions for Michelle myself after watching the first episode. First, where did they get those awesome matching blue-knit sweaters Chris and Kris wore near the end of the first episode? I could have sworn my dad and stepmother had a set just like them. Loved it.

Second, where else besides lesbian yacht weddings can you meet a lesbian pediatric surgeon who helps children with rare diseases and looks like an older Summer from The O.C.? Be specific — inquiring minds want to know!

Michelle will answer these and other questions posted in the comments below in next Tuesday's vlog. Meanwhile, watch her first vlog here now:

UK and Canadian readers: watch this video here instead.

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  • lashun's picture

    Would have loved to see the cat....

    yawning!! Cause that would be funny and when your at work or at home trying to pass the time, anything is entertaining. Anyways, I have some questions...

    1. (Stealing from sarah) Where can I find a lesbian pediatric surgeon?

    2. Since this is based on the short, what inspired the short and how did you breathe more life into it to make it a show?

    3. Was the sweatshirt really made of fleece?

    4. Who decided on calling the cafe "Beaver"??

    5. How many rules for lesbians dating/breaking up are there and will I need a notebook to write them all down?

    I really liked the pilot, I think it is great to see a show with all women because that is rare. I cracked up when your character gave the pot back as a wedding gift!! It was HILARIOUS!! Dont worry about your vlog, you did great.. I see your are awesome at rambling... so ramble on.(your also adorable so that helps lol )

    spotticus's picture

    two questions for Michelle P.

    OK, I lied, I have three questions.  First, will there be a digisode on logoonline.com to accompany each episode that airs?  This weeks digisode was touching and bittersweet.  Second, why "the BEEVER Cafe"?  Seriously.  Ok, not.  It is kind of funny.  Third, will Beever Cafe t-shirts ever be sold to the masses online?  Thanks for doing this vlog, and I am looking forward to next week's episodes of both the show and your vlog.

    p.s.  My cat watched this with me and he did not yawn.

    melstermel69's picture

    Loved the show.....

    First let me start by saying that I dont get logo either but it was well worth the money to download the whole season from i-tunes.   I love this show.  Its funny,  witty,  and i love the characters.   I just have a couple of questions for you.   How much of this show is based on your life and how much of it is fiction?   Hope that question made sense....Anyway I love the show and keep up the good work. 

    viv24's picture

    i loved the show too and

    i loved the show too and will also be downloading it on itunes, it is not too expensive,

    my question is will you continue with "the rules"? i loved them! other characteres might have other kinds of rules...relationship or noncommitment rules, but i thought they were all really funny.

    evolve's picture

    Vlogtastic

    Thanks Michelle for taking the time to do this vlog!  And personally, I think you should have kept the cat in :)  Maybe next time!

    Really enjoyed the first episode and am looking forward to more!!  Its a breath of fresh air.  No questions at the moment but keep it up, this is great :)
    Oh and I love that you included Garrison Starr in the first ep., love her music.

    PS: Sarah, I'm not sure if this vlog is hosted differently but it works sooo much better!

    pecola's picture

    This is great.

    Thanks to you, Michelle, for agreeing to do this...your first vlog was great.

    I had a question about Heather, the aforementioned "lesbian pediatric surgeon who helps children with rare diseases and looks like an older Summer from The O.C." I recognized her immediately as Christina Chambers from One Life to Live (what can I say, it was a boring summer). I recently read that she was leaving her role on the ABC soap...so can we expect to see more of her on Exes & Ohs?

    turkish's picture

    Christina Chambers

    Yeah, that's Christina Chambers aka Marty Saybrook. Not my favorite Marty but I digress. Christina also played Molly#2 on As the World Turns a few years ago.
    Pyewacket's picture

    I like Christina Chambers.

    There is a great interview with her in the latest Soap Opera Digest...in which she even gives a mention to Exes and Ohs...I hope we get to see more of her character Heather in the show.

    Plus...for those of us who are browser challenged...is there a link to this particular vlog available...?  : )

    Booby McGee's picture

    The First of Its Kind in a LOOOOONG Time

    Hey. Just wanted to say first that I really enjoyed your show. A lesbian comedy tv series has not really been done since, well, Ellen. The closest thing we had recently was "Sugar Rush," a British tv series that was later cancelled and could only be viewed by American viewers via YouTube. So your show is filling a huge void in my lfe and I am thankful you created it and really hope I get to watch it for seasons to come.

