Bette and Tina. Bette and Tina. Bette and Tina.
Well, here we are, the morning after. Some of you, especially those who have been gawking at those spoiler slide shows and recaps for days, are sighing "Is that all there is?'' And you know what? Serves you right. You should have fought to stay unspoiled. And if I didn't let you in on the gory details of those TiBette sex scenes early, it wasn't because I was kissing any Ilene Chaiken a**.
I didn't spill the beans because it's just uncool to take review copies of a show and post all that sh*t ahead of time. And to prove what? In the end, too many of you are probably left with that feeling that comes after you've finally made it with someone you've been working yourself into a lather about. You've imagined it going down so many times so many ways, that by the time it actually happens, there is no way the real thing can compare to your fantasies.
But, one thing is imagination and another is going back to those spoiler images over and over again like crackheads, and still hoping once you actually sat in front of your TVs for Episode Six, you'd get some new, better high.
To those of you who stayed unspoiled: I admire your strength. (Special props to my gf, who for five seasons has lived with advance copies of this show and has never once broken down and watched an episode before it airs. Well, OK, I forced episode six on her last week. And I did in the end feel guilty about that.) To the rest of you: I'm just as weak. I want to know. But I understand feeling a little let down this morning.
Get past that, and go to the part where you recognize that for years to come, you will totally get off on these images in Episode Six. Instant Lesbian Classics. Not so hard, given how little material there is out there. But Episode Sex rocked, really. How many years did we re-watch the scenes in Desert Hearts and Bound? Because we so thirst to see ourselves reflected, yes. But also because we thirst for love scenes between two women who are even somewhat convincing. And really, can Bette and Tina be more convincing, even with the sometimes-bullshit story around them?
Lets thank Ilene for giving us what we so desperately wanted, not once, but twice in one episode. Have we really been waiting since Season Two for another TiBette hookup? And lets thank Jennifer Beals and Laurel Holloman for giving themselves up to their characters the way they did for famous Episode Six. Pay attention to the way these women kiss each other this time around. They ain't playin'. Or, at least they look like they ain't playin'. And that's good enough, no? Not that their kissing scenes have ever been lame. But they so went there this time. Watch again. I know you will. As I write this, I know there is not a single original thought I can have about this episode because by the time I post, you will have so processed each scene, you've left nothing but the picked-over bones.
I was re-watching this episode last night with friends, and one of them was saying, as she always does when any L Word sex scene unfolds, that she just can't believe acting out this stuff wouldn't be a turn on for these actresses. Her theory is that it's just objectively impossible to make out with Jennifer Beals and grind on her near-naked body without getting into it. And really, who would argue? But what's cool is that Tina has so come into her own this year (how dykey and hot was Laurel at the end of the episode when she's walking around the set of Lez Girls?) that I know a lot more of us now believe it is also objectively impossible to make out with Laurel and grind on her near-naked body without getting into it.
The perfect on-screen couple. We're invested in both.
Here's a question: Why does Jennifer Beals insist on feeling insecure about her body?
"I'm a lot less self-conscious in the [sex] scenes," she told me in an interview. "But I'm still self-conscious about my body. Jennifer's concept of her body is still there. You just get in your own way. Every single actress on this show has something they're not thrilled with. It's not so easy to just get over it.''
To which I have to say: Huh?
Beals has been saying for months that she thinks Bette and Tina should end up together again, but only if they "earn it.'' And you gotta wonder, is all that hot sex behind Jodi's back what she means by earning it? I mean, total points for the hot sex, don't get me wrong. But TiBette goes at it twice without any real conversation.
Are they teenagers? Or serious grown up women and parents? I mean, you two broke up over Bette's cheating. All this drama, all those WTFs, over Bette's cheating. You're just gonna have an affair with each other now without exploring what the hell you're doing? Bette? You stole some huge rusty sign and -- wait, you got a tractor and...what the hell was that "17 Reasons Why" thing about, anyway?
Did it amount to anything story-wise? Wasn't that your huge declaration of commitment to Jodi?
"It was an incredibly romantic gesture," Beals says. "She had the ability to get this sign and she knew what it meant to Jodi. And she wasn't ready to be alone. It wasn't a huge commitment. The commitment would come after that gigantic gesture.''
TiBette gestured right on JoBette's bed. Because, yes, that used to be TiBette's playground, but if that bed were a crime scene, it would be Jodi's name written all over it.
Clearly, Tina came hours early to pick up Angie because she was set on explaining to Bette that she knew Bette wasn't all that in love with Jodi. I mean, it's not that these two don't process. It's more that they have their own special way of processing. Maybe Tina is ultimately just that in charge of Bette and knows it (maybe she has always known it.) Maybe Tina didn't bother to sit Bette down for a mature conversation because everything she needed to tell her, she knew she could tell her best with a quick afternoon of "reconnecting.'' Jodi, you shoulda stayed home to "reconnect" when Bette asked you nice.
