JoBette's dead. Long live TiBette.

Women PMS, which can make them bitchy. Fine. But how many references do we need in one episode? Especially when those references don't add up to a damn thing story-wise? And, no, I'm not PMSing right now. I'm just over lazy scripts that would never score more than a C- in a community college writing class.

Which brings us to the JoBette breakup. I guess the stupid misspeaking the always-articulate Bette does in this episode as she's trying to serve Jodi her walking papers is there to keep us on the edge of our seats.  I mean, why would the Yale-educated Dean Porter, who has all kinds of issues but none of them are about the use of the English language, say to Jodi in the middle of breaking up with her: "I really care for you...I am going to fight for this relationship.''

Why does it take several more eye-roll worthy scenes for Bette to clarify she meant FRIENDSHIP, not RELATIONSHIP.

I guess there's one reason. So that Jodi can confuse the message and the breaking up can last a whole episode. Except did we sink our teeth into the drama, or were we too distracted by the not-so-deft writing around it? I mean, were we supposed to be biting our nails wondering whether Bette really WAS committed to cutting Jodi loose?  Did we torture ourselves until the bitter end, hoping against hope that Bette would stay strong so that it could finally be all systems go for that TiBette First , Last and Forever thing?

Because, I don't think I was exactly holding my breath. I never exactly feared that Bette would lose her courage in the end and be won over by Jodi, who was being the kind of sloppy and clingy that doesn't seem consistent with the way the Fiery Artist was sold to us in the first place. I mean, Jodi is supposed to be a self-possessed bad-ass who doesn't believe in monogamy. Right? She's the one who was so cool, she refused to hear Bette's objections about the people she had  invited over for a dinner party, offering a flip, "then don't come'' instead of trying to accommodate her girlfriend at all. This is the same woman who,  instead of leaving with Bette when Bette was ready to get the hell away from that party at Shane and Jenny's, basically sat tight and offered a c'ya, wouldn't wanna b'ya. 

Is she gonna be so pathetic now?

Plus, come on, is Jodi not going to make a single reference to that tractor situation from last season? Because, let's not forget how hardcore Jodi was last season, packing it all up and bailing at the first sign of bullsh*t from Bette. It took Bette stealing that stupid 17 Reasons Why sign, flying it across the country and dragging it behind a tractor to Jodi's work site for Jodi to relent and take Bette back. But not before uttering that fateful line, "You better not break my heart.''   Well, Bette wasted no time breaking it in season five, and it's just hard to believe Jodi wouldn't be all, "I even tried monogamy for you, you f'ing bitch, and you repay me by having an affair with your ex?''

What did sort of make sense to me, though I know some folks who were put off by it, was the making out Bette did with Jodi in the middle of the breakup drama.  It doesn't seem like such a stretch to me. Makes sense that Jodi would throw herself at Bette, try to win her back with hot sex. Hell, didn't Bette throw herself at Tina at the end of season one, when Tina found out about Bette's affair with the carpenter?

And yeah, I think Bette would have kissed Jodi back. She does care for Jodi, after all. And she feels terrible about all of this.  But, Bette did go there reluctantly, and when Jodi pushed too far, she did finally put an end to it.

I just wish Jodi had shown some balls in these scenes. I get that she wound up, against her better judgment, totally in love with Bette. She was way hurt. Who wouldn't be? And dignity has a way of flying out the window in the middle of a breakup. But, still. The only time Jodi seemed like Jodi during this whole mess was when Bette tried to stop her after she tossed out that line about how she was leaving to go to kill herself.

Bette was all, "I can't let you go when you're threatening to hurt yourself.''

And Jodi was like, "Ugh. I'm not going to kill myself over you. Don't flatter yourself.''

Right on, Ms. Lerner. So why were you acting like such a little b*tch the rest of the time? So out of character. But then, who doesn't do things that are out of character on the L Word? Still, nothing takes away from how hot Bette looked in that black tank top. Not even the fact that through most of this episode, Bette and Jodi are dressed in stupid matching getups. (Seriously, what were the wardrobe people thinking?) And nothing takes away from the warm fuzzies we all felt when Bette finally offered  Jodi that teary and convincing:  "There has been something missing for me. Something that is hard to define. And I have been desperately trying to create this thing... But I have been just flailing. And I realize now that you and I were never going to find it...Because I have it with someone else.''

