The L Word - Lay Down the Law

Niki is watching an early screening of her 'Bond' film, Liquid Heat, with her manager and agent. All three are excited for what the movie is going to do for Niki's career. Her manager and agent are already talking the ability to command more per film by the next week. She may even get the cover of Stuff magazine. Right on Niki!

Shane and Jodi are engaging in an afternoon of bike riding, they're training for the Subaru Pink Ride. They stop by a bench to rest a bit; Shane begins talking about Molly. Shane says she's been with a ton of straight women, but Molly is different. For instance, Shane and Molly are on the phone and Molly's boyfriend is on the other end. What's interesting is that Shane actually liked the scenario but still wonders about Molly. Jodi thinks she may be a spaghetti girl - straight until wet. Love that Jodi. Shane wants to take Molly out somewhere like maybe the theater, even though Shane doesn't like it much. Jodi suggests having a dinner party, Shane likes the idea. Make it like a couple's thing. Jodi will invite Amy and Melinda but not sure who else to invite and Shane mentions Tina and Sam, the DP for Lez Girls and Jodi's cool with that. They get themselves ready to get back on the trail and Shane asks if Bette is pressuring her to do the Pink Ride to which Jodi says no; she likes to ride and her aunt is a breast cancer survivor.

Tina and Kevin, Niki's agent, are discussing last week's oily incident at SheBar on the front page of a tabloid with pictures suggesting Niki may be a lesbian. This doesn't sit well with him because Liquid Heat is supposed to skyrocket Niki's career. Kevin is ready to pull her from the film because he's afraid that the male demographic will not be happy knowing that guys aren't her cup of tea. Tina tells him Niki can't be pulled because they're in the middle of production. She asks Kevin if he's representing any young actors that can be seen with Niki in order to throw off any suspicions that she's a lesbian; someone that's hip, hot, hunky and handsome. Someone who she may actually be attracted to; a boyishly hip High School Musical type guy and in walks Greg, the actor playing Jim (Tim) in the movie. Kevin sees him and is instantly pleased. After Tina approves Greg's outfit for the next scene, Kevin says he'd do him. Someone that everybody can be attracted to as Tina suggested.

Tasha's at the gym on base working her tension off on a punching bag. Once she's had her fill of the bag she goes a few steps over to another punching bag (overhead) where someone is throwing punch after punch. Tasha asks if the person is done, Gillian turns around revealing it was she pounding away at the bag. She tells Tasha she's done with the bag and it's all hers. After she walks away, Tasha puts in a few hits and looks towards her direction.

On the Lez Girls set Adele and Jenny are going through the wardrobe for the actors and Jenny sees a piece that shouldn't be on Jesse's rack because her character wouldn't be able to afford it. Sally says Niki saw it on Karina's rack and went ballistic saying she wanted the piece for herself. Jenny asks how she handled it; Sally says she got one for her. Jenny gives her praise and says she handled it well; Jenny says she'll talk to Niki and everything will be fine. As they continue on through the wardrobe, Tina comes over and needs to talk to Jenny. Basically brushing her off, Jenny tells Tina she has to wait. Tina tries again to no avail. Finally Tina pulls Jenny away implying that it's really important they speak.

Tina touch basis with her about the SheBar debacle and the pictures on the front page of a tabloid, as well as the fact that Niki's agent and manager are so angry behind this mess that they want to pull her from the movie. Jenny thinks that's crazy and doesn't believe her and wants to know why they would want to do such a thing. Tina explains the reason is because the pictures were taken on Shaolin's time clock and was a breach of Niki's contract. To save face and Niki's career her managers are suggesting she take a date to the Liquid Heat premier. Jenny says she's Niki's date; Tina says the only way she's going is if Jenny can make herself a man. Tina goes on to tell her that they want Niki to take a guy; Jenny doesn't believe what Tina's telling her and goes to talk to Niki.

