Season 1 / Episode 11 ; Liberally Written by : Ilene Chaiken Directed by : Rose Troche Guest Stars : Click Here Music : Click Here Duration : 48 m

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Liberally Episode Summary

Tina is clearly struggling with the loss of the baby. During a group therapy session, the other members question Bette's level and expression of grief. While she assures them that the reality of the situation has "sunk in", she also discloses that she does not feel the need to cry. In an attempt to give Tina something to focus her energies on, Oscar suggests that she volunteer at his public interest law clinic. Oscar and the staff help Tina dig up dirt on Fae Buckley including a pornographic film starring her daughter.

Jenny discovers that Tim has begun dating Trish, one of the girls from the swim team. She advises him that it is not a good idea and could hurt him professionally. Tim does not respond well to her advice and advises her to stay out of his life.

Francesca accepts another far away assignment without consulting Marina. When Marina expresses disappointment over the loss of their planned vacation, Francesca holds Marina's financial debt up as an example of why she must work.

Dana, searching for a new look, allows Shane to give her a haircut.

While Alice nauseates the girls with tales of her "straight" sex life, she reveals that her period is late. Shane suggests that she give the potential baby to Bette and Tina.

Franklin and the CAC's attorney are dismayed to learn that Bette's confrontation outside of the museum with Fae Buckley was videotaped and edited to paint Bette in an unflattering light. While discussing public relations strategies, Bette decides to challenge Fae to a debate.

Sherry continues to woo Shane with expensive gifts and an abandoned building which is going to be the location of Shane's own salon. Shane tries to keep things with Sherry strictly professional but is advised that breaking up with her would be "a very bad idea".

While attending a performance by Kit, Bette runs into Yolanda, her nemesis from group therapy. The old tension quickly dissipates as they make light of Yolanda's confrontational nature. She introduces Bette to her ex, Candace Jewel, and the group joins Slim Daddy who is having a little too much fun fantasizing about the prospect of Bette and Candace together. Bette learns that Candace is a carpenter and invites her to stop by the CAC sometime.

As Shane and Alice ogle Dana's sexy new look and discuss their plan to give Alice's potential baby to Bette and Tina, Francesca bemoans the quality of service at The Planet and once again, reminds Marina of her tenuous financial standing. While Francesca packs for her trip, Marina opens a bottle of wine and jokes about its expense. When Francesca implies that she may take her next vacation with someone other than Marina, Marina empties the contents of the wineglasses into Francesca's suitcase.

Steve Jaffe asks Shane to do him a favor by hanging out with his confused daughter, Clea, and Shane reluctantly agrees. Clea begins to open up to Shane and admits that she is attracted to her.

Dana and Jenny run into each other at a lesbian bar and go home to Jenny's together. What begins as an awkward conversation devolves into an even more awkward attempt at intimacy. The pair quickly agrees that remaining friends is probably their best bet.

Tina helps Bette prepare for the debate and Bette thanks her for her support given her fragile emotional state. Tina assures her that she is going to be okay.

Prior to the debate, Fae Buckley makes reference to Bette's racial identity letting her know that she is not afraid to make this personal. During the debate, Fae brings into question Bette's sexuality and suggests that her motivation for showing this particular exhibit is due to her desire to "normalize" her lifestyle for the masses. When Fae again suggests that the exhibit is pornography and Bette a pornographer, Bette reveals the videotape of Fae's daughter and draws a distinction between the tragedy of the pornographic film industry and artistic expression. Furious, Fae Buckley proclaims that "the Bible condemns homosexuality and that is why God took your unborn child from your lesbian lover", causing Bette to burst into tears. When Fae attempts to console her, Bette dismisses her and calls her a "monster".

Guest Stars

Rosanna Arquette... Sherry
David Berner... George Parson
Preston Cook... James
Lolita Davidovich... Francesca
Snoop Dogg... Slim Daddy
Roger Haskett... Harley
Kim Hawthorne¹... Yolanda Watkins
Barclay Hope... Bert Gruber
Damon Johnson... Video Director
Claude Knowlton... Charlie
Michaela Mann... China
Joseph Marshall... Bronc
Camille Martinez... Alma
Nicole McKay... Trish Peverell
Samantha McLeod... Clea Jaffe
Ion Overman... Candace Jewell
Charles Payne... Triple
James Purcell... Steve Jaffe
Alfonso Quijada... Esai
Jade Robertson... Amber
Zak Santiago... Oscar
Jonathan Scarfe... Matt
Helen Shaver... Faye Buckley
Daryl Shuttleworth... Dan Foxworthy
Sherry Thoreson... Karen
Michael Tomlinson... Franklin
Russell Zishiri... DJ/Emcee

Music

Liz Phair... Flower
Hellenkeller... Fish N Chips
Family Man... Gloria's Song
Paloma... Cancion De La Paloma
Kia Kidari... New Foundation
Pam Grier... Never Say Goodbye
Kia Kidari... Good Foot
Meta 4... Nu Deli
Bottleneck... Abilene
Auburn... Drivin' You
Transientworld... Aerial Dust
Mariachi Los Camperos De Nati Cano... Quiza, Quiza, Quiza
Mariachi Los Camperos De Nati Cano... No Me Quieras Tanto
Rufus Wainwright... Hallelujah