The L Word

Long Time Coming

Season 4, Episode 12, Aired 3/25/07

Episode Summary

Bette seeks Tina's advice on how to get Jodi back, but is surprised to learn that Tina no longer wants to be straight. Alice is devastated when Tasha is called in for another tour in Iraq. Meanwhile, Phyllis seeks divorce, Jenny is excluded in any decisions regarding the movie, and Helena frees herself from Catherine's tangles.moreless

9.3

EPISODE RATING: Superb

105 votes

Your Rating: 10

"Perfect"
Your Rating: 9.5

"Superb"
Your Rating: 9

"Superb"
Your Rating: 8.5

"Great"
Your Rating: 8

"Great"
Your Rating: 7.5

"Good"
Your Rating: 7

"Good"
Your Rating: 6.5

"Fair"
Your Rating: 6

"Fair"
Your Rating: 5.5

"Mediocre"
Your Rating: 5

"Mediocre"
Your Rating: 4.5

"Poor"
Your Rating: 4

"Poor"
Your Rating: 3.5

"Bad"
Your Rating: 3

"Bad"
Your Rating: 2.5

"Terrible"
Your Rating: 2

"Terrible"
Your Rating: 1.5

"Abysmal"
Your Rating: 1

"Abysmal"

Rate It

Watch Online

Episode Clips

See All

Cast & Crew

See All EDIT

Rose Rollins

Tasha Williams (Season 4-)
Rachel Shelley

Helena Peabody (Season 2-)
Pam Grier

Kit Porter

Fan Episode Reviews (7)

See All

Bette, Alice, and Shane are the best!!!

10

"Perfect"

By tenjohnson6686, Sep 14, 2009 Report Abuse

One of the funniest and best episodes there was!!! I just love how their friendship is so real! How Tina and Bette just want each others' happiness, how you see the "soft" side of Papi when she's with Kit, How Alice and Shane are such loyal friends to Bette, and of course I love Alice's comedic timing!!!

The new characters this season were really great (Jodi and Papi are my favorites!)

When they are stealing the sign, and Alice get caught on to something on the roof, she is hilarious!!!

I also love Max, but can't stand Jenny!!!!

All in all I thought this was a really good episode.moreless

DO YOU AGREE?
0 0
Love this episode! The show's best season finale of all times! I do miss Dana (I mean why not kill off Jenny?) but still loved this season & episode & some of the new characters!moreless

10

"Perfect"

By wayoutcontrol, Nov 14, 2007 Report Abuse

Love this episode! The show's best season finale of all times! I do miss Dana (I mean why not kill off Jenny?) but still loved this season & episode & some of the new characters!

Kit & Angus: I'm so glad that Kit is getting herself on the right track again and I hope her & Angus will be back together and strong, last long the next season. I think they are great together! Everybody cheats from time to time don't they?

Tasha & Alice: I really love this couple not only are they an interracial couple and are so freaking cute together but they just have this hotness that heats up the screen. I don't understand why they would make them fight so much (although it's semi cute) and this whole thing with the war & I hope for Alice & lesbian interracial couples everywhere they can last & be happy, Alice needs love & I hope Tasha is the one to give it to her, they both should be happy together. Bringing Dana back for a *hallucination* was really interesting-maybe the writers regret killing her off, I was so happy to see her again!

Bette & Jodi: I wasn't sure what to think about this relationship at first, but the two of them have really grown on me a lot as a couple. The whole sign language is so intense & genius, I love the true feelings that Bette & Jodi show for each other it's really intense & leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat or tearing up because they are so cute together. Tina & Bette never had this they were quite boring, they were safe, boring but the sex was better, maybe because S4 lacked real sex (only got it from Tasha & Alice, Shane & Paige-thanks guys) The whole process of winning Jody back was brilliant - and I almost cried when Bette brought her that sign, & when T was admitting her feelings for Bette but actually helping her put Jodi back together.

Shane & Paige: Okay I thought they could not pair worse than Carmen- I was very wrong. They look awkward, kiss/love awkward, although I do like where they are trying to go with Shane with the whole growing up, taking responsibility, caring for her brother, falling in love, just everything, but they should have picked someone with a slight better personality & chemistry for Shane. I like how Piage one of the more relaxed girls Shane has been with & I think that is really great & easier for Shane, but shape the characters personality better, get an actress that suites Paige & suites Shane. I do like Kristanna as an actress just not as Paige. And I did find during the sex scene the little things they put in between where a bit disturbing

Tina: At first I thought she was boring, & there was sometimes I did not like her but recently she has grown on me!

Helena: I love her (despite the fact she reminds me of a British Nelly Furtado & Courtney Cox-ugh) but not so much in this season, & last season could she not just showed the tape Dylan sent her to prove they were using them for money? Somtimes she does not think but shes great!

Max: I adore Daniela Sea, Max must be a very tough character to portray & all the struggles that come with realizing you were born in the wrong body. But something a character said about how if they woke up wanting to be white (born black) they would not try & change themselves. Transexual confuses me weather being one is like wanting to change something of yourself you don't like (nose is too big, you are too fat, you are a different race, gender, etc) or something mental, this really does not go into that at all, on top of the fact that Max probably is an androphilic.