In her trailer, Niki is curled up crying as Jenny comes in to confirm what Tina told her is true. Niki explains through tears that her managers are making her take a guy. They're telling Niki that if she didn't bring a guy, people would say she was gay, they wouldn't like her and her career would be over. To make matters more complicated, they're making her take Greg; you know the actor playing Jim (Tim) in the movie. This makes Jenny furious calling Greg a midget. Niki says she wants Jenny to go with her and Jenny wants that too. That's when Kevin comes out saying its out of the question. He also tells Jenny he doesn't want her within 10 miles of the premiere and Jenny begins to go into one of her usual rants. She can care less of what he thinks of her whereabouts. What she does care about is how Kevin has the nerve to force Niki to hide her true self and says he should be ashamed of himself.

Kevin fires back saying Jenny should be ashamed because of the fact that she's sleeping with Niki, 20 year old actress. He goes on to say that if Jenny truly cares about Niki and achieving the goal of making the first star driven studio movie about lesbians, then Jenny will not destroy Niki's career and the success of the film falls on Niki. Jenny being her true self says that she refuses to continue the conversation and tells him he needs to wipe his nose because it's distracting the seriousness of the subject; she goes to console Niki.

On base, Tasha comes into the locker room after her workout and notices Colonel Davis across the room feeling somewhat uncomfortable while getting herself together. As this is going on another female soldier comes in from the shower completely naked and Tasha gives her a quick glance; when she goes to her locker to get dressed, Gillian gives the young lady a lingering head to toe look. It appears that the colonel has a little secret of her own.

Shane's on set relaxing in the hair and makeup trailer and Cammie comes in looking remarkably like she can pass for Shane; she has a bottle of liquor and two glasses. She tells Shane that she wants to get really drunk and wants Shane to sleep with her. This takes her by surprise and reminds Cammie that she's "gay for pay". Cammie begins to ramble on about how Jenny hates her and that Jenny wishes she didn't cast her in the movie. Shane tries to calm her down and tell her that Jenny doesn't feel that way and she's a great actress. Cammie says she (Shane) sleeps with everybody, catching her off guard she asks Cammie who told her that. Taking this as rejection, Cammie asks if Shane finds her repulsive; Shane tries to answer while Cammie continues to come on to her. In walks Begoñia, she wanted Shane's opinion on her look for her next scene. She looks upset, almost disgusted; Shane gives her a compliment and says she'll be with her in a minute. Shane tells Cammie she needs to go home.

Bette goes over to Jodi's and sees her preparing food for a dinner party; her theme is Moroccan. Bette asks who all will be at the party and Jodi goes down the list. She's invited her ex Amy and new girlfriend Melinda; Shane may bring Molly but isn't sure. Bette's not too keen on the idea of Shane and Molly. Jodie thinks Molly's a little flaky. Bette agrees and says she's also a homophobe, especially with the way Molly talks about her mother. Jodie feels that Shane is genuine about Molly but finds it interesting that Shane's attracted to a woman who doesn't want to sleep with her. Bette tells her that's the thing about Shane, she loves a challenge. Jodi doesn't think it's like that at all, she then tells Bette she invited Tina and Sam. Of course Bette becomes more alert and Jodi tells her Shane said they were together. Bette corrects her saying otherwise; Jodi doesn't think it matters since it's not a couple's dinner.

Bette feels that maybe Jodi should have thought to ask her first before inviting Tina; Jodi disagrees and asks Bette why she's so upset. Bette just doesn't like the idea of being best friends with an ex and having everyone over like that seems like some lesbian nightmare. Jodi tells her not to come but let her know if she changes her mind. Bette says she'll be there and offers to help prepare; Jodi jokingly gives her an onion to cut.

Tasha's at home preparing for the first day of her hearing. Like any true soldier, her things are laid out neatly and pressed. After she's completely dresses in uniform, she takes what may be her last long look in the mirror. She and Beech head to the courtroom followed by Davis. Alice is on her way as well. She goes into a waiting room only to see Gillian enter shortly after welcoming her on base. She informs Alice that she stays in the room until she's called to testify. She asks that Alice answer the questions truthfully and she'll try not to take up too much of her time.