And hey, it seemed that after Tina got through explaining things to Bette, Bette was sold. Sold enough to get rid of Jodi the next day with some lame story about needing alone time. And sold enough to show up at Phyllis' party with that old swagger of hers, knowing a simple "Tina? You wanna get out of here?'' seconds into saying hello would be enough game.
But here's what I want to know: Why does Bette mouth that "I love you" behind Tina's back? And why does Tina say "I'm not pushing you. I don't even know what I want?''
You don't know what you want, Tina? That's why you showed up at Bette's house one afternoon when you knew she would be alone, totally flirted, totally threw yourself at her, totally shut her up when she had that one little moment of sanity and asked "What are we doing?'' and totally took your sh*t back?
And Bette? You can't actually say "I love you" out loud and to Tina's face given how overwhelmed you are by the realization of what you've been missing?
You so are not "earning it,'' I almost wanna say you don't belong together. Almost. But honestly, you're hot together.
Speaking of details though, here's a little something to add to the L Word cult book, which somebody really should write. Because, you all know we're all in a cult, right? I mean, you can recite five seasons of dialog better than the folks who saw Rocky Horror 80 times. The Star Trek freaks have nothing on you. You already know what lines from last night's episodes will live on.
Add "Bette, turn around'' to the list that proves Tina has always been in charge. Already on there: "Come here.'' "This is you.''
Anyway, here is my little tidbit for the Cult of L book (Hey, at least L Heads won't have to wear Spock ears or do funny hand salutes to be in good standing): You know in that first sex scene, where Tina is talking dirty to Bette (guess you don't have to treat her so "gingerly'' any more, huh Bette?) and she says "I just wanna #$%* you.'' The delivery is kinda, sorta forced?
It was a voiceover. On the review DVD, that strong "Don't'' that Tina utters comes out like whisper. The whole "Spread your legs" bit comes out like a whisper. Including some stuff you don't hear in the version that aired. I couldn't make out all the whispering (probably why that bit was edited) but Tina may be saying something like "I wanna see how wet you are. And something about how something is so hard. I mean, I think that's what she's muttering. But honestly can't say for sure. I just know it was hotter.
Should I remind you to stay Zen about the rest of the season? Or do some of you know exactly how it all ends? If you do, tell me. OK, wait. Don't.
Another great column, Lydia, and thanks so much for the inside 'Tibette tidbit'!! I'm one of the legion who were totally "spoiled", and I have to tell you, I do NOT hate myself this morning! Even tho' I've checked under every 'black bra' I could find, I wasn't a bit disappointed. Where those two are concerned, I seem to have no shame!! And, I'm gingerly beginning to believe that S5 will end with them sort of together and working toward forging a stronger, healthier partnership. (Not with a TiBette wedding, pull-ease! that's just silly at this point). A word, too, about IC and her intentions. Regardless of her recent statements to the contrary (at UCLA & NYU), I think the over-arching s/l all along has been for Bette and Tina to work their own/separate ways back to each other. And by stating that she really meant to break them up permanently--and that all this is in response to the fanbase-- very cleaverly 'empowers' us, and creates even greater fan
interest in and loyalty to TLW. Well, I'm enjoying the ride (this Season), looking forward to an S6---and THEN to an L Word movie ( a few years hence).
Posted by: Dutch/Juno | February 11, 2008 at 12:02 PM
well ms martin, youve outdone yourself here.
on a brain level im as worked up as you are about the fact that these two have not had the talk. really. it is ridiculous.
it really is.
but im just as much a horny teenager as those two characters, i guess, because when tina said "bette, turn around" i wanted to jump both of them and i certainly didnt want them to have a conversation. i wanted exactly what we got.
and i was pissed when it ended so quickly. only to be so ecstatic when they started up again later. again, i didnt want lesbian processing after bette said "it doesnt compare." i wanted to see them do their simultaneous climax dance from season one. and that is what i got. wooohoooo!
and you know, you are right. tina is in control. i dont know if she always was, but she is now. and it is hot.
the hottest bit in the whole show WAS dykey tina swaggering around that movie set, and bette showing up there in her alpha trousers and shirt (THANK GOD those bad frilly blouses seem to be gone.) but not looking or acting very alpha.
i agree with jennifer, btw, that the 17 Reasons is the kind of grand gesture -- relative of course, god knows, not many of us have the means to pull off something that grand -- you pull out to woo someone.
commitment seems to be about smaller, quieter more powerful gestures.
anyway, by the time the end credits had rolled and my sanity had returned, i told myself that tina bringing jodi up in bed at the end of the second encounter and telling bette very strongly that they each have to figure it out for themselves-- essentially that they are not an us yet -- really was sort of "talking" and "processing" and getting to the issues in their relationship.
rationalization? maybe. but what grand love isnt helped along by a rationalization or 3000?