Jenny: Why oh why have they not killed Jenny off? So many people want it L Word people if you read these kill her off okay? I thought she was okay at first, annoying & I fast forwarded through most of her screens but still okay. I actually started liking her devious ways till she went crazy & kept playing the victim card when she was *free*. When she bought that dying dog (for the reason she did) oh my gosh how evil! And on top she recently bought another *healthy* dog to use again, makes me sick she feels she can use animals like that. But oh my gosh this whole arrogant, & I am a victim but better than everyone else, everybody look at me persona is getting annoying & defiantly pushed off to the edge this episode. Not all past victims or abused people end up any way like her.

But L Word why did you dissolve the *supposed* bisexuals? Bring some in/back dammit! Keep Papi also she is real cool & since no more Dana, her & Alice-on the occasion Bette bring fun, excitement & laughs to the show! As well as Helena but when she does stupid things or gets confused! Also hate all how Jesus Christ & God used as arbitrary exclamations so many times, why stereotype all lesbians/people on that show like that, not to mention stereotype the Christians on this show.

This season was really good, unexpected in many ways. I'm excited to see how it goes on next season, I hope my hopes for this show & predictions happen for TLWS5!moreless

DO YOU AGREE?
2 0
The show's best season finale of all times

10

"Perfect"

By diecaro, Apr 01, 2007 Report Abuse

I didn't know it was already the season finale when I watched this episode...
Well, in my eyes it was the best finale this show has had so far. There wasn't any cheating or breaking up, but it was mostly happy. I'll go through it one by one.

Kit&Angus: I'm so glad that Kit is getting herself on the right way again and I think the two of them will be back together and strong next season. It was a tough time, but the fact that she might be forgiving him and that he waited for her shows that they are great together!

Tina: I haven't liked her for quite a while, but she's actually growing on me again. It was kinda surprising that she seems to want Bette back. I like that they still have this connection and don't fight anymore... I just hope Tina will get over it and move on.

Tasha&Alice: Okay, let's get it over with. I must say I really don't like this constellation. Maybe it's cause I'm absolutely against war and I don't understand how you can do that to yourself. And I'm really sorry for Alice, because she might lose a loved one again. Bringing Dana in at this point was really amazing, I was so thrilled to see her again!

Max: I'm excited to see whether he'll go through with the transformation or not. He has been growing on me a lot lately and I can't imagine the struggles of this characters and what's still to come.

Helena: I was so happy to see that in the end she finally decided not to play Catherine's game anymore. But taking all her money? What is she getting herself into? She might have won that money, but could she prove it if she needed to? It's too bad Helena can't stand on her own feet, but would rather go for a deal like with Catherine than be "poor".

Phyllis: She brought quite some fun to the show this season!! And getting her together with that Joyce freak was a brilliant move!! Really good!

Bette&Jodi: I wasn't sure what to think about this relationship at first, but the two of them have really grown on me a lot as a couple. The whole process of winning Jody back was brilliant - and I almost cried when Bette brought her that sign. Might have been because of the great song in the background. "Dear Mr President" by Pink. Amazing. Also a great reference to Tasha's situation!!

Shane&Paige: They are so great together. After the whole Carmen-chaos I thought Shane was gonna lose herself in old ways again and never let someone in again. But she did. Due to Shay her life completely changed and now she doesn't seem to be afraid of committing, having a family and that sort of stuff. I really truly hope that they stay together. Hopefully the friends' references to "That's not Shane" or Helenas comment towards Catherine in the end aren't supposed to be a foreshadowing on what's going to happen...

Jenny: Last, but not... well, actually Jenny might as well be killed off. For an episode or two I really liked her this season. That was when she was showing some human emotion with that vet girl. But then she screwed up and ever since has been acting like an egoistic arrogant fool. Drowning or dying from thirst and hunger somewhere in the middle of the sea would be a suitable destiny for such a drama queen. Please kill off Jenny. Or make her nice. But I can't stand her this way any longer...

This season was really good, although unexpected in many ways. I'm excited to see how it goes on next year. It does go on, doesn't!?moreless

DO YOU AGREE?
5 0
Oh how i will miss them all till the next season...

10

"Perfect"

By Tibette77, Mar 29, 2007 Report Abuse

I thought this was the best episode by far since the pilot...It made you laugh,cry and laugh again..It was full of emotion's it was thrilling to watch..I hope in season 5 TiBette can finally work there way back to each other..I loved the Dana and Alice scene it was great to see them interact again (i have miss Dana). Phyllis/Joyce was soooo funny...I hope Jenny sail's off never to return EVER....moreless

DO YOU AGREE?
3 2
Best episode of the season!