The proceedings begin for Tasha and Beech gives a glowing opening statement about Tasha and her achievements. Whereas Colonel Davis throws mud with her by the book statement laced with arrogance.

At The Planet, kit shows Shane the story about Niki and the oily SheBar event. She is at her wits end. Shane reminds her that she had the placed closed down. Kit feels as soon as they open back up, everyone will be going to SheBar to see Niki. Shane make light of it by suggesting she get Tony soprano and get him wet.

Across the room, Phyllis and Molly are talking about the latter taking a hiatus from law since she aced the LSATs, Phyllis isn't too please with the decision. Molly just wants some time to figure what she wants to do with her life. Molly goes in about how plain, simple, and boring her future looks and she doesn't want that. Phyllis loves the look of her daughter's future but Molly feels that life isn't for her. Phyllis insists that's always been the life for Molly, she then mentions Molly's boyfriend Richard and how he loves her. Molly felt Richard to be a bore and breaks the news that they broke the week before. She goes on to tell her mother how boring Richard is and Phyllis says they can't throw away what they've built together. Molly fires back making reference to the divorce; her father says that Phyllis owes him money and is ruining his life.

The subject is then turned to Shane when Phyllis uses her as an example of someone without a proper education. As far as Phyllis is concerned, people who don't get an education end up in the service profession. Molly cannot believe her mother actually said that to her. However, Shane is ok to party with but Phyllis doesn't take Shane seriously. At that moment just to get under her skin, Molly tells her mother that she's going gay for Shane, adopt Chinese babies and live in a trailer park. Phyllis doesn't want their conversation repeated to Shane. Molly approaches Shane and they engage in a playful conversation. Molly offers to call her sometime; Shane looks forward to the call but says she won't hold her breath - with a smile.

In the courtroom, Captain Beech is questioning Specialist Martinez regarding Tasha. She had nothing but good things to say about Tasha. She expressed how Tasha made sure everyone who toured with her in Iraq, including Martinez, felt safe despite the conditions presented to them. Beech also asked about how Tasha went to bat for her in regards to a classification request that would allow her to be with her child more. Martinez tells Beech that she would be proud to serve under her again, making Tasha feel proud.

Bette meets with Tina on set to talk about Jodi's dinner party. Bette lets her know with her tone that she's not happy about Tina accepting the invite. Tina thought it was from both of them. Bette is after all with Jodi; Tina's with whomever, technically she's single. Bette asks is what hey have is a fling or what. Tina doesn't even know but she does know is that she doesn't want to break up Jodi and Bette. Bette asks what if she wants Tina to break them up. Bette feels that maybe they should stop while they're ahead because she doesn't like the person she's becoming and she doesn't want that to be the ideal for their daughter. Tina accepts her request and adheres, even if deep down neither one wants to end things.

Colonel Davis cross examines Martinez and is a bulldog about it. She starts a little soft but comes in for the kill when the comforting incident comes to light. Martinez does her best not to break under the pressure of David when asked if it bothered her when Tasha put her arm around Martinez out of comfort. She testifies that she heard rumors among the male soldiers that Tasha was a lesbian and she didn't want to be talked about in that manner. After Davis harshly asks one last time if she felt uncomfortable, Martinez cracks and admits to feeling uncomfortable for getting special treatment from Tasha.

Alice is still waiting to be called and gets a drink of water. She runs into Tasha in the hallway and finds out about Martinez folding under pressure. She wants to know how soon it will be before they call her in and Tasha says she doesn't know since Alice is a witness for the prosecutor. After a little more small talk, Colonel Davis interrupts but tells them it's ok to talk. She then tells Alice they are done for the day and won't need her until the next day to testify.