    Question 1: What made you decide to set the series in Seattle?

    Question 2: In the Ten Rules, I really liked the actress who played Sam in your short. She seemed more authentic to me. Just curious, why was she not cast in the series role of Sam? 

    Question 3: Which actresses on your show are lesbians IRL (in real life)?

    I look forward to your next vlog. And I hope the next time you include your cat. 
    gwynna's picture

    not playing..........

    For some reason I can't get this to play ( is it just me being inept (highly likely!) or being a non north american thing????)

     

     

    StarStar's picture

    Copyright

    It is copyright restricted outside US. I can't watch it in Ireland

    girlface's picture

    I'm in Ireland, I can see it

    I'm in Ireland, I can see it fine.
    Ladyhawk1709's picture

    I'm in Norway...

    ...and I can see it...  I've also seen the episode, so I'm not sure what all that non-US chatter is about...

    BTW: The show was awesome! Funniest thing I've seen since Sugar Rush... And I loved that you put the Cliks on the whole boat leaving thing... Perfect!

    And Michelle. You did great on your first V-log :D

    Natazzz's picture

    I'm in Germany

    and I can watch it just fine.

    Much better, clearer and faster than other Vlogs.

    Faithful Chosen's picture

    Same here, I can watch it

    Same here, I can watch it perfectly. 

    Maybe your codecs are outdated? 

     

    Who you gonna be if you can't be yourself,
    you can't get it from t.v., you can't force it on
    anybody else.
    -- Ani Difranco

    janneke's picture

    :-( !!

    Same problem here... It counts down 'playing' from 5 seconds to 0, but otherwise nothing. Please tell me it's not just because I'm not in the US, I'd be very disappointed if location was anything to do with this!
    thurmanator's picture

    I had this problem too, so I

    I had this problem too, so I tried a different browser and that worked just fine.
    gwynna's picture

    different browser.....

    OK so I am computer illiterate......so try something other than firefox???
    StarStar's picture

    Tried Firefox and IE and keeps giving

    same old issue not copyright restricted!

    cezza10's picture

    Video Not Accessible

    Hi,

    I have also tried firefox, IE and safari and it doesn't work in any of these browsers. I dont have any issue with watching any other videos on the site. Does anyone know what is up?

    I have watched exes and ohs and did enjoy it :o)

    sarahwarn's picture

    Video problems

    We have determined that something in the video player is (unintentionally) blocking readers in the UK (and a few Canadians) from seeing this video. We are working on a fix and hope to have one soon! Thanks to all of you who sent me the info I requested to help me figure this out!

    sharka's picture

    definitely NOT yawning

    more like blushing and frantically cleaning coffee off my desk, computer and previously clean shirt. and now i have to go teach a class with a big, dark wetspot on my chest!oh and i AM tough! *kicks dirt*i guess i'll be back with my question after putting exes and ohs season pass on my itunes***little dance! yay she read my comment!!***
    Wattlebird's picture

    name

    the vlog was hilarious

    is it going to have a special name like the others?

    Faithful Chosen's picture

    YAY! :D

    Oh sweety, definetly not bored!

    I've been a great fan of the Ten Rules for a good long while now and even used it for a school assignment once! It earned me an A minus and helped to alienate me even further from my classmates. Ah, good times.

    Anyway...

    I have no way to watch E&O right now, seeing as I'm in Holland and well... the USA isn't that international. I'll watch it eventually, i'm sorry to say it'll probably be illigally... :S But untill I do, I have only this Vlog and it's definetly worth it!

    So 'Dank je wel!' (which is Dutch for 'Thank you', try pronouncing that one :P ) for this GREAT vlog that you'll hopefully keep on doing. 

    ... Oh and please bring the cat next time :D

    Keep up the good work!

    Love, Faith 

     

    Who you gonna be if you can't be yourself,
    you can't get it from t.v., you can't force it on
    anybody else.
    -- Ani Difranco

    funny buisness's picture

    Hi Michelle!

    Very charming vlog you made here. :) Can I just say that I really loved your short movie "ten rules" and I'm so thrilled to see a new show from you and also starring you, cause that means quality.

