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« The L Word
January 28, 2007: Like a Fine Wine
The opening scene of tonight's L Word had to have been one of the funniest “O” scenes ever, even funnier than "Sally's" "I'll have what she's having!" Once Alice and Phyllis' explosive uh... lesson was over, I thought to myself, "OK, they're my favorite couple now!" Unfortunately, Alice is just playing to play and not for keeps. This makes me sad for Phyllis, nervous for Bette and a little bit peeved at Alice. But I'm holding out hope that we'll get some more great scenes with Alice and Phyllis together. Of course, Helena came through once again with a perfect comedic comment on the situation.
I really hope that we'll get to see Helena cater Phyllis' event, and that maybe Helena will kick some major booty at it, too. I want her to suddenly realize that she's gifted at something really amazing (beyond "backwards basketball") and catering could possibly be it. I mean, as "Miz Peabody," she knew how to coordinate amazing parties and events; maybe she could actually be good at it as a profession. I'd love to see that.
(I don't know why I just thought of this, but... why doesn't Helena ever hear from her ex-wife and the kids?)
I felt so, so, so very bad for Max, and the situation may not be over. Do you think that boss' daughter will just keep it to herself, or do you think she'll tell her dad and get Max fired? That's a real nail-biter there.
I cannot believe how low Jenny has sunk to get revenge on her worst critic. [Cuing up Psycho violins: zing-zing-zing-zing]
The basketball game rocked. I'd love to see the girls go at it again in a rematch. Hilarious how Bette was taking the game so seriously, which is so very like Bette.
I wonder if Nadia's going to do anything psycho now that Bette threatened her with disciplinary action, or if she'll just back off. It's really hard to tell if Nadia actually cares about Bette, or just lusts for her.
I adore Jodi. Oh my goddess, I want to see more-more-more of Marlee Matlin. Her character is amazing as an artist, too. I think she'll be challenging Bette in some interesting ways... and that maybe Bette will fall for her. I also love Jodi's interpreter and their rapport together.
I'm angry at Angus for allowing that weird blonde chick to sway him from Kit. Leave it to a broken ego to make a person self-sabotage like that.
Goosebump-inducing moment of the night: Shay's drawing. Major tear-welling for me with one look at Shane's expression. I feel so badly that Shane wound up having to do that photo shoot to pay Shay's medical bills, but it proves how willing she is to become responsible, and that she truly feels invested in him now. She looked amazing in the photo shoot, too. I mean, Katherine Moennig is so stunningly gorgeous and photogenic, all she has to do is stand there and she's perfect.
Finally, I raise my glass to Dana. When the girls were all talking about "L sports," even I felt a little twinge of grief when they mentioned tennis. We miss you, Dana.
OK, L Commitee, your turn!
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Jan 29, 2007 12:26 AM
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There were so many fun moments in this episode. The B-Ball game was too funny, I kept rewinding because there was so much smack talk and cheating. And Bette talking about weekly practice? HA, so Bette. It was cool to see all the friends show up and play knowing they had no chance.
I also loved Shay's drawing, and the look on Shane's face said it all.
Despite all the fun stuff, it was not easy watching Max break the truth to his girlfriend; I liked that he described the why and how of his transformation instead of just the basics; even though it didn't help.
And Nadia was acting so absurd in the classroom, is she really so obsessed that she doesn't notice?
Oh and Angus, please stay away from the blonde nanny; PLEASE.
I'm probably all alone when I say this but I've always liked Jenny, and I can't wait to see what ridiculous disaster is gonna happen with the vet.
BEST MOMENT: The girls reaction to Helena's backward shot.
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Jan 29, 2007 2:31 AM
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This ep was pretty funny but I also like how the writers highlighted some serious stuff too. Like with Shane's lack of health insurance coverage for Shay (and herself). Granted, she had the modeling job in her backpocket, but it's hardly a 'choice' when the medical bills are piling up.
Also interesting was the whole university/donor/money storyline that introduced us to Jodi. While I understand why Jodi resisted Bette's request to hide the controversial sculpture, it shows you how much money matters to support universities as sites of artistic/intellectual production.
The b-ball game was great! I especially loved that Papi totally called the ladies out on their bougie-ness. This show tends to gloss over class dynamics/relations and we all know the lives the ladies of the L word lead aren't representative of most dykes (and I don't necessarily think they should be - but it can be misleading to some viewers). Also, thought it was interesting how Tina showed up to play and the ladies challenged her right to be there. When she said she still identified as a lesbian, that she thinks of being a lesbian as a political identity, Jenny refuted that - arguing you're only a lesbian if you have sex with women. It seems like there should be room for both (as well as other) understandings...thoughts?
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Jan 29, 2007 8:18 AM
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The basketball scene was classic! It will now always be one of my favorite L Word moments. Jenny with the cup of coffee in her hands, hilarious! And Bette telling her to put it the "f" down was even funnier. Bette has always liked to succeed and is very strong-willed so she was surpisingly (to her) right at home, especially with the previous basketball experience.
JFame, you're not alone. I've always loved Jenny, but, I must admit that her antics are starting to get on my nerves this season and I have to agree with Jeannine that I can't believe she's going this far either. So, her brilliant plan is to what, steal the journalist's girlfriend just to humiliate and hurt her? Poor Jenny.