The premiere of Liquid Heat jumps off to mixed chatter and cameras flashing. The who's who arrives but everyone is waiting for the star - Niki Stevens! Her limo hits the red carpet and out comes Niki and her "date" Greg and pandemonium sets in. Jenny and Adele are on their way to the show when Kevin spots them and asks one of the security men to make sure Jenny doesn't get in.

Tina and Sam arrive at Jodi's Moroccan dinner party a little late due to a meeting at work. Sam is introduced to the rest of the party guests and everyone gets acquainted.

Back at the premier, the guard stops Jenny and Adele and informs them that Jenny isn't allowed in and is asked to leave. She lets him know she has an invitation; he takes it from her and continues to block her path to the film. Jenny texts Niki to no avail and asks Adele to go in and have Niki allow Jenny to be there. As she enters the red carpet, Adele stops and poses for a few photographers before finally going in, leaving Jenny outside to wait in agony.

At Jodi's dinner party everyone seems to be in conversation while Shane and Molly are conversing on their own. They decide to go for a smoke outside and excuse themselves. Amy, Jodi, and Bette are talking about the pairing of Shane and Molly. Jodi tells Bette to let it go and Tina compliments the food. Sam asks if she made it herself and Bette apologizes if Sam felt excluded and didn't mean to make her seem left out. Tina and Bette get into a small disagreement causing Sam to go to the bathroom just to get out of the crossfire.

Shane and Molly are outside having a smoke and general conversation. Molly goes into a possible proposition to go gay for Shane. She tries to be nice in telling Molly she doesn't want to sleep with her; a surprised Molly asks why. Shane does admit to the thought of sleeping with her but come to the realization that Molly will freak out behind it, go back to her boyfriend and leave Shane with the memory of mediocre sex with her. Molly says she's not mediocre in bed and thinks Shane's using some kind of psychology. She insists she's not using anything, she likes talking to Molly. She goes on to say she likes Molly and has nothing up her sleeve; it is what it is. Molly moves in to kiss Shane and asks if it's bad, Shane likes it. They get into a deeper kiss and Molly suddenly backs away, apologizing for the kiss and asking Shane to take her to her mother's house. Shane makes it known that Molly has proven her point.

In case you were wondering, Jenny is still outside waiting for Adele and Niki to come out of the theater. Adele's having a conversation with Niki's manager and agent when Jenny texts her asking what's going on. Adele replies that she's still trying to Niki but there are so many photographers and to go anywhere. Adele walks out with everyone and suggests to Niki she kiss Greg, making the paparazzi go nuts and Jenny, who sees the kiss, is heartbroken. After breaking away from the crowd, Adele meets up with a teary eyed Jenny, letting Adele know she saw the kiss. She comforts Jenny, saying maybe her managers told her to do it; they head home arm and arm.

Bette is tidying things up from the dinner party when Tina comes in from the bathroom asking where everyone went. Bette lets her know that Jodi took them upstairs to the roof to show them a sculpture she's worked on; Molly went home with Shane. Bette says that the party was one of the most excruciating experiences she has been through. She then suggests they go see Dan Foxworthy, he knows them better than anyone and maybe he can shed some light on what's going on between them. They start to heat up but quickly break away when everyone comes back in. Sam and Tina are the first to leave because they have to be on set early the next morning.

The next day on base, Tasha's hearing continues with Major Dorough taking the stand for the prosecuting side. Colonel Davis shows him Alice's site asking to explain to the court what the site is used for. Dorough explains that OurChart is owned by Alice who does podcasts about being a lesbian. He goes on with saying that Alice interviews other lesbians about their sex life as well as her own. He also confirms that Alice is an out and proud lesbian. When Captain Beech crosses Dorough, he asks if the Major has seen Tasha's name on the site. The major says he hasn't and tries to continue his testimony only to be cut off by Beech as he has no further questions for him.

