It's getting hot in here.

Here's a WTF right off the bat: Following the TiBette storyline, it should be pretty clear at this juncture, even to the clueless Bette and Tina, that they are having, you know, major feelings for each other. Yeah, it's also true that Bette, as 509 opens, had yet to spell things out for Tina. About being in love with her and being really ready to leave Jodi and all of that. (For that matter, Tina hadn't made any declarations, either. Except for the horizontal kind.) Still, it should have been apparent to Tina by the start of 509 that Bette was pretty into her, and that there was a good chance of this relationship actually going somewhere. And yet, Tina asks Sam out on a date?

Huh?  I mean, T, don't you think it might be prudent to at least wait and see what happens at the shrink's office later in the afternoon? You and the love of your life have just made an appointment to see your old couple's counselor, presumably so you can figure out why you can't keep your hands off each other and maybe decide what you should do about it. Bette has already admitted that maybe she IS ready to leave Jodi, and that this creepin' you two are doing is more than just creepin' to her. But you're trying to make a dinner date with another girl? Right now?

Thankfully, you chanced upon the only seemingly together dyke in all of Los Angeles. Props to Sam for getting the picture and refusing to get sucked in.  But what were you thinking in that moment?  Heat getting to you?  Or, should we just tack this onto the huge list of L Word WTFs?

I'll let this go now. It's a tiny moment in an episode full of good stuff, after all.

So let's see, the good stuff:

• Bette coming home from school during a heat wave, shucking off her shirt and sticking the sweaty Porters in the freezer. What flavor pint was she pressing against her cleavage anyway?  And isn't it kinda surprising to know the lean, mean Dean Porter indulges in ice cream? Maybe it's there for Angie. By the way, Jodi and Bette are coming home from school together? Didn't Jodi quit after that fake gun thing? Anybody keeping track of the WTFs?
• The power outages in general, which gave us all those sweaty love scenes. Looks like maybe IC clued into all the message board rumblings all these years about her lesbians totally under-representing a certain act, because in 509, almost every couple is, um, down with it .
• Tasha and Alice were cute together, except, why did Tasha seem so in pain at the end there? There was just something not hot about her grimacing. Jenny and Niki brought the hotness, even if you could barely see it in the dark. And even as it becomes increasingly easy to believe things are gonna get really ugly between these two.
• Shane and Molly were smokin' - and it was fun to see Molly being all awkward and spazzy during her first experience with a woman. (Clementine Ford does remind one of mom Cybill Shepherd in some of her scenes.) Loved that Shane reminded Molly that she may be androgynous, but she's still totally a woman.  Loved also that Shane, even with her bad-boy ways, was careful with Molly, making sure she was comfortable and really ready to go there. Very cute Shane, but are you ready? I mean, to tangle with a straight uptown girl?
• And loved that scene between Max and Tom. I mean, totally intriguing. And topical in a way that, finally, didn't feel like an uptight public service announcement about transgender issues. I have met women who have identified as lesbians until they transitioned, at which point they started identifying as gay men (even though, like Max, they hadn't had any surgeries). Alas, I have not known then well enough to ask all the nitty-gritty questions that come to mind, and so many do. But cool of the L Word to go there. My gf and I got into a little debate about the mechanics of that scene, and where exactly Tom directed things. I think they were having gay boy sex. My gf thinks the position was weird, and maybe they were having girl-boy sex. But if that's true, then...well, there's a lot to think about here no matter what they were actually up to. But you know what's sad? The fact that the L Word will probably never explore that after this episode. Oh well.

Moving on to Love in an Elevator -- good thing we didn't hear that ditty in the background. Thanks to the blackouts, Bette and Tina get stuck in the elevator on the way to the shrink's office and finally say some sh*t to each other! Of course, Jennifer Beals had already told us they would be doing some "uber processing,'' so we can't help but feel cheated by what we actually got. Maybe there were more lines, but they got edited out? I know, they could have cut out that whole mafia sitdown bullsh*t (what the hell was up with Cindy's hair? And how cute was Bette when she told Tina about "the lover'' Cindy in Dan Foxworthy's lobby?) and used that time to let Bette and Tina process some more. Or maybe they could have let Bette and Kit have a deeper discussion after Kit clocks that Bette's being a pooty-chasing dog yet again.

Still, let's rejoice in the communicating we did get to see TiBette do. Tina expressed some fears. Bette expressed some fears.  The stuff Bette said about being destructive was major, and heartbreaking. The stuff Tina said about being awful when she was with Henry, and about using Angelica against Bette, also big. And recognizing they share the same values, and how important that is, while playing footsies? So good.

"For me  when I really search myself, it doesn't feel like an affair. For me, it feels like I'm coming home.''  You finally found some balls, Dean Porter. Congratulations.

I mean, let's recap what a coward you have been (excellent that you recognized this yourself.)  You mouthed "I love you'' to Tina behind her back after having illicit sex with her. You also told Jodi you were in love with Tina, and this time, you said it out loud. Except Jodi is deaf and once again your back was turned, so there was no way she could read your lips. Hey, wait a minute: Didn't Bette once say to Jodi, "I think I could be falling in love with you,'' or something close to that, in such a way that it would have been impossible for Jodi to read her lips, and yet Jodi totally knew what she was saying? What happened to her bionic intuition? Again, must have been the heat. Or just another WTF. At the end of this season, we should play the WTF game again. You know, make a list of all the ones we spotted along the way. We could do this for the whole series, episode by episode, season by season. That should keep us busy.

Anyway, Bette, your wussy ways are forgiven. Because you finally admitted to Tina that you love her. And hey, she loves you, too. Yay!  Plus, you went downtown. Such a rarity for you especially. Good elevator show, if way too brief. But we ain't mad at you guys. Even when it's just a quickie, you both bring your A game. Tina sitting on an elevator floor with her panties around her knees...I have no big point here. I just wanted to say that.