JB is hot.  Or did I already say that?

Anyway, here's the one thing I couldn't help but wonder about when Jodi finally gets the picture and goes back to Bette's house to pick up her things. All Bette gets after an intense relationship with Jodi Lerner by way of a parting gift is a really nice watch? Nice of Jodi to give her the birthday gift she was saving for her on the way out. But, I want to know if Dean Porter managed to snag any Jodi Lerner art along the way. I mean, if Jodi is such a famous artist with a big solo show at the Hammer and everything, her sh*t is selling for major bucks. Even a smallish piece by an artist like Jodi could go for, who knows, 20, 30, 50 grand. All Bette, aka the finest  piece of art-collecting a**  in WeHo, managed to score was a watch?

Moving on to Tasha and Alice. OK, OK, so we get that Tasha and Alice are from different sides of the track or whatever and maybe they just aren't destined to make it. But, does Alice have to be such a flake, falling for some new chick so quickly? Especially after all her campfire ranting about cheating just last week? Makes me wanna step back in time and slap the s'mores out of her.

I'd also be happy to smack Kit around a little bit. Not because she lost the Planet to DD and her lover C. But because Pam Grier was willing to rip herself off with those references to blaxploitation characters of old. I mean, da trench coat, da wheels, da piece. Too much. What was Kit gonna do with that gun when she got to Shebar? And then she leaves the thing sitting around where Angelica can grab it? Plus later, crisis averted, she tosses it in a dumspter without even hiding it inside some trash? With her prints all over it? Where do I start?

Let's just move on to how cute they all were when Mama T and Mama B showed up at the Planet to pick Angie up. You had to love that bit when Bette says to Angelica, "Are you ready to go home, baby?''

And then looks at Tina and says, "Do you want to...?''

Aw.

As for the Denbo storyline, it just keeps getting more retarded. Sorry, I just can't deal.

I also can't deal with Lez Girls. I mean, I've tried, I really have. But the movie actually looks really cheesy. That thing would be the laughing stock if it actually ever saw the light of day. And that table toss by the actress playing Tina? Sorry, Laurel owns that trick. Not even Kit's table toss could touch Tina's.

Anyway,  surprise! Adele f*cked Jenny over. She stole that movie right out from under her. We were never expecting anything like that to happen. Sigh. I guess that whole mess did lead to one great scene:

Shane and Jenny hitting the homemade bong. Points for that. And points to those two actors, who are always so genuine together. No matter how much hate you might still have for Jenny, you have to love her when she's sitting there all heartbroken and vulnerable and connecting with her best friend in the world. And, yeah, it does sort of seem like maybe the powers might be trying to suggest there could be more than just friendship between these two.

Which brings us to Molly, and what we're supposed to do with her now. Because we do like her with Shane. But Shane and Jenny together? I know it's sort of weird, but then again, it could be pretty awesome. Because just like you can't deny the chemistry between JB and LuH, you really can't deny the chemistry between Kate and Mia. Maybe it's just BFF chemistry. But, I'd be open to more. Why not?

One more episode left.  I don't know about you, but I think I'm gonna take this time to shore up on the Zen pills.   

Comments

[Dutch/Juno]

Lydia: I've reached the point with TLW, that I look forward to your Blogs about it more than I do the episodes!!(Sorry, I don't mean to damn you with faint praise!)So many cringe-worthy moments to snark about, but the "Never-Ending Breakup" tops all lists. I found myself doing the self-protective thing that I do with a scary scene in a movie---putting my hands over my eyes, and peeking now and again till it's over. Here's my question--when you interviewed JB about S5, did you discuss this in particular? I've heard her say that she went to IC and questioned whether or not her Character had learned anything in five years--in reference to the 'affair' with Tina, etc. So I'd like to know how she saw Bette's behavior--the mixed messages sent in breaking up with Jodi. As desperate as Bette has been to be with someone,to be connected, I still was taken aback to hear how deeply she cared about this person (perhaps because I found the Character so unappealing).

