Hello and welcome to the sixth recap of the first season of The L Word: Generation Q, brought to you by the same network that brought you The L Word, a thrilling television program about a seemingly mousy bookworm who weasels her way into an assistantship to her favorite author that eventually lands her in the director’s chair of said author’s first feature film after manipulating and maneuvering the beloved author out of her own film via saucy sex tape, at which point she removes her glasses, revealing herself to be actually a very pretty girl, and then speaks to herself softly in a dark, empty room. Cut, print.
Friends, this recap is later than usual. The reason is that Showtime withheld press screeners this week. We were like, “hmmm, I wonder why they’re doing that,” and the answer is….
We open on a typically calm, quiet street of sunny Los Angeles, California; which has been OVERTAKEN by ravenous news anchors, eager to take a giant bite out of Bette Porter’s latest scandal. Despite denying an ongoing relationship with Felicity American Girl on The National/Regional Morning Coffee Late Night Aloce Show, a recently released iPhone video has revealed an intoxicated, belligerent and abusive white man accusing Bette Porter of still sleeping with his wife directly before physically assaulting her teenage daughter! How will Bette Porter answer to these claims!! Alice and Shane arrive on the scene and fight off the paps to find their distraught friend Bette inside with her team.
We are live outside Ilene Chaiken’s mansion asking the question that’s on every lesbian’s mind today: Will Generation Q be picked up for a second season?
Leisha! Kate! Any news on Season Two?
The ladies enter Bette’s War Room and immediately launch into the episode’s first fight!
Lesbian Squabble #17: Poppy Mad Lesbian
In The Ring: Bette vs. Alice
Content: Alice is pissed that she lied about Bette seeing Felciity on her show and ALSO that Bette didn’t tell them she was seeing Felicity. However, Alice quickly realizes that Bette DID tell Shane, which should not surprise anybody who saw The L Word: Original Recipe. Shane gets to know everything, Alice! Those are the rules. In addition to being mad, Alice is now also surprised! And so she storms off.
Who Wins? Um, Jeff Milner?
Bette’s slowly eroding on the inside — after telling Shane that Angie stayed at Jordi’s last night because her recently-assaulted daughter can have an illicit sleepover as a treat, she recalls that today is Angie’s drivers test and how the hell is Bette gonna get out of the house into her car and all the way to the DMV?
Listen. I have a driver in a white Ford Bronco right around the back of the house…
Uncle Shane and Auntie Quiara will take Angie to the DMV, no problem! Any excuse to go to the DMV, truly. Now that she’s got that problem solved, Bette would like to create a new one: dropping out of the race. Dani tries to stop her from going outside to call it off, but you can’t stop Bette Porter on a mission. Well, most people can’t stop Bette Porter on a mission. Because when Bette Porter opens her front door guess who’s there!!!!
I can’t live in a stranger’s guest house or some motel and I’m not going back to Alice’s couch. I don’t think it’s fair that I’m being punished for something I didn’t do. So I’m gonna stay in the guest room until I find a place of my own!
[Throwback #20: TINA]
Cut to Kit + Denny’s Lesbian Bar, where Tess and Finley are waking up half naked after the previous evening’s drunken romp. This is a pretty standard morning for our frisky friend Finley, but Tess is obviously shaken.
Are those the TomboyX 4.5′ inch trunks or the boy shorts?
It looks like my dog, Carol, texted her at 2:17 AM telling her not to take a drink. A little late with that text, Carol!
My dog Carol trying to get me to never leave the house so that we can just be together all the time forever
Shane shows up to find her roommate and her employee clearly reeling from the night before. “I thought you were sober?” she says to Tess. “I was,” says Tess. Shane says she could fire her, but won’t — Tess just needs to clean up and move on. Finley apologizes, Tess says it’s not her fault, and she’s gtg to a meeting, stat.
Back at Bette’s, Tina is wearing leather pants, which I believe is illegal, and talking on the telephone about the cut they’re sending to network, thus establishing that Tina’s still working in the film or television industry, thus furthering our already fraught suspension of disbelief regarding Tina not living in Los Angeles with her daughter! Mama T and Mama B talk about Angie’s play, and how Jordi makes Bette nervous. “Anyone who likes our daughter is gonna make us nervous,” Tina says.
This zine is so good! Young queers are really out here giving such great advice, wow.
Bette asks if Tina thinks Jordi and Angie have had sex. “They haven’t even kissed yet,” Tina says, and Bette’s face almost gets offended that she didn’t already know this, but then mercifully for all of us, Bette decides to move on. “That’s one thing I did right, I guess,” Bette says, full of sorrow. “You were doing a lot right,” Tina reassures her.
Her boobs were SO big I just HAD to smash my head right between ’em
Bette recaps last night’s scuffle for Tina. I give this recap a demerit. Bette makes it sound like she’d pushed Mr. Felicity ’cause he’d pushed Angie, leaving out the part of the story where he directly attacked Bette after attacking Angie! Attacking Angie would’ve been cause enough, sure, but also, that’s not what happened. I know this because I rewound and watched it 10x out of concern for Bette Porter For Mayor 2020. What is happening. Bette doesn’t know what’s gonna happen now. Me neither because there’s no continuity. Tina gets a call — it’s very clearly her girlfriend, who’s upset Tina hadn’t yet called her, leaving Bette alone at the table with her abandonment issues.
Over at DaSoMi’s, Sophie’s removed all the sandwich ingredients from her refrigerator and spread them out before her, right where she can see ’em. She’s got your cheese, she’s got your lunchmeat, your lettuce, your tomato, your condiments. It’s a regular Jimmy John’s up in here.
