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The Best Episodes of The L Word

Every episode of The L Word ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of The L Word!

Binge this in 2d 11h•Peaking at 8.5/10

A group of lesbian friends struggle with romance and careers in Los Angeles.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    The L Word Season 3 Episode 10 - Losing the Light
    8.5/10(308 votes)

    #1 - Losing the Light

    S3:E10

    While Lara is vacationing in Paris, oblivious, Dana's condition takes a turn for the worse. Alice runs into Dana's ex, Jenny introduces Max to a man from her past, Carmen evens the score with Shane, and Peggy Peabody flies to town to help her daughter. Frustrated, Bette leaves the Buddhist retreat but receives a dose of life wisdom from an unexpected source.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. The L Word Season 1 Episode 13 - Locked Up
    8.3/10(341 votes)

    #2 - Locked Up

    S1:E13

    After a riot at the gallery, the entire gang ends up in jail. Shane rejects Clea's affections, Jenny goes on a date, and Marina makes a move on Robin as she prepares for Drag King night at The Planet.

    Directors:Rose Troche, Tony Goldwyn
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  3. The L Word Season 3 Episode 11 - Last Dance
    8.2/10(245 votes)

    #3 - Last Dance

    S3:E11

    After Dana's family treats the girls coldly, Alice is determined to arrange a special event to commemorate their friend. While Helena's lawsuit is resolved with a surprising outcome, Bette is willing to fight for Angelica's custody. Max lands a job, giving Jenny something to write about. Dealing with her grief, Shane is willing to make the ultimate commitment to Carmen. Finally, Lara arrives from Paris and is comforted by Alice.

    Director:Allison Anders
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  4. The L Word Season 4 Episode 6 - Luck Be a Lady
    8.2/10(264 votes)

    #4 - Luck Be a Lady

    S4:E6

    The girls attend a movie premiere sponsored by Shane's underwear campaign. Papi teaches Helena and Alice how to play poker for a high-stakes private game hosted by a high-profile female gambler. Bette disagrees with Tina about Angelica's education, and goes on a date with Jodi. Meanwhile, Phyllis is having trouble letting go of Alice.

    Director:Angela Robinson
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. The L Word Season 5 Episode 5 - Lookin' at You, Kid
    8.2/10(208 votes)

    #5 - Lookin' at You, Kid

    S5:E5

    Jenny throws a party for the girls to get to meet their movie counterparts -- with mixed results. Shane stirs up drama between Dawn and Cindi, which escalates into bitter rivalry between The Planet and SheBar. Meanwhile, Alice is stunned by a basketball star's gay-bashing on national TV.

    Director:Angela Robinson
    Writer:Angela Robinson

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  6. The L Word Season 3 Episode 12 - Left Hand of the Goddess
    8.1/10(217 votes)

    #6 - Left Hand of the Goddess

    S3:E12

    Wedding plans occupy the girls, and Shane is reunited with her family. Helena pitches in to have Carmen's family flown to Canada, Jenny and Max drift apart, and Kit has stunning news. Peggy Peabody reconnects with her daughter -- but does it last? Finally, Tina has second thoughts about Angelica's custody arrangements, leading Bette to take desperate measures to be with her daughter.

    Director:Ilene Chaiken
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of The L Word

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  7. The L Word Season 4 Episode 7 - Lesson Number One
    8.1/10(232 votes)

    #7 - Lesson Number One

    S4:E7

    Tina's boss orders her to get the movie rights for Jenny's Lez Girls. Helena considers whether she should take up on Catherine's offer to pay off her gambling debt. Paige and Shane volunteer at Shay's school to teach the kids about tolerance. Meanwhile, Alice and Tasha take it slow, and Bette learns something about Jodi's past that puts kinks in their relationship.

    Director:Moisés Kaufman
    Writer:Ariel Schrag

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  8. The L Word Season 4 Episode 8 - Lexington and Concord
    8.1/10(234 votes)

    #8 - Lexington and Concord

    S4:E8

    Tina gets introduced to Jodi, and has second thoughts about leaving the lesbian life behind. Alice and Tasha argue heatedly over politics. Max hires an intern to help him with the workload on OurChart. While Shane and Paige steam up the car windows, and Catherine and Helena make a winning team at the poker tables, the rest of the girls attend the unveiling of Kit's new single at The Planet.

