Episode 2.12 "L-Chaim" (May 8 )

Favorite moment? Melvin saying "Tina".

have been loving the series so far but thought that this episode was pretty crap. it seemed like nothing actually happened.

jenny just gets more weird and annoying each week. im going to give her one more week to sort herself out before i join the kill jenny brigade!

alice used to be my favourite character but she has totally stopped being sweet and funny, i was rooting for her and dana but now think we were much better off before they got together.

but shane saved it, so was sweet in this episode, we need to see more of her being like that.

This has to be the most powerful, most excellent episode so far. Loss, like love and friendship, is just as universal.

Wow.

Overall, I liked this ep. But Jenny is getting completely crazy. I guess she's supposed to be this dark and troubled artist, or something, but I just don't get her, and think she's just... well, weird. :? She does these apparently random things! What are we supposed to think? :|
Tina, stop torturing us already and get back with Bette! You know you want to. We all know you want to.
I almost couldn't watch that scene where Melvin starts to talk to Bette and Tina about how he wants Tina to take care of Bette and then we find out he's confused and stuff. It broke my heart. But then again, I loved it when he called Tina 'Tina' =D
Alice suddenly became this crazy obsessive jealous person. I get her being jealous, but that seems a little too much. Kinda reminds me of Alex from The O C. And I guess we know how that turned out. :irked:
Shane and Carmen are cute, Shane and Mark are weird. I don't get it. Wasn't it just a few weeks ago that she threw stuff at him and was all mad and hurt? She heals surprisingly fast, doesn't she?

I don't think Alice's behavior is that much of a flip from her character. Remember how she was with Gabby? When Alice is feeling someone, when she's in love, she becomes a mushy, oozy, gooey shell of the snarky-Alice we all know and love. She becomes...well...WEAK. That is something she needs to get control of, sure. Some viewers have really pigeon-holed Alice as the "funny and cute" character that should always be funny and cute ONLY. And it seems to really shock when *GASP* a character actually starts to have layers and depth (no matter how annoying or upsetting). But I will gladly take an complex, multi-dimensional character (flaws, mistakes, annoyances and all) over the safer one-dimensional alternative in dramatic TV. I mean, look at Bette. Out-of-character for her to cheat on Tina last season? Enough said.

Besides, I don't think Alice's behavior will be an ongoing thing. I think she may have just "lost" herself for a bit because she is so in love with Dana and her emotions are making her act a little crazy. I don't think she's processed it. And I'm sure some of you know all too well what kinds of stupid things love will make you do. :wink:

Now that I have defended my favorite little blonde in her moment of weakness...on to the rest of the show...

The scenes with Melvin were so upsetting and sad. :cry: Those scenes were really hard to watch. I loved the part where Melvin said "Hello Tina" and Bette and Kit looked totally shocked. He finally called Tina by her name. That "Ms. Kennard" stuff was really bothering me. Jennifer Beals is an AWESOME actress. I just hope she gets happier, less depressing stuff next season or I will need Zoloft to watch.

Shane and Mark? What are they best friends now? Mark would've been so out of my house or at least grovelling for my forgiveness while he kissed my feet as I seethed in anger and resentment. At least for a little while. These 2 are acting like bro and sis. WTF? Yeah, what a stupid way to have this all come to a head and still keep Mark around.

Dana, I love you, but you are such a ditz. You should know Alice better than that to know that she was uncomfortable with the idea of you and Lara going out. I mean, the signs were everywhere. Are you blind or did you just not want to think about it? You didn't have to say no to dinner, but why didn't you invite Alice to come along? You do get points for turning Lara down for a 2nd dinner though. No matter how cute you and the hot chef are together. :wink:

Carmen, Shane asked you out. Are you going to say yes or what?

Jenny is so dark that she is scaring me. I don't get her at all, but I'm really interested in seeing how far down the dark path she would go. Did you guys see the preview for next week's show? 8O Oh and that strip joint was really disgusting. "I feel like I'm in Hell." Me too Dana. Me too.

All in all...the show was good. Not the best this season and I'm really interested to see how they will STUFF all the stories for the season finale into a 1-hour show. Scratch that. LESS then 1-hour. Why are the episodes getting shorter? I don't get it. :?

I cried.

lots.