THIS is the right portion of meat for a TINY sandwich for a TINY dog but you are a BIG dog and you are getting a BIG sandwich.
Sophie’s still simmering over Dani’s emotional withholding and that she fled the homestead at 4 AM and has not been in touch since.
Finley: “She kinda reminds me of my Mom.”
Sophie: “What?”
Finley: “Yeah, she’s like a super cold… hot lady.”
Sophie: “Who? Dani or your Mom?”
Finley: “Both.”
Sophie: “You know what? You’re a fucking freak.”
Finley: “Ahh, you love it. You’d like my Mom. She’s hot. She’s a fucking stud!”
Luckily Sophie has Finley, her best bro friend. “At least you talk to me,” Sophie says to Finley. Finley’s like of course I do! You’re the best! Speaking of talking, what happened last night, Fin-Fin? Finley’s gotta kill this sando and take a “nip dip” before she can get into the details of her previous evening’s romp. She’s real proud of herself for coming up with “nip dip.” “I’m a real Emily Dickerstein,” Finley says of herself, heading out into the morning sunshine.
The press remains camped out outside of Bette’s house, wondering if Bette and Tina are gonna get back together. Inside, Pierce and Dani are having a rough morning! He’s pissed Dani didn’t tell him Bette was back in the saddle riding Felicity’s pony. Also, Bette was supposed to be “better than that.”
I’m looking outside right now and I don’t see anyone, are you sure you have the right address? We’re really hungry.
Pierce: “I’m a trans man and seeing someone like Bette Porter become mayor means that people like me might lead a better life. She was the one who was supposed to pave the way so that people like me could be in charge one day.”
Dani: “I understand that. But she could still win!”
Pierce isn’t sold on Bette’s electability but Dani remains rabid for her #1 gal Bette Porter. Bette is special! She’s inspiring! Pierce is out here acting like he has not seen Jodi Lerner’s epic installation video art piece, “Core,” inspired by Bette Porter, which’s about core values. Much like she once inspired Jodi, Bette inspires Dani every day! Dani’s never felt this way about anybody before! Pierce seems to think there’s something else going on regarding Dani’s affection for Bette, but he’s not sticking around to see it. He’s taking the goldfish, bye!
Hey I have an idea!!!! Does anybody remember how Felicity’s husband was DRUNK and ABUSIVE and ASSAULTED A TEENAGE GIRL AND HER MOTHER? Idk, there MIGHT BE A WAY TO SPIN THIS. Like, perhaps Felicity is um, leaving her husband because he is TERRIBLE as captured on VIDEO and might have needed Bette’s emotional support to do so? I’m firing Dani and hiring myself.
Then, we all die together and end up circling the innermost ring of hell, the Los Angeles DMV. Shane’s very nervous that these assholes aren’t gonna pass Angie on her drivers test, despite her being a “freaking genius.” Listen I am also a genius, but also, one time I rolled down the windows of my car and yelled “BYE LOSERS” to my friends who were smoking outside and then drove my car straight into a rock. We establish that Quiara is famous ’cause a fan recognizes her. I seriously cannot believe that anybody walking out of that DMV could have as much enthusiasm for life as this woman.
Smile and say “License and Registration!!!”
Good news: Angie passed her drivers test! Let’s go for a drive! Anywhere Angie wants to go! I hope they’re coming to my house.
I’M CUTE!
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Yeah, that whole Kit this confuses me, as like you said she’s famous. Like did they give a phony story about her death? You can never trust an Illene Chaiken to write a good death plotline!
slim daddy was very upset
Except Chaiken didn’t write this.(As far as I know she’s just producing and, honestly, for the most part, you can tell.) It’s a gaggle of new writers who *still* cannot write a good death plotline.
I still think Chaiken still has a hand in the plot here, cause it sounds like her work. Try to get something to pull at the heartstring, but also be like wtf?
ok the cakeboy caption had me howling.
Yes! This caption was a fucking masterpiece. It had me rolling…with the homies
maybe everyone who had ever heard of kit also died of opioids.
RIP lady from the “transformation” song.
Alright, I admit it: If Tina‘s back, I‘m going to watch.
Not gonna lie, when Tina fucking Kennard showed up on my screen, I screamed TINA! Not unlike Bette in that first screencap.
They really did that AND kept it secret. My Tibette feels were all over the place when they hugged and Bette’s face crumpled and she begged her to stay 😩
I had the same reaction! Which was probably not super fun for anyone else in my apartment complex since I watched this at 1:00am on DVR, but Tina’s back and that’s important information. They needed to know and frankly they should be grateful I informed them.
SAME! haha even though I completely forgot about that Bette moment. Do you know which episode it was?
episode 2×01: life loss leaving!
I enjoy your recaps AS MUCH as the show!!
THANK YOU!!
I admit, I have not been on Dani’s side thus far this season. Until last episode, I thought she was a little spineless to not even try to stand up to her dad basically taking over their wedding. And last episode she did in a huge (and public) way, then pretty much immediately gets thrown into this Bette scandal and now I gotta say I feel for her. She’s been put through it these last two weeks and I totally understand just being like, “You know what? I do not want to have to relive all of this crap right now, I just want to sleep for a century, ‘kay? Thanks.”
And, to my surprise, I think she handled the confrontation with Sophie pretty well, considering she just walked in to find her fiancee spooning with their friend. Because at three in the morning, after dealing with the crap that she has had to deal with, I would have been petty and thrown that right back in her face. “Oh, you wanna talk? Let’s talk about why Finley is wrapped around you like a boa constrictor!” And that would not have been good for anybody.
So, kudos to Dani for being the bigger person and at least trying to explain that she was not in the mood to talk when confronted with her drunk fiancee.