[jaq]

Hi Lydia,
Just watched IC's podcast (bad mistake on my part), and she was saying things like Jodi loves Bette " like crazy,...painfully..." Am I the only one who didn't see this? I am now really convinced that the TPTB at Showtime had somehow forced her hand in reuniting TiBette. If she still feels this bitter about the JoBette disaster, she MUST NOT write the TiBette storylines for Season 6. Can you please persuade her nicely?

Yes, Bette is indeed HOT!

[Ella]

Hi Lydia:
I just hope that episode 512 is about three hours long, because there are so many unresolved issues that my head is about to explode. 511 with all the miscommunication did it for me. I absolutely agree with your comment, the never ending breakup was too much. And now we have the She bar sh*t, the Lez girl sh*t, the Alice and Tasha sh*t, the Helena coming back sh*t, The Jenny and Nicki sh*t, The Shane and Molly sh*t, The Hammer thing, all of these stuff, plus Tibette to fit in 50 minutes. I don't know. I guess I am asking too much, but I thought that by now we would be more relaxed sailing towards a happy ending. But I feel that 512 with all the stuff I mentioned above is going to be super intense. What do you think?

[Lydia Martin]

Hi Ella,

I think the best advice I can give you about 512 is the advice I offered long ago. Just stay Zen. Enjoy this show for everything that it is and don't get stuck on everything that it's not.

Also, I would say that you should not expect everything to get neatly resolved in 512. There will be some cliffhangers of sorts. I guess that makes sense, given we need to stay interested enough to tune in for the final season next year.

[FrenchLady]

Hey jaq, Hey Ella, Hey everyone,

After watching a few IC podcasts this year, I had the same conclusion "bad mistake on my part". At one point I decided not to go there anymore. Last year was good, the little chat with actors/directors.This year, well;

Firstly, we don't care for any f*cking recepies. (excuse my french here)

Secondly, she always talk so briefly about TiBette. She focuses on the stupid Lez Girls. Don't she read any fan comments, "We don't care". Thank god, that seems over.

Can wait for the conclusion, but you're right Ella, so many sh*it to wrap up.

[Jessica]

Hi Lydia,

Regarding 512, I am fine with a few WTFs so long as they aren't completely irrelevant, cringe-inducing or embarrassing as Kit was last night. Can you give me any hope?

Does TiBette get decent sweet screen time at least?

[Sappy]

Hi all,

Jaq, I totally agree with you about the great possibility of Ilene completely screwing up Tibette in S6. I live in mortal fear of that.

Lydia, have you ever spoken to Ilene about this? Do you get the sense that she hates Tibette??? I mean, she created the characters, for God's sake. But I guess she didn't expect so many fans to fall in love with these 2 women.

I DO NOT want to see Jenny and Shane hook up. They are great as best friends. Yet why do I have a sneaky feeling that Jenny-Shane will be the focus next season....those two will end up together. Sigh.

I'm not going to even talk about the longest breakup in the history of long TV breakups and then some. Not once in this season have I got the feeling that Jodi was "crazily" in love with Bette....Ilene, it's ok to admit JoBette didn't work out. Seriously.

JB is indeed hot. But so was LuH this ep.

I heart Mia Kirschner. I wanna see her happy next season goddammit!!!

[HandsDown]

Word. I think this is the first time I've agreed with you on the triangle of doom. The break-up was ridiculous. It was IC's attempt of giving MM/JB "The Scene" for their highlight reel. It was forced. It didn't make sense. The fiery artist turns into a pathetic mess? Bette couldn't stomach sexual things with Jodi in E7 or E9? Yet, then she let it get to almost pity fuck level? Or was she somewhat into Jodi sexually? Now Jodi is really, really in love with Bette? If so, she is emotionally stunted at best. This half assed awful relationship couldn't have been the best she has ever done. Anyway, it was long, boring, overdone, and basically awful. There is almost no discussion on other boards of the episode because so much of it was wasted on JoBette..something nobody cared about for the past season and a half.

