Gay Girl / Straight World
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Love it or hate it, The L Word is a force to be reckoned with. From its premiere in 2004 to its shocking, unresolved murder-mystery conclusion a mere two weeks ago, Showtime’s Sapphic drama about a group of friends in Los Angeles always has had its ardent supporters and fervent detractors. “Real lesbians don’t look like that,” critics said about the insanely attractive and sharply dressed actors. Gay women voiced frustration at the lack of butch characters. These critiques usually found me defending the show to the tune of, “Well, do you and your crew look like the cast of Friends? It’s a TV show; of course everyone’s hot.”
Gay Girl / Straight World
In its six years, viewers have seen this core group of friends go through all manner of heartache and heartbreak, love and lust, infidelity and indiscretion. We all have our favorite characters: Straight women will usually confess to having the hots for lady lothario Shane; my girlfriend really liked Dana, and a few friends dig Tasha so much that they have come to call her “Tash-tastic.” The show’s creator, Ilene Chaiken, kept the show fresh by discussing the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military policy, discrimination in the workplace, coming out, and the challenges faced by same-sex couples hoping to adopt children. And, with a spin-off reportedly in the works—called The Farm and starring Leisha Hailey—you won’t have to go too long without your television lezzie drama fix.
Soon after the series finale aired, I found myself asking fellow L Word devotees to reminisce on their favorite moments from the show. Personally, I can never get enough of the Shane and Carmen dynamic, but these faithful viewers had plenty of other fond memories.
My favorite moment has to be when Alice and Dana finally hook up while wrapping wedding gifts. It was much awaited, and, like first-time hookups with friends, completely hilarious. — Colette
I loved the various dynamics that arose between Dana and her parents—coming out and her almost-wedding to Tanya. That stuff really hit home with me emotionally. And we can't forget about all of those clever vignettes at the beginning of the series that mysteriously tapped into an important theme of the episode. Loved those. What happened to them? I think there was even one about Dana's mom as a young girl with same-sex desire (remember the horses?). And worst moments are easy: the Jenny carnival flashbacks and Papi—why? — Arielle
I really enjoyed The L Word when all the actors were involved in some project or prank, like when all the friends tried to help Dana figure out if her crush, the chef at the tennis club, was a lesbian. The show was at its best when it didn’t take itself too seriously, and when it highlighted the close friendships among the women. — Jackie
The times I remember being the most audibly excited was when certain characters who hadn't gotten any in a while got some, like when Alice hooked up with Tasha in season four. I remember cheering for them! And it was awesome when Max stood up for herself to her boss and fellow employees. — Devon
I really like that The L Word is relevant to anyone who has ever been in a relationship, straight or gay, and that they talked about real issues that gay people have struggled with for years and still struggle with today. And I love that in just one episode, it can leave you laughing, crying, and totally pissed off. — Deanna
For six years, I had a funny, sexy, caring, intelligent group of "friends" to watch and learn from. I remember walking on the Upper West Side of Manhattan months before the show aired and passing a billboard that read "Same Sex, Different City.” I was intrigued and incredulous; could it really be a series about lesbians? It was inspiring, and great fun to watch beautiful women in real relationships with one another—love, sex, loss, life. The show meant more to me than I could probably articulate. It validated my 10-year relationship with the woman I love; it helped me through the process of normalizing it, of feeling whole, and natural, and beautiful. I will always miss Sunday nights with The L Word.— Tamar
What did you love about The L Word? Feel free to share your favorite memories from the show in the comment section below.