Also, can anyone tell me the name of the song that was playing during the end credits? Google searching the lyrics has failed me and I need to listen to it a thousand times on repeat.
I looked on tunefind, thanks to Rachel’s tips. Apparently its an unreleased song called ” Bitter”- by Finding Fletcher and Kito, hopefully it is out soon and this is the right song.
I clocked this song too !! and thought this immediately needs to go on a playlist/ need it ! I hope that helps
The website tunefind has all the listings of songs from each episode :)
Ahhhhh I also want this song! ty for finding it :( it is unreleased
Thank you!
Consider it my community service :)
I think this assessment is unfair to Sophie. You can only starve someone of affection, communication and quality time for so long before they snap. Sophie did choose the wrong time to talk to Dani but at this point when is the right time? It’s one thing to need space to process but there a very fine line between processing and checking out and at this point it feels like Dani’s checking out. Tina had a great line when telling Bette that she doesn’t make space in her life for her and that everything is on her terms/timeline. I think Dani mirrors that but Sophie lacks the emotional language or maturity to point those things out.
oi
Uh that was supposed to see “this exactly,” to Rootie Poot.
I’m not sure what in my assessment is unfair to Sophie, because the only time I mention her at all is saying that I would not have handled my drunk fiancee confronting me as well as Dani did…? But, I mean, sure, let’s talk about Sophie.
Sophie is totally justified in feeling hurt by Dani’s distance. Dani has been neither fair, nor particularly kind, to Sophie. That’s a big part of why I have had such a hard time sympathizing with her struggle until the last two episodes (I have asked myself multiple times why Sophie wants to marry this woman). Sophie has clearly bent over backwards to accommodate Dani’s clearly toxic relationship with her father, and that is a horrible position for Sophie to be in–not to mention having to also deal with the demands of Dani’s job working for Bette, which she took ~without discussing it with Sophie at all~.
Wedding planning is stressful. Having one partner suddenly take on a demanding job and never being around is stressful. Maybe Dani’s processing style didn’t bother Sophie as much until all these other stresses piled on, so she never thought that she needed to talk to Dani about how Dani’s solo processing makes her feel shut out. Now that she’s realized that it is a problem for her, there are no opportunities to discuss it, because Dani is busy processing.
I agree, at this point when is the right time to have that conversation? Is there a right time to have that conversation? Probably not. Sophie has to walk a fine line between making sure her own needs are met and not crossing her fiancee’s boundaries. That’s awful.
Sophie spiraled this episode. She got overwhelmed and she made some mistakes. I don’t hold that against her at all. I would even go so far as to say that Dani holds a bulk amount of the blame in that, by flat-out disappearing on her fiancee after a huge emotional event (telling off her father and the argument between Sophie and Dani that followed).
I feel for Sophie just as much as I feel for Dani. Maybe even more, because Sophie didn’t really ask for any of this–Sophie isn’t the one who jumped into a new career in politics on what was little more than a whim; Sophie isn’t the one who’s going to war with her homophobic parental unit. Sophie is an innocent bystander in the mess of Dani’s life.
So, I’m not trying to say that Dani is the good guy and Sophie is the bad guy. They’re both going through Some Sh– and I sympathize with both of them. My comment just focused on Dani because, like I said, I also would have preferred sleep to communication in that moment and would not have handled being in that situation nearly as well, so it was a scene in which I related to her on a personal level–something I have not really been able to do with Dani thus far in the season.
huh interesting. i didn’t clock her spooning with finley as weird or out-of-bounds, i feel like that level of physical affection with close friends isn’t a big deal? it didn’t seem like dani was upset by it either.
IDK maybe I’m weird, but that would bug me. I’m a hugger and I’ve been known to throw an arm around my friends’ shoulders, but prolonged full body contact seems a little far? Especially when it’s just the two of them, cuddled up asleep on the couch?
But my interpretation may have been colored by the obvious sexual tension between Sophia and Finley at the bar.
And no, Dani didn’t seem bothered by it, which I honestly thought said a lot about where Dani is in their relationship. But, again, I was just relating her situation to how I would feel in that position. Maybe spooning with friends is totally normal for them and I’m just a fkn prude lmao!
yeah maybe the threshold for that kind of thing just varies person by person! i think if finley was a random girl sophie had met at a bar and brought home, or a brand new friend she was going out with for the first time who might be angling for something more, that would be different — but since finley is like a long-time friend of sophie’s and also a friend of dani’s who is openly supportive of their relationship and engagement, i wouldn’t think anything of it. maybe my way isn’t the normal way but it definitely wouldn’t be weird for me to cuddle with a close friend, even like spoon and fall asleep with a close friend tbh
Riese…my bff is a super cuddler (I’m medium). I let her have her way because it makes her happy. Most women I’ve dated (and gfs) shrug it off like Dani because they know nothing’s going on. I would say your way thinking isn’t uncommon.
Adie… I think we kind of misunderstood each other to an extent. When I defended Sophie I was talking about you saying that Dani was the bigger person for shutting Sophie down but I contend that she put Sophie in that position in the first place. If she’d been the bigger person she would’ve recognized at the very least that she was inconsiderate for being gone all day without word and apologized but instead she used silence as a weapon (again) to shut Sophie up (again) which she expects her to do (and Sophie’s done a lot it seems) and when Sophie doesn’t she lashes out and plays the victim (she needs even more space and Sophie’s not giving it) until Sophie drops it. In the that moment (and likely others) that’s just selfishness on Dani’s part not magnanimity.