Bette grossed me out with her utter pansy ass, bitch, totally ridiculous making out with Jodi during the break-up. Lame. Stupid. And, frankly, I have no idea if she actually wants to be with Tina but just realized how awful her relationship is/was and is afraid of being alone. Look for her to try to U-Haul Tina because she can't spend a minute alone. Run Tina! You could do better!

Kit leaving the gun in a place where Angelica could get it was so stupid. Like, really, really bad climax to that storyline. Please, IC, never write another episode.

Shane/Jenny had adorable chemistry that I hadn't seen before. Their friendship is totally at ease and believable.

[Ella]

Hi Lydia:
Thanks for the advice. I know I have to keep a Zen attitude. It was probably the lunar cycle (I am PMSing), or maybe my recent breakup (a 10 year relationship), or maybe it was Bette talking, but not communicating clearly to Jodi and the approximately 30 minutes of airtime for that goodbye. I don't know, I am having a rough day and don't forget that this show and your column have become my lifesavers. I watch it (TLW) and I read you guys as part of my therapy, I call it my little breathing space. Anyways , Thanks again.

[RDDJ]

Oh Lydia,

I think I like it when you haven't taken your Zen pills before giving us our Monday re-cap. I am finding your salt particularly savory today. Thanks, Fearless Blogger!

[btfan2]

Hi Lydia

Well, well well. Finally - what I have waited for -- BT standing out on Bette's lawn exhausted(Christ how long does it take to say -- (Actually it isn't me; it really IS you!!).

Anyway BT waving BYE, BYE Hodie, BYE, BYE. Can I drop you anywhere say -- China?? IRAQ??

Well that WTF machine has smoke streaming out it ass. Lydia - I agree -- ok lets think about this. I'm Hodie; I'm in love(I know I know Dutch - I never bought that crap either) and this is my lover's first chance to see my creativity - remember I'm an artist. (I had no clue she was dumping me - I'm a sensitive artist(WTF)). Anyway I sleep with this Magnificent creature, - I'm a big time artist I had to have noticed even in passing she has the most beautiful arms in the world. Shit!! People I'm an artist!! I would notice that wouldn't I?? Anyway I would also notice various watches on one of those beautiful arms- shit we did!! So now for her first birthday with me(come on this is a big deal) - fuck sake - I'll give her A N O T H E R watch(WTF). No sketch or painting of Angie to have for eternity - don't forget I'm a bigshot, hot fuck artist. No tin thingy that I made with my oh so artictic hands, nope my pretty; for YOU -- its another watch. Shit!! No wonder she dumped you sorry ass.!!

Well people don't fret about this long good-bye. You can bet your glow in the dark, cheap plastic gaydar rings - we will have Hodie shoved so far down our collective throats next year our assess will be in perpetual flames. Preparation H anyone?? I'll also bet that come s6 ep8 that JoBoring will be alive and well and TiBette will be withering on this very lawn.

No I'm not excited about a season 6. IC only knows how to rip and tear, she hates them and us - and now she has no one to answer to.

PS this was absolutely the worst ep EVER !! - is IC on CRACK??

btfan2

[Gwen-elle]

Hey Lydia:

Absolutely loved your comments and was on point with all of them. Scary. I guess great minds think alike (or is that a lot?). LOL.

I am so with you on that totally bizarre characterization of Jodie. I am still scratching my head about it. With tongue only partially in cheek, I submit that Ilene intentionally mis-wrote Jodie this way due to a stipulation from Marlee that a script be delivered that was hammy enough to give Marlee at least half a chance to prove her worthiness of an emmy nomination. Such was the price of her capitulation to the universal loathing of her character. Let’s not forget that Marlee owns an Oscar, and for *displaying* exactly the kind of in your face emotion we saw in this week’s episode.

Still Marlee has gotten the last word. As if to thumb her nose at those of us who have dissed her, she has signed to appear on that modern day American classic “dancing with the so called stars”. See, she really *didn’t* need the work.

Those matching JoBette outfits were bizarro. That watch was even more bizarro-er. I’m with you. What kind of artist gives a lover (an ex-lover) a watch? And I don’t care how damn expensive it is.