10

"Perfect"

By walkinintherain, Mar 29, 2007 Report Abuse

Leisha Hailey is God(dess?). Besides being musically talented and comedically gifted ("Go without me! Leave me behind, it's okay! Save yourselves!" lol), she's the best actress of the bunch. Dana's "return"? Wonderful! Finally some GOOD news for the relationships that have been under so much stress this season? Even BETTER! "Long Time Coming" indeed! Poor ol' Max got a short shrift here, but I have a feeling we'll see more of that later on..

and Laurel Holloman is hotter than ever. See you next year! :)moreless

DO YOU AGREE?
2 2

Write a Review

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

See All

Trivia
ADD TRIVIA
- Opening Teaser: Bette is walking through a flea market. All around her kids are running around her with balloon animals but Bette is looking really sad. She stops to listen to a female blues singer (Toshi Reagon) perform a mournful blues song with her acoustic guitar. Bette leans in to drop few bills in the singer's open guitar case. As she gets up, she sees a huge metallic sign on the roof that reads "17 Reasons Why!" She has some revelation about the sign and the frown on her face changes into a hopeful smile. The connection: Bette decides to take down the sign and bring it to Jodi to New York as a way to express how much she wants her back. Edit
- We finally find out Papi's real name: it's Eva Torres. In episode 3-9: Lead, Follow, Or Get Out of the Way, Carmen said that the reason she didn't go to her high school prom was that she was at a porn festival with a girl named Eva Torres who taught her how to sixty-nine. We already knew Papi had something to do with Carmen because Alice found her through Carmen's solar system on The Chart. Edit
- Deleted Scenes: Scene #1: Paige and Kit discuss Shane Paige and Kit are sitting at a table at The Planet. Paige asks Kit how she's doing and Kit answers that she's taking it one day at a time. Then Kit asks Paige how she's doing. Paige tells her that she was really excited about a romantic getaway with Shane, but now she's disappointed because Shane decided to invite Jared along. But on the other hand she's quite impressed with how good Shane's with Jared because some of the guys she's dated couldn't even handle her having a kid. Scene #2: Jenny picks up after her dog This scene takes place immediately before Jenny's encounter with Kate and Stacey Merkin at the club. She's walking her new puppy and, completely grossed out, picking up its poop up with a plastic bag. She's talking to the dog, telling it that they're going to meet Kate and what happened at the studio meeting was all Tina's fault. Then she takes the puppy inside to the club. Scene #3: Alice, Bette and Shane have a run-in at the scrap metal yard Shane, Bette, and Alice are wheeling the pieces of the "17 Reasons Why!" sign on a dolly. All of sudden, a security guard with two dogs turns up. He tells them that he'd left a message in their answering machine. Alice starts to say that they are not who he thinks they are but Bette shushes her. She plays along and says that they haven't checked their messages. "I guess time is of the essence in the scrap metal business", the guard says. The girls all laugh, obviously relieved. The guard goes off to unlock some doors for them but he leaves one of his massive German Shepherds sitting near the girls. They're intimidated by it but the dog just stays nicely at the spot it was order. They manage to wheel the dolly to the van but have some trouble lifting the heavy, metallic pieces in. They ask the guard to give them a hand but he just retorts, "You're the ones who wanted women's lib, right?" Scene #4: Tina gets romantic on the beach Tina walks up to Kate at the beach at Tasha's going-away party. She leans in to kiss Kate but she says she'd like to give Tina some more time. Tina ignores it and starts to kiss her anyway. Kate kisses back. Edit
Notes
ADD NOTES
- For this entire season, Jennifer Beals (Bette) was nominated for the 2007 NAMIC Vision Award for "Best Actress, Drama". Edit
- In the 50's fantasy, Shane's character is portrayed as a guy. In the show Young Americans, Katherine Moennig played a girl disguised as a guy in an all-boys school. Edit
- The fourth season finale was watched by an estimate of 485,000 viewers. Edit
Quotes
ADD QUOTES
- Helena: Catherine and I have an arrangement, alright? It suits me and I'm getting really tired of everybody second guessing me about it. Papi: Whatever, it's your life... Look, she left you a message. (reading) "Helena dear. Separate my underwear, bikinis, thongs and fold them before you put it away." Edit
- Dana: So, what are you saying? That you wish you never met me? That because I had to leave and that was really hard for you, that you'd rather I just never existed in the first place? Hmm? Would that be easier? Look, Alice, I don't think it's any less painful to lose someone to a tragic misunderstanding than it is to lose someone to a goddamn heart attack. Alice: That's not true, because I can get over a misunderstanding. Dana: Not always. Anyway, don't argue with my superior wisdom, okay? Go get dressed! Go on! I wanna see you in that fucking party dress. Alice: Oh god... You really curse a lot more. Now. Dana: Yeah, well, you'd curse a lot too. Edit
- Bette: (on the phone) Just tell me what to say when I give her the sign. Tina: Okay, umm... "I never should have let you go. I would do anything for another chance. I'm not afraid to make a fool out of myself." Okay? Sleep well. Bette: Thank you, T. Edit
Allusions
ADD ALLUSIONS
- Alice: With June and Beaver Cleaver as your neighbor? Yeah... This is a reference to two of the characters from the TV show Leave It to Beaver that ran from 1958 to 1963. The show was known for its wholesome image of American life, and Alice was teasing Shane as she talked about moving in with Paige. Edit