Editorial by myopinion

The beauty in what by far is the best season for me was the achieved balance of life issues, relationship challenges, wonderful chemistry and easy comedic banter among the characters. To clarify, I am referring to Season 1.

The struggles were present and embedded in distinctive writing fluidly carried out on screen. Among those depicted were a woman’s commitment and her sexuality, a couple attempting to start a family amidst a challenged effort of reconnecting, a woman’s growth toward revealing truth of who she is, familial contention and of course the betrayal that climaxed the show.

These were carefully balanced by the lighthearted scenes and warmth displayed during the exchanges between couples, family members and among these friends represented by a varied collection of personalities.

Absent the infidelity of the Bette character that eventually led to the collapse of her relationship with Tina, I was captivated. Glued to the screen by the balance I referenced earlier. The storytelling mix and excellent performances provided entertainment and afforded opportunities for thoughtful reflection.

I don’t believe the experience was unique to my impression. The critics agreed, as did the ratings implying mass appreciation.

Did I need a second betrayal - the first being the Jenny character who failed her commitment to Tim - to keep me interested? No. The struggling couple presented as the core relationship had so much meat to explore I was salivating. A relationship that was marred with imperfection yet seemed at the core, meant to be. At least for me.

In fact, all the characters were ripe with potential for layered portrayals that would keep me enthralled. The skillful writing enacted with a wonderful rhythm on screen had so much to explore – sibling, parent & child interactions and friendships of individuals in different crossroads of life. Not to mention exposure to the lesbian community that was subtly and gracefully displayed during the course of the season. Enough for some, not enough for others. But let’s face it, there’s only so much you can communicate in an hour. Plus the reality is that this expression’s ultimate goal is entertainment.

Purportedly in order to ‘really’ capture my attention, the betrayal by a character I perceived unlikely to commit such an act did just that. Still, I accepted it as a depiction of reality assisted in great part to the wonderful performances overall. During the last few minutes, I was treated to a climactic scene that remains capable of forcing me to blink back tears, as it was so heart wrenching.

I keep hearing that those at the show’s helm want to represent the community and provide good drama. Granted I know a partial truth (as dictated by my own experience), but I fail to see how the constant depiction of infidelity, transplanted personalities and preachy dialogue achieves that goal.

Cases in point (S1 through S2) Bette, Jenny, Kit, Alice, Dana, Shane, Tonya and even the new character Carmen all shared illicit relations with married or committed individuals or strayed from their existing relationships. Specifically in the second go-around, the very out of character behavior of what I understood the individuals to be in the first season were unsettling.

A young, talented writer forced images I still can’t comprehend (perhaps because I’m too simple minded). The assertive self-confident and passionate woman (albeit at times a bit too fiery for her own good) was abrasive and worst of all, unfeeling just when she had the opportunity to impress upon the woman she was trying so hard to win back. Her loving and wholesome partner transformed into an indifferent if not at times callous one (partially excused due to the pain inflicted and overwhelming anger that surfaced). The only straight woman was cavorting with a married man in the face of her sister’s situation as she struggled to right her wrong.

I accepted the misaligned timeline with the actress’ real-life pregnancy as the reason why her partner of seven plus years and friends couldn’t figure out why her body had changed…but please don’t get me started on the sermon-like setting at the Planet during Season 2’s finale.

Of course, many viewers would disagree and contend the second season superior to the one that preceded it. They should feel free to express their thoughts on my thoughts.

The transparency that I welcomed from the first season was nowhere in sight. Instead, I was presented with disjointed, forced and confusing scenes filled with beautiful actresses performing rather weak material to the best of their abilities. The theme of infidelity was blinding me at every turn.

Needless to say, I was a bit disappointed. If I felt as entertained and touched as I was during the first season I wouldn’t have minded the darker subjects.

Sadly, it seems apparent the uncharacteristic behavior will continue in Season 3. Will the neglect of processing through conversation and visual representation eradicate the depths of undercurrents in the many relationships depicted? I’m afraid I’ll have to admit to being simple-minded again if the scenes are cut short of these disclosures leaving me to guess.

Although I’m hopeful…

I watched the first two seasons. And yes, I will continue to do so as the new season starts. Hoping to have moments of reflection. Hoping to relate to the storyline. Hoping to enjoy these characters’ stories. Most of all, hoping to be entertained (intelligently that is). This is after all, a television show. It doesn’t have to be perfect nor represent reality in all storylines. And I will respect the perspective of those who lead the stories and characters’ development. I will ask for consistency in the characters however. Is that too much to ask?

Finally, I just hope that the desire for “drama” doesn’t stifle the show’s future. There’s only so much to do at 10 pm on Sunday.

Thus ends a hopeful viewer’s vent. On with the show!

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