Riese, I agree, I’m sure it varies from person to person. I probably feel that way because, while I consider myself physically affectionate, I’ve never had a lot of friends that I felt close enough to for that kind of behavior to be the norm. A hug is one thing, but cuddling and similar things are just a little too intimate for me. *shrugs*
Rooty, OK I think I see your point of view. When I first watched it, I didn’t really read it as Dani shutting Sophie down so much as Dani just… being shut down herself? She was clearly exhausted and people don’t think right in that state. While I don’t think she handled the situation particularly WELL, I do think she handled the situation BETTER than she could have by trying not to fight with someone who is drunk.
Due to personal experiences, I find it hard to sympathize with people/characters who drink when they’re having problems–I can’t sympathize with Finley’s situation, I was crushed by Tess’s decisions after being sober for so long, and in this case it made it hard for me to feel Sophie was in the right.
But you bring up a good point. Dani really isn’t the “bigger person” in this situation, because she doesn’t try to fix the situation even slightly. She could have said, “I just need to sleep right now, I promise we can talk about it in the morning,” and at least have given Sophie something to hold on to and let her know that Dani isn’t trying to shut her out. Instead, she just kept saying she needed space, and looking at it from your point of view I can definitely see how that reads as Dani shutting Sophie down. Even if Sophie is drunk, she clearly just wants to know that Dani wants her in her life. There are a lot of ways to do that without having a Deep, Meaningful Discussion about the serious events of the last couple episodes.
I concede it was an incorrect assessment for me to describe Dani as “the bigger person,” just for avoiding (again). I maintain that she handled the situation better than she could have in her exhaustion (and honestly, better than I expected her to), but would like to clarify that that doesn’t mean I think she handled it WELL.
I think that Dani doesn’t really understand how to effectively communicate in general and with Sophie especially. She just keeps repeating things that must make sense in her mind and then gets frustrated when Sophie doesn’t automatically understand what she really wants to say. They need to sit down with a professional and learn how to talk to each other (and Dani just flat out needs to learn to talk, period).
I have so many thoughts and feelings about this episode but I’ll just say:
– Bette and Tina…so they’re still on their rollercoaster huh?
Explanation (maybe?): I think Angie is the only person Bette puts before herself which is why she didn’t mention the cuckold’s attacking on her.
– Dani and Sophie…I see you TiBette 2.0! Is Bette the potential “carpenter”?
Note: So Bette can change Dani’s mindset and have her passionately fight for her despite the adversity but she can’t for the woman she asked to marry? Right. Right.
– Shane and Quiara…these 2 couldn’t be any cuter. Quick tip: stop with the lesbian baby storylines!
– Angie and Jordi (Andi?)….awww baby gay cuteness. Question: how many baby gays can fit into Jordi’s shirt at the same time?
– Gigi…oh Gigi… I should’ve sussed out her manipulativeness sooner. Reminder: she’s still smoking hot.
Yes please stop with the lesbian baby storylines
Enough with the lesbian baby storylines
I know it was supposed to be a “scream at the TV moment,” when Tina reappeared but we deadpanned “oh Tina’s back.” I know they’re so OTP to a lot of people but they’re so not good for each other.
Dani is getting on my nerves. I get it she has a lot going, but all those walls? For what?
I was basically screaming at the sexual tension between Sophie and Finley, and then again as I was reading the recap. I forget that straight people generally don’t deal with such intense sexual tension in their friend groups the same way we do, and thank you Riese for drawing attention to it. That whole dynamic feels very familiar and relatable, and it’s… a lot.
Maybe this is just present on my mind because I had a “bro night” two nights ago with one of my good friends and ended up getting drunk and making out with her the whole night whooooo knoooows ooooooooooooooooooooops
I’m very here for this RELateABLE content, this situation has in fact been on my mind EVER SINCE
can someone explain to me how we know Tina has a new gf and not a bf? was it the voice on the phone or did she say something about it? I must’ve missed it!
right? I didn’t think it was established who Tina was dating, but maybe we missed something?!
Thank you! I thought this was an excellent recap, but I wondered about that too. Maybe it’s just that sense of: One does not divorce Bette damn Porter (and leave the cutest teen alive on TV) for a man?
Favorite captions & screenshots: 1, 3, 10, 15, 16, 27, 29, 38, 39, 40, 41, 44 (LOL), 48 (Gigi’s profile is Hot AF,
Also, we definitely needed one for when Dani and Bette sat with each other.
NOTICES:
– Tina fanning herself because shes menopausal too! That could have been a HILARIOUS convo between them.
– Mirror put there to reflect Dani’s boob when she changes her shirt on purpose??????
– Great bulge on Dani’s crotch when sitting with those pants…
Natalice + GIGI’s car scene was one for the books!!! The chemistry is UNREAL!! They are only the second throuple I watch on TV after You Me Her but definitely the first that have made me feel like its an actual relationship.
Dani sitting and talking to anyone in this episode -> That elbow on knee/thigh pose just oozes power and sexiness. I can’t.
I have only ready the first paragraph so far but I am hear to say I love and appreciate the detailed intros to these recaps ok back to reading <3 you Riese!
LOVE U BREE
Which episode was it that Bette’s TINAAAAAAAAAA moment was? 1st screenshot on this recap.
episode 201: life, loss, leaving
1) thank you for linking back to Carolstraddle, so I could detour off and re-read those epic posts for a while
2) Finley backing off from Sophie’s kiss face was like the least dirtbaggy thing she’s done all season, and I respect it.
3) Tess really is hot as hell and I’m so worried about her drinking! Shane’s gonna need a new bartender (but only one, because apparently Dana’s runs fine with just one employee and she can take all the time in the world to chat)
I loved Carolstraddle! It was my favorite April Fools prank of every single prank here.
