If you can't stand the heat, stay away from the campfire.

Why is it that lesbians so often stay friends with their exes? Sure, seeing past your disagreements and recognizing that after some years together you are bonded -- family to each other and perhaps part of a broader family -- is all very noble.

Except for the little glitches. You know, you're still holding a candle to your ex, or she's still holding a candle to you. Somebody can't let go past dynamics, and drama ensues. Maybe both of you can't let go of past dynamics, and really hot sex ensues. Those scenarios would be almost manageable, except for the fact that your ex is totally ensconced in your new life. She's friends with your new girlfriend, because your new girlfriend is also trying to be an evolved lesbian who understands about those sacred bonds that should not be broken after two people have walked through a portion of life together. Especially if there's, you know,  a pet they still co-own. (Because, not to generalize or anything, but it seems lesbians who break up have a much easier time of staying friends and affording each other pet custody rights than staying friends and awarding each other child custody rights. When there are actual human children involved, lesbians too often wind up in nasty legal battles, the bio mom taking advantage of f*cked up laws that in too many states don't protect gay parents and telling the non-bio mom to take a hike.)

But, I digress. My point is, there is nothing more toxic and stomach-turning than the person you are having an affair with being up in your life and being tight with your current girlfriend. And lesbians wind up in this trap way too often. I mean, that whole thing with Bette and Tina and Jodi and the gang going on that bike ride together, with Bette and Tina stealing desperate glances of each other the whole time? I'll bet a lot of you know this feeling. It's hateful. But dykes love their drama.That's one thing the L Word has always gotten right.

They love the danger, sneaking a touch, that bit of secret conversation. Bette was never more of a dyke then when she pulled up to Tina on her bike to say, just out of ear shot from the gang, "Hey, I need to tell you something. You look really great in those pants.''

Who didn't cringe when Jodi hugged Tina after helping her put that tent together? Ouch. Super ouch when the girls are sitting around that campfire playing their little drinking game and Alice, big-mouth, obnoxious Alice, calls Bette on her sh*t: "Bette come on, I mean, you cheat. You were a giant cheater. I mean, it was a phase. I'm not saying you are now, but like, you cheated on Tina, you cheated on me. You cheated. There was a lot of cheating.''

Those were great warning looks that Bette shot Alice, but of course Alice was too wrapped up in herself and her little speech to notice or care.

And who can blame Tina for losing it after Jodi jokingly asks, "Are you cheating on me?''

Gulp. I mean, it would have been easier for everybody if Tina had displayed an icy heart and just sat there and smiled. It would have spared Jodi learning about the affair right there, in front of everybody. But, really, how could she have just sat there? And hey, finally, an honest moment. Not like Bette has too many of those. You have to wonder how Bette would have responded to Jodi if Tina hadn't cracked when she did. Would she have said, "Of course I'm not cheating on you?''

Good thing we didn't get to find out. Great scenes in the tents later, where Kit beats up on lil' sis for being such a dog and Alice and Shane go to Tina's side to try to make sense of what just went down and to offer her some support (Tina seemed so alone all night, sitting on that log with nobody's arm around while the rest of the gang enjoyed their squeeze.) As for Kit reminding Bette how awful her relationship with Tina was? Can you really blame an older sister for trying to offer a reality check? Plus, how can Kit not come around after Bette offers that teary: "I love Tina. I've always loved Tina.''

And how can the extended family not cut them both major slack after Tina cries: "I've alway been in love with her. And I feel like an asshole that I'm doing this to Jodi. But I just want her back. ''

Well, at least it's out in the open now. All of it. Because some major stuff about Bette's flaws have just come up. And this has to scare both of them.  They're still in love, but they're gonna have to do some serious work if this relationship is really going to succeed in the end.

Perhaps that's why Bette has this heartbreaking cry at dawn. It isn't just that she's sad because she has hurt Jodi and has to say good-bye to her (because I do believe Bette when she says she has a lot of love for Jodi). But that the stuff about herself that she has always been in denial about (remember when she harshly judged Jenny and Marina for their affair but then turned right around and cheated on Tina?) has been dragged into the light by the people who know her best.

Guess we'll see if Bette and Tina can triumph.

Even with all their crap, they probably have a much better shot than Shane and Molly, or Jenny and Niki. Even Tasha and Alice, who still seem to want very different things.