Tina should have continued role-playing as Dan and asked Bette one more question: "Cough, cough. So Bette, how are you going to drop-kick Jodi?''

Oh, and way to save yourselves 150 bucks or whatever that therapy session was gonna cost you.

Comments

[cloverleaf108]

Why are you dissing Tina for asking Sam out to dinner? Isn't it possible that Tina may just want to eat dinner with someone rather than alone? After all, we know there is nothing between her and Sam, isn't it, they are just coworkers.

The biggest WTF for me is the elevator scene is so dark, we could hardly see their faces.

Oh, you didn't mention the WTF that is Tina's panties. Are they black or red?

[tibette]

Hi Lidia,

I posted this over on the 506 page, but that's old now so thought I would repost here: In relation to the first sex scene between Bette and Tina in 506 - 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!

[jaq]

Hi Lydia,
I'm rejoicing, yes. Elevator sex was way too short, but I did like the mini-talk. I particularly liked the way Bette semi-growled "..and we dislike the same people....". Gotta give it to JB and LH! Even little gestures like Tina touching Bette's back when they were talking with Dan made my heart flutter. Sigh!
BTw, this was a nice surprise...that you posted on the night the episode was aired, instead of tomorrow.

[Sappy]

To me, Tina asking Sam out was illustrative of Tina's anxiety over the whole Bette situation. Cos at that point in time Bette STILL hadn't told Tina she loved her, or that she was definitely gonna leave Jodi.

You've been harsh on Tina, Lydia. Bette's been very cowardly and indecisive too. You can't blame Tina for being confused.

And the elevator scene - blame the writers for not giving us more. I'm just glad they both said I love you to each other. That was an important step forward. No more games.

[ella]

Hi Lydia:
The scene that you mentioned between Jodie and Bette, when Bette says: "It think I may fall in love with you" what Jodie said was"Did you said something?" She just felt Bette's breath on her ear. She never realized what Bette had said, and Bette didn't repeat it.

[btfan2]

Gosh - I hate this!!! Other then the 4 mins of TiBette this ep and the 3 mins last ep. TWL seems to be only about wtf moments and some really, really bad camp.

Does IC have some million dollar bet that she can fit more bad actress in a phone boot then anybody else. YOU WON IC now, PLEASE, PLEASE tell the story.

How much screen time has been wasted on niki - and that whole actor boy fucking niki scene --> FOREVER WTF, WTF. How much screen time has been wasted on niki period. Is Showtime making them promote whoever this chick is. Is that the deal, because it just makes no sense. This character is boring.

I will hand it to IC and Rose the ep though boring as shit flowed considering the 50+ characters that flew by. By head still hurts. WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?????

I think Tina asked Sam out because she needs someone to talk to. Thats SAD she's known these people for how many years and she has NO ONE to talk to - seems Bette's in the same boat. To me this is a major WTF and so un-lesbian.

I love Rose Rollins(hottie), but her character is a yawner. Phyliss is a drag, Adele WTF, Dawn and lover Cindy - please make it stop. I get the camp but; who cares.

Max and whoever - I just don't care never have. Don't mean to minimize that story but; the max character could make the super bowl seem like a non event.

Love that Bette is recoving from that 3 year hernia and her balls are starting to grow again(DAMM welcome back Alpha Bette). I loved the way she took over that meeting or whatever the fuck that was. Yeah WTF.

Sorry don't mean to bitch and groan. I've(we've) waited 3 years for TiBette and now finally its going to happen and its done more in press releases then actually on the screen. We TiBetters are picking up the tab once again. Paying for all this "crap" and "camp???" while not getting anything in return for the cost of the ticket. This is the biggest WTF of all and I am angry and disappointed.

AGAIN

Yeah IC we get it keep adding useless characters to this circus and you never have to write a story..........

[Dutch/Juno]

'Ah, Rose, we've missed ye'. Even though there weren't any of her signature "filmed thru a window" shots, you didn't have to read the credits to know that Rose Troche directed this Episode. The use of light and dark, scene composition, flow-- vintage Troche, and sorely missed all these Seasons.
Bette and Tina in the elevator-- as much as I savor every brief (and aren't they all!!)sex scene that they've had, I was fine with this, because I thought it's purpose was to visualize Bette's expression of 'homecoming', rather than to be an "OMFG 4".
In fact, I would have been a happy TiBetter if all they'd done was play footsie and talk and talk and talk! "Uber processing"? Eh, not so much. I don't think we'll ever hear Bette explain the "whys". At this point, for me (and evidently for Tina as well) she doesn't have to do so. Just hearing them talk and interact like couples actually do--healthy couples-- is more than enough! The one thing that didn't work for me, was Tina's "I Love You Too" response to Bette. It came across almost as an after thought. Maybe it was rushed just because the doors were about to open, or maybe it was Laurel's delivery, but it jarred and disturbed the moment the scene had created for me.

[fantasmic]

Thanks for the early column this week, Lydia! It's always a pleasure to read your take on the show.

Sappy makes a good point about why Tina asks Sam out; Tina still regarded her thing with Bette as an affair, pre-elevator, despite Bette's 508 claims that it wasn't just a fling for her, because Bette still hadn't broken up with Jodie.

Given how Bette dealt with the whole Candice situation, Tina can't be sure that she won't have a change of heart and realize that Jodie is the one she wants when all is said and done.

And btfan2, I think it's perfectly understandable that neither Bette nor Tina could confide in their circle of friends about their affair. Both basically spell out why during the elevator scene: Tina's afraid about how everyone will judge them and Bette, admitting she's a coward and hates emotional confrontation, knows that they'd want her to come clean with Jodie.

The only thing I hated more than the stilted "values/attention to beauty" dialogue (I get what Bette was trying to say about the two of them just feeling right, but, come on, she should've just said that they're both big snobs who like pretty things such as table cloths), was Bette wanting to wait to break up with Jodie until after the Pink Ride. Yes, I'm spoiled though the end of the season, but talk about manufacturing drama for drama's sake. Didn't Bette just say that she was being a coward? And why is T letting her get away with it!! Gaah!

