Round Two: The L Word: Generation Q

The L Word: Generation Q: Season 1, Episode 2 “Less Is More” (B)

This second installment was a lot like the first – flashy, risqué at times as expected, and overstuffed with a whole lot of content. I like that it’s taking a new approach to these characters that doesn’t feel like rehashing what we already know happened and was tired by the time the sixth season of “The L Word” started and finished. Bette did mention a handful of things and people from that show when she was telling Dani about her past, and I’m glad that she didn’t get too much into the mess that was Jenny at the end. I’m impressed with the array of talent this show is involving, and I neglected to mention one player in my pilot review who I recognized, and that was Leo Sheng, who had a great role in the dramedy “Adam” from this past year. This episode introduced us to a few new characters, and I’m most excited about Tess, played by Jamie Clayton from “Sense8.” I was also happy to see Olivia Thirlby from “Goliath” and “Juno” as Rebecca, and Mercedes Mason from “The Finder” and “Fear the Walking Dead” as Lena. I’m hoping Rebecca will positively balance out the overeager and highly irritating Finley, while Lena might provide some solace for Shane in the wake of her divorce. I like that Alice had a chance to bond with Gigi after that flashback to the ring-hammering scene, and all of these characters do seem to be rather three-dimensional. I think I can commit to six more episodes over the course of a relatively light time for TV.