Posted by: lisalisa | February 11, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Yep, as someone who's been spoiled rotten through episode eight of this season and has worn out those photo slideshows, I admit that the hookup scenes were a bit of a letdown.
But the TiBette non-hookup scenes, esp. Tina staking her claim in Bette's kitchen as well as their exchanges at the end on the movie set, more than made up for the lack of suspense... talk about processing without processing, Lydia!
Because of these scenes, plus Alice rocking her grief while still able to deliver the best line of the night, "F*ck you Denbo. And your dumb lover. You rat f*ck.", and Kit, Shane, and Alice's "It's on", 506 is hands-down one of the all-time best of the series, with 505 right behind it, IMHO.
Posted by: fantasmic | February 11, 2008 at 12:55 PM
What was one of the biggest problems in the TiBette relationship? It was that they weren't connecting sexually.. and could never get back to that place regularly after Bette's affair. So, what is the problem that they tackle that issue before the rest of the "processing?" It was one of their biggest issues especially after S2 E9. If they can't get back there physically then the other problems don't really matter, do they? Ironing out all the other issues but still lacking in the bedroom would make them friends, good co-parents, but it wouldn't lead to a relationship. Yes, this whole storyline is messy but that is the point. IC would never have given TiBetters anything this early unless it was messy.
So, basically, I disagree. I don't feel bad for Jodi because she is a short term, rebound relationship, that Bette is keeping because she is scared to put herself out there to be rejected by Tina. Also, she doesn't want to kick Jodi when she is already down..and does seem to like her as a person even though they have no hope as a couple. Plus, Jodi has what, three fans who have outed themselves online? Really, nobody gives a shit about the character. Is it nice? Easy? It is none of those but it is realistic. People fall back into things. People love who they love even if they shouldn't. This has all been set up to look like TiBette are the end game. Anything else will be a huge letdown. If IC turns back into FUIC in E12 then I'm over this show. These are the only two actresses that sell me so solidly that they are madly, complicatedly, passionately in love with one another regardless of anything else.
Ohh, last note being that I was completely spoiled and the real thing on screen was much greater than caps. I love being spoiled so I can decide whether I'll view the show after the shit show of S3 and S4.. so I appreciate people who give us the information. If people choose to look only to be disappointed its their own faults.. not those who give us the opportunity to peak at it.
Posted by: HandsDown | February 11, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Yes, I'm one of those who got spoiled at a very early stage and I'm still not sorry for that. As I said in an earlier post, I'm one of those crazy people who always reads that last page of a book first. It never spoiled to fun for me either.
I have alsow watched and re-watched these slide-shows and this morning, I got up half an hour earlier than usual just to watch the OMFG scenes on Youtube. Actually seeing it and hearing it didn't let me down at all. Quite the opposite, it was way hotter than the slide-shows. I had butterflies in my stomach, when Bette looked at Tina and told her, that she missed her. And I had more butterflies, when they kissed good-bye. It's been a long time, since we have seen so much love in their eyes, so much tenderness.
Forget about Tina saying, that she doesn't even know what she wants. It's just idle talk to protect herself. She knows exactly what she wants, always has and she knows even more that she held the cards all along. It's on, it's so on.
But despite all the hotness and Bette's mouthing "I love you", didn't you miss something? Well I did and I think, this omission is again done on purpose. I wanted Tina to say "I love you" too, or at least whispering it after Bette was gone. In all these years, Tina held the cards but she hardly ever looked Bette in the eyes and told her, how much she loves her.
I hope, that's the big surprise Ilene has in store for us at the end of Season 5. I want Tina to say this to Bette. This will be a much more powerful gesture than what Bette did to Jodie. As Jennifer said, it wasn't a huge commitment, that would come afterwards. I'm glad it never did. Tina and Bette together, was Ilene's plan from the beginning, that's how I see it and it would take a lot to prove me wrong.
Last but not least Lydia: I hope you did ask Jennifer what she doesn't like about her body! I mean, she is just perfect, period.
And what goes trough their minds, when they are doing these scenes? Are they just really focused on doing the right moves. I have never seen any other actors, who made a love scene as believable as Jennifer and Laurel.