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Cloverleaf,

Maybe the panties look different colors because of the light. I thought Tina was asking Sam out on a date, and so did Sam. Just seems like the wrong moment for Tina to be considering going out on a date with someone new.

[Lydia Martin]

Tibette,

Bette says exactly the same thing, "Are you talking dirty to me." But in the review disk, she more whispers it. Guess they voiced over to make sure it was understandable.

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Sappy,

Not trying to be hard on Tina. Just seems like a strange move on her part, but I don't blame her for it. I blame the writers, who could have maybe given us a tad more insight into why Tina asked Sam out that particular day. Why force us to have to invent half the story so that what we see on screen makes some sense?

[Lydia Martin]

Hi Ella,

Rght about that Bette and Jodi scene. But later in that episode, Jodi emails Bette and says something like, "I could be falling in love with you, too," suggesting that she knew what Bette said when she whispered in her ear.

[Lydia Martin]

Btfan,

That was a funny post. True about the camp and the circus.

[Lydia Martin]

Hi Dutch,

I thought the same thing about Tina's "I love you, too." It seemed dismissive almost. Maybe just bad delivery. Or maybe we want too much. But really, Tina has been worse than Bette through all of this, playing her cards way close and not giving Bette much of anything, besides sex I guess. But really not sharing any of her feelings, just repeating her, "So what do you want to do?" But never saying what she wants to do.

[Lydia Martin]

Fantasmic,

Maybe Bette didn't want to ruin the ride for Jodi, since she's been training for it for so long (though, we are just left to assume they're all still training). It's an important ride for everybody, including Jodi, and maybe Bette doesn't want her to feel excluded from the big family event. Still wrong, but I can understand it.

[Sheri]

Why all the ragging on Tina lately, you seem to forget that Bette is in a relationship that she isn't too eager to end. Why shouldn't Tina go to dinner with a co-worker, someone that she thinks of as a friend. I didn't see it as asking her out on a date, but rather someone she could talk to. Even if it was a date, Dan Foxworthy was a means for Bette to figure out what she wants, again Bette wants someone else to tell her what to do. Bette needs to figure it out on her own, and it isn't up to Tina to wait forever until Bette gets the courage to do so.

[fantasmic]

Thanks for the reply Lydia... and I agree with you on about not ruining the ride and family time for Jodi. Talk about the writers continually forcing us to fill in the blanks! Please pass the Zen pills.

[beluga]

Lydia, trying not to pile it on here but you *have* been too hard on Tina, regardless of your disclaimers otherwise. If you're critiquing the story, then critique the story. You are pro-Bette whatever assholic thing Bette does. I've been reading your blog long enough to see the pattern. Please try to show a little balance, aight? Smooches.

I co-sign Sappy's statement about Tina's reasons why. You know why else it was important? To actually show us TINA's POINT OF VIEW. The story focuses on Bette, like 80% of the time. In that scene we get to see Tina do some processing, too.

Lydia, please also PAY ATTENTION TO TINA'S FACE when she says "I love you too." Tina is not being dismissive ... she's lit from the inside. I realize she doesn't chew scenery like Bette does, but to call her ILY "dismissive" goes too far.

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Sheri, Beluga,

I don't mean to favor Bette. I totally understand Tina's POV. I mean, I hated the way they wrote her in past seasons. The ponchos, the cybersex. Josh. Banging Henry in Bette's bedroom. Dissing Bette because she lost her job. All of that stuff, and without really talking about it, either.

She was way passive-aggressive. In a way, she still is. But then, they both are. Bette sucked, too. Never listening to Tina, treating her like a stupid housewife, making everything but her the priority, creepin' with Candy right after Tina's miscarriage.

They have both been lame. And while I tried to be open to the possibility of Jodi in the beginning (because Tina by then was a pod person), I have always been a TiBette fan. They both can suck. But they're great together. I really am just bitching about the writing. There was probably a way all along for these two to break up, go through all their drama and then get back together without the gazillion WTFs and personality switches along the way.

But OK, OK, I'll try to offer some more Tina love in the future.

[Sheri]

Lydia,

You have to be kidding, Bette is doing everything and Tina is doing nothing? Who is in a relationship, and not trying to end it? Who can't figure out what or who they want? Tina cn't make Bette's decision and as long as Bette can't figure out what she wants, Tina isn't going to put her cards on the table. She already said, "she" isn't going to be the reason Bette ends it with Jodi, Bette has to be the reason, it has to be Bette who makes that decision, and she doesn't seem to want to even though she is telling Tina something else. Maybe if Bette had the courage to do what she says, maybe Tina would be more apt to reveal more.

And that I Love you was not dismissive, look at Tina's face when Bette tells her she loves her, she has been wanting that from Bette since S1.

[Sheri]

Correction to my post, Tina saying I love you was not dismissive, it was said in a hurry but Tina letting her guard down, told Bette that she loves her, and thats the first time we really see Tina letting her guard down just a little

[Gwen-elle]

I recorded this episode and plan to watch it again. Truth is I am finding myself becoming more and more, shall I say, bored with this season that I may not get around to that. So I’ll just do my post now.

Maybe I am spoiled because I had the convenience (the luxury even) of watching all 4 seasons back to back over a relatively small window of time, but what I loved about the show -- the Tibette relationship, its emotional intensity and resonance, has been so drained of interest and power that I find myself rolling my eyes while watching. Last night after that scene where Bette tells Jodie the truth about her feelings for Tina, my eyes nearly became stuck beneath the lids. Come on. Maybe if the show’s promoters had not teased us with that scene at the end of last week’s episode, I wouldn’t have found myself so annoyed, but when a scene plays out just the way you expect it to, then how can you not help but be irritated? Who didn’t know that scene was going to play out just as it did?