Gotta love Molly for chasing Shane all the way to -- where was that bike ride, anyway? And for giving that impassioned speech about still being gay 101, but being willing to put in the work to become advanced placement gay. Cute. But is Molly the uptown intellectual ultimately going to be happy with Shane the high school dropout?

And as many times as Niki tells Jenny she's in love with her, I just ain't buying it. I mean, hello, did Niki just kind of come on to Shane? Whatever, can't hate on that strap-on scene. Except, Jenny not only packed that purple toy, but black lingerie and stilettos to go on a camping trip?

What is pretty easy to hate on is Adele, her evil ways, and the whole storyline around her. Ugh.

Two more episodes left, people. Can the powers wrap up season five in a way that won't make us pound our heads against a wall? Guess we'll see.

Comments

[lisalisa]

you are so right about all of that. draaaaama. but i loved it!

"Hey, I need to tell you something. You look really great in those pants.''

wheeeeee. you knew right from then a train wreck was coming.

but i was deeply distressed by one thing: the coming next week scenes.

kit, i swear, PUT THAT GUN AWAY NOW.

[Dutch/Juno]

"...Guess we'll see if Bette and Tina can triumph...". Yes, with the announcement of an S6, I guess we will, Lydia! Here's a chance for IC and company to look at yet another of "our stories"--the second time around-- a situation that actually does occur "in the life". Maybe I'm asking for too much here, given the heavy-handed approach we've suffered through with many so many of the s/ls, but I am hoping that the writers will give this one a fair shake. Can we pull-ease see how this couple grapples with jealousy and possessiveness,learns to communicate more honestly, AND builds a healthy relationship? All these things hold the potential for the "drama" that IC thinks is so important to portray, but they also
offer the chance to FINALLY do right for us long-suffering TiBette fans! What 'cha think, Lydia? Wanna place any bets? (lol)

[ella]

Hi Lydia:
I Totally agree with you on the ex-girlfriends becoming part of an extended family, that is the way it's in my life and the more I live the more intricate and complicated it gets. Why do we do it? I just don't know, I believe we are trying to preserve the friendship, the good stuff that brought us together in the first place.And yes, sometimes it can be full of Drama.
The show is coming to an end pretty soon and I just don't see how in 2 more episodes they are going to unfold all these stories in a reasonable way. More Zen pills coming this way.. Ha

[lisalisa]

has there been an announcement that there will be a season 6?

[Lydia Martin]

Hey lisalisa,

Yup. Eight more episodes, which seems like the right number to wrap everything up. They better let TiBette live happily ever after, no matter how Hallmark and cheesy that may look on screen. That, and they should have Carmen ride back into WeHo to reclaim Shane, who by then will have done some couch time and be able to make a real commitment. Also I'd like lots of Helena, please. And no more Max or Adele or Lez Girls antics in general.

Any other finale wishes?

[ella]

Hey Lydia:

I am with you 100%. I love this:"now matter how Hallmark and cheesy that may look on screen".
TiBette4ever

[lisalisa]

oh yeah! shane and carmen! plant that seed in the adled mind of the lword braintrust next time you talk to them.

8 eps does seem good to wrap it up. and im with you. if after all this, tina and bette dont get to live the cheesiest meltiest gooiest happilyiest ever afterist, IC deserves to have her writer/producer/filmmaker license revoked.

[btfan2]

Lydia

I notice that most of your post is referring to or about TiBette. Shame there's more TiBette in you column then there has been for the last 3 eps.

What to say. I like the outside stuff. Like the mention of Dana - some of us still miss her. Loved the gang having fun.

Hated, hated all the bullshit fucked up DRAMA. I guess the under 22 crowd loves this Niki - person so even though I find her and Jenny slightly amusing -their story doesn't desreve to be the centerpiece of this season. But; I'm over the hill so what do I know. Heaven forbid that we who have put up with 5 years of bullshit, WTF's, bad writing and no story should expect "some", loyalty as in maybe a few real TiBette min.

I keep thinking wow wouldn't this be a great ep if Bette and Tina were together. Walks in the woods, some kissy face huggie bear under the stars. Real conversation.

After 5 years I get that IC and gang haven't got a fucking clue how to do romance. They just tear and rip and cheapen everything.