I'm going to make this concise.... Jenny needs Foxworthy desperately or electric shock therapy... Carmen say YES... Tina move on in... Bette tell Franklin what to do with the CAC *censored*... Alice please try to be less clingy it'll be better in the end...Dana WAKE UP... I'm glad Shane is happier altho' i have a bad feeling it won't last long... my theory on Mark still being around and Shane being so forgiving is that he's probably going to have the sense beat out f him or worse by that porn thug's minions since he hasn't paid them back... just a theory

It is great to see the episode spend the time on the Bette/Kit/Melvin story line. There were some posts before about how unreal characters in the series are. This type of non-romance, non-sex story line is a welcome change - lesbians are people too and there are different dimensions of life.

As for the romance pieces, they are well woven into the story to provide some relief to the sadness around Melvin. Alice's insecurity with Dana is consistent with her character. Kudos to Dana for turning down Lara - why do TPTB have to make Lara try to steal Dana knowing she is already in a relationship? And definitely looking forward to Shane's big date with Carmen.

I hope TPTB give a happier story line to Jenny. I gather she is now liberated from her past (asking Mark for pancake?), so maybe she if finally ready to move on to a more "normal" life?

Can't believe we are already at ep 12 ... 8O

Still not able to form an opinion on this episode, it upset me so much, hence my three word post earlier, but I have to say, Jennifer Beals is a goddess amongst actresses and women.

Sad and sombre episode but l liked it, even though it left me :cry:
Why are people so harsh on Jenny, we know she's weird but there is reason behind her madness. She's dealing with it the best way she knows how to. Who's to say how anyone would act after a traumatic event at a young age, and then trying to deal with it after suppressing it for so long. :(

Good to see Soup chef back :wink:, l like Dana and Lara rather than Dana and Alice. I think when you are in love like Alice is, then it can turn you into a insecure bumbling mess. :?

The whole Tina/Helena/blode chick at the planet was kinda weird. Doesn't it mean when you are not exclusive that you can see other people but not all at the same time l would suspect! 8O

The Porter clan :tears:

I also really like the episode.
The Bette/Melvin/Kit storyline was done very,very well & I can't understand why ppl are now saying Bette has no backbone? :? The scene where Tina & Bette snuggle in bed together was very sweet too I thought.
Alice is feeling insecure & probably isn't at her most likeable, but I'm glad to see a depature from the "funny & quirky" Alice for a little while & dig deeper. Would be interesting to hear more about her father "issues" too...
And I agree with you Sam, I think some ppl would possibly relate to Jenny & not all of them are mentally unbalanced. This could be the storyline to put Jenny on the road to balance finally & help find herself abit more as well ;)
My only annoyance at this episode is Shane's seeming forgiveness of Mark without any time to it. The last we saw she punched him, but we've never really seen any kind of decent verbal resolution. It seems rather odd...
And as much as I like all the love storylines & mess of the characters it is nice to see an episode where that isn't the priority.

Ya, I found that hilarious how Bette and Kit whipped their heads around when he said Tina's name in stead of, " Ms. Kennard". Best moment this week!!

I really like this episode. It was very sad and lil depressing but it brought us closer to the characters. The whole storyline b/w Bette/Kit/Melvin is so touching and sad it brought tears to my eyes. Some ppl expect the light hearted, less emotional feelings like last season so they can just enjoy the kissing and sex scenes of last season but this season is so much better. It give us stories of lesbians lives and not just sex and nudity.

By now there is no words to describes JB. She is out of this world. Her acting is just sooooooo amazing. I love Bette and Tina every since I first saw them in the pilot episode of season 1. The scene with them sleeping in bed together is just so sweet. Finally a scene that just brought memories of why I like them so much. The chemistry b/w Laurel Holloman and Jennifer Beals in soooooo amazing. They make it so believable and easy. I just love them. :P

The whole Alice jealousy is so cute and sweet. Some ppl think it's annoying and not like her character. But I think it proves how serious and in love Alice is with Dana. It's hard for Alice to find a good and healthy relationship and now finally she's with Dana as a lover and a best friend. It's hard to adjust and love make you do unexpected things. Hell if I were her I would be even more jealous. It's hard to tell someone you love that you're jealous you just kinda expect them to know (you know). :x

It was hard for me to adjusted from last season and this season b/c its totally have different moods. I kinda expected a lil differently but now that I almost finish this season I just love it. So much stories to watch and the acting alone of all this brilliant actresses is worth watching.

