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« The L Word
March 11, 2007: B is for Bette
This episode turned into the Bette hour, didn't it? After watching Bette go through her ups and downs over three seasons, I have to say, I'm siding with Jodi in this fight. Bette is a control freak, and even though she may have had the best intentions in planning the party for Jodi, it turned out to be a bizarre validation device for Bette, and not really at all about Jodi.
It's so ironic. Bette kept trying to interpret for Jodi regardless of Jodi's wishes, and Bette's reason was that she didn't want Jodi to "miss anything." Well, as far as dinner-party banter, sure, Jodi missed some things. However, what Jodi did not miss out on was the one thing that Bette would have wanted her to miss, namely Bette's need to control.
When it comes to reading people, Jodi has a keen sense of character judgment, and that didn't work so well for Bette tonight. Jodi read Bette like a book, but Bette didn't want to hear anything that Jodi had to say about it. Being deaf has nothing to do with how much one can read other people. Words are just words, and actions truly do speak louder than words... at least, tonight it did for Bette and Jodi.
In my opinion, Jodi is absolutely right: Bette does seem to want a partner who works for her. I know that she doesn't do it on purpose, but it's just the way she's wired. And I'd never realized until tonight just how controlling Bette is around her friends more than anything. When she's alone with Jodi, it seems like Bette acts more calm and relaxed, but... something about being around that group really gets Bette all wired up and bossy. That party turned out to be almost as awkward as that gay/straight mixer Tina threw in the beginning of the season. Yikes. The only thing that made it a little less awkward was the fact that at least the main women of the group know Bette and love her in spite of her weaknesses. That's family for you.
In the opposite extreme, things with Max going home for his mom's funeral turned out to be a little less horrifying than what I was expecting. One thing that made me smile was when his dad said, "Your mother told me that she thought you should have been a boy." That had to have made Max feel good to know that even his mom knew what he had known about himself for so many years when he felt trapped inside of Moira. I also smiled when his dad called him "son" when they were looking at the car together.
It seems like his dad wants to understand and embrace him, but he just hasn't figured out how. Any reaching out at all is a sign of progress and a sign of acceptance, which was a nice surprise. I hope that some of those signs may have helped Max deal with the loss, and maybe even turned over a new leaf for Max and his dad.
What do you all think of the filmmaker? I can't figure out if I like her. When Page whispered to Shane that her movie was pretentious, I can't say it didn't surprise me. It should be interesting to see how the film progresses, especially since Jenny and the filmmaker both seem to have that diva factor going on.
I felt bad that Papi didn't realize she was enabling Kit, and I wonder if Papi will feel that Kit was lying to her. At first, when Kit had asked for sparkling water, I'd thought "Whew, maybe that was a one-night alcohol stand" (the night Papi took Kit out after she'd confronted Angus), but I guess not. *Sigh*
I'm still quite puzzled over Catherine and Helena. Alice has it right: They are very twisted together. Just how twisted is still what I'm waiting to see.
I was happy to see Page and Shane get back together to "read stories." Too cute.
Two episodes left.
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Mar 12, 2007 12:45 AM
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On no only two episodes left?
I just love this show. This has been the most entertaining since Season 1. I was annoyed to see Bette act jealous over Tina and the filmmaker. It's enough already between the two of them. It's over. Please let it be over.
I think it's high time Bette starts seeing a therapist. Maybe that can also help her with her control issues of which she has many. I thought she should've just let it go that Kit was drinking. She's lucky Kit left without cursing her out.
I like Jodi but I've never been convinced that the two of them can make it. I don't know if anybody can make it with Bette long term. She always finds a way to screw things up.
I was so glad for Max that it wasn't horrible, although the one sister is such a b^tch. I was really glad too that his dad called him sad. Also glad that the new girl went with him.
Jenny is such a psycho that I'm sure there will be some clashing between her and the director.
I thought it was so sweet for Shay's friend to want to check on Shane. The story reading was funny.
I am perpetually lost with Helena and Catherine. I don't understand the nature of their "working" relationship. Is Catherine just a scam artist? Did Helena actually lose $100,000 of her own money? Did she actually have in her possession at any time the $100,000. Whatever money she has/had came from hanging with Catherine anyway right? I'm just confused.