Jeannine, I asked myself the same thing last week about Helena's children. Not even a mention...
The Nadia/Bette storyline is so predictable and has been done so many times before. I hope they wrap this one up fast because I just want to fast forward past those scenes. I'm sorry, it's just so annoying because I knew that's where they were going from the first time Bette ever met Nadia.
I knew they weren't going to let Kit and Angus be happy so I'm over them now.
I do agree that Max's storyline is not over with the boss' daughter, but, he absolutely cannot fire Max for that reason alone (it's actually not a reason at all) although I would like to see him try so Max can bury him in court.
Tina showing up to play really took me by surprise, but, not for the reasons that Jenny stated. She seems to have distanced herself from the rest of the group (maybe intentionally, maybe not) and when she does hang out she always has her boyfriend with her. It almost seems as if though they are trying to write Tina's character off the show, except that Tina and Bette have Angelica in common so they probably can't or won't at the moment. Every time she's around now things just seem so awkward and not because she's now bisexual, something's just off.
I don't know what is about this show or maybe it's just because of the positive vibe on this blog, but, none of my posts for the other shows that I watch are ever this long. 
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Jan 29, 2007 10:21 AM
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I totally forgot Helena had kids and an ex! I hope she finds something too. I can see her being an event planner, but a caterer - I don't think so. She just doesn't seem like she would know how to cook.
The basketball game was hysterical. Jennie screaming 'I told you not to throw it to me'. I laughed and laughed. Bette is the most competitive person on this show so it didn't suprise me when she bought her usual intensity to the game. I love seeing Papi, especially with Shane. Shane sooo doesn't care one way or another but Papi spends way too much time thinking about Shane. I think she wants to get with her so she can dominate her and have bragging rights. I was so sorry for Max but there's no way that wasn't going to happen. I'm pretty sure the girl will tell her dad and he'll fire Max and they'll end up in court. Should be exciting to watch. I thought Phyllis was already getting out of line just dropping by Alice's house to bring her a present. But she's like a baby, she has to be taught everything so she could do worse than having Alice for her first affair. But I think Alice should be really honest with her and tell her she's not looking for a relationship, although the previews for next week look like they're going in that direction. Jennie's a looney tune that I never tire of watching. She and Nadia should start a Looney Lesbian club.
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Jan 29, 2007 11:18 AM
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I am a newbie to the show and have fallen for it HARD! I watched all of Season 3 in On Demand and have the other sseasons DVDs in my Netflix cue so I am so on board!
Really good show last night, Alice's directions to Phyllis have given me a TON of ideas for when I am no longer celibate 
So has Jenny always been a little on the kooky side? I look forward to seeing how this whole sick-dog-cute-vet-who-is-the-survivor-girlfriend-of-my-literary-nemesis thing plays out. And I knew from the start that Nadia chick was bad effin' news! I mean she practically, actually she totally threw herself at Bette.... and am I the only one who is not a Tina fan? Her whole switchback thing has me so not liking her!
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Jan 29, 2007 12:26 PM
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Yeah, Jenny's always been kooky. As for Tina, while I don't mind that her sexuality is clearly more fluid than originally presented, I am surprised she's not doing more to preserve her friendships. It strikes me as a bit implausible, but maybe not. She can be pretty annoying. Also, it's kind of like the writers are making her into this season's Tim (Jenny's BF from season 1). She's presented as the token, clueless, tedious straight person (yes, Kit is straight - but as stated in this ep, she's an "honorary lesbian").
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Jan 29, 2007 1:28 PM
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My favorite characters have always been Alice (for her humor) and Shane (for her edginess). Dumping Carmen at the end of last season really put a damper on my Shane love and I just didn't see how the writers were going to redeem her but the Shay/Shane relationship has taken care of that quite nicely. I think if you have followed Shane's character from the beginning the scene with Shay's drawing was incredibly powerfull. Brought tears to my eyes.
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Jan 29, 2007 2:11 PM
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I really liked this episode...so many funny moments! Loved that the dog Jenny got threw up on her foot...classic. Loved watching Kit try to squeeze her foot into those sneakers(I have totally been there myself!) and loved watching the basketball game. Shane calling Papi "pops" was too cute and Jenny holding the coffee during the game and saying "I told you not to throw it to me" was hi-larious!!
I am so pissed that Angus is going to cheat with the skinny nanny because I was so getting used to the idea of the relationship between him and Kit, but oh well, we can't have everything! I am totally in love with this show and live for my Sunday nights to watch this!
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Jan 29, 2007 3:25 PM
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I'm enjoying this season so much so far, and so glad they've gone back to finding the humour.
Loved that opening. Alice is brilliant, although poor Phyllis might have heartbreak coming up if she counts on her.
The basketball was funny, although as soon as Pape challenged Alice, you knew they would get creamed! Not an athletic one among them, just competitive Bette. Did I see it wrong or was Tina playing for the other team (so to speak!) and Bette fouling her LOL!
Enjoyed Marlee Matlin's intro a lot. I like her as an actress, although how they can get her into any sex scenes when she has the interpreter guy with her all the time should be fun! Did we all spot his appreciative signs about Bette :D
Very enjoyable episode - keep it up L Word!
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Jan 29, 2007 7:48 PM
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Cate, I'm sure the interpreter guy will know when it's time to leave.
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Feb 2, 2007 3:45 PM
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