Posted by: Pebbles70 | February 11, 2008 at 03:41 PM
I'm a little suprised at all the people ragging on TiBette for cheating. Sh!t people what planet do you live on?? They have floundered and tripped and fallen over themselves and their hearts and ours for 3 seasons. Did you expect a neat little package, all tied up with no muss, no fuss, no bother, with a cute little bow??
Are you lesbians or third graders. Get real!! Bette didn't know Tina was coming for her!! Had she known - had Tina sent an e-mail stating baby - I'm on my way, clean out the debri, dump Jodi so we can do the nasty without shame, make sure Angie is not home; oh and get some pizza and the drycleaning. You know how hungery I get when I fu@k, and I don't want our house burned down.
ALL of you would be bitching about how unreal and cheezy it was.
It happened exactly the way it was supposed to. Is cheating ok -- no, but walking around for years in pain isn't ok either.
All of you calling Bette names tsk, tsk Tina has ALWAYS held the cards(she IS Bette's criptanite, always has been).
Let them work it out - please..
Posted by: btfan2 | February 11, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Another spoiled one here, with no regrets. The two TiBette scenes blew me away anyway. Their chemistry is so off the charts, and it appears to only be getting hotter the longer they work together.
A long time ago, JB talked about the symbolism of sex scenes on TLW. IMO, the sex scenes we saw last night were not a substitute for conversation - they were a *part* of the long, complicated, passionate conversation between Bette and Tina. You can't separate the talking from the sex in the case of these two. You only need to look at Bette with Jodi to see how hard it is for Bette to articulate her emotions in a relationship. Talking was getting them nowhere at that point, because they kept going around in circles over Jodi. They *will* need to talk, but I saw how the sex moved their story forward anyway in this episode.
S5 Tina is unbelievably hot. (And Laurel is doing an amazing job.) I don't blame Bette for acting like a crazy teenager! Fans of the Tina character have been waiting for this kind of screentime and character development for a long, long time. I want to thank Ilene for that most of all.
Posted by: beluga | February 11, 2008 at 07:20 PM
Is this the only thing that happened on The L Word?
I don't think so.
Thanks for nothing.
Posted by: Persona | February 11, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Who's let down? From MBlvd to L-word to TiBette to OurChart, nothing but amazing reactions to both sex scenes.
Posted by: PBJ | February 11, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Lydia, you know those screen caps and slide shows are nothing more than a minor tease. They did not take one thing away from my viewing pleasure. Watching it play out on the screen was all that I hoped for and more. Laurel was fantastically hot and sexy. Jennifer took my breath away.
Heck, my only complaint was it was way to short. The first sex scene was just getting started when they cut away. The love making scene was a site to behold. The rest of the show was just filler.
I think Bette and Tina are saying plenty. Who needs words when their bodies speak so eloquently.
Why, oh why couldn't we have had this version of Tina the last 3 years.
Jodi who?
Thanks again for your blog. love it.
Posted by: colorado fan | February 11, 2008 at 11:53 PM
Dutch/Juno,
I totally agree with you that IC must have known from day one that Tina and Bette's story included everything that it has so far. They start out with problems, the miscarriage makes it all worse, they break up, they try to reconnect for the sake of their yearned for family once Angela becomes a reality, but they have too much stuff to work out, they break up again. Then they screw everything up worse, everybody does some growing up and love wins the day. I mean, it's all plain as day. But, maybe not to IC.
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 12, 2008 at 09:37 AM
lisalisa,
you are so right. i mean, we all wish bette and tina would be more evolved and responsible. but, that's just not real life anyway. real life is messy. and passion makes you do crazy things. thank god for passion. how boring would it have been to wach them talk it through, tie everything up neatly, then finally get the all-clear from their shrink before they got down to business.
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 12, 2008 at 09:41 AM
fantasmic,
totally true. ep 6 may be best so far. should we be crazy and hope for even better before it's all over?
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 12, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Handsdown,
I mean, for the sake of argument, I like to say that Bette and Tina need to communicate more, and work on their relationship like responsible adults. Also, the cheating business is not cool, really. But, I'm the first one to say f*ck the storyline and give me more TiBette, whenever and however.
They're just hot together. JoBette might have had potential (I was open to it in the beginning) but it didn't amount to much. Which is why most viewers can't get behind Jodi at all and can't hate on Bette for doing her wrong, which she is. Bette is also doing Tina wrong, by the way, because she's totally dragging her feet on what she knows she has to do. Bette is not respecting either of her women right now. I read somewhere that maybe if instead of Jodi, Bette had hooked up with the senator, the triangle business would be more valid for viewers. Probably true. Bette seemed to have a lot of excellent chemistry with the senator. Maybe audiences would have actually been torn if Bette were trying to decide between Tina and the Senator (who would have made for a better outing story, too.) Then again, lord knows how Bette/senator storyline would have been written, and maybe in the end it would have given us plenty reason to stay all, FUIC. But can't be mad at IC after episode 6.
