The L Word - The Complete Second Season

Having watched the first season of The L Word, I must say that this second season definitely did not disappoint. It was a great follow up to the 1st season, with adequate character development, good storylines and just enough new faces.

The stories may revolve around lesbian women, but the situations are true of any person living in today's world.

On a personal note, I think Shane's character struck a chord with me because I too was a bit of a commitment-phobe. When I finally let myself be vulnerable, I realised what a wonderful thing love can be. PLus, she's hot!

Found the DVD's to be in excellent condition upon arrival. Content of DVD's very enjoyable and interesting. Charactors are complex and intelligent. Looking forward to Season 3.

No, season 2 isn't perfect. Many other reviewers have pointed out its flaws: the over-involvement of music group Betty and too much irritating re-use of the new theme song throughout the episodes; the one-dimensional character Helena, who it's almost impossible to believe Tina would have ever stayed with as long as she does; the repetitiveness of the Jenny flashbacks; the gets-old-quick and very unrealistic Mark sub-plot; and the loss of Marina.

But there's just as much good here: the blossoming of Shane's character (and she is just truly a wonderful person); the addition of the very fine and fun Carmen; the hook-up of Dana and Alice, which is just so full of joy; watching the superb Jennifer Beals deal with heartache and loss; the astounding Pam Grier and Jennifer Beals coping with their father's disintegration; and Kit becoming owner of the Planet and really finding herself.

At the end of the day I don't think any TV show is perfect, especially when you take each episode by itself. As far as I'm concerned, sesaon 1 had some lackluster episodes and sub-plots, too, and really, all great shows do. It's impossible to put in 12 or 14 absolutely perfect shows that will please all viewers from start to finish. But taken as a whole, the L Word season 2 was still a riveting experience, making me laugh and cry at so many different moments.

And I'd like to say to those who say this season was too depressing that TV should not always just be there to help us "escape"; the poignance of what the Kit, Tina and Bette characters have to face throughout the season is dramatic acting and storytelling at its best, and though the Jenny stuff was over the top and could have been done more sparingly, when you come to understand what's at the root of her problems, you also come to understand why her story is worth being told and why she is so troubled.

I believe this season has set us up for a happier, stronger season three. And again, taken as a whole, it remains a very satisfying collection of stories and characters. Kudos to the L Word creators for keeping us wanting more.

Just please give us a break from that darned theme music! ;)

Already a big fan of Showtime's "Queer of Folk" which dealt with the trials and tribulations of the lives of four gay male friends, I was excited to hear about the coming of a show focusing on the lives and relationships of lesbians in Los Angeles titled "The L Word." The first season met my expectations with a great cast including the beautiful Jennifer Beals and the charismatic and talented Pam Grier and Mia Kirshner. The rest of the cast I did not know and some of the characters, like the actress who plays the butch "Shane," did not click with me at first but grew on me as the first season developed.

What made Season 1 so great was the conflict that the small town transplant of the "new kid in town" Jenny (Kirshner), who grew up with very conservative Jewish parents in a small town, had dealing with her feelings about her boyfriend Tim (who was SO SEXY and a needed male addition to the show) and the newly awakened feelings for a woman. In this case, the object of Jenny's desires were espressio diva Marina-probably my favorite character on the entire series- good actress with a beautiful face, body and accent who supposedly was let go from the show for being difficult-too bad since she was the most interesting person in Season 1. The problem I had with Season 2 is how they seemed to lock out and mock the small number of male characters they featured on the show when the producers felt the need. Tim left at the beginning of Season 2 as Jenny declared her lesbian identity; the other male characters were used by the women to fulfill their own frustrations with their lives and even with guest stars, something was missing. One thing I like about "QAF" is that the boys of Philly were equal to the lesbian couple and Michael's Mother played wonderfully by Sharon Gless. "The L" kind of isolated the lesbians in their own world and in many ways portrayed men as being bad, stupid or baggage. I didn't like that aspect of Season 2 and thought it was unfair and unrealistic.

I would buy Season 1 but not 2 and have to admit I stopped watching Season 2 about half way through for the reasons that I gave. It seems Season 3 is going to be better (I've already watched the first two episodes and it's drawing me in!) with Jenny and her new manly looking girlfriend and one of the central characters (who will remain nameless for those who haven't watched it yet..) developing feelings that she wants to be with a man physically. Also there is Pam Grier's homophobic son who will spark some flames among the ladies. Have to tune it to see what happens next...NOTE: Really enjoyed Rosanna Arquette's closet lesbian "rich bitch" character and the storyline involving her and Shane in Season 1...guess I like the show better when everything isn't in black and white but rather shades of gray :)

I loved this the second season of this groundbreaking show... I found myself laughing, crying and gasping with shock all in the same episode!! The only slightly negative aspect of this 4-DVD set is that the special features are pretty short... I would love to have seen a gag reel, some behind-the-scenes stuff and longer interviews with the cast (especially Jennifer Beals!!) However, the L-word Balderdash feature is hilarious!!
Overall, great value for money!