I can't fathom why anyone who has watched the last 5 season's of this shit would even consider setting themselves up for more. S5 is the END for me.

And the WTF's are off the chart. Alice doesn't seem to remember fucking Dana while she was engaged to Tanya. I fucked "The Theory of everthing", man while his wife was in another city, without a qualm, point my finger and diss my sister Kit.(oh we remember Kit - we remember).

Then there's Maxi pad and Tommy cringe make my skin craw every time he's on the screen. They don't get that if you have 2 breast, 2 ovaries and a vagina YOU ARE A WOMAN. It doesn't matter what opening he inserts his peeper into - you a FUCKING a woman. How when playing "I never", can Tommy Cringe not raise his hand on the fucking a woman "thing". My question Tommy Cringe. What do you two do when Max has HER period???? With the issues these 2 have - well maybe both of you should consider withdrawing youselves from the JUDGEING. H E L L O!!!

Then Shane tells someone - who I can't remember (Niki??)that Jenny was invited to a party a Bette and Tina's 2 years ago. Shit no wonder we never know what year it is. Had to be at least 3 years ago. Tina didn't get preg for a least 3 months after that. Angie is over 2 -- do the math.

And Hodie well here's to you girl. Let's try this one more time - I'll go really slow. Here's Tina stomping away, here's Bette with that Deer in the headlight oh shit look and here's the magic marker. Now draw a line from Tina to Bette -- we'll wait - think it through, think harder oh, oh, yes!! now it registers. Don't forget to stomp away, lock the tent(how the fuck do you lock a tent???). Play the wronged woman to the hilt.(no it doesn't matter that you treated Bette like shit. That you have no history, no child, no ring and no I love you's - damm it your the wronged woman. Play that card baby.)

lisalisa

Let me know how that happy ever after works.

btfan2

[hasbian]

Hi LM! That was a fun episode and the best written epi I have seen all season. I really enjoyed seeing the old Alice fully engaged and she and Tasha are too cute. I really enjoyed the Jenny-Niki sex scenes. Mia Kirshner always gives 100 percent. Was that a gymnastic backbend? On to Tibette. What a great, fantastic, emotionally riveting campfire scene. Tina’s expression before she bolted was amazing. Alice as usual opened her big mouth. Tina understandably couldn’t hold her feelings inside and for the first time Bette as you pointed out LM finally tried a bit of honesty even if it was delivered through the silence of her answer to Jody. I loved the way Angela Robinson wrote the aftermath with a different character basically giving voice to what we the fans have been saying about Tibette all long. Shane thinks they belong together; Kit said they were awful together and Jenny said – they never should have broken up in the first place. I thought that was really cool. But the best scene in the epi was watching Tina say she wanted Bette back. Oh my gosh. She was so friggin sincere, passionate and even a little desperate. Bravo to my fave actress Laurel Holloman for bringing both the sexy and the fine acting chops. And Bette saying she has always loved Tina was priceless. Thank God Angela Robinson wrote the epi. Otherwise we never would never have heard these words. Also loved the Bette crying scene of course. Yes Bette you should cry because You created this mess with your cheating and even worse IMO being a coward and not telling Jody immediately. You are right LM, boy has Bette changed from season 1. She is a hot mess. And that is obviously what IC wanted since the character is based on herself. I also loved the dialogue around the campfire about what constitutes cheating. Looks like the writers do read the message boards. And we get a 6th and thankfully final season. I don’t think my heart can take much more of the Tibette push pull.

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Dutch,

Nah, wouldn't want to place any bets. But I am looking forward to one more season. After watching through episode 12 of season five, I was worried it might ultimately end on that note. A very good thing that there will be more, trust me.

[Lydia Martin]

Hi Ella,

Don't know why we stay so connected to our exes. When the friendships work, it's a beautiful thing. When they don't, it's hell. We experience this, and watch other people experience this, and yet we stay stuck in the cliche. So I wonder if this means that Jodi will get over being angry and next season she'll be all buddy-buddy with Bette and Tina?

[Lydia Martin]

btfan,

Are you serious? You're gonna have the discpiline to not watch season six? I mean, you've already put in five tough years, why not be a completist?

[Lydia Martin]

Hi hasbian,

You're right, Laurel was great in her scenes. Very moving. What would you like to see of TiBette in season six?