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 12, 2008 at 09:57 AM
Hi Pebbles,
That look in Bette's eyes when she tells Tina she misses her is very much like the the look she gave her in Season Two's BE.
It's this deep, intense, I love you look. And yeah, it does look real. What actually is going on in these actresses' heads when they're kissing and grinding on each other like this? You think they're ever really gonna tell us? Even tell each other? Maybe it's as simple as what they do say, which is that it ain't no thing because there are so many people in the room, so many lights on, so much going on, so much that has been choreographed, blah blah, that there is no way to get into it (I mean, picture the technician dudes with their ass cracks showing while all this is going on. Not a turn on).
And what does Beals say about her body in particular? She didn't really, just something about how especially after having a baby, blah, blah. I mean, she seems pretty perfect to me. But, I totally understand not being comfortable with nudity and the idea that endless viewers (men and women and perverts of every sort) are leering at your sh*t.)
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 12, 2008 at 10:10 AM
btfan2,
WORD.
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 12, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Hi Beluga,
Season Five Tina is such a major improvement over her past incarnations. Gotta love Laurel for hanging in there.
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 12, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Hi Persona,
You're right. There is a lot more happening on the show beyond TiBette and I promise to go there next time. What storylines are you into this season?
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 12, 2008 at 01:48 PM
PBj,
I'm not let down, but I have heard a lot of people say they are.
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 12, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Hi Colorado Fan,
Always good to hear from you. You're right about the rest of this episode. I can barely remember any of it.
And trust me, I would not be able to resist the spoilers either. I just think it would be more fun for all of us if there weren't so many of them out there.
So, which of the two TiBette scenes did you like best?
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 12, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Lydia,
Obviously, I was thrilled with both. But, the first, with the lead-in / build-up is my favorite (just too short). The longing, desire and lust was absolutely delicious. Also, I really loved the shot of Tina standing in the doorway watching Bette. Such an amazing job by the actresses. You could just feel it.
I have to give IC two thumbs up. The follow up to the first, all consuming passion filled scene with a tender, "let's take our time and enjoy every inch of each other, body and soul", love-making scene was perfection. Not to mention, a pivotal moment to bring Bette and Tina back to the forefront as THE leading couple of the TLW.
I get goosebumps just thinking of it. ha.
I really enjoyed your take on the fact Tina was just explaining their situation in the most expeditious manner possible. These two have never used words to communicate. Why start now. Tina definitely called Bette's bluff on Jodi.
Posted by: colorado fan | February 12, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Colorado,
So, so true about those scenes. I loved Tina's "Wait. Don't" Though, in the review copy (I don't think it was in the version that aired) there's an extra, very low and breathy, "Wait, wait, wait,'' which was totally hot.
I think it was "Wait. Wait, wait, wait. Don't.'' But all whispered. Would have to go back to disk to confirm that though.
First scene was indeed very short, but very intense. And yeah, the second scene was just beautiful. But you know what, I went back and watched the BE (why did they call it a Brief Encounter when it was actually one of the longest love scenes in this series?) and I'm not sure that in the end, the BE won't emerge as the hottest, most intense "reconnection'' between these two. That OMFG line? Wow.
Though, for all we know, there is still some amazing scene to come. We can only hope.
And yeah, I think Tina talked herself through the pain of hearing Bette say "Yes I am'' in love with Jodi pretty nicely. Enough to show up at Bette's house with black lace undies and bra underneath her casual afternoon clothes. And enough to just throw herself at Bette, knowing fully well Bette was not going to stop her, not for Jodi's sake and not for anything.
Problem is, in the BE, they had one of those world-be-damned connections, which proved to us, and should have proven to both of them, they were the love of each other's lives...And yet, what? More drama. These two can be pretty dim sometimes. Let's hope they grow up soon.
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 12, 2008 at 03:57 PM
Lydia
Thanks for answering my post. Unlike other people, I don't think JB and LH really get turned on while doing love scenes. Too many people around, too choreographed, etc. I was rather wondering, if they really did that deep into their characters that they actually believe in the feelings they have to portray while shooting it. I mean they will talk to each other for sure how they want to do it. Laurel once said that Jennifer always tries to get to the truth of her character and forces her to do the same thing.
I think, it's wishful thinking of many fans, that they would be turned on while working with each other. I love JB and I would love to know what's going through her mind. Actually, I guess she would tell you, if someone would ask her, not in a cheesy kind of way of course.