Happy to remind us all of a monumental day in the history of this website!!!
i also yelled “TINA” at my screen when she appeared. anyway, the “cocks” line really killed me. i feel like stephanie allyne’s comedic timing really got a chance to shine this episode and i’m NOT mad.
FOR SURE! this was her best episode yet, those three are comedy gold
Hot Take: This show could continue on without Micah and the quality would either improve or generally stay the same.
I don’t have anything against him, I just feel as if the show only has him to course correct everything about Max’s atrocious storyline and in the process didn’t give him anything interesting to do so far compared to literally every other character. And it sucks because having a trans man on TV would be so interesting but I haven’t had a grasp of his character yet to care about him. They could replace him with Tess as a man character and him as a supporting one and the show would make more sense.
Anyways that’s just my take
Agreed. Micah’s character is a huge missed opportunity on the show. While Gen Q has boasted trans actors on screen and trans writer(s) in the writing room, that is clearly not enough. The storyline, character development, writing, etc have to be up to par as well. Seriously like…what happened here?
Agreed. I actually think Brian Michael’s character is more interesting and a more natural integration into the overall story. More Tess
Agreed. Especially compared to Chris in Work in Progress, which airs just after TLWGQ. Even though his back story is also a mystery, Chris is so confident, and the way he deals with expectations around sex is what I want to see more of on TV.
I didn’t even realize that there had been no Micah until I read it in this recap… he was not missed at all
TIIIIIIIIIIINNNAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
I spoiled myself with a still from the ep when I was trying to download it, but it was still magical to see Laurel Holloman’s face on my screen again and then her face was next to Jennifer Beals’!!!! That’s too much. When I watched the original for the first time, Tina was not my favourite, but TiBette was my favourite ship. And now in her absence (or due to her absence) I have found this deep love for Tina somehow! And I just love her so much and like Bette I want/need her to stay. I’m so grateful for Laurel. Apparently she’s only there for anothe ep but we/I need moreeeee!!!
That being said, it is hard to believe that Tina would not show up to Kit’s funeral, no matter how bad their breakup was. Besides, uughhhhhhh I cannot believe they are still having the same fight. I get that Tina needed her space but I thought they’d figured it out on their own and Tina had found herself and they had found each other again in the original. Apparently that was all in my head.
Here are my favourite parts of the recap (I actually clapped my hands and laughed out loud):
One day Bette Porter will buy my painting and hang it on her wall and it will ALL BE WORTH IT. (HONESTLY, Laurel is (maybe unconsciously) trying to become the perfect wife for Bette Porter and no one can convince me otherwise. jk)
The rumors are true, Tina Kennard is here in my home, but we have not made out yet. (I CRIED)
If only “ze penis ze pussy” guy could see us now huh? (gotta miss those days. everything was so simple).
——————-
I also don’t get why Bette would need to apologise. Oh well.
Thank you for this excellent rerecap! I fully endorse it.
The. Same. Exact. Fight!
Agreed about TINA not attending Kit’s funeral. That was QUITE the stretch and not even good reasoning. I mean it sounded like it was recent so at least for ANGIE???
Painting + Made out captions were also LOLs for me.
I had to pause the television for MINUTES while a bunch of people were in my apartment when motherfuckin Laurel Holloman’s FACE came onto the SCREEN. I thought I was safe from Tina. I know there are so many Tibette stans, but I cannot deal. TINA? AGAIN. I’m still in denial, like I don’t want to believe it actually happened? why
Can we talk about why Micah is such a minor character now? Is it maybe because of the actor’s lack of acting background? It seems Tess/Jamie Clayton is on screen more than Micah now even though she wasn’t billed as a major character? I LOVE her though so that’s fine.
My wife literally screamed NOOOOOOOOOO when Tina came on screen. We are definitely not Bettina fans! I hope we don’t have to go through their rollercoaster relationship all over again
I just wanna live in finley’s armpits okay
Every time I see Finley’s armpit hair, I think my skin clears and my credit score goes up 10 points
Definitely one of my favorite things about the show up
lol whyyyyy it’s so gross (on men and women equally lol)
That’s.. pretty unpleasantly phrased ( and a rather childish response)
Art Notes: that piece hanging in Bette’s house Tina notices is one of my favorite works by LA artist Kenturah Davis. I’m curious who gave it to the set. She’s pretty young but her career is taking off. It’s very Bette to own someone so hip. She is also doing the mural for the Inglewood metro
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2019-11-11/metro-lax-crenshaw-public-art-artists
oooo thank you for this info!!!
Fascinating
i watched this video on her website and that was amazing.
http://www.kenturah.com/public-art-1/2016/7/1/four-women-2014
thank you.
Finley’s little toddler overalls and those cute squishy hugs 🥰
Also as a person raised by a throuple, I promise you, those kids will be ok!!! It’s nice having three parents who all love each other! Alice has always been my favorite, I love everything Stephanie Allyne does, and Gigi is 😍 Super happy with where this storyline is going, but I wish they were not so bickery?
I like Sophie a lot, and I want to like Dani, but I feel like the writers have no clue what they’re doing with them/their relationship? I feel like they are always different people???
Looks like both TLW:GQ and Work in Progress were renewed just now! Manifested!!
That is the BEST news! Thank you!
Angie’s speech to Jordi was SO CUTE and I loved it! They are fast becoming one of my favorite couples.
I was much less convinced by Bette’s speech, however. I understand and respect her wanting to run for mayor because of Kit’s death, but that still doesn’t address what happened with Felicity’s husband, or how she’s going to work to change things in her campaign dynamics AND fight for the causes she believes in.
i loved this episode so much!! I think cutting out Micah’s scenes and keeping Dani to a minimum really made me start loving this show?