[Sue]

Hi Lydia,

I'm so glad there will be a season 6. I can't imagine Bette and Tina ever being "just friends" though. All they have to do is look at each other and the sparks fly. One of them would have to move away to a different city or something. lol

[hasbian]

LM I am really scared now to watch the last 2 episodes based on what you just hinted. I'm with you guys, I just want a friggin HAPPY COUPLE of Tina and Bette. While the drama last night was good, the entire season of not talking and reading minds and gestures- was just tiring. I want to see them not have ANY major drama next year. I WANT THEM TO GET ALONG LIKE REGULAR COUPLES with minor squabbles. I want them to talk and not in this secret code IC is fond of writing. But Pleasepleaseplease LM tell IC and whomever else you talk to we just want a HAPPY TIBETTE so we can be happy Tibetters.

[ella]

Hey btfan2:

You made laughed so hard with your post that I almost pee on my pants. You are definitely very funny,very passionate and very upset with the show. But I do get your points and all the WTF's are soo there. Really hilarious. Ha

[btfan2]

Ella

Yes I am passionate - so "they", tell me. And YES I am upset. Come on this reunion could have been bittersweet(Don't you feel cheated??). It could have gone down as the love story of all time. But; no IC has to make it cheap and dirty. WHY??????

Bette has more issues then Readers Digest, but she isn't and never has been a "coward", seems every year they add more and more "stuff", to her resume. Seems the more we love her the more IC hates her. Don't get me started on TiBette.

This is just IC being spiteful. Now that she has her s6, does anyone really think for one second that she will or is even able to be romantically generous??

Lydia,

Yes I can be that discpilined if I set my mind. Gee whats to miss. I'm sick today, some bug, on top of a really bad day and boy am I cranky. So no, I haven't set my mind yet. But; boy another Bette bashing ep and I'm there. It's bad enough that the TiBette chemistry is being wasted, they have to just keep kicking and kicking Bette. Shit!!

btfan2

[Ella]

Btfan2:

I do feel cheated, I do understand your point of view. Hey, I just got involved in TLW 7 weeks ago by accident. In that time I have watched every single episode repeatedly. You see, I just ended a 10 year relationship with my life partner and this show came to me as a distraction, I wasn't looking for it, it found me, so I have tried to keep it zen; you know light. I have so much sh*t going on that this has become my therapy(you would say WHAT?) Well, believe it or not, I have found a space, a little breathing room where all these characters come to life with their emotional issues, patterns of behavior, love stories; plus all of the writing flaws; not to mention all of the constant WTF's. I wish for a romantic, well portrayed lesbian lifestyle, but I accept what the show offers and I rewrite the story, like we all do, because it is obvious that IC and her team are bringing all of their own drama. It sucks. Yes. But, I just want some distraction and believe me, I do get it. Everybody watches for their own particular reason. For me it's okay. Will I watch season 6?. You bet. I am prepared, I already know what 's in store for me (more head banging drama), but I am hopeful and I do feel obligated to watch until the end ( I am so invested in this TiBette love story). Maybe at the end we will be surprised.
Hey, for me it has only been 7 weeks, you have 5 years and counting, so hang in there, You ARE not alone...

[colorado fan]

Lydia - you always put a smile on my face. Nice recap.

The end of the season is quickly approaching. I thought this episode really worked. I loved the biking/campfire scenes. Anytime the gang gets together, you know it's going to be good. I thought the strap-on sex scene was very well done. It didn't feel chessy. It worked.

So glad the secret is finally out in the open. For all to see. I am beyond ready for the whole Bette/Jodi thing to be over. Call me heartless but I don't care about Jodi. I want her to leave, now. She seems like a brat to me. And, I hope that Jodi doesn't make an appearance in S6.

My only WTF was Alice saying Bette cheated on her. What? When? Alice said they were in the BFF stage when Bette met Tina. And, weren't they only together for 6 weeks or something like that?

I really liked the fact Tina couldn't let the question slide and choose to exit. It set up Jodi's question to Bette, but it showed Tina has a conscience and some integrity left. I really felt for Tina when Jodi gave her a hug. You could tell she was torn. She knows her happiness is at the expense of Jodi's. I only hope after this mess is wrapped up, IC lets Bette and Tina find real happiness together.

