The L Word Recap 607: Nobody Puts Crazy in a Corner

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March 2nd, 2009 | 8:20 pm

It’s dance-a-thon time, kids! Alice: “I found more safety pins!” Oh, really? Perhaps you could have used them to hold OurChart together. Yeah, it’s just a tad awkward to have the dead site’s logo featured prominently on all the promo stuff for the dance-a-thon.

Bette arrives, game face revved up. She and Alice perform a complicated psyche-out ritual, during which Alice confesses her plan to sweep all three competitions, including “Last Couple Standing” at the end of the night. Bette: “Step off, bitch! I got this.” (Just kidding; she would have only said that if she were talking to Kelly Wentworth.) At any rate, it’s on like a silicon schlong!

Jenny shows up and confronts Bette about what she thinks she saw the other night, her expression morphing from 'long-suffering martyr' to 'holier than motherfucking thou' in point-five seconds. Jenny asks if Bette has told Tina about the supposed affair yet and infers that if Bette doesn’t, she will. Tina arrives and Bette whisks her away before Jenny can get a word in edgewise.

As it turns out, Tina has just been offered a sweet movie industry job. Bette: “Shut UP! You are such a fucking ROCK STAR!” I can’t decide if I like 16-year-old Bette or not, but I think she’s growing on me. Alas, the job has a catch: it’s in New York. We learn that Bette and Tina can’t stay all night for the whole marathon because they have to pick Marci up at the bus station in the morning.

Sunset, playing emcee, introduces Jamie to the crowd. She brings Alice up for a photo op with would-be jumper Marie. Bette and Tina pledge $1,500 to the cause to get the ball rolling. Okay, WTF? Is Sunset doing an impersonation of Kit on purpose? Kit asks Sunset to be her dance partner.

Off-handedly, Jenny apologizes to Helena for “what happened” with Dylan. Give me a fucking break, Schecter. “What happened” was YOU! Jamie offers to ditch Alice and Tasha and dance with Helena. Tasha and Jamie share an awkward moment.

The dancing begins and Bette notices that Jodi is there, talking to Jenny of all people. Ruh roh. Bette seems about to come clean to Tina about what did and didn’t happen with Kelly, but before she can get anywhere with that, Alice interrupts them – repeatedly. Al has finally started to twig

Comments [152]

I'm working on that, Xanadu.

I'm working on that, Xanadu. I suspect you're not the only one interested in what they might have to say.

Submitted by Kim (not verified) on Sun, 2009-03-08 16:53.

Well written article ...

Well written article ... interesting.

It struck me the other night (as I was musing about The L Word) - there are two other 'creators', that I know almost nothing about ... and why is that?

Perhaps I have been living under a rock, but have never seen pictures of them or interviews. They don't appear to have been hailed as lesbian super heroes in the same way that I.C was (at least in the first few seasons of the show) and still by many.

Was Ilene chosen to be the face of TLW (to take the praise and flack) or did she nominate herself?

I would love to know Kathy and Michele's view of the show ...

Submitted by Xanadu (not verified) on Sun, 2009-03-08 00:47.

I have to agree with a lot of

I have to agree with a lot of what peacekitty has written here. Despite TLW's attempt to be good, it failed. It's disappointed me since the middle of season two, and I fear the finale will disappoint, too, in the worst way:

The L Word Finale: Are You Up For A Letdown?: http://www.pimpmywry.com/2009/03/the-l-word-finale-are-you-up-for-a-letd...

Submitted by Kim (not verified) on Sat, 2009-03-07 16:54.

First Skippy, I'm not a dude.

First Skippy, I'm not a dude. Second because I'm not inclined to call a pregnant woman "sir", and never will be, that doesn't make me anti anything. I believe it makes me rational.

I don't like you and have been very up front about that. I also don't like Julia, so sue me.

I think the real problem is I kicked your sorry ass so many times on OC that maybe, just maybe you need to get over it.

Oh and just for the record I spoke with a couple trans gender friends of mine yesterday. Yes I actually know and associate with real trans gender people(Not the ones from the wonderful world of Disney), amazing. Anyway i asked them whats wrong with the word "trannie", well I was shocked with their reply. Which was "nothing", well fuck me...

