From 2004-2009, “The L Word” raised the bar by featuring the first all-queer ensemble cast on American television. In 2022, “Generation Q” continues to inspire a new group of LGBTQ people and enables so many of us in the queer community to feel seen in a way other shows do not.
It’s important to note the LGBTQ community (sadly, lesbians in particular) have lost a lot of representation over the past year with the cancellations of “Gentleman Jack” (BBC), “First Kill” (Netflix), “The Wilds” (Amazon), Genera+ion (HBOMax), “Legacies” (The CW).. and that’s just to name a few. Recent fan favorite “A League of Their Own” (Amazon) still awaits renewal. Seeing “The L Word: Generation Q” back on our screens is a welcome reprieve, and I hope the show continues after season 3 because queer shows are still very much needed.
Representation matters. For the teens who have few LGBTQ role models around them in real life but can see themselves in these characters. For those in their 20s and 30s still figuring out who they are. Even for those older, making a realization later in life. The community surrounding this show is beautiful, with many places even hosting watch parties.
With Generation Q now in its third season, viewers have experienced life stages alongside their favorite characters. Many themes run through this show: Life, love, loss. Breaking up with your first love. The mess of heartbreak and having to start over. Quitting someone who just isn’t good for you, even though it hurts.
A major theme I noticed in the season three premiere? Growth.
If you live in LA, chances are you’ve seen the billboards. Some proclaiming “TIBETTE IS ENDGAME” have also been posted on social media, leading to much excitement from long-time fans of Bette (Jennifer Beals) and Tina (Laurel Holloman). I myself am one of those fans, and truly hope to see my favorite TLW couple find their way back to each other. I feel their time apart and with other people has been beneficial: it hurt, but it’s made both of them realize they are the loves of each other’s lives. As Angie (Jordan Hull) starts college, it gives her two moms some time to reflect on the past 18 years. Tibette fans: I think you’ll be happy with this premiere episode!
Alice (Leisha Hailey) remains my favorite chaotic bisexual, always bringing the comedy. Shane (Kate Moennig) and Tess (Jamie Clayton) look to take on a new challenge together, and I can’t wait to see where this season takes them. After heading to rehab at the end of season 2, Finley (Jacqueline Toboni) returns ready to make amends - even when people have, to put it bluntly, had enough of Finley’s shit. Sophie (Rosanny Zayas) tries to be supportive, but her relationship with Finley might be too toxic to survive the season.
Dani (Arienne Mandi) and Gigi (Sepideh Moafi) are in my opinion, perfect for each other – but with Dani being arrested in the final moments of season 2 and Gigi being quite a free spirit, I’m unsure about them remaining a couple throughout season 3. I hope I’m wrong though, as they’re so good together.
Another great Generation Q couple: Micah (Leo Sheng) and Mirabel (Jillian Mercado). I’m proud to see a show highlight not only a trans guy, but Generation Q also shows that Mirabel is far more than disability rep. She’s funny, sassy, fiercely independent and is not afraid to speak her mind. Trans rep in The L Word has come a long way: Long-time fans will remember the arc of Max has not aged well. Micah’s arc this season could be an opportunity not to right that wrong, but to do better.
As the first episode of season 3 both opens and ends with a shock, it seems we’re in for another season of drama, love, forgiveness, breakups and mess. Sign me up for it all, as the trailer for the remainder of the season looks like a whole lot of fun.
