The L Word Series Finale
Lack of Closure Leaves Many Viewers Frustrated With Ilene Chaiken
One of the only shows on television to center almost completely on gay and lesbian issues, its loss is surely being felt. Thousands of viewers had signed petitions and mailed in requests, asking Showtime to continue the series; however, it was not to be and The L Word ended its final season with just an eight episode run.
The LGBT Issues at Hand
Both praised and criticized as a provocative drama that constantly pushed the envelope, creator Ilene Chaiken never backed down from taking on controversial issues. There were gay and lesbian characters, bisexuals of both genders, and straight individuals portrayed on the show. The series also highlighted the challenges and rewards of lesbian parenting and adoption, dealt with issues facing the transgendered community, and took on homelessness, substance abuse, and terminal illness. While some believed that the show bit off more than it could realistically chew, others argued that was a necessary by-product of the fact that the show served as a unique (and temporary) medium for bringing these issues to light.
Disappointment WIth Ilene Chaiken Heard Far and Wide
Now that the show is over, it seems everyone is weighing in with an opinion. Thousands of people have posted their opinions in online forums and made their voices heard on websites such as Facebook, AfterEllen.com, and Pam’s House Blend. The resounding answer seems to be that most people are unhappy with the ending. And, their disappointment is well-founded. The finale is enormously open-ended, leaving crucial elements of the storyline unresolved. With the bits of information that the audience is given, we can make only broad (and relatively unsubstantiated) guesses about what ultimately becomes of the characters. We don't find out if Tina sees the tape of Kelly, or if Helena finally works it out with Dylan, or if Tasha sleeps with Jamie. We also don't find out why Niki is in the bushes, or if Shane goes after Molly, or if Max keeps the baby. Oh, and there is that pesky question of who killed Jenny Schecter.
Need for Resolution in The L Word Finale?
In a Burger King “have-it-your-way” style culture, we seem to be frustrated that Ilene Chaiken didn’t give us what we wanted. There was little to no resolution in the final episode, and given the viewer’s deep attachment to the show as well as the audience’s desire to understand Chaiken’s conception of how the story ends, her actions have proven quite frustrating. It is as if the story-teller has left the product unfinished; the picture is incomplete.
But, just what does Chaiken owe to the audience after all? Does she owe us a tidy package that feels complete and "wrapped up" or is she justified in forcing us to use our imagination? And, if Chaiken was to have simply given the viewers relief - to ease our minds and settle our curiosities - would that, in some way, have detracted from the series' legacy as a provocative, proactive, and productive show?
Ultimately, it seems that there are as many ways to view this ending as there are opinions about the show as a whole. While, on the one hand, the finale can certainly be seen as a lousy ending that allowed Chaiken to take the easy way out (and leave a wide field open for the interrogation tapes, Leisha Hailey's spin-off, and the rumored L Word movie that may soon be in the works), to give her a bit more credit, perhaps this was Chaiken's final act to push us, as viewers, to think, to analyze, and to discuss, all while managing to keep the issues fresh in our minds.
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