And in regards of JB's body. To me her body looks perfect, but do you know any woman who is fully confident with her looks? I totally understand her no-nudity clause. As she once said, a well placed hand serves the purpose very well. Having some clothes on leaves something to imagination and that's way hotter than any naked body I have ever seen on this show.
One of JB's many amenities are her convictions. I wish there were many more actors like her.
Posted by: Pebbles70 | February 12, 2008 at 04:57 PM
You are GOOD! I found this site by searching Google for "Tibette'. I read all your articles and you nail it on the head every time. You are now in my favorites. I like how after the "I adore her, etc they shot right to the bed to leave us our fantasy on how they got there. I think this season will end like a shot in the first season, where they are sitting on the porch & Shane walks up & say's "Hey, you just got laid".
Have you noticed Bette & Tina have a signature "KISS"? Bette takes her tongue and licks the Tina's top lip! I think they are so hot together and in love. In life, some people don't realize what "love" is until it's gone.
I have to admit I think it would be really really nice to see at least ONE couple make it together than to see every one single and screwing around.
Yes, I did peak and and I will peak again if I have the chance!
Thank you Lydia for such great bold articles.
Your new fan from Louisville, Ky!
Posted by: Michele | February 12, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Dear Lydia,
Before anything else, I just want to mention that I’m a French person!
So I’m kind of nervous about my writing.
So forgives me if it’s not perfect!
Wow! I really love your column, every Monday morning; I can’t wait to read your comments about TLW episode. You don’t chew your words, it’s delicious.
Why am I writing to you? You’re the real deal Lydia, I know that you’ve actually had spoken to JB, IC and LH (at least that’s what you’ve told us). So you wouldn’t dare to make stuff up, cause after all, they might read your columns just to double check on you…lol…And sincerely they might read this. It like a front row ticket.
I know I talk too much, so I’m gonna skip the part of telling how good everybody is in TLW. Therefore, there is no way I can skip the part about Jennifer. What an striking Actor she is. Her facial expression tell the story by itself (that’s why IC cut the small talk, they went straight to sex). There is so much going on in these eyes, what an enchanting smile and what a beauty, she’s breathtaking. However, what the hell is the problem with her body parts? (I gave birth…I know how you feel afterward). “Believe me (us) Jennifer; you look even better than before”. IMHO, I think she don’t want to be seen naked, period! Hey, that’s fine! The excellent performance makes us forget about the underwear. (It work for me)
About the sensation, they might have while kissing. I know for sure I if I was in her shoes, I wouldn’t tell a soul about it, there is enough commotion in the Lesbian community as it is, lets just imagine otherwise…Don’t forget Jennifer is “straight” and very discreet about her personal life. There might be a line she doesn’t wanna cross. Nevertheless, OMG how do you prepare yourself for love scene like that. You have to be darn good, being straight and be so confident pretending making love to a woman. In the last lovemaking scene EP06, see when she touches Laurel (Tina). she move up along Tina’s body so naturally & gracefully, just the way she hold her breast and circle her nipples with her thumb PFFF! Surreal! She said once in an interview “I Jennifer know how to love…So I figure I didn’t have to research how to love a woman”. She is one heck of a lover or actor for this matter.
Just to make a long story short. (Cause after all I’m not the columnist here!)
All I want to say… Felicitation! (Congratulation!) Jennifer. You’re the best. It’s simple as that.
“Angelina, Sharon…Go take a number!”
P.S Hope to you see Jennifer on the big screen in similar hot love scenes like in TLW (with a men would be nice…Cause BTW I’m straight) and it will help us (straight woman) to express freely how good lover and kisser she is, without being judge by some who don’t know better! (Been there).
Posted by: FrenchLady | February 13, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Hey Pebbles,
Agreed. And I have tried asking JB and LuH several times what's going through their heads when they do these scenes. They are willing to share what they are willing to share. I would guess they're not sharing every single thought that goes through their heads. But then, why should we expect them to? Even our closest friends, we don't tell all our stuff to. Or, who knows, maybe there's nothing deeper happening on any level at all for them. We'll probably never really know for sure. I mean, is Laurel gonna ever say, "You know, I got really caught up in it and before I knew it, I was mad-crushing on Jennifer.'' Even if that's true, I doubt she'll ever say that in front of all her fans and Jennifer and her husband and everybody. Then again, could be just a J.O.B. to all of them. And maybe they just don't take any of it home. As long as they're good on screen, who really needs more?
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 14, 2008 at 08:22 AM
Hi Michele,
Thank you for your kind words. And, welcome. That "I adore her" line was great. I also loved that when Bette said "I don't know what to do" Tina threw out that ballsy challenge "You're in love with Jodi, right?" Looks like Tina is very much in control. Let's see if she keeps the upper hand or not.