Cut Carol some slack! she’s a Chihuahua and it’s hard to text when one doesn’t have thumbs
Finley’s energy in this episode was peak “fully-grown golden retriever who still thinks it’s a puppy and jumps on you/wants to be cradled and carried despite weighing sixty pounds”
I am a nurse, I work with people who use substances and that speech was really awful. The answer is not to deny people pain control because they have a history of dependence, even it it were opiate dependence, which in Kit’s case it wasn’t. Should a provider be aware so that they can monitor closely, prescribe and administer appropriately, and utilize other options when appropriate? Absolutely, and actually true regardless of substance use history.
But I’m not surprised because the L Word just uses Kit as something to project “hot button” issues on when convenient. Still so grossed out that this is how they decide to explain her absence on the show.
ALSO. I totally screamed TINAAAAAA and flailed such that my dog also felt she should be excited and remained so for the rest of the show. Maple: possible Tibette shipper.
yes! i didn’t really understand what bette was going for there at all. i have a friend who is an addict and was getting major surgery a few years back; we worked out a plan ahead of time and again with the doctor for pain relief afterwards — i stayed with her and the opioids were in my possession the whole time, i gave them to her exactly was needed and no more, etc., she readily and eagerly switched to ibuprofen as soon as it was possible to do so. there weren’t any problems around it and everybody’s life moved forward.
i really don’t understand what kit’s situation has to do with her running for mayor, unless re-vamping the healthcare system so that doctors are able to spend more time with patients is supposed to be the focus of her campaign.
I’m in healthcare and Bette’s whole take also made me cringe. Denying pain control to someone who has been in recovery for a long time after a major accident isn’t good care. It requires a conversation but Bette is just…wrong. Yes, opiates are overprescribed and prescribed for things that they shouldn’t be, but without further info on Kit’s injuries it’s really unfair to blame the provider.
I hope they redeem their poor substance abuse storylines with Tess. They really need someone in recovery in the writers’ room. It hurts me to see her relapse both from professional and personal (friends) experience. I hope she regains her sobriety and helps Finley see how she is using alcohol to cope with shame and abandonment.
Thanks for this conversation. Totally agree. This is such a weird trope in Hollywood depictions of addiction (the trope that sober alcoholics and addicts shouldn’t be prescribed opiates, and if they are, they will always relapse). I was disappointed by the speech especially because in Marja’s coversation with Riese, it seemed like addiction was something she was knowledgeable about and really wanted to explore on the show.
I also hope Tess regains her sobriety! Relapse is part of recovery for many people and it would be useful to show that.
I really am not trying to be a contrarian, because I see validity in the points being made, but many recovering addicts that I’ve known and loved have spiraled back into addiction after being prescribed opiates/opioids and other controlled substances. Sometimes addiction is an incredibly progressive disease, and even if one’s original substance of choice was alcohol, they may easily succumb to the strong hold opiates can have. I am hoping that we learn more details about Kit’s injury and how long the doctors were prescribing her the meds. My guess is that she was initially put on a pain treatment regime with the medication, and once she was no longer able to refill, had become dependent and turned to heroin. I think Bette is implying that all healthcare providers should be taking their patients’ history seriously and weighing all options before prescribing an incredibly strong medication. It reminds me of when I went to the clinic for a sprained thumb and the doctor, without hesitation, wrote me (someone with substance abuse issues) a script for a strong opioid. Luckily I avoided the meds but that is certainly not always the case. Now I’m just rambling but I hope I’ve made some sense!
I don’t think anything you’ve said is contrary to what I expressed nor do I think you’re being a contrarian! It’s absolutely true that a history of dependence to any substance is a risk factor for dependence to another. Also absolutely true that opiates were/are over-prescribed both in breadth and quantity. When my wisdom teeth were removed at 19 I was handed a 10 day script for oxycodone, which is ridiculous and horrific. As definitely is the idea that opioids were necessary or even the best pain control for a sprained thumb!
I am professionally and personally opposed to the idea that was expressed that Kit “never” should have been prescribed those drugs, which is not true. Kit and Bette weren’t/aren’t real people, they’re characters in a television show, with writers who write the story and put the words they say in their mouths. I believe statements like that further marginalize people who are dependent on opioids and other substances. I see it every day when I have to send my patients to the ED, where their real pain is often ignored and left untreated due to their use history.
Agree, I’ve just been basically blanking out this whole storyline because they’re getting it so wrong and it’s upsetting to see.
I’m still mad at this show, but the scene between Angie and Jordi was adorable, precious bb queers awww.
My favourite moment though was the petty little look of contempt Gigi threw Nat after kissing Alice goodbye. Such daggers! I cackled.
M. A L I C E
is a joke I appreciated
– My wife and I totally screamed TINAAAAAA at the tv
– enjoying the throuple storyline and Angie & Jordi (Jorgie?)
– please no more lesbian baby storylines. We already had one on this show.
– until you mentioned it I didn’t even notice Micah was gone…
– yay for the renewal!
Thank you for your recaps,Riese. I enjoy these as much as the episodes
I realllllly don’t want another baby storyline, either.
Okay Sophie and Finley have a really sweet friendship, and, I would argue, really good boundaries? Like Finley has no boundaries ever but Sophie realized so quickly while they were dancing that she was v. drunk and should back off just a bit, and did. I don’t think spooning on the sofa is bad? It seemed super innocent to me.
Stephanie Allyne is HILARIOUS
The Kit thing was infuriating and also like…Bette went out there and gave this whole speech when she still hadn’t cleared up at all what had happened on the steps with the dude attacking her, which still seems…important to explain?