    I'm from germany as well and I was happy to be able to watch the 1st episode on the logo site. I liked it a lot, it's funny, intelligent, charming and I really can't wait for the next episode. It's nice to see something different on the fun side, unlike another certain show, which has become a bit too serious for my taste...

    Anyway, very nice vlog and your german is very good btw. Wanna learn something more? How about "exes & ohs ist eine tolle neue show" ? (means: exes & ohs is a great new show)...

    See ya next week!

    fb

    ps.:More of Heather / Summer lookalike please!

     

     

    *Thanks for nothin'...*

    rowan1879's picture

    Thanks Michelle!

    ...for an awesome show. I loved the short. After seeing it, I was really hoping you'd give us more of your quirky hilarity and I'm really glad to see you did.

    I was especially excited to see Megan Cavanagh again, too. She plays drunk like nobody's business. :) I can't wait to see what kind of trouble Chris will get into now.

    I guess I don't really have any questions, but I could go on and on about how great the show is and how much I like your style of writing and what a great cast you put together. But I'll spare you. Suffice it to say I'm really glad Logo picked up "Exes and Ohs" and I hope we get to see many seasons.

    Also, I vote for more stories in the upcoming vlogs. I like hearing about what goes into making a show. Please, ramble on. You're very entertaining.

    weirfan's picture

    Dear Michelle,

    I got a chance to watch exes and ohs last night, and just wanted to let you know it's probably one of the funniest pilots I've seen in a long time and I instantly fell in love with your character Jennifer, who cracked me up the whole time, and at the same time I was wondering why in the world her girlfriend cheated on her. I mean from what I got, which I feel was a lot compared to other pilots where you barely get anything on the characters, is that she's a very loving, sweet, funny woman, and who could do such a thing to her? It might not be all that bad afterall, the kind, pediatric surgeon looks better for her anyway.:D

    So, what I loved about the show was the little rules that came in right in the middle of a scene, that made me laugh, and I loved how she gave the pot back to Sienna and told her that she needed to get over her, funniest part I thought, and it was just very funny all around, and can't wait for the next episode.

    I don't really have any good questions but these were things I was wondering about:

    1) Is there going to be more with Becca?

    2) I've yet to see 'The Ten Rules' and was wondering, where could I find that?

    3) Will Logo have the all the episodes in their entirety online after they air on tv? (that's how I got to watch it this time from missing it earlier)

     

    And last, no more questions, jsut more comments, just wanted to say that your vlog was really good and so NOT bored here, can't wait for next week,

     

    Debbie

     

    Boomstick79's picture

    Playback problems

    I seem to have a problem viewing this vlog as well, I get a video not accessible message at the start. Any ideas what the problem might be?

    Snowy, I can see the pub from here!

    funnygirljordan's picture

    HOW REFRESHING TO SEE A REAL SITCOM WITH LESBIAN CHARACTERS!

    WOW!  GREAT WRITING!  GREAT CONCEPT!  AND A REALLY GOOD PRODUCTION VALUE!  I ESPECIALLY LOVE THE CASTING!  THIS IS NOT ANOTHER CASE OF THE CREATOR FORCING THEIR ACTING ON AN AUDIENCE.  MICHELLE IS A TOP NOTCH ACTRESS; AND THE WRITING IS SOULFUL AND CAPTIVATING.  AND, I'M NOT SURPRISED THAT THE BRILLIANT LEE FRIEDLANDER IS INVOLVED WITH THIS.  THERE ARE SOME REALLY FUNNY WOMEN IN THIS CAST - THE TWO KRIS/CHRIS's CRACK ME UP - THEY ARE BOTH GREAT!  MY FAVORITE LINE WAS THE TWO OF THEM IN UNISON, "We don't fight."   NOW, FOR THE HOTTIE METER:  SAM AND HER SQUEEZE IN EPISODE ONE!  Sam could have cared less about her!  But, she was ULTRA HOT and they had Chemistry; and I love the idea of a.... shall I say.....  a "top" getting a "crush" on someone like Sam.....   I am hoping she will continue to like Sam, and Sam can  continually do her own thing..... and the other girls can like Sam's squeeze, but she won't be able to see it because she can't get out of the tunnel-vision of Sam.....  Sam could need her help for something, so Sam has to keep playing along and duping her..... In season two, the tables could turn - Sam could be infatuated with her.... But, it's too late.  I just thought they were both really interesting to watch and hope to see more of them.   I look forward to next Monday!  Great show, Michelle!!!!!!! xo Jordan
    rainer's picture

    ULTRA HOT

    that ULTRA HOTTIE is Cathy DeBuono and I bet she'd have great chemistry with anyone - not to mention that beautiful Sam.  Looking forward to the Sam and Becca saga!
    Charmed71's picture

    Just wanted to let you know...

