The L Word: Generation Q season 2 episode 4 review: Confront the past

Season two of The L Word: Generation Q has kicked the drama into high gear in the aftermath of Sophie and Dani’s disastrous non-nuptials.

When we last left off, Sophie and Dani seemed to be done for good and Alice and Nat were definitely done, while other new relationships–Bette and Gigi, Shane and Tess–were beginning to take shape. Let’s look at the events of this week’s episode.

The L Word: Generation Q:  Past meets present

As Sophie and Finley’s friendship moves back onto solid ground, Sophie asks Finley to dinner. It’s unclear whether the dinner is friendly or romantic, but Finley’s optimism leads her to believe it’s the latter as she puts on her nicest suit and buys flowers.

But then Micah tells Sophie the news about Dani’s dad’s arrest, leading Sophie to find the MIA Dani out in Ojai. You can probably guess what happens from here. As the two make up for the first time, Dani asks Sophie to stay and Sophie stands Finley up, leaving the status of their relationship very much a question mark.

Speaking of breakups, picking up after the slow car crash of her break up with Nat, a heartbroken Alice heads back home to her house where her mother, Lenore (Anne Archer) has been living. Alice tries to kick her out, but Lenore wants to talk about her feelings, including the unnamed love of Alice’s life.

This leads us to the first mention of Dana’s name on screen in the reboot (aside from the bar). At Alice’s next meeting with her editor Tom (Donald Faison), they discuss the “Dana Chapter” of her memoir, which Tom tells her is a little light.

It’s a heartbreaking scene and Leisha Hailey is at her best as she describes the lingering grief and pain of seeing Dana “when I close my eyes…and when I open my eyes….” and the agony of loving someone whose life was cut short.

One of the things that work so well about the reboot is how grounded it is in character. For fans of The L Word, these are our friends we know and love. To see Alice finally acknowledge Dana feels true and real to the world of the show in addition to being a real character moment.

In a similar turn for character this week, Angie learns her donor is ill and first seeks out Uncle Shane for advice. As they chat, Shane acknowledges her complex relationship with her father that led to her leaving Carmen at the altar, and the regret still feels real however many years later.

Tess misses work for the first time to take care of her mother, leading Shane to surprise Tess when she comes home with a movie in her backyard and comforts her as she shares the news of her mother’s declining health. And then, Shane goes in for the kiss only to learn that Tess is seeing someone else.

The L Word: Generation Q: What else happened this week?

In light of the bad news she’s received, Angie decides to seek therapy, meeting Micah along the way. She later asks Bette if all the moms can assemble for family therapy, and we know that will be a delight.

Later, Bette works to woo her longtime art world crush Pippa Pascal (Vanessa Williams), using the best of her classic Porter charms to no avail.

Meanwhile, after meeting Angie, Micah goes on a double date with Maribel, only to confess to her he recently discovered he isn’t gay and also likes women, potentially complicating their friendship.

What did you think of this week’s episode of The L Word: Generation Q? Tell us in the comments below?