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 14, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Hi FrenchLady,
Thanks! And yes, I really have interviewed JB and Laurel and a few others over time. Would never make something like that up. Interesting how many straight women love TLW, and love JB. But I totally understand it. It's not like I haven't gotten into endless on-screen heterosexual romances. A good love story is a good love story. And most of them out there involve a man and a woman.
But, what is it about JB for you?
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 14, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Lydia - totally agree that the BE was one of their best "reconnection" scenes. It was beautiful on so many levels. I had to jump up on youtube just to revist it - ha.
But the kitchen scene will go down as one of the sexiest, raw passion scenes to date on the show. No one brings it better than JB/LH. Their (B/T's) "hunger" for each other is so apparent. All that pent-up desire and longing finally being released and expressed. TiBette fans endured 3 long, dry years and I hope we get a lot more in episodes to come. I loved seeing this very sexy side of Tina. Damn. LH did a fantastic job. She is gorgeous.
Posted by: colorado fan | February 14, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Hi to Lydia and to French Lady,
Just wanted to add my comment to your conversation.
I discovered The L Word just three weeks ago. Rented season 1 from Blockbuster and found myself so captivated by the program, the characters, the energy of the show, that I proceeded to go out and buy all 4 seasons. I find myself in the awkward and uncomfortable position of being a fan, and most puzzling of all, have developed an admiration for Jennifer Beals.
Why puzzling? Truth is, I had never cared for her; in fact it would be truer to say that I outright disliked her. In recent weeks, however, it has become clear to me, both through her performance as Bette and in interviews that I have seen or read, that Jennifer Beals is an artist, a courageous and principled individual, committed to her art and to serving others through that artistry. I rarely use the word artist when referring to people in the entertainment business. By my strictest defintion of the word, an artist is someone who touches your Soul, who speaks to you of your own yearnings, who reflects back what is best and truest in you. That is how I have come to view her, even as I continue to regard her with this puzzling ambivalence.
I think that for me Jennifer Beals has become a symbol of my own awakening as an artist, for that is who and what I perceive myself to be -- way down deep inside, buried beneath the underbrush of fallen dreams. No dreams of fame and fortune here. Just the intent and the commitment to heal and to grow in Clarity, in Peace and in Authencity.
My heart and soul have been touched by this L Word experience. It inspires me. Truth is I am inspired by Jennifer Beals. I don’t like saying that, which is proof enough that it is something that needs to be and should be said. Just as we don't necessarily get to choose who we love, it would seem that we also don't get to choose the sources of our inspiration. Thank you JB.
And thank you Lydia, to the French Lady and readers of the blog for listening.
It’s all good!
Posted by: Gwen-elle | February 15, 2008 at 06:18 AM
Hi FrenchLady,
I'm definitely not bugged by the fact that you're straight. Not at all. When I asked what it was about JB, I meant what about her do you connect with. And wow, thanks for sharing your inspirational story. I totally know what you mean about her. It is amazing to see the kind of power (sexual and otherwise) that a woman can have in her 40s.
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 15, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Welcome Gwen-elle,
So true about JB. She's sexy and smart and (we don't know her beyond what little insights she offers in pretty guarded interviews) but at least she comes off as someone together and principled. And actually, it's refreshing that she keeps her personal life to herself. But here's what I want to know: Have you watched all those seasons in just a few weeks?
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 15, 2008 at 07:55 AM
Hi Lydia,
Great review; you make an excellent point when you say that Tina is/has always been in charge. I never thought of it that way, but it is true. Bette looks all strong and tough, what she doesn't know what to do with herself when it comes to feelings.
Tina apparently does, and she is no longer impressed with Bette's attempt to disguise them for whatever reason.
The 'I've missed you' comment from Bette made me think back of the pilot-episode DVD with the IC/JB commentary on it.
They talk about the fact that in the original recording of the first TiBette lovemaking-scene Bette says 'I've missed you' to Tina afterwards. For some reason it got cut out and as I recall JB was sorry that it did. Well, I guess IC tried to make amends in 5.06 by not repeating thát mistake again! It all makes sense, since according to IC herself, they tried to make 5.06 look similar to the pilot. This time she got it right, hope Tina and Bette will too!
Posted by: mary poppins | February 15, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Hi Lydia,
Since you have seen through episode 8, are we really in for some mind numbing push-pull in coming weeks?
Thanks,
Jessica
Posted by: Jessica | February 15, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Hi Lydia, Really enjoy your site, your view and your readers comments, deep and insightful. The L word, especially the charactor Bette, touched me deeply in many different levels. Be able to echo my own feeling with many of your readers are just delightful. It is quite amazing that how much emotional ups and downs that I have lately are connected with the moods of Bette each weeks. Keep writing for your us. Thanks. - your regular reader.