The Tibette relationship is being played too much on the couple's sexual passion for one another. The understandable emotional uncertainty between them is not being explored to dramatic effect. If I am going to sit with characters and endure their ups and downs then I want it to be about something in the end other than tittilation. Last night's episode seemed to be staged as a f@#kfest. The emotional revelations between Tina and Bette was just lost to that (for me). That scene of Bette in front of the fridge (once again in her bra) was pure tittilation (with emphasis on the syllable *titt*). Didn’t work for me. More eyerolls.

In the context of drama, if a show is going to appeal to my prurient interests then the emotions are going to have to be in the forefront. Last night, they simply were not, or at least not so much so that they resonated. Though I liked most of what Bette and Tina said to each other in the elevator, the dominant impression that I came away with from the scene was that they were a couple of snobs.

After I watch the episode again, at the risk of boring readers of the blog, I'll report back if I had a different reaction. I was a bit cranky last night.

[Lydia Martin]

Sheri,

You're not wrong. Bette needs to end things with Jodi. And she's a coward. But what do you think would have happened at any point during any of this if Tina had just said: "Look, I want you back. But only if you get rid of Jodi. Do that, and then let's get on with our First, Last and Forever deal.''

Bette would have hopped on the bus, made a new plan -- she would have found 50 ways to leave her lover.

But Bette is also not certain of what Tina wants. Because Tina isn't really giving her any clues, besides having sex with her. I mean, what if Tina had said something, anything at all, to Bette right before she took off to deliver that sign to Jodi. By then, Bette had been convinced by Tina that she would never come back. So she tried to move on with her life. But if Tina had said, even at the 11th hour, "Wait. Come to think of it, I kinda think maybe after dissing you hard over and over, maybe I want you back after all." Bette would have told te cab driver to f*ck off, unpacked her bags and sent that sign Fed Ex, with a nice good-bye note thanking Jodi for the memories.

Beals said it herself in an interview. Bette is hesitant because she's afraid of getting her heart broken again by Tina. They both are afraid of having their hearts broken. But at least Bette was honest enough about her feelings to grab Tina that day and kiss her. Stupidly dishonest when she told Tina later that, yes, she was in love with Jodi, but...

You know what? They really do both kind of suck. But they're hot and believably in love. So I'm gonna keep rooting for them anyway.

[hasbian]

Another great column LM. I think the whole problem with the Tibette s/l this season and the reason that some of us are disappointed in how it’s playing out is that these two just do NOT communicate. It is frustrating to the say least.I agree with you and gwenelle that the elevator talk was disappointing. For me, it was not serious enough.It is like IC is afraid to let them talk. Or, is she just driving home the point that these two don’t really know how or that they have their own way of communicating kinda like dolphins to humans. Yep, they are as frustrating to watch this season as they are hot. And that’s a little sad. Kudos to you for mentioning Max-Tom. Other than Tibette, Max is the only s/l I care about. I too find the whole trans/gender identity issue fascinating. Kudos to IC for giving it at least some attention. Your comment about Tasha’s grimace made me laugh. I thought the same thing. With sounds like that I'd be afraid to look up. Now, on to Tibette.

Tina is frustrating because of how IC has written her. Again I think IC is beating us to death with the fact that these two dont communicate. Or maybe it's just bad writing. Anyway, I didnt like it last season when Tina took the director to the Jobette dinner party but then after this season I realized it is IC’s way of writing nonsensical bullsh*t tension scenes like the dinner scene in episode 8 that got you riled. And I agree with you on calling T passive-aggress because I see her that way too. But hey Tina has wanted Bette back since last season and I think that everything that Tina has done this year was to get Bette back. Man, talk about a radar gun on Bette. Did you see that dress she wore to shebar? and the look she gave to her when she introduced brenda? Rememeber that comment she made about Brenda that made bette so jealous that it sent her into a mike tyson punch during that self defense class? Lest we not forget the lingerie in the outstanding kitchen seduction. T is a fiery hot badass this year and I'm loving it. And what has Bette done? Continue her waffling. Tina is right to make her make the decision to dump Jodi. I haven't liked the way IC has written Bette this season. She's kinda like Tina was in season 1. She is doormat-ty. (is that a word?) I really loved Tibette in seasons 1-2 but this season...I love them but I see so many fissures that they need to fix or they are just not going to make it. I am kinda mad at IC for writing their reconnection this way. It could have been done so much more hopeful.I guess I can live with it. For now.

[colorado fan]

Lydia,

Anticipation/expectation can be a cruel task master. Major, major, major letdown. Sigh. “Short” is not even an apt description for elevator sex. We didn’t even get a close up of one of the things Bette/Tina do best – kiss. IC punk’d the Bette/Tina fans again. She could have circled back for one more round of slow, sensual kissing. But no, cut to Max/Tom. Wow, what a transition. I knew better than to trust her. Shame on me. Just have to laugh at myself for being pulled back in. In fact, I seriously worry about what IC will do to B/T if there is another season. Ha.

Yes, Bette and Tina did have a brief adult conversation about a “few” of their fears. At least “fucking it up again” was the first one Tina expressed. Rightfully so. Keeping up appearances seem to be something they both can rally behind. Bette acknowledging her compulsion to destroy anything good in her life showed some honest introspection. But, I have to say if I was Tina, I would be asking if she’s doing this again with Jodi. I guess it’s nice, having been in other relationships, they both have figured out why they are comfortable with each other. Why there is an ‘ease’ to their relationship. I take from this conversation “Love, Desire, and Comfort” seem to be why they are getting back together. And, that’s a good thing.

I did enjoy the “cuteness” of the elevator scene. I just wanted it to be so much more. What little the audience was given for their sex scene was very good. Unfortunately, I’ve read the spoilers. I know that’s the last love/sex scene we’ll get to see. So from my POV, they went out with a flicker instead of a flame. I am happy Bette and Tina have reached a decision point and want to try again. What did you say about getting ZEN on TLW? Btw, that’s still great advice. Best to keep it superficial. Nothing deep is going on.