I also see how Bette could have gotten caught up in Jodie’s desperation (the making out). I just felt that it should not have gotten to the blouse-removal stage. I was wincing the whole time this meltdown was going on, practically yelling at the screen, “Stop, stop, please don’t do this” (expletives deleted). Bette by now is clear enough on what she wants and it ain’t what Jodie was dispensing. I felt that Bette should have been on top of that situation from the start, but certainly by the second groping. I’m just tired of her acting like a dim-witted coward.

I have basically come to the conclusion that Ilene must be some kind of sadist. She seems to be determined to make us suffer. If there is a way to disappoint and frustrate us, she’s going to find it. There is absolutely no way in heck that the end of Bette’s relationship with Jodie should have overshadowed the Tibette reconnection. All of the emotional focus should have been on Tibette re-connnecting. Instead, we get this BTW moment at the end of the episode. It *was* a nice scene but the re-establishment of this family deserved more than a moment.

Thanks for your callout on that Pam-Grier-don’t-forget-I-useta-be Foxy-Brown’ thing. Way insulting. I guess Pam Grier is so desperate for airtime that she is willing to do anything.

By far my favorite things about this episode were (1) Tina’s effort to protect Jenny’s dignity. She was very strong in that. (2) What Bette said to Jodie about what she loved about Jodie and why she was not and could not be in love with her. Very well written.

Dramma.

[Cary]

Of all the negatives things I can point out in this series, particularly this season, the only thing I'd like to know is why they have reducted Bette's character to this whiny, insecure and forever with that pained look on her face? She always looks miserable and it's just gotten old.

I'm not sorry this series is almost gone for good. Not sure there's a point in having a 6th season.

[Gwen-elle]

I forgot to mention, did anyone notice that “All About Eve” was on Turner Classic Movies last night playing at about the same time Jenny was having a number done on her by Adele? For those unfamiliar with the story, the Adele storyline appears to be an homage to that classic (a very poor one I would add). I haven’t seen any of the podcasts. Maybe Ilene has acknowledged the “tribute”, but this was eerily coincidental. It was almost as if the Movie Gods were saying, “Look b*tches, this is how it’s really done”.

And what’s up with all of these movie references anyway:
Adele backstabbing Jenny (All Above Eve)
Jenny’s “Who’s coming with me” melodramatics (Jerry Maguire)
Pam Grier with a gun (Foxy Brown and other’s of that ilk)

And the homage to kill all homages, TLW referencing itself with the Lez Girls storyline.

Also, can anyone confirm for me please what Bette’s relationship with her mother was? I seem to have read somewhere that Bette’s mother abandoned her, but I can’t say that I remember hearing that in any of the episodes. Thanks.

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Dutch,

Thanks for the praise, faint or no : )
And no, I didn't talk to JB about this particular episode because I hadn't seen it yet when I interviewed her. I think I can understand why Bette had strong feelings for Jodi. It wasn't written well enough, but when Jodi was first introduced, she had the potential to be this really smart, strong, mature, artistic, self-assured counterpart to Bette in a way that the Tina of that moment couldn't have been because she was so wussy and stay-at-home and then off cybersexing and coming on to the first man that looked at her sideways. Given who Tina was then (I also blame the writing that turned her into a pod person overnight), and the promise of different, better, more grownup relationship for Bette, I was willing to get behind JoBette. But of course, Jodi turned out to be a spaz. Still, I can see why Bette was into her. She's always had a thing for artists.

It would have been a cooler story if Jodi had been actually worthy. You know, if we would have understood why Bette could be torn. Maybe we would have been torn, too. But, nah.

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Gwen,

This made me laugh: "It was almost as if the Movie Gods were saying, “Look b*tches, this is how it’s really done”.

And yeah, they seem to do a little too much referencing. But one way I think it works, and it would be cool if somebody someday made the full list, is how they reference lesbian pop culture. You know, every guest star on the show seems to either be a famous lesbian, or somehow involved with a famous lesbian, or they starred in some well-known lesbian movie of old, etc. I'm sure there are plenty of references we miss along the way. But I'll bet they have fun with that.