Seems all you know it all's need to get out more. I was also told that a lot of trannie's are pissed about the whole Max story, No not because Jenny called Max "she"(because well Max is a she!! DUH), but because it is just not realistic period. The chance of that baby NOT aborting is slim and slimmer and there is almost no chance of it coming to term. Is this true I just don't know, it's just what I was told. Plus the chance of a trans gender FTM having vaginal sex with a man is also - not realistic. The whole story is a joke. I think we all agree on that anyway

The pregnant man issue is well just a matter of opinion and this is from a couple real trans gender people, so you keep your opinion and I'll keep mine.

Seems none of us are the resident experts on what is acceptable and what isn't. Even in the trans gender community there are no hard and fast rules. Golly just like real life, sorta scary for you ugh, Skip..

Sit down and relax I'm sure Elvis will be here any minute.

Submitted by btfan2 (not verified) on Fri, 2009-03-06 21:58.

Hmm...I'll do some sleuthing

Hmm...I'll do some sleuthing and follow up at some point.

Submitted by mysticsmb (not verified) on Fri, 2009-03-06 19:15.

It was def the opening

It was def the opening credits music for the pilot

Twitter Time @kdhales

Submitted by Tex on Fri, 2009-03-06 19:11.

Tex, I can't imbed, but I

Tex, I can't imbed, but I thought it was this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MWZBTseX20

Submitted by mysticsmb (not verified) on Fri, 2009-03-06 19:05.

It was for Season 1

Twitter Time @kdhales

Submitted by Tex on Fri, 2009-03-06 18:58.

Hey thanks, I totally dig

Hey thanks, I totally dig Marianne (going back to her Stones days) but I'm confused--was this song the opening music for LWord?

Submitted by mysticsmb (not verified) on Fri, 2009-03-06 18:54.

Marianne Faithful's "The

Marianne Faithful's "The Pleasure Song" - opening music for Season One - both my favorites - I'm not fond of the TLW theme song either, but I will never forget it!

Twitter Time @kdhales

Submitted by Tex on Fri, 2009-03-06 03:20.

I agree! I much preferred

I agree! I much preferred the instrumental theme of the first couple of seasons and it took me well into season 4 to stop cringing when I heard this one--actually I don't really hear it because I fast-forward through it, lol.

Submitted by mysticsmb (not verified) on Fri, 2009-03-06 03:03.

Oh how I love your twisted

Oh how I love your twisted brilliance, Not2Taem!!!

Submitted by CA_Medicine_Woman on Fri, 2009-03-06 02:51.

She is a cutey!

Twitter Time @kdhales

Submitted by Tex on Fri, 2009-03-06 02:30.

I think I figured it out.

I think I figured it out. She's the star of Beverly Hills Chihuahua! Makes sense right? Long Beach DOG Lover...? LBDL is the lead Chihuahua.

Submitted by Robin Rigby on Fri, 2009-03-06 01:58.

The theme song, really? I've

The theme song, really? I've been pissed off about it since they switched to the new one. I think it's atrocious and it seems to me that the downhill slide of the show started with season 3 and the new theme song.

Submitted by Robin Rigby on Fri, 2009-03-06 00:27.

Oh yeah now I remember. It

Oh yeah now I remember. It was Marcus' gf who freaked out and wanted Tina's baby, since it was his sperm.

I didn't even think of her race I just thought that was a really hokey plot...I mean I just couldn't picture a smart, award-winning artist and cool guy like Marcus having a gf like that. lol That was weird.

"Fight Prime Time. Read a Book"

Submitted by peacekitty on Thu, 2009-03-05 23:10.

If I recall the woman had

If I recall the woman had something to do with Tina's sperm donor --she had a major flip-out and then started stalking Tina, which then precipitated Bette rushing back from NY prematurely, etc. Actually, wouldn't that have had to be season 1?

Submitted by mysticsmb (not verified) on Thu, 2009-03-05 23:00.

Oh okay I missed that one. I

Oh okay I missed that one. I don't remember much from Season 2 so I'll have to look for that. That's a great point, thanks!

"Fight Prime Time. Read a Book"

Submitted by peacekitty on Thu, 2009-03-05 22:31.