TLW, for me, is all about Bette and Tina. The rest is just filler.

[qiqi]

I think the dialog between the two was week. I am not sure it is because bad writing, bad acting or just I am being Bette centric. I thought the part from Bette is much more moving and believable than from Tina.

[ella]

I just rewatched the episode and have to say that, yes Tina asking Sam out on a date was awkward, but then again she has the impression/conviction that what is going on between her and Bette is a fling or an affair, so maybe she is trying to connect with someone else to blowup some steam.Whether this behavior is wrong and fruitless I don't know , but I have seen it happened many, many times. People that are afraid of being hurt again or rejected go on the look out for something that is not going to demand a lot from them. in this case Sam would be the rebound girl. I know that Tina is intensely in love with Bette, but at the same time intensely lost, Bette is still with Jodie and they haven't opened up their pandora box. So, yes it was awkward but understandable.
Moving to the elevator scene. I do agree that we lost precious time in a lot of WTF moments, too much of nothing like the meeting at Shebar, and the Niki scene. Our focal point is Tibette and their evolution. What was unspoken screams to me soo loud, but the bit of conversation at least set the tone for a new beginning. While listening to Bette's declaration and before she finished talking I mouthed '"it feels like home" and when she said "it's like comming home" I had tears in my eyes, because that I think is what I would feel like after three years of agony, realizing that I have this last chance with my soulmate, it would be just that "Home".They have a long history of love, sorrow, and despair, they cheated and betrayed, but the love remained intact, it sustained all and is at the end what is closing the circle and bringing the back home/together.
It is a shame that we will not witness the transition, but cold sketches. It is a shame that we will have to imagine the conversations, the unspoken words, but at the end I am still happy for this show and all that represents.
TIBETTE4EVER

[Trish]

Hey Lydia,

Just an observation here, but you seem to have a problem with Tina asking Sam out for a date, even though I saw it as Tina asking Sam out for dinner. Can't two lesbian woman just go out to dinner, or is it always considered a date? Sam has feeling for Tina, she might consider it a date, I doubt Tina saw it that way. But back to my observation, I don't recall you saying anything about Bette kissing Jodi, weren't they going to Foxworthy to get clarity on there relationship, but here is Bette kissing Jodi tenderly. Are you okay with that?

[ella]

Yes, Tina's "I love you too" came out in a burst, but if you look at her face she totally means it. I wouldn't dwell on that fact. I am trying to keep a Zen attitude in all of this. Look at the glass half full, instead of half empty.

[Lydia Martin]

Hi Colorado,

Yeah, Zen is the only way to go. And being unspoiled probably helps, too. Or, like I've said before, maybe it's actually a great defense, so no stupidity takes you by surprise. I agree it's all about TiBette. But there are some other great characters I used to care more about. Like, Alice. What the hell happened to her? And Shane. I guess she just remains a one-trick pony. Kit's just jive-talkin'. Helena? Sigh. Let's hope there's one more season.

[Lydia Martin]

Hasbian, Qiqi,

Maybe we should call up Ilene and explain to her how to write these characters. : )

[Lydia Martin]

Hi Trish,

It sounded to me like Tina was asking Sam out on a date. And when Sam was like, I don't think so because you still have drama with your ex, Tina didn't try to correct her and say "No, I wasn't trying to ask you on a date. I meant, let's just hang.''

And yeah, Bette still being intimate with Jodi feels wrong. But actually, in this episode, Bette tried hard not to be intimate with Jodi. She totally told her to get the hell off of her by the pool. Guess you can't outright not kiss the girlfriend you haven't broken up with yet. And on some level, I think Bette does care enough for Jodi for those kisses to be sort of real, and yet not threatening to Tina. Not like Bette was trying to get into any heated makeout session with Jodi.

[Lydia Martin]

Ella,

Maybe we should all come up with the top ten Zen rules for watching the L Word...

[Lydia Martin]

Gwen,

I know what you mean. But what's worse than the fact that this show can piss us off is the fact that it's almost over. Just three more episodes, and no sign of a renewal.

[e]

I agree with colorado fan. I worry sick thinking about what IC is going to do to Tibette next, if there is a season 6. Drama sells millions, but enough with the nonsense!

[FrenchLady]

Hi Lydia,

Wow, look at this, only less than 24 hrs and you already had over 30 comments.
Some even wrote in the middle of the night. That’s something, that’s the pulse of our tensions. I also want to thank you for your refreshing column you gave us. I loved the WTFs list. I found another one for you: Why Jodi is she swimming in Bette’s own backyard all dressed up? She removed her blouse afterward. It just tells us that MM didn’t want to undress in front of the camera. To obvious!

Hey Cloverleaf, I double-checked the pantie’s color… To start with, they were actually dark blue (same as the bra) but bright red at the end…Maybe all the sweating altered the color!

In addition, here’s one for you Lydia (I was in the mood of playing detective) the ice cream brand is “Turkey’s Hill” I’m not 100% sure about the flavor (I think that was chocolate chip cookie dough), but let’s not ruined our fantasies for the sweaty dean, let’s just go with “black cherry”!

I have a question (witch can turn out the be a WTF), never been in L.A during summer time, but god is it that hot out there? I mean, I’ve been in Florida many times during the summer months …and never been that sweaty, don’t they have air conditioning over there? What was wrong with the power, is it like Republic Dominican, you need a “Plenta” (generator) to make sure you’ll survived trough the day? Or was it just a way to get Bette & Tina stock in the elevator?