    Director:Jamie Babbit
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  9. The L Word Season 4 Episode 12 - Long Time Coming
    8.1/10(238 votes)

    #9 - Long Time Coming

    S4:E12

    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 her entanglement with Catherine.

    Director:Ilene Chaiken
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  10. The L Word Season 5 Episode 9 - Liquid Heat
    8.1/10(231 votes)

    #10 - Liquid Heat

    S5:E9

    Jenny gets jealous on the set when a love scene between Niki and her on-screen boyfriend looks too realistic. Dawn Denbo invites the girls to a mafia-themed night to settle the dispute between The Planet and SheBar. Meanwhile, Bette and Tina decide to go see a couples counselor when they're interrupted by a rolling blackout due to a heat wave.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  11. The L Word Season 5 Episode 10 - Lifecycle
    8.1/10(209 votes)

    #11 - Lifecycle

    S5:E10

    The girls attend the Subaru Pink Ride to support breast cancer research. Tina is furious for Niki blowing her cover with Jenny but Adele assures her the two won't be seen together publicly. Meeting old friends prompts Tasha to ponder her long-term plans in life. A campfire game of "I never" turns into a discussion on cheating -- with devastating results.

    Director:Angela Robinson
    Writer:Angela Robinson

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  12. The L Word Season 1 Episode 2 - Pilot Part 2
    8.0/10(408 votes)

    #12 - Pilot Part 2

    S1:E2

    No description available

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  13. The L Word Season 1 Episode 10 - Luck, Next Time
    8.0/10(298 votes)

    #13 - Luck, Next Time

    S1:E10

    Shane gets the opportunity to style a high-profile client's hair, Bette and Tina receive some devastating news, Jenny goes to dinner with Marina and Francesca, and Alice decides that her relationship with Lisa is too complex.

    Directors:Mary Harron, Rose Troche
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  14. The L Word Season 3 Episode 1 - Labia Majora
    8.0/10(248 votes)

    #14 - Labia Majora

    S3:E1

    Bette and Tina deal with parenting Angelica while attempting to rekindle their relationship and handle an obnoxious social worker. Alice has a traffic accident, Helena gets into the movie business, Carmen and Shane's relationship gets more serious as Carmen takes her to meet the parents, and Jenny, recovering at her parents', has had enough with the Midwest and ponders moving back to L.A. with her new girlfriend Moira.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  15. The L Word Season 4 Episode 4 - Layup
    8.0/10(236 votes)

    #15 - Layup

    S4:E4

    Bette meets the new resident artist, Jodi, but a controversial arts project in her class upsets a potential donor for the college. Papi challenges Alice and the girls to a basketball game. Max reveals a secret to his girlfriend. Jenny schemes her way into meeting Stacey Merkin's girlfriend. Meanwhile, Shane is struggling to scrape up money for a hospital bill.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. The L Word Season 4 Episode 5 - Lez Girls
    8.0/10(224 votes)

    #16 - Lez Girls

    S4:E5

    Bette's forbidden relationship with her TA, Nadia, could jeopardize her career. Alice, on the other hand, ends her affair with a married woman after meeting her husband. She also gets upset by one of Jenny's short stories which gets published in a magazine. Meanwhile, Angus is caught in a compromising position.

    Director:John Stockwell
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  17. The L Word Season 6 Episode 7 - Last Couple Standing
    8.0/10(184 votes)

    #17 - Last Couple Standing

    S6:E7

    The Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center dance marathon is on; someone is moving to the Big Apple; rumors fly fast around the dance floor that Alice and Tasha may be in couple trouble; The HIT!’s Sunset Blvd makes a shocking revelation to Kit; and there’s a no-show at the bus station.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  18. The L Word Season 1 Episode 11 - Liberally
    7.9/10(285 votes)

    #18 - Liberally

    S1:E11

    Bette is worried about Tina when she throws herself into volunteer work, Marina and Francesca get into an argument, Alice thinks she may be pregnant by Lisa, and Dana and Jenny try to console each other.

