The L Word: Season Two

Showtime's groundbreaking series on lesbian life in la-la land (LA) becomes even more emotionally complex with these 13 episodes from early 2005. Following up on the tumultuous events at the end of season one's climax, the second year gets off to a bitter start when pregnant Tina (Laurel Holloman) rebuffs the reconciliation efforts of her longtime companion Bette (Jennifer Beals), just as Jenny (Mia Kirshner) faces a breakup with her boyfriend Tim (Eric Mabius). As the episodes progress, things get worse for Tina and she hires a famous lawyer (guest star Jane Lynch) to represent her legal interests, while Bette comes to realize there's no saving the relationship. Bette's alcoholic half-sister Kit (Pam Grier) prepares their nightclub, the Planet, for a reopening, but things take another turn for the worst when their father (guest star Ossie Davis) becomes terminally ill. There's more drama, much of it involving Alice (Leisha Hailey) and Shane (Katherine Moennig), while Kelly Lynch, Camryn Manheim, and Sandra Bernhard are among the other Hollywood notables who pop up in supporting roles. Physical interaction plays an important part in the narrative, and some of the sex scenes are indeed sizzling, but The L Word doesn't traffic in titillation. Rather, this is a thoughtful show with well-defined characters and generally believable situations—perhaps a tad too glamorous at times, but airing real issues and offering anything but pat resolutions to knotty problems. DVD extras include audio commentaries, cast interviews, and a music video. Recommended. (E. Hulse)