For comfort sake, last weekend, I’ve watched my favorite’s eps from all the seasons (ya! That was good). I saw something (that I probably had forgot with alI The WTF moment over five long excruciating years of waiting, for some substantial material), Back then Tina wasn’t very chatty either. She always took what Bette had to offer. For example in ep209 (the very good long extended love scene after the echo) there was no discussion (that’s were the sh*tty pattern started). Even when Tina came back home with the baby nothing substantial.
Tina always had been the passive one. Now she looks like she’s in the driver’s seat, with her strong exterior “façade”, actually she’s not. IC just gave her some stupid ways to make us believe she’s in control. Frankly, who would want to ask someone out when there is a chance (a realistic chance) to come back with the love of your life? “Come on Ilene” It’s Bette & Tina we’re talking about, you know, the two major characters of your own creation.

Mind you, she’s not the inventor of that eternal concept. All the television series
Stretches the love suspense. Just to mention one example, Remember Moonlighting, there was a love tension between Cybill & Bruce for the entire serie (4 years), they only gave us something at the end. In this case, we had something and IC removed it from us right from the start!

Like everyone, I found the elevator scene way to short. However, because I want to stay Zen, I'm focusing on the positive point (what can I say, I’m a very positive person) that this scene was in a way very soothing. To go with the theme "It really felt like we’re coming home". Like if for once, we can trust them, like if suddenly everything is going to be fine...True, not much as been said, but thanks to JB for the honesty of that scene. I said JB, I, sometimes have hard time to connect with Tina's emotion (or is it LH). I can only explain that in contrast with JB emotions (that are so transparent) LH is more reserve in the way she show hers. In the elevator scene when Tina is standing in front of Bette, the look that Bette’s gave her was something else “a love drunk kinda look”. And when she tell Tina “I love you” how can an actor make us believe so much love. In that scene, I didn’t like Tina’s emotions, her blah looks (a look that we feel nothing from it) that’s what often is misleading me withTina… Or is it Laurel that we can’t read?

Hey! Don’t get me wrong LH is an excellent actress...but what can I say, I have a weak spot for JB. In my opinion, she's the cream of the crop!

I already start taking my pills...Why would Showtime wait till ep12 to tell us to stay tune next year. They just don't want to cut the cord now! Who would want to watch a story without a planed enidng? Oh well, I just wish that I'm so so wrong!

[btfan2]

I posted the other day but; feel a need to post again. Simply because this seems to be somewhere I can just post about TiBette.

Great post and replies here. Anyway I sorta went over the cliff on my origional post. I rewatched the ep and yeah I'm still very disappointed. I think the real problem with me is as others have said we are apporaching the "END", and I for one just feel cheated.

Now we get what we have been screaming for; for 3 Long years and its dished out one crumb at a time(with time being the operative word), with drama that has the WTF machine choking and gasping; dialogue that would make a 9th grader cringe. Ic can't for the life of me figure out why IC NEEDS all these characters and all this wasted screen time.

why keep portraying both Bette and Tina as cowards -- be serious after the second encounter(did you watch they were not f-king they were making love and they both knew it!!) both would have been looking at this as more than a fling. And to me to believe that after all they have been through that they would continue like this is nuts. Bette is real human as in lots of stuff but; she's no coward. She is and always has been so smitten by Tina - that the real Bette Porter would have RUN home or to Jodi's and dropped the hammer that morning. So IC continues to dismantle these characters even while pretending to "listen". For the sake of bad camp and bad drama???

Do you get the feeling that this is some silly pay back for being FORCED(I believe tlw mage her do it) to give the fans what they want. An easy cop out once again -- not willing to write THE story.

I am torn between tlw(TiBette) ending and another season of watching in horror as IC pisses all over Jennifer, Laurel, Kate and Leshia, while innocently baking cookies. oh the irony!!

[RDDJ]

Hi Lydia,

I have not had my weekly you tube fix yet, but I had to share my concerns about our relationship with this show. Reading these posts, it occurs to me that we are all beginning to realize just how terribly codependent we've become; sad little wives, waiting at home, waiting for the phone to ring, waiting and then allowing ourselves to settle for the tiniest little shred of attention, allowing ourselves to believe that this means everything is going to change, that she really DOES love us!!! Enough of this...I sense a groundswell...Duck, world, we're throwing out our U-Haul keys! IC may have opened the door for us to be louder and prouder, but that doesn't mean we have to stick around for this forever!

By the way, what's the deal---Is there a season six or isn't there?

OK...off to refill the Zen pills and continue thinking about how we can do things better now that we're outer and prouder. Because I can think about my Fan Fiction masterpieces ALL DAY LONG and NEVER WRITE A WORD! I think there's a name for that, yes?

[colorado fan]

RDDJ - that was funny. seriously.

You know I had turned in my TiBette card after the tractor of love season finale last year. I had that "I'm am so over this shit" moment. Beaten, downtrodden, defeated, I had zero desire to tune back in.

Time really does heal and so, curiosity got the best of me end of last year and I searched the message boards to see which way the wind was blowing. Honestly, I thought at most, IC might throw in one "spur of the moment" sex scene between B/T before marrying off Bette and Jodi. And we, the fans, would have to settle for a not so fiery, lukewarm, less than satisfying pair. IC didn't seem to care she was throwing away the wonderful, blazing chemistry of JB/LH, why should I.

This season has had some great B/T moments. But, like you, it seems IC doesn't want to give too much. She likes to ration them out. I guess she's afraid too much of a good thing might raise our expectations beyond what she can actually deliver. And, the writing can be so insulting at times.

It took IC and team 4 years to finally get Jenny to a place where the audience could identify and find her endearing. Alice has always delivered but this year they skidded off course. Tasha, Phylis, Molly have been wonderful additions for me. Nikki, way to childish for me to enjoy. Dawn Denbo and Lover Cindy... just thrown in for laughs and soapy drama.

I'll get off my rant. I keep telling myself TLW is not meant to make sense. Characters won't grow beyond the superficial facades presented. It's best just to take the show for what it is. A soapy, melodrama.