As for Bette's relationship with her mom, the only thing I remember is that her name was Maxine and she left Bette and her father at some point and never looked back. I think she died eventually. But I'm sure there are people who remember what few details were offered a lot better than I do.

The better question is, who the hell are Tina's parents? We never heard a word about them.

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Jaq,

I'm kinda thinking it wouldn't be such a hot idea for me to tell IC she shouldn't write for her own show any more. Maybe you can go on OurChart and give her the heads up?

[Lydia Martin]

Hi FrenchLady,

I think you forgot to take your Zen pills today ; )

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Btfan,

The more you think about it, the more the watch seems like a bizarre gift from Jodi. I mean, first of all, isn't she supposed to be this cool, loose artist who doesn't give a shit about designer labels or fancy tablecloths or other snobby trappings? Then again, maybe that's the point. Maybe she was hooking Bette up with a diamond bezel Tag because she wanted to honor her upscale girlfriend's obsession with glam. A Jodi Lerner sketch would have been hotter, and ultimately more valuable.

Then again, maybe a few grand for a watch is chump change for Jodi, but she wouldn't be that quick to hand over a free work of art that would be worth a lot more than that one day.

She loves Bette. But she doesn't looooove Bette.

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Jessica,

Bette and Tina do get more screen time than they did in 511. But I was left wanting more. Still, they had a couple of great scenes.

[Lydia Martin]

Hi RDDJ,

How could you tell?

[Ella]

The only reference of Tina's parents was done after Dana had her first chemotherapy round and they were all reunited at Bette's house. Bette said that Tina's Mom was also a lone star (If I am not wrong that was in season 3 episode 7. "Lone star" is the name of that episode). It is fresh in my memory because I recently watched the whole 4 seasons. Tina has never mentioned them, although in one episode she said that she had always taken care of people.

[Lydia Martin]

Hi Sappy,

You're right, Laurel was way hot in this episode, too. And yes, I have spoken with IC a few times about TiBette and I never got the impression at all that she hated them. I think IC genuinely set out to give us a story about a couple who love each other, but have a lot of stuff to fix before their relationship can work. She told me once that she saw TiBette gettng back together, but when they were old ladies. Later she said she changed her mind about that because of the fan reaction.

Ultimately, IC's interest from day one seemed to be presenting the drama inherent in a long-term relationship that goes sour, especially when there is co-parenting involved. It's a matter of opinion how well she pulled it off.

But hate? Why would she hate TiBette or TiBetters?

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Ella,

That's right. Totally forgot about Tina's mom being a lone star. Anyway, glad you found the show and this blog when you did. A little pop culture therapy can be a good thing. Sorry you're going through a tough time, but of course, you know you'll move on. To happier days ahead!

[Lydia Martin]

Handsdown,

TOTALLY!

[pbroulette]

I love the character of Jodi and feel like she was not given a fair shot in season 5. Basically, it seems like Bette and Jodi had a real chance at the end of season 4, then the "Tibetters" went crazy and IC was forced to change the story line. I think that A) IC should have stuck to her original story ideas because it is her show OR B) If she felt that she had to reunite Bette and Tina, then she could have at least kept Jodi the fun loving, free spirited interesting character from season 4, and the audience might have felt a little torn. Even I, a definite Jodi/Bette fan was disgusted over how little connection IC allowed in the relationship this season, just to make the Tina/Bette thing seem more "ideal."

But, who can forget last season when Bette was getting together with Jodi all of the smiles and lighthearted scenes between them. I have never seen Bette smile like that with Tina.

I hope Marlee Matlin is back next season, and I hope there is more cohesiveness to the writing in general. IC and the other writers start all of these stories and never finish them. Or finish them in a 30 second ridiculous scene (Kit-gun...)

Ok, now I need some of those Zen pills...

[Lydia Martin]

Hi pbroulette,

I agree. They didn't have to turn Jodi into a caricature in order to have Bette and Tina end up together.

And yeah, they mess with characters and storylines like they think their viewers haven't been keeping up from day one. It's quite strange.

[Sappy]

Lydia,

I guess I'm wondering if Ilene hates Tibetters cos they sorta forced her to deviate from her original intention of keeping Tibette apart. Sigh.

