7.8/10636 votes#1 - Pilot Part 1
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 1/18/2004
Bette Porter and Tina Kennard have been a couple for seven years, and they want to start a family. Their next-door neighbor, Tim Haspel, is excited that his girlfriend, a talented young writer named Jenny Schecter, is moving in with him. But soon mixing with Bette and Tina's circle of lesbian friends, Jenny learns that her midwest university education may not have prepared her for what she will learn about life, lust, and love in Los Angeles.
Director: Rose Troche
Writer: Ilene Chaiken
7.9/10383 votes#2 - Pilot Part 2
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 1/18/2004
No description available
Director: Rose Troche
Writer: Ilene Chaiken
7.5/10331 votes#3 - Let's Do It
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 1/25/2004
Tina tries to get over her concerns about the new sperm donor. Tim decides to throw a dinner party and invites Marina, making Jenny feel uncomfortable. Alice runs into her abusive ex-girlfriend. Dana has her eye on a chef, but is hesitant to make a move on her.
Director: Rose Troche, Lynne Stopkewich
Writer: N/A
7.6/10313 votes#4 - Longing
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 2/1/2004
Bette engages in a battle with the chairman of the gallery board who wants to close down the gallery. Alice rekindles her relationship with an ex-girlfriend, despite the objections of her friends. Jenny tries to deny her feelings for Marina, and Dana finally gets a date with Lara.
Director: Lynne Stopkewich
Writer: Josh Senter
7.7/10304 votes#5 - Lies, Lies, Lies
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 2/8/2004
Jenny confides in her old college professor about her affair with Marina. Bette receives some delightful news. Dana's fears of being outed continue as she juggles between her tennis career and Lara. Alice's mother comes to stay with her daughter.
Director: Rose Troche
Writer: N/A
7.4/10294 votes#6 - Lawfully
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 2/15/2004
Dana is invited to a dinner party for Subaru, who want to sponsor her tennis career, but Lara is hurt when Dana takes her male doubles partner instead of her. Meanwhile, Tim is shocked when he catches Marina and Jenny in a compromising position, Alice tries to sort out the problems with her mother, and Bette tells her father about Tina's pregnancy, but is upset by his reaction.
Director: Rose Troche
Writer: Guinevere Turner
7.6/10280 votes#7 - Losing It
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 2/22/2004
After arriving home, Tim starts to worry when he learns that Jenny has vanished. Bette travels to New York for an art opening and her relationship with Tina is put to the test. Back in Los Angeles, the sperm donor's girlfriend discovers a lonely Tina and starts to harass her.
Director: Rose Troche, Tony Goldwyn
Writer: Ilene Chaiken
7.5/10265 votes#8 - L'Ennui
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 2/29/2004
Tina and Bette are stunned when their friends say their impending parenthood has made them boring. Jenny stays at Marina's when Tim throws her out but she is shocked to learn the truth about Marina's personal life. Dana rejects Lara as her sponsorship contract hangs on the line.
Director: Rose Troche
Writer: N/A
7.5/10265 votes#9 - Listen Up
Season 1 Episode 9 - Aired 3/7/2004
When Jenny's old roommate (guest star Sarah Strange) from college comes to stay, Jenny decides to use the opportunity to reveal the details about her affair with Marina. Bette and Tina join a group in preparation for becoming parents, and Dana faces a tough time when she must come out to her conservative parents.
Director: Rose Troche
Writer: N/A
8.0/10284 votes#10 - Luck, Next Time
Season 1 Episode 10 - Aired 3/14/2004
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.
Director: Rose Troche, Mary Harron
Writer: Ilene Chaiken
7.9/10272 votes#11 - Liberally
Season 1 Episode 11 - Aired 3/21/2004
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
7.6/10263 votes#12 - Looking Back
Season 1 Episode 12 - Aired 3/28/2004
Tina, Jenny, Shane, Alice and Dana all share an eventful trip to Palm Springs. While on the road, they all share their "first love" stories. Back in Los Angeles, Bette hires Candace, an attractive carpenter, to handle the set-up of the "Provocations" exhibit opening at the gallery.
Director: Rose Troche, Lynne Stopkewich
Writer: Ilene Chaiken
8.2/10329 votes#13 - Locked Up
Season 1 Episode 13 - Aired 4/4/2004
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.
Director: Rose Troche, Tony Goldwyn
Writer: Ilene Chaiken
7.4/105 votes#14 - Limb from Limb
Season 1 Episode 14 - Aired 4/11/2004
As the "Provocations" opening approaches, Bette struggles with a temptation. After some sad news, Dana turns to Tonya, leaving Alice unhappy. Shane tries to let Clea down gently but it backfires in her face.
Director: Rose Troche
Writer: Ilene Chaiken
The Best Episodes of The L Word Season 1
Every episode of The L Word Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The L Word Season 1!
A group of lesbian friends struggle with romance and careers in Los Angeles.
Genre:Drama
Network:Showtime
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Pilot Part 1" is the best rated episode of "The L Word" season 1. It scored 7.8/10 based on 636 votes. Directed by Rose Troche and written by Ilene Chaiken, it aired on 1/18/2004. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Pilot Part 2".