I've watched a lot of lesbian movies and none of it have a story line. The closest one is Trading Water. This movie have a really good story and great actresses but it have a very unsatisfied ending. That's why I love this show so much.

Anyway sorry for the long post. Thanz for reading though. :D

[quote:fb08bb4907="lonely_heart"]I really like this episode. It was very sad and lil depressing but it brought us closer to the characters. The whole storyline b/w Bette/Kit/Melvin is so touching and sad it brought tears to my eyes. Some ppl expect the light hearted, less emotional feelings like last season so they can just enjoy the kissing and sex scenes of last season but this season is so much better. It give us stories of lesbians lives and not just sex and nudity.

By now there is no words to describes JB. She is out of this world. Her acting is just sooooooo amazing. I love Bette and Tina every since I first saw them in the pilot episode of season 1. The scene with them sleeping in bed together is just so sweet. Finally a scene that just brought memories of why I like them so much. The chemistry b/w Laurel Holloman and Jennifer Beals in soooooo amazing. They make it so believable and easy. I just love them. :P

The whole Alice jealousy is so cute and sweet. Some ppl think it's annoying and not like her character. But I think it proves how serious and in love Alice is with Dana. It's hard for Alice to find a good and healthy relationship and now finally she's with Dana as a lover and a best friend. It's hard to adjust and love make you do unexpected things. Hell if I were her I would be even more jealous. It's hard to tell someone you love that you're jealous you just kinda expect them to know (you know). :x

It was hard for me to adjusted from last season and this season b/c it's totally have different moods. I kinda expected a lil differently but now that I almost finish this season I just love it. So much stories to watch and the acting alone of all this brilliant actresses is worthe watching.

I watched a lot of lesbian movies and none of it have a story line. The closest one is Trading Water. This movie have a really good story and great actresses but it have a very unsatisfied ending. That's why I love this show so much.

Anyway sorry for the long post. Thanz for reading though. :D[/quote:fb08bb4907]

lonely_heart, do post more.. I like reading what you write.

I just watched the 12th episode last night and I must say, it really hit home for me. My father died a year and a half ago of lung cancer and the way they portrayed Melvin dying was so close to the way my father died. The only difference being that they cannot capture on television how emaciated cancer patients become before death. Ossie Davis was thinner than last year, but definitely didn't look like a cancer patient. That scene made me cry and cry and cry...it was so well done by the producers etc. because they really got it right. Someone on the writing team must have had the same thing happen. Even turning him on his side with the pillow is a common practice with palliative care patients, which I thought was a great touch in that scene.
All I can say is wow, well done...very sad, but very well written and acted.
I didn't enjoy the rest of the show because of the drama with Bette, Kit and Melvin...hard to concentrate on the rest with that going on.

I liked this episode, even though it had major alterations made to the characters within it.
Alice's happy-go-lucky character has changed completely into this clingy-thing but hopefully this is a one off event aimed to show how much she's become attached to Dana and it won't become a regular theme.
Kit and Bette's storyline was a real tear-jerker, and there were some touching moments like when Bette was looking at the old photos, and Melvin called Tina by her proper name. I really liked the ending scene where the focus was on the Bette-Tina picture.
Was the shot of Tina semi-naked and asleep then the immediate switch to Melvin dying meant to symbolise the arrival of one life and the loss of another?...cos the shot of Tina was kinda abrupt - one second she was on screen, the next there was Melvin. Didn't really feel like there was a connection if there was meant to be one there.
I cannot sing enough praises for the Shane/Carmen storyline...really hope it is resolved this season and doesn't leave us with some sort of emotional cliffhanger!
Jenny...erm...yeah. :crazy:

[quote:c57f1fd997]I liked this episode, even though it had major alterations made to the characters within it.
Alice's happy-go-lucky character has changed completely into this clingy-thing but hopefully this is a one off event aimed to show how much she's become attached to Dana and it won't become a regular theme.
[/quote:c57f1fd997]

This is likely the case. Alice is so in love that she's gone wonky. Although I don't think it was THAT much of an alteration from her character. Remember Gabby? Alice was a pathetic little b*tch when it came to Gabby and Gabby walked all over her. I'm almost 100% sure that Alice doesn't realize what she's doing with Dana. :roll: Hopefully Dana tells her what's up and to stop it (LOL) instead of being like Gabby and just blowing her off or treating her like crap. Once Alice sees exactly what she's doing and what it's doing to her and Dana's relationship that she'll try to change it. You can't solve a problem if you don't know what it is.