    ...that I absolutely LOVE your short film. It had me laughing the whole time. You are amazing. The first episode of Exes & Ohs was pretty good too! I kinda want there to be something between your charatcter and Sam! All in all it was a pretty good pilot. Love the theme song by the way! 

    -Lori
    Klytaemnestra's picture

    i see xena everywhere

    hi michelle!
    me and my roommate were wondering if you guys picked the chick who plays kris 'cause she looks like lucy lawless!  i love megan cavanagh, totally reminded me of that ep. of will and grace she was on--awesomeness!--me and my roommate just keep saying "hooch, marla hooch!"  great first episode, good luck!
    panacirema's picture

    <3!

    You're not alone, I thought it was Lucy Lawless at first, until I read her name.

    Anyway love the vlog and love you too! :) Maybe your cat could be your vlogging sidekick. That'd be fun.

    omg, inbd

    wambachwowfan's picture

    Michelle my belle

    Sorry if you've heard that line a gazillion times before! Great vlog! You're really charming! Been a fan since your 'Ten rules' short film! Enjoyed the first episode. Look forward to watching you next week! Greetings from South Africa
    forsakenidentity's picture

    Ciao bella!

    OMG! I just squeed out loud out of excitement. *blushes*
    Not only because you said "Guten Tag" - which was actually really good, not even kidding here -, but because I've seen The Ten Rules earlier this year and I guess I don't have to start telling you how hilarious it is..
    Anyway, I was wondering what you're up to these days. So, yay for Exes and Ohs. That totally made my day! ^^

    Unfortunately I'm stuck in Germany either, but there is indeed hope for all the Non-Americans among us. Logo has the whole episode up and it is indeed available over here. hehe Best Thing Ever, honestly. Most American networks suck big-time on this department..

    Loved the pilot and I can't wait to see more - of you and the show of course. :)

    - Nadja

    Aidan P's picture

    Bravo!

    Your first blog was great. I must agree with some of the ladies above: the cat yawning would have been funny. I look forward to seeing whose questions get answered next week.
    Twstdtrinity's picture

    Aww youre adorable!

    I watched the show online and then on t.v. I really liked it. Now although Chris and Kiris are seriously way to cute for me, Sam makes up for it by being way to hott for her own good.

    Where can I watch the short film at?


    You need a side-kick person. You are awesome all by yourself but to have a someone there who can comment on your awesomeness would be awesome. Wow, that show Chuck is really rubbing off on me. What was I talking about....oh a side-kick! The side-kick person can help keep you on track and stuff. Plus you'll have someone to talk to and share banter with. Wait, do you have a person you can banter with right? Of course you do. All lady lovers do. I have 3.

     

    Great First show!

     

    Kathrine's picture

    great Vlog

    I liked your shortfilm the ten rules very much.

    But I can't figure how to watch exes and ohs. It's not possible to see it here from Denmark. all I get is ads....

    so i must wait....:(

    ginaji's picture

    busy girl

    Michelle, can you please tell us how you manage to write, produce, star and do a video blog?  Do you need additional chores, cause  I don't see you slowing down anytime soon.  Remember to sleep.
    --
    "One does not see anything until one sees its beauty" - Oscar Wilde
    HotHandle's picture

    Rambling Rose...

    Yes, that is my new name for Michelle Paradise!  Baby, you gotta stay on track.  My DVR faithfully taped the first episode of "Exes and Ohs" last night, I watched it before I went to bed, fast forwarding over the yucky commercials, of course.

    Now I have to ask, who was that hot blonde you were slamming against the wall of the yacht several times over?  I would gladly trade places with her.

    Michelle, you talk too much, but you do nevertheless fascinate me.  Courtesy of my faithful DVR, I will admit to rewinding that yacht scene with the blonde several times and wishing it was me instead of her.