Except for the 'crazy' Asian

Except for the 'crazy' Asian woman stereotyped character - Season 2?

Asian lesbians had a point about that one. They're almost always portrayed as loud, whiney and nuts.

I haven't watched this particular episode, so I can't comment ... I want to be 'surprised' when I get TLW DVD box set! haha!

Submitted by Xanadu (not verified) on Thu, 2009-03-05 22:09.

all it takes is the right

all it takes is the right girl in lingerie

Submitted by Erin Blackwell (not verified) on Thu, 2009-03-05 18:17.

Man could dance back then,

Man could dance back then, couldn't he? Sending good karma to him....oh yeah, had a friend of mine tell me she was working out - if I wanted to try it she'd catch me....you know how I am about that noncommittal stuff....I'm thinking that probably goes for trust too

Loving my body parts sound,

LaTex

Twitter Time @kdhales

Submitted by Tex on Thu, 2009-03-05 17:22.

Great point Tex. I was

Great point Tex. I was thinking that today as well. The show has changed lives and for that it should be honored. I guess I was just taken aback by the description of the show on the web site, which is a bit misleading. I can forigive that though for the good it's done. Thank you for always being the voice of reason. xoxo PK

"Fight Prime Time. Read a Book"

Submitted by peacekitty on Thu, 2009-03-05 17:07.

PK, I don't think GLADD is

PK, I don't think GLADD is giving the program an award for artistic merit. We'll have to see exactly what the award is after the presentation, but I think the award is a Special Recognition award for the making of the show. Those are two totally different awards.....you know, recognition for a platform for LGBT actors, crew, staff, etc to work and further the cause. Think about it - there were a lot of LGBT professionals that got to work because of TLW. Think about those people receiving benefits - domestic partner benefits, salaries, security, support, experience....if I was a betting woman, I'd bet it's things like that that the show is getting recognized for.

My reference to not forgetting was actually a tribute to TLW theme song, EZ, and Betty.

Twitter Time @kdhales

Submitted by Tex on Thu, 2009-03-05 17:01.

Hello there my friend. :)

Hello there my friend. I'm great and looking forward to the weekend. A pleasure to see you as always.

"Fight Prime Time. Read a Book"

Submitted by peacekitty on Thu, 2009-03-05 16:53.

Hey PK :-) I totally agree

Hey PK

I totally agree with you about the show trying to do too much. You can't tick all boxes with one show, IMHO.

Hope you are fine and dandy!!

xoxo S

Submitted by Steph H (not verified) on Thu, 2009-03-05 16:47.

The question is - does anyone

The question is - does anyone put Blackwell in the corner??

"beefier"......lol

Submitted by Steph H (not verified) on Thu, 2009-03-05 16:45.

gals are much beefier now.

gals are much beefier now. it's never too late!

LaTex, thanks for posting that. i was more than 10 when this came out so i missed Julia's reference in the title, just finding the title very funny. you sent me on a wild swayze chase.

nobody puts swayze in the corner

Submitted by Erin Blackwell (not verified) on Thu, 2009-03-05 16:33.

Hmmm, I don't see anything

Hmmm, I don't see anything bad about the racial politics of the show. One of the most honest and nobel characters is black in fact. This episode was just poking fun at pop culture in general. Can you explain why you think that way?

One of the ways in which the show has succeeded is that it has tried very hard to please everyone across the political spectrum, which also might be one if it's problems. It's tryiing to do too much and has never quite seemed to know what it wants to be.

My isses with it are the unfocused, repetitive storylines, sophomoric dialogue, lack of continuity and the fact that it has ceased to be original.

"Fight Prime Time. Read a Book"

Submitted by peacekitty on Thu, 2009-03-05 16:04.

Can we talk about Alice's

Can we talk about Alice's Blackface "ghetto girl" moment with Shane. As if the racial politics of the show weren't disturbing enough...

Submitted by be (not verified) on Thu, 2009-03-05 14:24.

"whether you like it or not,

"whether you like it or not, will you ever forget? …………"

lol That's like saying a terrible movie should win an Oscar just because people remembered it.