[quote:c57f1fd997]Jenny...erm...yeah :crazy: [/quote:c57f1fd997]

My thoughts exactly. :google: Jenny is just out there.

And why are the episodes so short now? :thumbsdown:

I don't get the concern over Bette changing - she was obsessively in control, terrified of losing it, and that's what she did. In any good relationship there are times when the other partner is strong for you and to me it just shows the 3D Bette rather than the 1D stereotype of an Alpha women, as JB calls her.

I was really depressed after this episode but I think it is one of the best ones yet - not melodrama, just drama. Except the weird stripping storyline, lol. That was just weird. I think we need to develop Shane and Carmen more to care enough for them, but I do like that they're taking it slowly (the writers that is)

Alice is believable to me too, she wants to trust Dana but it so scared of being hurt that she can't really do it, can't believe she is good enough for Dana to stay with. Lara looked way hot in this episode though, so maybe she really does have something to worry about!

Anyway, off to go be gay in the real world ;)

:( No sex again in this episode
Although good acting by Jennifer beals and Pam Grier!!!!!!!! :P

If I were alice I would be acting the same way because Dana and Lara broke up because Dana wouldn't come out...not because they didn't think the relationship would work. Alice doesn't want to lose Dana and I thought she portrayed that very well.

The Bette/Kit/Melvin storyline was very good. it helps show that there is more depth to the characters than what we usually see.

Shane/Carmen...it's cute. You can tell they want to be together but they aren't rushing it...more or less a relationship not based on their sexual need for each other.

Jenny...yea she's being weird but it's her development into being a stronger character.

So there wasn't any sex...it's not always about sex. It's good to see the characters develop not just over their new sexual conquests.

I don't know about the rest of you, but I thought this was one of the best episodes this season. Watching the show made me go, "aww..." so many times.

Like when Melvin says "Tina," or when he asks Tina to take care of his girl, before they all realize he thought it was Bette's mom. Or when Shane steps back from the invite on stage, and gives Carmen that smile.

And how hot did Lara look? 8O :blush: Her hair was perfect! She's just so darn cute and HOT! I'm torn between rooting for her or Alice from Dana's POV.

I just take Jenny's weirdness as it is now...is that bad, that I just accept it, whereas I hated it before?

I didn't *like* the episode, per se, but it was a good episode. Jenny just can never seem to get a break. Kill Jenny? Eh. I know many are not fans of her's, but atleast she is a character with substanciated depth and she has been since season 1. This season is much better than the last, as far as I am concerned, simply because the focus is on character building. I still miss Marina, however.

I'm fine with less sex on the show - We all know we like or don't mind seeing it, but it is shallow to show so much of it (like last season) and present only that one side of lesbian/bisexual women's relationships.

I do hope to see less of Helena next season - The show can do without her; and so can Tina. Her carelessness when it comes to Tina and others just blows my mind. From her arguing with her ex on the phone while Tina was sleeping (a few shows back), to her various jibs at Bette, her over-bearing nature and attitude -- Then her assumptions in placing a nursery in her new house. Come on. There are other ways to maintain stability in a relationship.

I'm not exactly pleased to see Lara return, but who didn't know that was coming? Alice's reactions are so ... mmm... different for her. She is such a likable character that it is painful to see this side of her; for it is damaging. It behooves her to atleast try to fight her jealousy - I am not sure if I really see that happening.

I still think Jenny and Shane are going to hook up eventually. [Ignores all the screams of "NO!" and groans]

Poor Bette and Kit. That was a pretty good scene. When he said "Tina", that was great. Maybe he just did it to help ease Bette's heart, but whatever the reason, it served its purpose. It is too bad she will never have full acceptance from him.
It absolutely killed me when he looked at them holding each other and said "That's what I like to see" - And then realizing that he was halucinating. That tore me up more than anything else.

I'm rambling as usual, and there are probably subjects I did not touch on which I would have liked to, but hey, I'm rambling again.