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Mar 12, 2007 9:38 AM
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Oops - I meant that I was glad that Max's dad called him son.
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Mar 12, 2007 9:57 AM
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Helena's storyline is confusing the heck out of me too and I hope they wrap it up in the next two episodes so that it doesn't drag on to next season. I definitely think Catherine's a scam artist or worse.
When Helena and Catherine were in bed, Catherine mentioned the $100,000 that Helena had won the week before (although she never saw any of the money and it was probably Catherine's anyway). Then when they went to the race track I'm assuming that the bet was placed (by Catherine) with the $100,000 that Helena won the week before. So since they lost it's "oh, Helena just lost $100,000".
Catherine doesn't care because it seems like they keep gambling over and over again with the money Helena is winning while no money has probably come out of Catherine's pocket since that first poker game when they met. Unbeknownst to Helena, it's like she has an account with her or something to that effect. It's definitely not Helena's money from her own pocket because she doesn't have any (other than the money she keeps winning but never sees). Oy, this is so confusing!
It seems like when Helena's mother took her money away, Helena lost her dignity and her toughness too. Helena used to be a real bitch, who is this person that's just getting walked all over?
Oh, and did Helena promise Alice a loan from out of her winnings or something? When Catherine callously told Alice that Helena lost her start up money I was lost.
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Mar 12, 2007 11:04 AM
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Nobody mentioned Tasha's problem with her subordinate. He was watching her the whole time and he will probably make trouble for her.
I'm tired of Helena's storyline with Catherine. When Helenda first appeared, she was very strong and now she seems like a puppet, even neglecting her kids to go gamble with this woman.
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Mar 12, 2007 11:28 AM
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You're spot on in the recap about Bette's control freak issues, and Jodi getting it totally right. I think they've handled Jodi's deafness very well - and I'm assuming Marlee Matlin would make sure the dialogue and opinions Jodi expresses are authentic. However, you can also see Bette's point of view. She can't resist butting in with Tina, she cares about Kit, and she wants Jodi to get on with her friends.
Apart from Bette, most of the other characters storylines were so-so this week. We're all predicting more trouble for Helena with that conniving woman! Shane/Paige was pretty dull this week. Glad Max's dad came around a bit, although you can see it would be hard for a family to come to terms with.
This season has definitely been the best since S1, can't believe it's nearly over. Still, we know the show had been renewed and will be back. Hooray!!
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Mar 12, 2007 8:59 PM
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[deleted]
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Mar 13, 2007 2:42 AM
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Oh, and did Helena promise Alice a loan from out of her winnings or something? When Catherine callously told Alice that Helena lost her start up money I was lost.
At some point Helena told Alice that she would invest $50,000 into the website for what I'm guessing would be the upgrades Max suggested.
The argument between Bette and Jodi was pretty intense and each had valid points. I have deaf parents so I could relate to both points of view. Bette knows Jodi is a wonderful and intelligent person so of course she wants Jodi to be able to engage in the conversations. Jodi knows how to deal with these situations, and was annoyed by Bette's interpreting against her wishes. This relationship has always looked like it was headed for trouble, but this is the first time that their possible communication problems have been brought up.
Side note: People always asked me "how do deaf people argue?" Well that scene with Jodi and Amy(?) was great and very well done.
I sense a lot of trouble for Tasha with that male soldier watching her every move at the track
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Mar 13, 2007 1:33 PM
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I have to say, I am really nervous for Tasha. I also have to say that when she was first introduced, I knew we would be seeing something like this. The "Don't Ask/Don't Tell" aspect was just screaming too loudly. I'm actually looking forward to see what happens though. I hope Tasha comes out victorious in whatever happens.
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Mar 13, 2007 6:51 PM
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I'll also focus on Helena. For a once savvy business woman, Helena is dumb. I don't care if anything is a "sure bet," you don't risk everything. She should have paid off her $50,000 debt to Catherine and put $25,000 away for her expenses (living with Alice). Use the $25,000 to gamble away. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
I think something bad (career wise) will happen to Tasha. You don't bring the male solider from out of the blue unless you don't expect him to be a part of the story.
