I have watched The L Word on and off over the last four seasons. Naturally, with Queer as Folk being as popular as it was, it made sense to offer a show strictly for lesbians, too. When Showtime launched The L Word in 2004, it appeared to be an instant success. Surprisingly enough, the show has increased in popularity and does not appear to be slowing down. Of course, the show demographic spans many lines beyond just lesbians, but the show itself is for and about the lesbian in you.

The L Word Plot:
On The L Word you have a chance to view the sexual exploits and dramatic presence of a group of lesbians that live and work in Los Angeles. You see everything with a no holds barred look at their family lives, love, work, play, and of course their friendships with one another. Much like life, The L Word has the ability to make you laugh, cry, scream, and comfort you all at the same time.

Season four of The L Word begins after the somber and shocking death of Dana (Erin Daniels). It seems when Dana got sick and then quickly died, it sent all the other girls in a cycle of destruction far beyond their control. Alice (Leisha Hailey) fought to deal with the love of her life and Shane (Kate Moennig) left her fiancée Carmen (Sarah Shahi) standing at the altar. Max (Daniela Sea) finally was able to begin hormone therapy, Kit (Pam Grier) was carrying the baby of Bette and Tina’s male nanny, and Jenny (Mia Kirshner) finally received a book deal.

Season four starts almost immediately after the end of season three. Bette (Jennifer Beals) is missing after kidnapping her baby from her ex Tina. She isn’t answering calls and while her friends are trying to reason with her, Tina is threatening police action. Helena was stricken from the family riches so Alice teaches her to live within a budget, no matter how tedious that may seem. Meanwhile, Kit has made a decision to have an abortion.

As Jenny’s book is released she gets some shocking reviews and a visit from a girlfriend, her first, who is meant to rock her world. As for Shane, she struggles with her demons, which sadly lead her back to former lover Cherie Jaffe (Rosanna Arquette).

There are a few new characters this season that definitely shake things up. The addition of Papi is an interesting one. On the lesbian equivalent of Myspace that Alice created, Papi has more connections or hookups than anyone. They could have made a planet out of her. So naturally everyone is anxious to get Papi out in the open.

Other new characters include Bette’s new boss Phyllis (Cybill Shepard) who is in her 50s and has been questioning her sexuality for over thirty years, despite being married and Jody (Marlee Matlin) a strong, passionate sculptor who also works with Bette.

Audio/Visual:
The audio on The L Word: The Complete Fourth Season DVD is as close to perfect as you will get. Everything comes in crisp and sharp thanks to the Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound. The video, which is also perfect, is available in a widescreen format that has been enhanced for 16:9 televisions.

Special Features:
There is a nice mix of special features available in this box set. You will find specific features that relate specifically to The L Word and a few other features that offer information and in depth looks at other Showtime shows that you might want to see. The special features offer some content that is viewable through the television and other features that need to be accessed with a computer.

Some of the strictly Internet features include The Sundance Diaries with Kate and Leisha, an interview with Cynthia Summer and Udi Behr, and the Our Chart debut during the Dina Shore Weekend. These are just a few of the special features though. I have heard complaints that the special features via the computer didn’t always work, but if they don’t for you I recommend trying again later.

The other special features are able to be accessed through the television. You will receive episodes of Showtime shows like The Tudors and Californication. In both cases, you receive the first episode of both shows. However, by popping the DVD into your computer you have the ability to watch the second episode, as well. A PSA announcement from Pam Grier and Leisha Hailey is available concerning the Much Love Animal Rescue. You also have access to Win a Trip to Australia, the Script Writing Contest Winners, T-Shirt Semi-Finalists, and more. Biographies are available for all cast members this season and you will have access to trailers for shows like CSI, Numb3rs, The 4400, and Medium.

Bottom Line:
The L Word: The Complete Fourth Season is an amazing set. If you are a fan of the show this is going to end up being a must have for your collection. You may be sad about the influx of characters that are gone and the new ones that are here to replace them. However, the show is as strong and inventive as it ever was. Meanwhile, if you are new to the show, the new characters may make it easier for you to learn the way through The L Word land. This series is fantastic and it comes highly recommended.

Rating:

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