:( So sad that Ossie died on the show in parallel with real life.

[quote:31b6c3c3b5="LesKidd"]
I still think Jenny and Shane are going to hook up eventually. [Ignores all the screams of "NO!" and groans]
[/quote:31b6c3c3b5]

I actually see that happening too, although at the very soonest, probably at the end of season 3.

In the "Loud and Proud" eppy (at least I think it was that one), there was that one moment when Shane was showing Jenny the tape Mark had made, and they ended up holding each other. There wasn't more than friendship there, but it seemed to be, at that moment, such a deep and profound love between the two friends that I can see how that intense friendship might develop into something different.

I also always thought that the Carmen/Shane relationship was mostly just really strong lust. Yes, they do have that amazing chemistry, but most of the time it seems that the way they look at each other is just them waiting to pounce on each other. I mean, they're obviously hot together... :sexy:

But as sexy as it is, I'm not sure of the depth of emotion there. Well, maybe I just haven't been convinced of it yet. :roll:

Or maybe I just don't like Carmen. (Yeah, I find her manipulative, but I know there are many Carmen lovers around. She's gorgeus and the hotties always get away with whatever they want.) :bringit:

Okay, that's enough from me. Kind of a really long post which sums up to the statement "I agree."

*slaps hand away from keyboard* :P

Hell on earth couldn't make me look in the "Lacuna" thread until I see it, so I'm going to hide out here for a while.

*builds a fort out of pillows, hoists up an l word flag*

i know i'm really late with saying this but i don't have showtime and have been slipping up with reading the recaps and i know it's been like months since the l word season ended but i love that they brought lara back if only for a little while because even though there probably isn't any hope for them (hopefully i'm wrong) i'm still a faithful crew member on the dana/lara ship. hopefully that doesn't sound stupid to any of you

i live in india where we don't get the l word on cable so i saw season one on dvd-is there any one out there who would be willing to help me download season 2? can't wait to see it..... : 8O

The most boring and depressing episode so far. :thumbsdown:

Tina’s supportive, Bette’s a wreck, Alice’s enormously jealous, Dana’s not herself, Lara’s fishing, Jenny’s strippin’, Shane saves Carmen from ugly men with long beards, Carmen smiles. Marvin dies. And Mark’s sweet. :crazy: How WRONG is that by the way?

Ok, Alice is going to smother Dana if she’ll continue to act like that. I get that she’s nervous about Lara and all (I think she may be rightfully worried), but she could try and hide it just a tiny bit. Jealousy is such a turn off. Even for Alice. Is this a way to make Alice less appealing to the audience so we won’t hate Dana so much for dumping her, or what? :?:

Please get rid of Helena! I can’t stand her! “Not exclusive� doesn’t mean bring a date to your date, you know?

Get Jenny some therapy. Now. Or I'll be forced to get some. :google:

And why these strip shows? I could do very well without them. Better! Even more of a turn off than jealousy.
:nono:

It just keeps getting lamer and lamer. Who are these people?

I realize they made Bette very unlikeable and had to do something, but her being a complete wuss now is incomprehensible. Reading and singing at the deathbed, sweet, but very boring tv.

Tina is the strong one now, I get it, right!

Jenny, well, my name screen name should say it all.

I agree with a previous poster who said that they took Alice, who was the one cool/funny person on the show, and made her clingy and jealous. Give her a personality and stick with it please.

Shane, the only one who I actually find believable as a lesbian was barely in this episode.

At least Ossie Davis had a reason for being szicophrenic. What is everyone else's excuse.

This episode like the whole second season so far, sucked.

Now that was a wonderful episode!

The Bette/Kit/Melvin scenes were brilliant acting wise and writing wise. They had me crying at the end. And I loved that the the episode was dedicated to Ossie Davis.

Bette & Tina... *sigh* Just get back together already! I love you two!

Shane & Carmen... I thought Shane was so cute when giving those glances to Carmen. And when she finally asked her out, that made me happy.

Alice & Dana: I love you guys! I really felt for Alice last night. Now, I like Lara ok, but I don't want her with Dana. Mostly because it will hurt Alice. And nobody hurts her and lives! Ahem. Moving oh...

Jenny? You're a freak! But, Mia is doing an awesome job.