Posted by: qiqi | February 15, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Lydia
You have asked FrenchLady what it is about JB for her as a straight girl. What an honest and beautiful answer she gave.
Well, Î'm straight too and I have loved JB since I saw her on Flashdance for the first time back in 1983. I was a teenager and if I remember correctly, I have watched the movie for about three times at the movie theatre.
As you have done several interviews with JB, I guess, you did meet her in person. So what is your impression leaving the sexual aspect totally aside? Do you see what I see?
To be honest, I cannot even properly describe it. For me, and I have never met her in person (I wish I did sometime), she has this "je ne sais quoi", which she brings to all her roles. There is something about her that sets her apart from all the other people: a dignity, a kindness and softness I have never experienced in another actress. She seems so calm, so comfortable with herself, unpretentious, incredibly bright and yet so shy.
But at the end of the day, it's in her eyes, these beautiful eyes. There is no other actress who can show so many emootions in the blink of an eye like JB, they are deep like an ocean, like black, shiny pebbles.
Agree? Disagree?
Posted by: Pebbles70 | February 15, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Hey Jessica,
I mean, it's the L Word. There's gonna be some back and forth. Part of the drama and the fun and all of that.
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 17, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Hey Lydia,
Yep, watched them all -- and some of them twice. Not much of a life going on here. What can I say, marathon viewings of the show is a hell of a lot cheaper than therapy.
You are absolutely right-on in your assessment of the Bette and Tina relationship: A good love story is a good love story. Yeah, it's two women that we are watching on screen, but more importantly, at least for me, it's two souls. Love is love and thanks to the performances of Laurel Holloman and Jennifer Beals we get to experience (vicariously) what it means to love someone; and in Bette's case what it means to be seriously flawed but still be worthy of love and respect. That is what I enjoy most about the show. It helps me to believe in my own worthiness, in fact, in the worthiness of us all to know and experience our birthright and responsibility to give and receive love (and I mean that in the highest sense).
To love well, it seems to me, we must be challenged to grow into our ability to express love. And that is what Bette and Tina epitomize for me. I think that up to this point in the show, their love has been greater than either character’s ability to fully give or receive it. Both characters are growing into that ability, that capacity (I hope). Let's just hope that the writers do not rush the process. Speaking from personal experience, real growth ain’t easy.
And thanks for the welcome. It's nice to feel some sense of community and connection.
Posted by: Gwen-elle | February 17, 2008 at 04:28 PM
Hey FrenchLady,
Kudos to you for your openness and willingess to explore and grow. But please don't give your power away.
In your previous post you said that Jennifer Beals helped you out of your own personal closet. I know that I don't have to tell you this, but nonetheless feel compelled to say -- it wasn't Jennifer Beals that did the hardwork necessary to make the transformations you have so far succeeded in making. Fifty pounds lost is nothing to sniff at. You did that, not JB. Inspiration is not 'perspiration'.
Obviously many of us have felt a response to her work and her presence that is motivating and inspiring, but JB is just the channel through which something meaningful is being spoken to many. She is not the source (as I mistakenly referred to her in my own previous post) and she most certainly is not the cause.
I say this not because of my ambivalence about JB, but in truth because I am totally uncomfortable with our culture's bent to make "stars", gods and goddesses out of entertainers. I shudder to think that I may be in some way contributing to that. Hope not.
Trusting that you are finding your own voice, as so many of us are.
Posted by: Gwen-elle | February 17, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Hello to everyone.
I have been reading your comments for the past weeks, and decided it was my time to say something. Because I, too, am totally swept away by TLW, specially the Tibette story. I discover the show 4 weeks ago, and yes! have watched every single episode since. I am overwhelmed with emotions and agree with all the WTF's. Like someone posted before"marathon viewing is cheaper than therapy" I am dealing with a painful breakup after 10 years in relationship and the show has been a god send. I guess is better to feel other people's pain (even if it is fiction) than to deal with my own at this time.
TIBETTE4EVER!
Posted by: ella | February 24, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Hi Ella,
Welcome. Sorry about your breakup. They're always hard. But I know what you mean about this show. It lets you see everybody else make all the mistakes, and maybe even helps you figure out how to do things a little better than the L Word girls do.
Posted by: Lydia Martin | February 24, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Hi Lidia,
love this post. Just wondering - in the orignial video, what does Bette say at the "Are you talking dirty to me?" Cos it does not look like that's what her lips said...
Thanks!
Posted by: tibette | March 02, 2008 at 01:14 PM