I agree about the character assassination of Jodi. Why was that necessary? The writers have a very heavy handed way of presenting certain storylines. It's very frustrating for loyal viewers.

[jaq]

Hey Lydia,
Gave me 2 cents in Ourchart. heh!
When Ilene said B&T would find their way back together in their twilight years, did she really expect to have that many seasons? Or would her final season be like 20 years later? Guess only Ilene knows. Still I hope btfan2 is wrong about Jobette (yuk!) in Season 6.
Doesn't make sense for that to happen especially after Bette has said "because I have it with someone else".
It just occurred to me that I might like the other characters more if Tibette stays stable, and happy together...the other dramas can play out according to Ilene's whims and fancies.

[Gwen-elle]

Lydia,

I am with you on the question about Tina's parents as well. I was operating on the understanding that, unlike with Bette, no reference at all had been made about Tina's parents. Thanks Ella for clearing that up.

One of the things I am hopeful that the writers will do next season is explore the backstory of these characters, specifically Tibette.

And thanks for the insight about the lesbian culture references in TLW. I was not aware. Gives me something else to pay attention to, along with other tidbits of interest such as story and scene continuity issues, next time I watch all seasons.

Dramma.

[colorado fan]

Lydia,

You are too funny and right on point. Love the sarcasm of your blogs.

Based on how they've portrayed Jodi, I would have anticipated Jodi telling Bette to "kiss my ass" as she flipped her off going out the door. Jodi disentegrating into desperation to hold on to Bette didn't ring true to the character. I expected fireworks and righteous anger, not this desperate, clingy person. Thank goodness for spoilers, I would have been screaming at my TV when they cut back into the Bette/Jodi breakup makeout session. Also, there is a part of me that resents the amount of time devoted to this breakup when we got 2 minutes of TiBette processing in ep509. Heck, I don't think TiBette's total screen time adds up to 20 minutes over the whole season. HA.

As much as I love to rag on IC for her stories and personality changing characters, I will miss this show when it goes off the air. I'll even admit that I like the overall arc to TiBette's story. It took YEARS to tell and sorely tried my patience. But, they did get their ultimately triamphant love story in the end. At least through S5. God only knows what IC has in mind for them next year. I will be checking spoilers again to see if I should tune in.

I love TiBette with the heat of a blazing sun. My only complaint this year is I wanted MORE TiBette time.

Looking forward to your final L Word blog next week. Hope your week goes well. Take care.

[btfan2]

Well another post.

I forgot to mention one of the GREAT BIG WTF's of ep11. Lets be serious - who does a partnership agreement with out a buy out clause. Its just standard - geeze Ivan could'n sell her 51% (just when the fuck was that established - sure don't recall any 51% deal) to Dimbo and lover Cimbo (Please, Pleas, make it stop) without first offering it to Kit. Gosh thats so standard even a stupid lawyer would have it included in any partnership agreement.

Come on tlw - THINK.

Yeah Lydia - I agree Hodie Loves her trophy Bette, but; no she doesn't Looooove Bette.

Dutch, (PS how are you??) I agree I have never bought into Hodie. First I resented having this troll shoved down our throats. She was ALWAYS all about Hodie. And I'm sorry when you start in a new relationship, aren't most people even real shit's(like Jodie) on good behavior at least for awhile.
One thing I'll give her she never hid her lack of class.

On the other hand I just have no sympathy, none. Never liked her, still don't like her and as other have suggested she should go back to NY. She could take the Gimo(gay bimbo) twin's, Maxi Pad, Tommie Cringe, Barbie Niki, Joyce the voice, Shrill Phyliss, Adelle from hell, and all the other screen stealers with her. Shit make it a field trip(a long one).

Leave the core cast, bring back Helena(the real Helena), whoa that "bitch", could create some DRAMA. Bring back Erin as another character(Why Not?? hey a GOOD WTF!!). Finsih telling the stories that have been sliced and diced for 4 uninspired seasons.