[Sappy]

Colorado fan,

Well put. Just keep reminding yourself that TLW is just a melodrama that you can't take seriously. I've been doing this, although it's been very hard, because I really fell in love with all the core characters in Season 1. And I contniued to love them through Season 2, Betty notwithstanding. But after Season 3, I've been forcing myself to detach myself emotionally from these characters. Because IC really doesn't know how to write for them.

If only I didn't care so damn much about the characters. If only I wasn't so emotionally invested in the Bette-Tina relationship. It's really not easy extricating yourself from loving these characters, but for your own sanity, you just have to. Otherwise you'll always be disappointed.

[ella]

Colorado fan and Sappy:

I totally agree with you. That is why I have been trying so hard to keep a Zen attitude, for my own sanity!

[hasbian]

I agree with all these most recent posts. Wow btfan, my thoughts EXACTLY.

[Gwen-elle]

Okay, not that readers of the blog have been waiting with baited breath for my re-post, but I watched the episode again last night and felt compelled to ‘take back’ some of what I said previously, or maybe just the tone (attitude) in which it was said. Though I didn’t find myself enthralled with it, it is clear that when I watched it originally I projected my crankiness onto it. My current reaction -- episode 9 wasn’t so bad. Faint praise I know.

My primary issue with this episode remains -- it was not character driven -- and very little in the way of story. This entire season has felt as though it exists primarily to meet the contractual obligation to deliver 12 episodes to Showtime. Someone came up with an idea to have a sex montage and thus episode 9 was born.

As far as the couples, the only one that worked for me was, of course, Tibette. The director (as they always seem to do), cut away from the scene a heartbeat or two too soon and didn’t mine it for all of its emotional power. Still, the scene worked because it wasn’t just a sex scene. It was a love scene. Beals has always been good in these scenes, not because of sexiness but because of soulfulness. Her eyes showed connection, caring, passion and deep love (almost as much as in The Brief Encounter episode back in season 2, the OMFG scene).

Laurel Holloman was a bit off her game in this scene. She didn’t really feel *involved*. Can’t say that I have ever had that reaction to her before. When I watched the episode originally I thought maybe I was being a bit too critical of her performance, but had same response this time also. I see that FrenchLady had similar response, so I’ll cut myself some slack. On balance I wasn’t too distracted by Holloman’s lackluster acting here. Just wish it had been better.

Laurel *was* good in the scene where Tina asks Sam to dinner. Tina is totally self absorbed, not realizing how continuing to talk about her relationship with Bette is both obnoxious and hurtful to Sam. At the end of the scene when Sam tells Tina that she feels sorry for Jodie, Tina finally gets it. Her facial expression seems to say, “Sh**t, not only have I been an ass for having an affair with Bette, but I am being one right now”. She manages to look bewildered, hurt and annoyed all at the same time. (I get that this scene doesn’t make up for the lackluster performance in the love scene, but I just loved her reaction.)

I continued to have the reaction that Tina and Bette are snobs. Realized that I had been feeling that way about them for a while. It wasn’t until I heard them verbalize things like ‘we like and dislike the same people’ and ‘we love to surround ourselves with beauty’ (such as each other, ourselves?) that it became a bit obnoxious. No matter. I forgive ‘em :-).

Tom and Max did not work for me. Can’t remember the last time Max was in a scene, and suddenly he shows up and in this most glaring of ways. It took me a while to recall who the Tom character was. Couldn’t even remember his name until I read it here on the blog. The writers have never made Max a full member of the family. Originally, his primary friendship was with Jenny, yet when was the last time they had a scene together? Now his primary interaction is with Alice and this as her employee? I have always liked that Max is different and that I am being invited to share in the experience of someone not like *I*. There just has always been something discordant in this character’s storyline. We have never been able to have a sustained emotional connection with Max, something that this episode made startingly obvious. But the truth is, I watch TLW because I enjoy watching women relating to women. I don’t mean sexually (though that is fine too), but emotionally and in a way that is not based on an obsession with men, or in ways that validate traditional social roles.

And finally, I would have to echo what some have said here. It is clear that the writers have mined about all that they can from their own lived experiences. I understand that there is no season 6 in the offing, but it is hard to see a justification for one, especially without new writers. I am eager to hear an announcement. One way or the other, I’ll be fine with it.

(Excuse the long post . . . so much to say. Too few to say it to.)

[FrenchLady]

Hi Gwen-elle,

Hey, don't apologize for your long post. Feel better to see that someone is equally chatty :-)

Anyway, It's always good to read you comments. On many points I often have a feeling that you've refined mines, witch I appraciate cause it give me an opportunity to improve my secondary language.

THX

[Lydia Martin]

Gwen,

I really liked this: "But the truth is, I watch TLW because I enjoy watching women relating to women. I don’t mean sexually (though that is fine too), but emotionally and in a way that is not based on an obsession with men, or in ways that validate traditional social roles."

Totally. I think this is a very important piece of it for many people, whether or not they would articulate it.

As for Tina, I do agree with you that she seemed sort of, I don't know, not quite as on as she could have been in some scenes. But, I promised some posters that I would not beat up on her, and instead give her love, so I'll drop any real or perceived Tina bashing (because the truth is, I don't really bash Tina. I like Tina, especially this season).

[btfan2]

One more comment. Since a few people have had thoughts about the Max - scene's -I'll throw my thoughts in the pot also.

I think if i met or knew Danial Sea in real life I'd like her a lot and we would be friends. She seems like a really nice -easy person. That said she just doesn't work on screen.

I have a friend(female to male) that I grew up with as in middle school to today that is trans - all the way -- now a legal married man. So trans is not some "thing", that I haven't seen or don't get.

My friend and I talked a lot while he was going through the transition. Two things that were real clear for 'him'. He was not a lesbian and he had no desire to hang in gay circles. He's a straight married man.

He and his wife come to my house for cookout's and NONE of my gay friends even know he is transgender. I even sort of forget myself - mainly because I thought of him as a guy when we were young.