I understand what you're saying, but I stand by my assertion. The poor little show fell apart in the end, and GLAAD should set the bar a little higher. I don't believe in rewarding poor quality just because it's the "first" of it's kind.

However....I've noticed that "Prayers for Bobby", with stellar performances by the cast, isn't even mentioned this year.
I'm thinking that the awards this year are based on the projects of last year.

The L-word was on the up-swing a year ago so I'm guessing they are basing their decision to honor it on season 5, as well as the brilliant marketing.

Submitted by peacekitty (not verified) on Thu, 2009-03-05 12:41.

I would like to be her skirt,

I would like to be her skirt, for just 1 dance.

Submitted by Not2Taem on Thu, 2009-03-05 00:19.

For itty below RE: LB

For itty below RE: LB above
"I’d say it’s more like……… ‘what’ I am, and ‘who’ I do"
Green - the color of jealousy

But don't worry, itty. We all know that while she may enjoy the tease, LB always cums back to her main squeeze.

Submitted by Not2Taem on Thu, 2009-03-05 00:09.

Present and accounted for

Present and accounted for Taem!!!

What???
I look good in green????
Did I miss something???

Submitted by itty on Wed, 2009-03-04 23:27.

Sorry, Mystic and Julia, I'm

Sorry, Mystic and Julia, I'm testing here

Twitter Time @kdhales

Submitted by Tex on Wed, 2009-03-04 22:18.

Forest for the trees, ladies!

Forest for the trees, ladies! IMHO there comes a time when you need to overlook the politics, economics, and shortcomings of a project and begin to remember those reasons that enabled it in the first place......the dream of a fellow lesbian to portray the lives of Hollywood lesbians and bisexuals on television (think about the core characters). Every other LGBT topic that was explored on TLW was an add on to the original concept. Even though the series is ending on a negataive note for most of us, we have to give credit where credit is due - Ilene got it done.....for an even longer time than I think she ever anticipated. From now on I am choosing to remember the positive aspects of the TLW. And when I start remembering the positives they seriously out number the negative.....I want to send best wishes and positive karma to Elizabeth Ziff for her battle with breast cancer. Her musical selections and creative scores made TLW complete - something extra special for me.....whether you like it or not, will you ever forget? ............

Twitter Time @kdhales

Submitted by Tex on Wed, 2009-03-04 22:08.

No shit! It has gotten the

No shit! It has gotten the point where even the sound sucks. There is so much noise in the background that you can't hear the inane conversation of the main actors. I just hope that Julia quotes the ones I can't make out in her recaps.

Submitted by Not2Taem on Wed, 2009-03-04 21:22.

I think you should just get

I think you should just get together a group of friends who are really hot when they're drunk and have everybody pick a character. You have to drink when your character does her embarrassingly dorky thing. The one who slides out of her chair and into her neighbors lap first wins. :twisted:

Submitted by Not2Taem on Wed, 2009-03-04 21:17.

Maybe she's taking a break,

Maybe she's taking a break, like I did for a bit?

Submitted by CA_Medicine_Woman on Wed, 2009-03-04 20:34.

LOL, I guess that's better

LOL, I guess that's better than being a stubborn and opinionated bitch (albeit of the highly educated and informed type ) like me!

Submitted by CA_Medicine_Woman on Wed, 2009-03-04 20:30.

Clearly they haven't been

Clearly they haven't been paying attention to the show lately. Either that, or they're trying to win favor with Viacom again. I guess any publicity is better than none in their eyes. Could also be that some who are part of the show have made sizable contributions to GLAAD as well, and they're returning the favor with a healthy dose of free publicity.

I still don't get how GLAAD can claim the completely unrealistic of trans-issues on TLW is in any way positive, but then I have to remember that their anacronym does not include a "T" in it. Of course, this is also the same group that told me on another site that I lacked a sense of humor when Letterman referred to transgender people as "androgynous freak shows," after they seriously over-reacted to Leno's borderline joking around about gay issues (Leno being an LGBT rights supporter, Letterman decidedly not).

Hence why I approach anything GLAAD has to say with a large dose of skepticism.

Submitted by CA_Medicine_Woman on Wed, 2009-03-04 20:23.