TiBette - tell the story, their story, with some love and kindness. oh shit -- I almost forgot and yes tell it on the screen with them having real conversations behaving like adults that love each other and their child. Yes - you would have to hire s REAL writer or, Let Angelia or Rose loose, Can't do that can you IC just too scary. Control freak -hmm where did that come from...

btfan2

[Ella]

btfan2:
You sure can make me laugh out loud. I love your sense of humor, although I sense is coming from years of frustration with IC and company.
I agree with you 100% on both of your blogs.
Tibette4ever

[beluga]

"I'm just over lazy scripts that would never score more than a C- in a community college writing class."

Hahaha! Good one, Lydia.

Jobette put me to sleep. Seriously. Who cares enough about those two together to keep their breakup on an endless loop? I get that Ilene loves her fiery artist, but please!

Let me also say that The Scene is untouchable in TLW history and should never ever be touched. It was perfection and should be left alone. JB and MM coming close to a pity f*ck did not come within 10 miles of The Scene.

Don't even get me started on Kit and her gun. Damn, such a lame episode.

Also, why no shoutout to Tina's utter hotness this ep? The woman looked gorgeous! Laurel's been look extra delish all season, but 5x11 was still something else. And she wasn't cursed with a wonder twin sporting a matching horrible outfit, either. :-)

[Lydia Martin]

hey btfan, i really think after this season is over we should make a list of all the wtfs. good one on the contract. i have to admit, i used to pay attention to the wtfs much more in the old days, when they still shocked me. now i just glaze right over most of them.

but i'm sure there's a bunch. there always are. we had a great list going on this blog at the end of season four.

please try to remember some and we'll have some fun again after we get over our season finale rant. because something tells me we'e gonna rant.

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Colorado,

So true about how long that JoBette breakup was compared to how little we have gotten by way of TiBette processing and reconnecting. Guess they did all their reconnecting in bed. You have a great week, too.

[Lydia Martin]

Beluga,

My bad. Of course Tina was also way hot in this episode. And they didn't dress her in anything ridiculous.

[Ella]

Hey Lydia:
I guess you know something that we don't. I confess: I am spoiled, but it sounds like we have to be REALLY prepared for Sunday. I will keep my fingers crossed and I am storing some zen pills for the big day and days to follow.

Anyways, last year you had your colleague, Lisa Arthur, write a post after the season finale, when I read it at the beginning of season 5, I was like WOW!, maybe she had a chance to preview season 5 then, (totally impossible) but her comments where so to the point and intelligent that I think maybe this year you can invite her again to see what is her take on season 6.
Thanks.

[qiqi]

I guess I can not complain too much since I have got plenty of Bette, not a typical one that I like to see. Still how can I complain for such a brilliant deliver by JB. Even I don't like Jodi, neither do I like her land on Bette, but still two of them give such a performance. Very entertatining. My best wish for S6 is to see Bette happier and have the discpline to stay happy.

[Dutch/Juno]

Okay! I'll try to make this my final rant about the Bette-Jodi relationship. There's an old saying-- "I knew you when you weren't, and you STILL aren't!!"--that summarizes my intense dislike/disbelief for the pairing. I don't fault MM; I think she did the very best with what she was given to work with. But the very fact that Jodi's feelings and intensities had to be explained and conveyed to me through V-logs, was proof that it didn't come across on the screen. Yes, Bette needed to experience an other/different relationship in order to learn and grow (AND to return to Tina!), but
mis-casting and poor writing (overall) caused "JoBette" to bomb--at least for me. So now we have a renewed and hopefully improved TiBette to look forward to in S6. But, just because btfan2 and I are paranoid (--and hey, 'bee-tee' I miss snarking with you!!), doesn't mean we're wrong!!...With it being TLW's final Season, I wouldn't be surprised at all, if IC does us wrong again! So, I'll follow Lydia's good advice, and stock up on zen capsules...along with a bunch of 'chill pills' for good measure!

[btfan2]

Lydia

Greta idea about the WTF's. And your right after we get over ranting about the season Finale(otherwise known as final insults).

As you stated 10 long monthe sto get OVER it and I'm sure more then a few laughs.

Dutch - oh yeah just because they hate us doesn't mean their not out to get us...

bt