The tent conversations, where each declared their love, were the best part of the episode for me.

I've read where we have lots of dramarama coming in ep11. I'll just have to endure it.

I haven't had the experience of living near my ex - thank goodness. My partner and I have been blessed and have been together 25 years. Luckily, our careers have allowed us to move about the country several times and experience different cities. So, we've missed out on that type of drama. Seems like a good thing.

[Sappy]

I'm both elated and terrified at the thought of Season 6. My instant reaction was, Shit, IC is gonna screw up Tibette again!!

It's a phobia we Tibetters live with. IC can indeed make things right with this couple. Show them work at their relationship in S6. Bette has to confront her destructive behaviour. And in the end, I want them both unconditionally happy, dammit.

Episode 10 was great all around. Both tent scenes were extremely moving and I shed a tear at Bette and Tina's love confessions to their friends and family. They can't fight it anymore. They're acknowledging their feelings to everyone. I love these two women. I wish IC loved them as much.

[Sappy]

Lydia,

I forgot to mention that you made a great observation about Tina seeming all alone sitting on the log at the campfire. It was quite a wistful sight, yeah? Everyone else was paired up. Must have been painful to just watch Bette from afar.

[Lydia Martin]

Hey Ella, BTfan,

Once this season ends, we'll have many months to get over being pissed off by the turns in the plot and whatnot. By next winter, when season six starts, we'll be refreshed and ready for more.

[Lydia Martin]

Colorado,

25 years. Wow. Congrats! And lucky you that you don't have to endure the typical dyke drama.

[Lydia Martin]

Sappy,

Yeah, had to feel bad for Tina during that whole Pink Ride thing.

[btfan2]

Lydia

I'm sure your absoultely right. But; I have to agree with Colorado Fan.

**************************
I'm both elated and terrified at the thought of Season 6. My instant reaction was, Shit, IC is gonna screw up Tibette again!!

****************************

See this is the crux of the whole thing. I'm a hard core Bette fan and a hard core Tibetter. Tina's not hard to take either!! Yeah over the top!!

I'm sure every REAL TiBetter had this exact same thought when s6 was announced.

I was hooked on TiBette first scene first sight of TiBette. I was hooked on a love story. A LESBIAN LOVE STORY. Still am. Five seasons of being played, used, laughed at and pissed on. See where I'm going here - right back to Colorado Fan's - screw up TiBette again-- STILL. (its like a sickness with IC)

What a wonderful opportunity for IC to really spite the fans and the Characters she hates. Make no mistake IC hates us and them. Its not just poor choices, its not just an accident and its not just for DRAMA - yes these are the evident reasons but; the real unspoken shit is clear. She just hates this couple, hates that she was forced to abandon JoBette(now we get the Jenny - Niki replacement) and hates that she had to pretend to want to reunite TiBette.(She's made her real feelings pretty damm clear with the current TiBette story line)

So now she has s6 knows its the final season and doesn't have to do one damm thing she doesn't want to do. Think about it.

And even if IC had a weak moment and wanted to go out in style, she just plain doesn't know how -- not a clue!!

Name one sucessful relationship, name one character that has not cheated, lied, stolen, burned down buildings, left brides at the alter, left wrecked cars on the highway, written horror stories about their "friends", brought false harrasment charges, had abortions, been killed off, or worse ignored for a zillion eps, etc, etc name one happy ending. ONE!!!! Anywhere in the previous 4 seasons. Name one character that has not been assassinated, no none to the extend of Bette and Tina. But; name one - well I can "Dana", but hell she had to die to get that honor!!

There's a pattern here and one that I think IC is incapable and unwilling to break.

So yes there will be many months to get over it and the lure of Jennifer Beals will surely get me back on the team.(yes!! I'm powerless)

I'm sure not gonna be wearing any rose colored glasses.

btfan2

[lenb]

My roommate texted me while I was leaving class "the l word got picked up for only one more season". I had heard the rumors, so I wasn't surprised. She doesn't watch TLW, but when I got back to the room, I told her how I didn't really want it to go on.

Knowing how much I like the show, she was confused.

I tried to explain how two characters- whom everyone wants to be together- are finally working towards coming together for real. If it goes on for another season, that's enough time to crush them.