Also: TINNNNAAAAAAA
yes! i really loved this episode but obvs bette not actually like… saying… what ACTUALLY HAPPENED on those steps drove me b a n a n a s !!!
i actually felt like both sophie and finley were like “ok let’s not” at the same time but idk!! it’s real cute to see friend-love with sexual tension, v relateable content
Just how much can the mayor of Los Angeles do about the healthcare system or the opioid epidemic? If that was her PASSION a US senate run would make more sense (though I guess they couldn’t have her run a primary challenge against Kamala Harris or Dianne Feinstein). Bette’s speech was cringy and I will be forever mad about Kit.
I was never a huge Tina fan (COME BACK CARPENTER!), but it was surprisingly nice to see Laurel’s face on my teevee.
In good things: THRUPLE! I hope the show nurtures this relationship and gives it a real shot. These three actresses are so cute and fun and funny.
Also loving Angie and hope we get to meet Jordi’s family.
Tess has so much potential as a character, want more of her.
I don’t like cheating in the real world, but yes to a Sophie/Finley hookup please.
And finally, give Micah an actual story please.
Was spoiled by the imdb leak a few weeks ago about Tina being in 2 episodes and still screamed
I recognize that Tina’s return was the motivation I needed to continue watching the series and that reminded me that after the first two seasons of the original series it was also the only reason to see it then, they are the only characters that seem real to me and not a comic, the only ones that really interest me I know I’m weird
The scene with Pierce coming out as trans to Dani has made me so much more confused about what the hell the writers are doing? Apparently it’s revolutionary for transwomen to play cis women ON A SHOW ABOUT LGTBQ+ PEOPLE but not for transmen to play cis men? Maybe transwomen just don’t exist in the world of Generation Q? Maybe the main characters are all supposed to be TERFs and only hang with AFAB queer people but no one told us, the audience? In any other context this scene would have been great, but here its just confusing and frustrating, what the hell are the writers thinking?
Speaking of what are the writers thinking: this whole “assualt” scandal and non-issue addressing apology speech make no goddamn sense!!!
i do feel like maybe if we keep talking about it they will have tess and jordi be explicitly trans women characters in s2, that is my dream for this show. ’cause they’ve not done anything yet to certify that either of them are cis, so…. ??? it’s never too late to turn it all around gen q!
If I remember correctly, Jamie Clayton specifically wanted Tess to be cis, so I don’t see them turning around and explicitly making her trans in s2
These recaps (and the podcasts) are hysterical and irreverent and I love them so much. Everyone in my house loves how much I chuckle and giggle at these. Thank you for it all!!
It’s embarrassing how many feelings this gave me….
*This* meaning both seeing Tina again, and the show in general the past 15 years of my young, gay life.
Nothing makes sense on this show! I love it but… How does time work? Is the Aloce show on hiatus?! Is there a DMV in CA open on Sunday?!
More specifically, anyone else thrown by the Throuple evolution? The Throuple has existed for 2-3 days and yet already the kids have questions about why Gigi has been spending so much time at home? So much so that they feel the need to give the kids clarity so soon? As a parent, I’m more surprised that the Throuple has managed an adult birthday party, wine night, play, and PDA-filled brunch in that time span, and I’m definitely jealous.
Ahhh, such a crazy episode! So many love lines getting crossed!
But I loved the line you wrote Riese, “It’s just so rare to see gay friends together! Let alone gay friends with sexual tension! It’s truly insane the amount of sexual tension we all have with our friends and we just LIVE WITH IT, day in and day out!” This is absolutely true. I have always had crushes on my friends- and ones that I knew I wouldn’t ever act on- and since I’ve realized I’m queer, I think it’s gotten worse haha.
Newsflash the owners of Jimmy John’s are terrible people and everyone should boycott their establishments. Why did you use them as a sandwich shop example? https://www.complex.com/life/2019/08/jimmy-johns-hit-with-renewed-boycott-calls-after-resurfaced-photo-of-founder-goes-viral and https://www.rawstory.com/2014/10/right-wing-jimmy-johns-forbids-employees-from-making-competitors-sandwiches-for-two-years/
Riese- I’m not yelling at you about this. I’m just so over progressives ignoring food establishment’s horrid policies and donation histories. See In and Out Burger too.
I really loved loved this episode!!!
Some thoughts
1. I’m not surprised we didn’t see Micah at all this episode. It’s been six episodes and all I know about him is that he’s dating his landlord(?). His storyline is really lacking and it’s very disappointing. I don’t think it helps that he’s not as connected to rest group. It’s a huge cast, but I hope we get to see more of him.
2. TINA!!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Jordi and Angie are so so so cute!! <333
4. I feel like Alice is the most ready for the throuple between her, Nat and Gigi. Nat seems to still be resentful (understandable) and that's going to really affect things. I'm really enjoying them all together and I'm rooting for them.
5. The tension between Finely and Sophie was so….whew. #relatableaf. I love how that moment was portrayed. I was also rooting for it lowkey. But Finely needs to go to therapy (and AA) asap and figure her shit out. I also need Tess to please go back to AA meetings.
6. Dani and Sophie are just….*sigh* I'm surprised they got to this a place were they got engaged despite all the issues between them. Sophie definitely shouldn't have confronted Dani drunk, but Dani needs to do better in not shutting Sophie out. I get the instinct to process alone, but at least let Sophie know that she isn't completely out of the loop.
7. I feel like they are teasing a Dani/Bette thing and I'm not sure if I want it.
These recaps are the highlight of my week. The captions on the pictures make me laugh always.
I feel like if someone were floating above the earth yesterday, they heard a small collective TINNNA! being emitted the moment Bette opened that door. I know my neighbors sure did.