    I look forward to the rest of the "Exes and Ohs" season, however, I hear it is only six episodes long?  What is up with that?  You guys better get renewed for another season, because "The L Word" ain't all that, you know what I'm sayin'?

    HotHandle's picture

    How to watch Michelle Paradise in "The Ten Rules" for free...

    if you have high speed internet, that is.  Go to http://video.google.com/, type in "The Ten Rules" in the Search box at the top of the page, it will come up, click on it, away you go.  My PSA for the day.  :-)

    Or, if you don't have high speed internet, you can go to www.amazon.com and order the DVD "Watching You" (2002), which contains the short film "Ten Rules" among others.

    maxie's picture

    Love Exes & Ohs

    can wait for next week episode.  Saw the short film a couple years ago and laugh from begin to end, glad Exes and Ohs came from it.

    Chrissy222's picture

    Short and Short

    I haven't seen the short but now I definitely will. I was shocked and saddened when the show ended after 30 mins. For some reason I thought it would last an hour. I enjoyed it and can't wait for more. Wonderfully charming vlog as well.
    heron's picture

    Wonderful first ep...

    Loved the first episode of Exes & Ohs (very much), and am looking forward to seeing the rest on iTunes. Thanks to you, and Logo, for making it available there. Actually, double thanks to you for dreaming up the show.

    As for any questions for Michelle Paradise... Well, I-- and I suppose others here-- tend to wonder how close the character is to Michelle's real life persona. As a flowers and candlelight dinner lady myself, I thought the sweatshirt and dinner pot gags were both hilarious and right on the money. But it can't be so easy making fun of yourself. So, Michelle: any embarassing moments you can't turn into comedy? Or is comedy really just tragedy plus time? What scenes have the most emotional resonance for you?

    planetcat's picture

    money

    What is your budget per episode? Or however it is budgeted. I am curious how much such a thing costs. Obviously your talent is priceless and your eyes, beautiful.
    skyocence's picture

    Those beautiful blue eyes

    Those beautiful blue eyes were the first things I saw in this vlog - distracting in a good way :)

    iTunes is not yet available to Barbados, so I'd have to find another way of seeing this show.  It seems like an important one.  I might even end up just buying it on Amazon instead when they eventually release the first Season on DVD. 

    However, because you Michelle are so charming, funny and adorable, I'd continue to watch this Vlog for good measure :)

    snookapoo's picture

    Hi Michelle

    I love your new show! I think this is a very witty and contemporary show.I loved the chemistry between you and the doctor. I hope they continue to develop that relationship.

    I originally wanted to watch this show because I read Lee Friedlander directed it. I went to a screening of her movie Out At the Wedding and thought it was hilarious. I was pleasantly surprised to see Cathy DeBuono in this show too. She is absolutely gorgeous! I loved her character Becca. It was kind of left open ended as to whether she and Sam will continue a relationship but I would love to see more of Cathy. I think she would fit in as one of your friends/maybe a romantic prospect? Although I can't deny the chemistry between the tough Becca and the commitment phobe Sam was hot. I liked how Becca seemed tough but had such a soft side when she told Sam she wanted more than a fling.

    I think you have the makings of a great show. Keep up the good work!

    Melissa

    Jamie091070's picture

    Great Show

    Dear Michelle,

    You are adorable. I think your character Jen, is one of the best written characters on TV. I love that she is a "candles & flowers" type girl.  I do have a couple of questions:

    1) Will we see more of you and the doc?

    2) Will we see more of super, extra hot Cathy DeBuono as Becca? She made me drool! But I was concerned cause i didn't see her in next weeks preview. I don't care if Sam doesn't want her cause me and my friends do. Is there any more info you can give us on Cathy.

    Good Luck with your new show.

    maureenepe's picture

    Heather, The Pediatric Surgeon

    There seemed to be great chemistry between Jennifer and Heather (that's her name, right?), the surgeon.  Will we see anymore of the surgeon???  I hope so!

    imallthumbs's picture

    Is it me or are there some

    Is it me or are there some serious similarities between L-Word's Dana (Erin Daniels) and Jennifer (Michelle)? looks...personality... or am i overworked and dillusional?

    ----
    “In a letter to Dear Abby a reader complained that a gay couple was moving in across the street and wanted to know what he could do to improve the quality of the neighborhood. Her suggestion - 'You could move.'”


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