The L Word

I'm having major withdrawls today. I've never loved a show more than I love The L Word, and last night was the dreaded season finale. I'm empty today I tell you! I understand that Showtime has a budget to think about, and that they can't just put a show on willy nilly every Sunday night until the end of time, but why the big gap between seasons? Season 2 ended last night and Season 3 hasn't even begun filming yet. Sigh. It's May...I think it would be much better to let us loyal fans go play for the summer, and then have a fresh season ready to go when we settle in again for the fall. Besides, by that time we will have watched every episode from seasons one and two approximately three hundred and twenty times. We'll be ready for something new.

I have two likely reasons for my L Word obsession. The first, is the fact that this is the only show on television with characters that I absolutely identify with. I don't think most people understand what it's like to go through the week and flip through the tv guide channel and see maybe only one or two shows with characters that you just get, on the most basic level. I guess there's always Ellen, but even she has all but abandoned her gay audience and exchanged it for the soccer moms. Not that there aren't a few gay soccer moms out there, but you know what I mean. Ellen doesn't laugh at her gay self anymore, just her owl-hooting self. Which is funny too, but it's like she never becomes completely transparent anymore. She has been burned before so I can see why she remains mum about her private life, but sometimes I wish she would talk about Portia and their life together, or the weekend game night with Melissa and Tammy or whatever. Just be real, ya know? But I digress.

Everyone wants to see a bit of him or herself in television and movies, so it's only natural to gravitate toward the shows you relate to. I don't know why I can't identify with reality shows. I can't stand the majority of them. But give me a good, intelligently written storyline with deep characters and relationships that don't find roots in a big cash prize any day. The L Word is intelligent and real. (Funny that a show like The L Word is more real to me than the "reality" shows.) I see a lot of myself in the characters in The L Word. Well, not Jenny. She's a loon. Each time a circus scene flashes on the screen in an attempt to show us what is going on in Jenny's head, I want to fast forward. Can't get enough of Bette and Tina though! I guess I relate because I've been in a relationship for almost 7 years, and we went through a breakup that was similar to theirs. We're back together and happy now. No babies though. Oh, I am so Bette-like. Type A personality, career-driven, determined, and just needs to chill out and let things come to her sometimes. Bette and I are both learning.

So, for the next several months the reruns and the two L Word soundtracks will have to do. I'm watching the episode from season two right now when Alice makes her debut as a radio dj. Maybe I can get some pointers. Then I'll watch Alice and Dana re-enact scenes from the Love Boat, and perhaps gain more valuable insight. Love that feathered hair, Alice!

Much love to you all,
Jen Austin