The L Word: Welcome to Our Planet

by Kera Bolonik, Ilene Chaiken (Introduction)

The popular Showtime series about a group of lesbians living in LA has become a genuine cultural phenomenon since its debut in 2004. The San Francisco Chronicle declared it "a superb television series. . . The cast is wonderful, the writing impressive, and it has a lure that is undeniable," while People magazine raved, " The L Word is HOT."Now, here is the official guide to this groundbreaking show, featuring more than 250 behind-the-scenes photos and all-new interviews with the show's cast, crew, and creators. With sections focusing on the main characters, the episodes, the styles, and loaded with fun sidebars that decode the show's trademark teaser openers and rank the hottest sex scenes, The L Welcome to Our Planet is a no-holds-barred look at the show and the world behind it.The book's exclusive, insider access willWhat it's like for a straight actress to film a lesbian sex scene The favorite moments of the show's stars and creators How an episode is written The actresses' favorite clothing designers Which of the show's stars spend their off-camera hours riding horses on a ranch, collecting mid-century modern furniture, or doing Janet Jackson dance routines. . . and much, much more.A VIP pass into the world of the show, The L Welcome to Our Planet is an absolute must-have for fans everywhere.

Genres: Nonfiction, Queer, Lesbian, LGBT

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2006

About the author

Kera Bolonik is a freelance writer who got her start as a book editor. She is also a book critic, and has written about television series as well.

Reviews

[Luce]

It's the L word...Jennifer Beals is in it..I love her...Theres nothing more to say..

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A backstage pass to the first two seasons of The L Word.

You go through the whole process of bringing the show to life, from the pitching to the casting to the production and post-production. Not only do you get to formally meet the cast and hear them talk about their characters, you also get to hear from most of the staff, the ghosts, that worked so hard to bring these characters into our lives. They seem like quite a magical bunch and I believe that feeling of belonging, of blending, comes across, making the experience of watching the show much more alluring. I just wish the book covered the whole show.

P.S. I am specially grateful for the lists of featured songs.

[Niki Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a must read for any big fans of the show who would like to see behind the scenes details such as music played in each episode, how the scenes before the title sequence link to the episode (I especially enjoyed reading this added feature) as well as looks into costumes, props in the houses and what the directors and producers do.

The only problem with this is that it only covers the first 2 seasons. My favorite season is season 5 with the oil wrestling.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great walk through the genesis and first two seasons of one of Showtime's biggest exclusives. L Word was significant politically, bringing lesbian life into the homes of mainstream America (and elsewhere). For the first time, the L-ifestyle was explored from the perspective of a woman, creator Ilene Chaiken, and served up with enough glamour to entrance the general public. The drama series format allowed viewers to share the lives of L.A. lesbian couples for six seasons. While it was fiction, it served to make the lifestyle more palatable (understandable, interesting) to the more concervative sector.

The book addresses the series' political contributions in chapter one, "How the L Word is Changing the World." In chapter two, each of the actors discusses their take on the characters they play. Page after glossy page offers pictures- both candid and still shots from the show. It is a nice remembrance for fans of the show who can call to mind side players as well, actors like the amazing Ossie Davis who played Bette's father. The book's next segments walk the reader through individual episodes from the first two seasons. The production and direction of the show are discussed.

I was lucky to attend a book signing at the phenomynal bookstore Book Soup. Initially, Pam Grier, Leisha Hailey, Laurel Holloman, Mia Kirshner, and Katherine Moennig were scheduled to attend. Kate had a family emergency and could not attend, sadly. Thankfully, the gay trouple in line behind me offered their consolations and support on that count. The attendees wound up being Leisha Hailey, Mia Kirshner, Ilene Chaiken, Rachel Shelley, and (playing the incredibly annoying Dylan) Alexandra Hedison. I'd have traded them all for one Kate, but Mia Kirshner was a sweetheart and worth the drive. (And thankfully I met/saw Kate on several other occassions!)

A fun and worthwhile read. :)

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I think this is a must read for big fans of the show who would like to see behind the scenes details such as music played in each episode, how the scenes before the title sequence link to the episode (I especially enjoyed reading this added feature) as well as looks into costumes, props in the houses and what the directors and producers do.

The only problem with this is that it only covers the first 2 seasons and there isnt one for seasons 3-6 which I really wish there would have been one made. Also I feel like there isnt that much behind the scenes detail, with half the book just giving a summary of the episodes which was nice however didnt give enough pages for extra background info to be included. It would also have been nice to see a list of the best character quotes and also more stories from behind the scenes although I did enjoy reading about how close several members of the cast were and how they all eventually lived together and had little dance parties in some of their trailers.

Although I feel like the book doesn't do as in depth and detailed as I would have liked this is still a really great companion behind the scenes look at seasons 1 and 2 of this amazing show, makes me want to rewatch it all over again.

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, every diehard fan of The L Word needs this book! It contains lots of glossy photos and behind the scenes insight, cast and crew interviews, character and episode guides, an inside look at the glam team, music choices and there’s even a section rating the top sex scenes! 3.5 stars given as it gets a little repetitive, but this is probably because only the first two seasons are covered and it would have been nice if it featured the complete series but like I said if you’re a huge fan of the show (and why wouldn’t you be?!) you need this in your life.

[Poppy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This show introduced me to female lesbian oil wrestling when I was a teen. I haven't been the same since. It also helped me be who I am. I'm bi. I loved this show.