I agree that Shane has forgiven Mark way too quickly. The show is trying to make the audience like the guy... and it's almost tempting, for me at least. But then I remember what he did and I want him to go die.

Oh, and can we please make Leigh a regular character? Please? But keep her away from Helena. I like Rachel Shelley, she's a good actress and beautiful, but Helena is too controlling. And Cobie Smulders....is just that... she smulders... *drools*

[quote:ff87430c53="kill.jenny"]It just keeps getting lamer and lamer. Who are these people?

I realize they made Bette very unlikeable and had to do something, but her being a complete wuss now is incomprehensible. Reading and singing at the deathbed, sweet, but very boring tv.

Tina is the strong one now, I get it, right!

Jenny, well, my name screen name should say it all.

I agree with a previous poster who said that they took Alice, who was the one cool/funny person on the show, and made her clingy and jealous. Give her a personality and stick with it please.

Shane, the only one who I actually find believable as a lesbian was barely in this episode.

At least Ossie Davis had a reason for being szicophrenic. What is everyone else's excuse.

This episode like the whole second season so far, sucked.[/quote:ff87430c53]

sorry, couln't agree with you less. finally an excellent episode.

[quote:ef3635844c="kill.jenny"]It just keeps getting lamer and lamer. Who are these people?

I realize they made Bette very unlikeable and had to do something, but her being a complete wuss now is incomprehensible. Reading and singing at the deathbed, sweet, but very boring tv.

Tina is the strong one now, I get it, right!

Jenny, well, my name screen name should say it all.

I agree with a previous poster who said that they took Alice, who was the one cool/funny person on the show, and made her clingy and jealous. Give her a personality and stick with it please.

Shane, the only one who I actually find believable as a lesbian was barely in this episode.

At least Ossie Davis had a reason for being szicophrenic. What is everyone else's excuse.

This episode like the whole second season so far, sucked.[/quote:ef3635844c]

I couldn't agree with you more! Everything right down to the screen name. I hate this being the new Jenny show, the only good thing about the depressing Bette and Melvin story is that it took time away from Jenny. It was well written and touching though, I have to give them that. I also think it is great the show can bring out such completely opposite opinions of it's viewers, very interesting.

[b:9a17f59df8]Finally a brilliant episode[/b:9a17f59df8], I felt like I was watching an episode of Six Feet Under. As much as I love seeing the ups and downs of these women in love I love how they show all the relationships that lesbians just like other people have. I want more substance then soap opera loves and this ep gave me just that.

What can I say JB keeps raising the bar in every episode, she is just pehnomenal. She conveys so much emotion with subtle facial gestures. Its like her face is like the window to her soul. When Melvin scolds her about not showering she does this cute thing with her face that says Oh God. And To top it all JB can sing, can I love this woman more :bow: .

Pam Grier was so fabulous, I want more Kit she is so cool and way too talented of an actress to not be given a more meaty storyline. Someone earlier said that Pam and Jeniffer have amazing chemistry, I concur.

Ossie Davis was phenomenal, Melvin finally called Tina by her name :D . So typical of Melvin giving his daughters a levture about missing work to take care of him. Sad to see how art imitates life, he was a wonderful actor and his presence will be missed. Glas that they dedicated this episode to him.

The most amazing scene was the group carrying Melvin after he fell, thats what friends are for. Made my heart cry out in pain :tears:

Shane was so cute in this ep, I know she and Mark are close but it seems a little forced to me how quickly they overcame the whole tape fiasco. Anyway, I like d that she finally got the courage to ask Carmen out. You go girl.

Jenny is on such a downward spiral she needs help big time. Hope she gets the help she needs before ots too late. Mia is doing such an amazing job, I am loving Jenny more and more. Like I said she is my second favourite character after Bette.

Carmen hot, hot, hot, nuff said.

Danish , well Alice is going to push Dana away with her insecurites. The Dana and Lara date was so cute, just sad that things didnt turn out different. I love Danish but sometimse I think I prefer them as just friends. Dana looke dhot for her date no wonder Alice was jealous. Alice is way more invested in Danish than Dana and I think Alice is going to get her little heart broken :tears:

Tina was awesome tonight, just take Bette back baby. You know you want to. Glad Heletina is over. Helena I like you but Tina belongs with Bette.