I think we'll really get a sense about Papi during the last two episode. Now that she knows the truth, a "true" friend won't encourage an alcoholic to drink. I hope Papi can help Kit get out of this funk.
I'm glad the ending involving Max and his father didn't conclude as badly as I anticipated. While people who are racist, sexist and ignorant (as Max described his father) get little sympathy from me, at least he's trying to change his views.
Darn -- only two more episodes!
Note to self: Get calendar and put "Cancel Showtime" on March 26. LOL
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Mar 15, 2007 9:59 AM
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I have to say, I am really nervous for Tasha. I also have to say that when she was first introduced, I knew we would be seeing something like this. The "Don't Ask/Don't Tell" aspect was just screaming too loudly. I'm actually looking forward to see what happens though. I hope Tasha comes out victorious in whatever happens.
Posted by JewelsL85
I TOTALLY agree on both counts, Jewels!
Also, everyone, I was definitely concerned about Tasha in this episode, but I didn't really mention it in the blog because I'm waiting until that storyline picks up speed... reserving my writing for when I see more of what starts to happen. Considering we only have two episodes left, it'll either become a focal point of the finale, or it'll turn out to be a secondary story after all. We shall see! 
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Mar 15, 2007 11:34 AM
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Thanks, Nessarose! Now I do remember that.
Spider-Man your comment about canceling Showtime after the finale cracked me up. I've always wondered if people really do that. I'm such a couch potato that I can't, I must have my HBO and Showtime! 
Besides,The Tudors premieres right after that (as we all know from the countless advertisements we have been hit over the head with) and then Weeds will be back on in about three or four months! 
That is, assuming that you watch Weeds which is awesome and are going to give The Tudors a shot.  ">
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Mar 15, 2007 12:30 PM
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blueree I'm with you. I wouldn't DARE get rid of my HBO and Showtime!
The Tutors look interesting the first 9,000 previews/commercials/interviews. That's some machine. Worked on me though cause I can't wait.
As for Helena, you guys are right she's changed so much from when we first saw her. I didn't happen to like her then, I thought she was a callous b*tch so as a person I like her better now. I for one was not surprised when she left her children to go gamble. I never thought she was that good a parent anyway. I'd like to see the kids' mommy giving her a dressing down in the next episode. That would be fun.
Spider-Man, Helena doesn't still owe Catherine $50,000. She won the bet or the card game or whatever it was right before they "hooked up" the first time. She was free and clear of owing money to Catherine. But you're right, she's pretty stupid to blow it all gambling when she doesn't so much as have a place to live if she pisses off Alice.
I really like Tasha and I think that guy's going to be trouble too. But if the don't ask/don't tell thing is in effect, she didn't tell.......
Is that too simplistic?
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Mar 16, 2007 3:06 PM
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KAD, I don't think that's too simplistic at all and I can already tell that this storyline is going to bug me.
The way he was looking at her interacting with her friends, and watching her at the race all judgmental like really burns me up. I mean wasn't he there with his family? That's who he should have been paying attention to. Even the way he looked at Catherine and Helena when they were holding hands bothered me, so because he assumed they're a lesbian couple then Tasha must be a lesbian too? Even though she is but that's none of his business.
But, even with all that said I'm glad they're going there becuase unfortunately it is very realistic.
Back to Catherine and Helena for a sec...Now that I think about it, Helena doesn't have a backbone when it comes to her romantic relationships anymore. I seem to remember her being very aggressive while courting Tina, but then do you all remember when she got duped by that couple last year (I think)? She couldn't see what was really going on because she was really in love with that woman. I wish I had all the seasons on DVD already so I could try to figure out when Helena started changing because it must have been gradual, I don't think it was drastic.
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Mar 16, 2007 3:59 PM
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blueree I think it's important too that this show addresses the lunacy of gays not belonging in the military. It's such crap and I can't imagine why people can't just be concerned with their own lives and no one else's. I'm not even gay, but I can't see the relevance of keeping gay folks from doing anything that anybody else does. They are just people after all. It's so insane and so baffling that I'm glad this show might address it.
I really like Alice and Tasha together.
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Mar 16, 2007 4:21 PM
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