Finley and Sophie were cute! When they were dancing, I was like don’t kiss!…okay, maybe kiss a little… but no! don’t do it. Whatever happens, I like their bro-ship. Also, the cuteness continued for that the bike ride with Finley giving drunk Sophie the helmet. That bro-mance is strong and I’m here for it.
Sophie and Dani are so tiring. I felt for Dani in this episode. First Pierce unloads on her and accuses her of falling under Bette’s spell with the implication that she has romantic feelings for their boss, then Bette practically barrels over her to get out the door in order to quit the race while ignoring Dani’s advice, and then she has to not only clean up the mess that is the abusive husband/Felicity/Bette sitch but now she has to deal with reporters going… um wtf was that rando-speech?? Someone needs to give Sophie a copy of the West Wing to show her that life in politics is basically running out at 4am to deal with whatever crazy firestorm is over and over again. And then Dani comes home and doesn’t want to re-live it all with her drunk girlfriend at 3am? Not exactly unreasonable.
That said, I’m going to need Dani to open up to Sophie asap if for nothing else so we don’t have to see them fight over it anymore. That or just break up already.
I am not thrilled about the Shane baby storyline. Not every single couple or character on a tv show needs to fulfill their destiny by having kids. You can be the awesome aunt/uncle, 2nd mom, goddess-parent whatever to kids that you love but who are not your own and still be a completely actualized human being without kids or ever wanting kids of your own.
Alice/Nat/Gigi… that car scene was priceless.
I so wanted one of those reporters to be like… *after awkward silence from rando-speech* “Sooo we just gonna roll right past that whole affair and assault thing then?? Does this mic say Fox News??”
Also, I really hope they don’t go through with a Dani/Bette hookup. If Bette sleeps with another co-worker, especially with Dani who falls into a mentor/mentee category, well that just gets a little icky… or the very least, has the appearance of getting into inappropriate territory, which the media will point out as a pattern.
“Does this mic say Fox News??”
Excellent point and LOL.
>You can be the awesome aunt/uncle, 2nd mom, goddess-parent whatever to kids that you love but who are not your own and still be a completely actualized human being without kids or ever wanting kids of your own.
Thank you for this.
ug the bette mayoral campaign continues to annoy me… it just.. doesn’t make sense. especially with this new “reveal” that it’s because of what bette seems to frame as an admin/intake error at a hospital??? that is not something you build a campaign off of. and it’s frustrating because I feel like there were so many other angles they could have taken with why bette is running and the fact that they pinned it down so precisely to something that doesn’t make sense is frustrating!!! like I get that they aren’t actually going to talk about issues or whatever but just a little more thinking on the campaign stuff would be appreciated. and the stairs was not her fault!!!!!!! she should press charges wtf!!
TIIIINNNNAAAA!!
I was so happy to see her face on screen. Despite retiring, her acting skills are still fabulous. She is one talented human.
In another article she hinted at possibly acting in this role beyond this season, I really hope that happens!
I agree with other commenters that there needs to be trans women characters on the show, not just trans men. I think it would be great if Tess was actually a trans character and part of the main cast.
“Bette doesn’t know what’s gonna happen now. Me neither because there’s no continuity.”
yes.
Truly
Jordie can’t be trusted. She’s hiding things. Getting Angie to ditch school? Her parents missing her starring role in the play? A huge house that she’s quick to close the door on when Angie arrives? There is some serious dysfunction there and Bette is right.
The bit about Tina needing space and then the pic of Bette and Tina in their GIANT bed from the OG series is proof of why these recaps are unparalleled!
Also, I have so many questions re: logistics about Tina’s trip. From her chat with Angie, we know she now lives in a magical faraway land (with a TV/film industry), further evidenced by her wheelie carry-on luggage when she was almost-leaving. But she flew in and was leaving in the same day (?!), but then she’s obviously going to stay, so what kind of hyper-expensive plane ticket does she need to have to cope with the flexibility that lesbian relationship drama demands? Or is she borrowing Shane’s private jet?!
I need answers
Also my wife pointed out they had a missed throwback opportunity when all the press were gathered outside Bette’s house, and they should have had a CAC-style “form a human chain!” moment!
ALSO I feel like there’s going to be some kind of reveal about Jordi? To me, it felt like in earlier episodes they were implying maybe she was kind of from the wrong side of the tracks (or at least had uncaring parents), but this ep we saw she lived in a decent-looking area with a door almost as big as Shane’s? And the sketchy way she was closing the door behind her seemed like she was trying to hide something, despite the fact Angie’s been there loads, and presumably her parents know about Angie too?
DOOR SYMBOLISM WHAT DOES IT MEAN
I think (Hoping for Angie’s sake) it just means the interior wasn’t staged and/or they needed to keep Jordi and Angie in view of Shane and Quiara.
Bette’s speech sounded good, due to her awesome delivery, what she said was BS. Kit was an addict who was aware of her demons and how to avoid them. She had gone through years of denial and blaming others for her issues and had grown from that by the end of the series. I understand that addicts always have to work for their sobriety, but it is a disservice to the character to have her apparently be secretive with her care team and not disclose her addictions, while blindly taking a prescription for opioids.
They dated her death as one year ago; NO ONE could claim ignorance of the opioid crisis that recently. Kit, Bette and everyone in their world is very aware of current events, so they had to know about it and woudl have known beyond a doubt that Kit should haven’t been prescribed that kind of medication when she was injured. It would have made more sense to have her die of an overdose due to self-medication following her injury, because she couldn’t get a doctor to prescribe Oxy or whatever, because of her status.
Bette’s speech removed any sense of personal responsibility from Kit, which is the wrong message to send. They should have given Bette a much less obvious (I called it from episode one when they were secretive about why she entered the race) reason for running for mayor.
i loved the review so funny and well put together cant wait to read more of ur reviews