So the Max thing kinda just confuses me - A girl(If you don't do the transition you are a girl) pretending to be a guy - pretnding to be a girl in a "gay <- I'm not sure" sex act.

This is not a judgement - its just that it is confusing. Maybe Max's understands and I guess that's all that matters.

As far as the story goes - I think they somehow feel the need to force fit all these characters into the mix just because... IC it doesn't work and just wastes screen time you don't have. The Tom character makes me cringe almost as much as Hodi..

Anyway going from TiBette to Max-Tom was a rough transition(no pun intended)-- killed my mood.

[L Word Fan]

Hi, I just came across this blog
It really rocks
Love L word. Graet analysis of dynamics among women. Bette rocks! For a straight woman, Jennifer Beals certainly has championed the lesbian cause

Webmaster

Lesbian Movie Guide

[lisalisa]

greetings lydia.

you seem to be out of zen pills again!

seriously, i think for once the l word writers have done a decent job on a story arc.

it seemed tina asking sam out made perfect illogical sense, the kind of screwy behavior people are guilty of when they are feeling very exposed in matters of love, lust and desire.

work with me on this: tina is feeling fiercely for bette, but at the last juncture, bette tells tina she thinks they should take a break from the creepin, as you so aptly put it, til they get some "clarity."

so maybe bette is saying yeah, i will leave jodi for you, but not at the moment.

and also tina has some former spurned cheated on wife guilt going on here. i mean how do you do THAT to someone once it has been done to YOU and still live with yourself? never have understood that, but see it happen all the time.

so tina says, hey, i want no part of breaking you and jodi up. rationalization: im not making this happen. you are. im perfectly happy to be your sidedish, eventho we all know i am not, but still, i aint saying it or being the one to suggest or ask that you make a definitive move. and i will bring jodi up at every turn: i'll ask are you in love with her. i lament how terribly hurt she'll be while we are in my bed after we just made love. i'll bring it up when you come to yell at me about accepting the dinner invitation. im covered, dude.

oh i know. contrived, pass./aggr behavior of a 9th grader. but it happens all the time and regrettably we are all guilty of lapsing back to 9th grade no matter how old we get.

so now we're on the edge of going to see dan, and tina doesnt know how it is going to work out. bette might decide in this therapy session that she doesnt want to screw with the breaking up with jodi and setting up house with tina again scene. these women are pushing 40 now. at some point, this all gets old and too much. and god knows what dan will say. he's never been a fan of this co-dependent coupling. didnt he tell them once NOT to have a baby?

plus, when tina asks if bette is going to the shebar sitdown and tina announces she's not going after bette says she is going, bette acts all cool-hand-luke and says "what, you think we cant be in the same room together?"

well, yeah, bette, because i can't keep my hands off you and i thot it was the same for you ... but maybe not...maybe im more invested that she is...maybe this is just a fling for her...

and so tina beelines to sam and asks her out for dinner. this is the old emotional double book as opposed to a WTF. if things blow up at the therapist's office, at least tina has a date set up a few nights later and the arms of sam for her rejected ass to fall into it.

cynical, i know.

but that scene in the elevator makes me think that's what it was all about. bette tells tina "i love you. i have no doubt about that but..." and tina says "but you are worried that every thing you are feeling is because we're not really together. because it's an affair.....that's what it is...." and so on til the great "coming home" line.

well who can blame tina? bette is kinda know for this affair biz. that's how she and tina started. tina was with the art buying dude when bette swooped in and flipped her. then she had the affair with candy the carpenter. now she's in this seemingly solid thing with jodi and she's creepin once again. how can tina not be concerned that this is more about the thrill of the affair than completely about her?

can you blame tina for asking sam out as a little emotional insurance policy?

the l word writers are guilty of many crimes against drama over 5 years. but this story arc seems good to me. the max and tom story is really interesting too.

i have mixed feelings about a season six. alice is happy in love. tina and bette are back on trajectory it seems. jenny is as likable as we'll ever get her, i think. they are finally gonna remember dana in a substantial way. maybe they should just bow out gracefully before they do something dreadfully cringe inducing llike having kit use that gun -- maybe on jenny's single-white-female assistant as she attempts to kill jenny. or having tina and bette break up again or ...well, the possibilities are endless.

plus i really do fear that if we hang around too long jenny and shane will end up together and i just cant have that.

but one thing i do know. no matter how much we all bitch, and whether or not i think this might all be a graceful way to wrap up the show: we are all going to miss it terribly when its gone.

terribly.

[Lydia Martin]

Hi L Word Fan,

Welcome aboard.

[Lydia Martin]

lisalisa,

Well, I don't know what to say. Except, can I have you around as advisor/reality checker? Brilliant post. Of course, you're right again. And I have definitely been guilty of plenty of the above. And OK, fine, I guess I get why Tina asked Sam out now. Thanks for that.

Makes sense that Tina would be insecure about where Bette is going with everything, and also unwilling to put all her cards on the table until Bette does.

So, back on the Zen pills for now. Thanks.

[qiqi]

Lydia, do you have any L word review archives before 07? Very interested in reading some of your old reviews for season 1-3. thx

[Antonia Matheson]

I have to admit, the whole arc we're seeing in this season smacks of finality. It's almost as though the producers aren't expecting another years funding.

I mean, where do you go after you practically make your show a documentary of making the show itself? ('Les girls')

The whole thing turns into its own hot potato and all you can pile on is some cheese.

A season like this is only followed by the next big show.

What I want to know is, what the heck happened to Angus?! LOL.

Once the English lady has her fortune back I think we're looking at some (L)angles for spin-offs.

This is the first time I've read this blog. I'm loving it.

TiBette was always going to happen, they're lesbians, we can't let anything lie ;)

Antonia

[Lydia Martin]

Hi Qiqi,

No, I started the L Word blog at the beginning of season four. I did write a couple of broader stories about the show before that, but the weekly episode chats started with season four.

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Antonia,

Welcome to our blog. Guess we have one more season after all.