However, in season 1 it took 13 episodes to break them up and in season it took 9. Maybe another 6 months will pass? At this point, IC really cannot break them up again without being repetative. They've each tried numerous relationships- none worked. Bette's cheated. Tina's all but cheated and gone back to men. They've lost their sex drives. They had custody battles. So what could break them up now?

IC, it seems to me, laid the TiBette drama on thick for ratings purposes. She no longer needs ratings now, so just give us the tiny moments we all want to see.

How about a storyline about them being happy? The only time they have ever been happy was when Tina told Bette she was pregnant and the last 5 episodes of season 2.

[FrenchLady]

Hey Lydia,

"Cynical thoughts before sweet dreams" (Just feel to lighten the mood)

I was thinking about how season 6 should be and I came up with this… idea.
It’s not a fan fiction; it’s more like a certain way to end the last season in a more memorable way. So that’s why I think that if we can only get eight episodes for season 6, why don’t we ask for seven episodes and a one-hour special, Wait, wait, wait don’t scream, keep reading. You might agree after all!

God, I really have some nerves for posting this. I feel like a trader.
Hum! On top of that, I’m gonna have hard time explaining this one.
(Gwen-elle, Please come to my rescue with your great touch. Alternatively, just stab me…if you wish)

Ok, this last episode should be the greatest moments of all seasons with commentary on from the cast. You know the same way they did the first season’s pilot. If you bought the DVD, you already know what I’m talking about. There is an option to watch that episode with the commentary on. (Have you been wandering all this time who the hell listen a DVD with the commentary on? But hey! There’re actually a lot to learn from the actors).
JB & IC where commenting this full ep. They commented on many issues and I bet they would never have it otherwise. I’ve learned from JB’s herself how she felt in some particular scene, how she got the part, how she felt about the cast…That was great. It gave me a feeling of intimacy. If somehow they where sharing some secrets.

Except, for this matter in order to be good, it should be organized in a careful way, so they wouldn’t talk all at once. Better, why don’t they give JB & LH the part and we can keep a sweet perpective of ours TiBette or JenLo if you prefer.

So, ok, I didn’t convince you. But at least that is something that should be taken into consideration for the DVD version. And what about the bloopers or “the behind scene” that everyone is endlessly asking since season one. Oh, ya! That’s already been taking care of, with Nikki (the Barbie doll’s sister “Kelly”).

Finally, because it has been a while that we are living on WTF's, they should make season 6 the biggest WTF ever. (No, I’m not smoking pot tonight) I’m just concerned about next year, my mind is spinning and sends me all sort of scenarios (afraid to be abandoned with a bitter taste).

So how about making this last season with ONLY the original cast. And by eliminating all the flaws (irrelevant characterssss) gradually bringing, Ivan, Marina, Dana …and create some crazy non-sense story with it. (it’s not like we never been there ). Some classic twist, like, everything we watched was just a dream…and we will live happily ever after thinking WTF where we complaining about?

O.k., you didn’t like my Ideas. Oh well, It is not as if you never warned me not throwing the pills!

Zzzzzz...

[beluga]

Dramarama!

How amazing was Laurel this ep. She had me completely choked up with her confession of love. And laughing my ass off when Tina, Alice, and Shane drank right after Shane says, "I never saw this coming. Ever." ROTFLMAO! Those scenes in the tent were the best part of a great episode. So well done.

Alice has a big mouth and I'm glad someone called her on it. It's not Alice's fault that Bette is a coward, but a little sensitivity to all the tension flying around would have been nice.

You are so right that even with all their mess, the only couple with a real fighting chance remains Bette and Tina.

Jenny and Nikki are a disaster waiting to happen. Alice and Tasha have great big warning bells going off already. Shane and Molly? Yeah right. Shane has been repeating the same story for the last 5 seasons ... I predict this one will end exactly the same way.

[Gwen-elle]

Hey Lydia, Hey FrenchLady, Hey Everybody

So it looks like we got a second life, a season 6 (though much to the dismay and trepidation of some :-) I will concede I was pleased to hear the news. Even happier to hear that it will be only 8 episodes, the better to keep the storylines tight, on point and dare we hope empty of as many WTF moments as possible!

Episode 10. Finally some dramma (and I do mean that with two m’s). Ooh that scene when Jodie gets the news. I truly felt for the girl (but then, the better to get her on her way and out of the show for good and as soon as possible. We can only hope.)

