A Dana Montage
Episode 11 opens with a montage of Dana. Favorite memories, pivotal moments. The Betty theme plays slowly, sadly as a backdrop. It is a symbolic “Last Dance” and we are reminded yet again of our loss. What will the show become without our beloved Erin Daniels?Camp Imalahkaha
Dana’s memorial service is packed. Our girls are displaced in the back, deemed neither immediate family nor close friends. From a high pulpit, the minister speaks in heterocentric tongue, claiming Dana’s greatest loss was that she never knew the love of a husband. Our heroine Alice shouts, “Dana was gay” and leaves abruptly. Later, she steals some of Dana’s ashes, gathers the group and vows to have a proper ceremony of remembrance. They decide to visit Dana’s camp, about which she spoke quite fondly and where she had her first girl-on-girl action. They find a favorite waterfall where they scatter tearfully Dana’s remains. Each must find her peace in the mourning.Even More Trouble in Paradise
Already haunted by a sense of loss (Therapy 101), Shane seems most distraught by Dana’s death. Longing for family, connection, love, she asks Carmen to marry her. At first, Carmen is quiet, lingers in her answer, but then she accepts the proposal. Hmmm…do we honestly think it will last?The Happy Family
Henry so gallantly waits for Tina to return from the funeral. He has taken the day off so the happy foursome can go to the aquarium together. Bette walks in on them as they prepare to leave. Henry’s son, little Mikey, asks if she would take a picture, you know, a family photo. Tina couldn’t look more uncomfortable and I think to myself, “What in the hell are you still doing in Bette’s house!” Soon after, we see Bette in Joyce Wishnia’s office, Tina’s former divorce lawyer (the divine Jane Lynch). She seeks sole custody of Angelica. (Foreshadowing # 1007, Looming Lesbian Custody Battle) Bring it!Jenny’s Man Trouble
Max gets a job! At the same company that rejected him as Moira. Seems he’s psyched. Great opportunity, six figure salary. He and Jenny can get a place of their own. Let’s celebrate! But, no, Jenny won’t drink that champagne. She questions Max on his ability and willingness to “sleep with the enemy.” Max counters with, “If you think men are the enemy, then you and I have a problem.” I have to mention something that my sister-in-law so aptly asked, “How exactly are they having Max transition? By adding a few chin hairs each week?” Nice one, E. (Big kisses from the west coast, by the way.)A Long Flight From Paris
Lara returns, a few days too late. Alice finds her on Dana’s doorstep. They enter the apartment together, view the state of things. Both start sobbing and reach for the other’s hand. They draw closer, united by their love and grief for Dana. Hoping for any relief from the pain, the two embrace. A slow, searching kiss. (Quick poll: Who was Dana’s greatest love? Alice or Lara?)Blah Blah
Can anyone on this show be happy? For more than one episode or season? Poor Helena! Dylan does a drive by and leaves behind a videotaped confession as well as a ripped up check for the blackmailed amount. We see Dylan drive off in a black vintage Volkswagon bug, possessions packed, trailing dust. Bye-bye, Alex. Please come back and share your lovely face (and other parts) with us again.Best and Worst
The Best of Episode 11: The return of Jane Lynch. If she isn’t the golden ticket, I don’t know who or what is. Note to Ilene – hire her for Season Four. We need a lesbian Best in Show.
The Worst: Where do I begin? I hate to “bitch and moan” (the lesbian equivalent of shock and awe) but the inconsistent story lines, the plethora of unhealthy lesbians, the perpetuation of really bad stereotypes, make me wonder, is this show doing more harm than good? Are we settling because it’s the only game in town? Is it time for viewers to demand more?
