Well now, that was indeed something. I’ve already gone on and on about how much I unexpectedly fell in love with “The L Word: Generation Q.” No, obviously, it wasn’t perfect. The clunky, “Everybody Hurts” first half of the finale is a prime example of the show pushing too hard. But in the second half it gave us some of the loveliest moments of the whole damn season. I especially liked Bette and Angie’s relationship, and to be honest I often dislike depictions of parent-child relationships on TV. They’re either all adversarial or all transactional or all jokey. But it felt real, and it felt earned and it was a lovely recall to the past.
Speaking of the past, there will obviously be comparisons drawn to the original. The shows are different in many ways, primarily in tone and consistency. The revival is unquestionably a more solid and stable show. It’s competent in many ways the original “The L Word” could only dream of being. But, it is also less fun in some ways than the OG series. What made us fall in love with TLW back in the day, despite our better judgment, was how goofy and relatable and aspirational it could be at times. But with those higher highs came so (so, so, so) many lower lows. Most of Jenny Schechter’s storylines. The way they mistreated Max. And, of course, killing off Dana Fairbanks. No, we’ll never forget that. Ever. 
The tonal inconsistencies of the original could give you whiplash. Sometimes wildly arty (remember some of those opening sequences?), sometimes delightfully campy (the Dinah Shore roadtrip still makes me smile), sometimes flat-out incoherent (hello, circus trauma) and - on those rarest of occasions - just perfect.
But the steady, skillful competence of the new show has won me over. It has a lighter touch which when done well is engrossing and intimate at the same time. I still feel more attachment to the original cast. And the connection between Jennifer, Leisha and Kate is palpable. I’m trying to feel the same affection and investment for the new cast, but that kind of forever devotion is earned. Luckily they have a second season to get there.
So, thoughts. What did you love? What did you hate? Will they ever add a full-on butch, masculine-presenting lesbian character? And who do you want Sophie to choose? Personally, I think she should ditch them both and go to Hawaii on her own, but that’s just me.