Had never heard of this Pink Ride event before. Did a quick google and see that something like that actually exists. Nice. So loved the setting. Those mountains . . . Watching this episode made me want to get out my bike, the one that I paid hefty bucks for almost two years ago and that has been ridden exactly twice.

Lydia, the ride was in the Pacific Northwest. Ha. Those TLW writers, gotta just looovve them for the great attention they pay to detail. Pacific Northwest. Really, is that all they could tell us? I know the show is shot in Vancouver, but still it would have been nice to hear an actual location. I’d love to visit. I’ll check the end credits the next time I watch to see if I missed something.

But what I would absolutely love to know is where in the tom jones did all that camping equipment come from, not to mention all the sh*t that the tents were furnished with? They had more stuff than I have in the place where I actually *live*. And who was taking care of Angelica? Everyone in the family was on the trip. Ummm.

Not to put too fine a point on things, but I would have loved to have seen that scene of Bette by the lake in tears filmed differently. I could hear myself going camera, action and cut as the scene played out, a clear sign for me that I am not emotional involved in what is going on, not buying the drama (or the acting). Here we had the mist, the mountains and the lake, so evocative of mood. A distant shot of Bette standing facing the lake, the camera behind her approaching and panning around to see her face, distressed and tear streaked I think would have been more effective. As shot and played, I found it a bit histrionic. Sorry.

FrenchLady, I think it would be great to have a special DVD that incorporates the bloopers and behind the scene stuff. I especially love bloopers. The commentary would be fine also, but in all honesty only if it is truly interesting and adds more to what we’re seing than distracts (or detracts) from it. I only watched the pilot of TLW with the commentary on. I seem to remember that I enjoyed it okay. There was at least one other of the previous seaons’ DVDs that had commentary, but I didn’t watch it (them).

[FrenchLady]

Hey Gwen-elle,

From what I know, the location of the bike ride filming was in Pitt Meadows BC, at the Swan-e-set golf course

Bon voyage ;-)

[Lydia Martin]

Hi FrenchLady, Gwen,

So far, the L Word DVDs have left much to be desired. Very few worthy extras, except maybe the Season One DVDs with JB and IC commentary. A lot of people have complained about this for a long time. You'd think the powers would get their act together and offer more. You know they must have great bloopers and whatnot. Oh well. Maybe they're holding on to that stuff so that later, after they have made us spend money for every season on DVD, they can have yet something else to sell to us. Or, well, who knows what their reasons are.

[Lydia Martin]

beluga,

i think you're right about all of those other relationships. they all seem pretty doomed. what's interesting is the parallel between Shane and Bette. They both had bad relationships with their mommies and daddies, they both sabotage their romantic relationships, they both are pooty-chasing dogs. well, i guess Shane gets the gold medal for that one. But it's always been implied that Bette would have given Shane a run for her money back in her younger days.

[Gwen-elle]

Hey FrenchLady,

Thanks for the info. Just sent off for a travel brochure. Sweet dreams are made of this . . . See ya next week.

[fantasmic]

Hey everyone!

Just counting down the hours before Sunday and can't help but echo many of the sentiments already posted here. Kudos to Angela Robinson for directing such a heart-wrenchingly poignant episode, with a healthy helping of comic relief and fun, and the actors for pulling it off masterfully.

Lydia, your post about the parallels between Shane and Bette are spot-on. I suspect that had Bette never met Tina, she probably would still be giving Shane a run for her money. But after experiencing a deep emotional connection with Tina, there was no turning back for Bette, even during the pain of the Candace fallout when she admitted to Shane she'd "might just like to study at (her) feet" regarding sex with no emotional entanglements.

Meanwhile, despite Shane's lothario ways, she's always been very wistful about Bette and Tina's relationship, waxing poetic about how they "get to go home and go to sleep with the same person (they've) been in love with for seven years". I somehow doubt that Molly is Shane's "Tina", maybe Carmen was, who knows?

On a different note, I hope that Tasha and Alice will fight the odds and stay together, although it just doesn't seem to be in the cards. Tasha's character doesn't deserve to be written off simply because she's served her purpose (i.e. DADT storyline). Of course, that's exactly what IC & co. did with Dana so I guess we shouldn't be surprised.