    Director:Rose Troche
    Writer:Guinevere Turner

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  19. The L Word Season 2 Episode 10 - Land Ahoy
    7.9/10(225 votes)

    #19 - Land Ahoy

    S2:E10

    A lesbian cruise in the Caribbean proves eventful for Dana, Alice, Shane, Jenny and Carmen. Bette and Kit struggle to reconcile with their estranged father, Melvin, during his visit.

    Director:Tricia Brock
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  20. The L Word Season 3 Episode 5 - Lifeline
    7.9/10(226 votes)

    #20 - Lifeline

    S3:E5

    As Tina finds herself attracted to men, Bette explores Buddhism and also hears good news on the work front. Both Alice and Kit try out speed-dating; Kit with Angelica's male nanny Angus and Alice with a lesbian vampire. Meanwhile, Dana receives devastating news about her illness, Helena pursues documentarist Dylan Moreland, Moira goes out as Max, and Shane's ex drops by to see her.

    Director:Kimberly Peirce
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  21. The L Word Season 3 Episode 8 - Latecomer
    7.9/10(207 votes)

    #21 - Latecomer

    S3:E8

    Jenny plans a charity event to support Max when they find out he can't pay for the top surgery. Helena takes the girls to a surprise trip to honor Dana in her recovery, and Carmen is still dealing with the aftermath of Shane's ex. Meanwhile, Bette kicks Tina out of the bedroom and tries to find peace in Buddhism. In a recording studio, Kit gets help from unexpected sources -- but is it too much to handle?

    Director:Angela Robinson
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  22. The L Word Season 4 Episode 9 - Lacy Lilting Lyrics
    7.9/10(228 votes)

    #22 - Lacy Lilting Lyrics

    S4:E9

    Jenny and Tina look for the right movie director but butt heads over creative differences. Phyllis' husband drops by unannounced at Alice's place. Bette is falling hard for Jodi and lets her emotions interfere with her work. Kit manages to crack through Papi's hard outer shell – with unexpected consequences.

    Director:Bronwen Hughes
    Writer:Cherien Dabis

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  23. The L Word Season 5 Episode 2 - Look Out, Here They Come!
    7.9/10(217 votes)

    #23 - Look Out, Here They Come!

    S5:E2

    Jenny's boss's daughter is getting married and Shane gets a gig as the hair stylist at her wedding. Kit and Max spot a young girl who's obsessed with Jenny's work and hook her up with her dream job. Alice and Tasha go on a double-date with Bette and Jodi. Meanwhile in prison, Helena is rescued by her cell mate.

    Director:Jamie Babbit
    Writer:Cherien Dabis

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  24. The L Word Season 5 Episode 6 - Lights! Camera! Action!
    7.9/10(216 votes)

    #24 - Lights! Camera! Action!

    S5:E6

    The production of Lez Girls starts and Jenny runs into unexpected difficulties. When Adele impresses her on location scouting, Jenny treats her to a makeover. Dawn and Cindi try their best to sabotage Kit's business. Phyllis' daughter Molly catches Shane's eye. Meanwhile, Tina and Bette rekindle their passion.

    Director:Ilene Chaiken
    Writer:Ilene Chaiken

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  25. The L Word Season 5 Episode 8 - Lay Down the Law
    7.9/10(192 votes)

    #25 - Lay Down the Law

    S5:E8

    Niki's multi-million dollar action movie opens, but allegations about her sexuality lead Tina and her manager to suggest she take a date -- a male date -- to the premiere. Jenny is banned from the theater causing Adele to take the reins for the evening. Shane and Molly continue to play mind games with each other. Jodi throws a dinner party to some couples, and Bette is devastated to learn Tina and her date are also invited. Meanwhile, Tasha goes on trial and Alice delivers a shocking statement.

    Director:Leslie Libman
    Writer:Alexandra Kondracke

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Best Episodes Summary

"Losing the Light" is the best rated episode of "The L Word". It scored 8.5/10 based on 308 votes. Directed by Rose Troche and written by Unknown, it aired on 3/12/2006. This episode scored 0.2 points higher than the second highest rated, "Locked Up".