Alice is next to take the stand and Colonel Davis begins her line of questioning. She asks Alice how long she has known Tasha and the nature of their relationship. Alice says she's known Tasha for about a year but that doesn't make her a lesbian. Colonel Davis says she didn't ask if Tasha was a lesbian and advises Alice to just answer the questions presented to her. She asks Alice what is the nature of she and Tasha's relationship; they're just friends Alice says. Since Alice doesn't know anyone else in the military except Tasha, Davis asks Alice how she and Tasha came to meet and Alice replies with meeting her through friends at a gathering. Davis asks if it was a lesbian gathering; Alice answers with a stern no.

Davis continues asking if Alice and Tasha have been intimate and Alice gets fed up and says Davis' line of questioning and the hearing as a whole is a witch hunt on Tasha. To say that Tasha is a lesbian because of her association with Alice with lame trumped up charges is a total crock. If that's the case then it would be safe to say with the way Davis was looking at Alice in the hallway the day before she too could be a lesbian. This rattles the Colonel's nerves a bit. Alice continues her badgering testimony by saying that if all she has to do is establish that a person knows just one lesbian and has lunch with her once; she's certain that Colonel Davis can relate. She gets so irritated by Alice; Davis calls for a recess so that Alice can collect herself.

Not even a full minute goes by after Alice enters a waiting room does Davis come in like a strong force of nature asking Alice what she was trying to pull on the stand. Alice insists that she wasn't trying to pull anything. Davis wants to make a deal with Alice and needs reassurance she doesn't have to watch her back, Alice is listening. Davis asks Alice to have Tasha play by the rules once she's on the stand; she's going to ask about Private Brown. All Tasha has to do is tell the race track incident matter of fact; how Brown twisted the situation to make it look sordid instead of an innocent outing with friends. She makes sure that Alice will not cross paths with her again; this conversation is not to be discussed with Captain Beech. Then it hits Alice in the head after the Colonel leaves - she's a lesbian too!

Alice rushes outside to Tasha filling her in on what happened between she and Davis. If she goes with the plan she can stay in the military. Tasha takes the stand and Beech begins his questioning asking why she chose to go into the military; with pride she answers that she comes from a military family. She felt it was her duty to join because her father and grandfather both served. Colonel Davis crosses and asks about the relationship with Brown. Tasha explains that Brown was under her command who was upset about Tasha recommending Specialist Martinez for a human resources job instead of him. Brown believed Tasha gave Martinez special treatment, something Tasha denies. She felt that Martinez was more qualified than Brown and therefore gave the recommendation. Davis asks if Tasha felt Brown brought the charges on her out of retaliation, she believes he did.

After a few more questions, Davis asks Tasha if she agrees that the military's code of conduct be strictly adhere to at all times, Tasha always had until the hearing. She expresses that one of the things that is asked of them when they go to the front lines is that they are to be prepared to be separated from the people that they love. And they ask that of their families too. They ask them to let go so the soldiers can fight for their freedom, maybe to never come home. And when they do come home, they feel blessed. She felt that it seems so wrong, now, to have her personal freedom denied to her within her own country. It seems wrong to watch the person that she loves be interrogated like a criminal when she did nothing wrong. After all she said Colonel Davis really focused on the last line asking who Tasha is referring to. Tasha looks her dead in the eye and says she's talking about Alice.

Alice is outside on her way to her car when Tasha catches up with her, nearly out of breath but smiling. Alice asks what happened and if she won because she looks happy. Tasha did win and Alice is really happy for her; again asking Tasha what happened. She tells Alice that she said she loves her (Alice). Alice can't believe what she's hearing. It doesn't really sink in until Beech comes over to say his good byes and tells her she'll be missed; Alice is all the more happy. Colonel Davis comes by to give her seldom praises and wishes her luck. Tasha and Alice openly and freely express their love for each other for everyone on base to see; even a female soldier gives thumbs up to the couple. Alice and Tasha are truly free to love one another, no more hiding.

Next week on the L word

- A heat wave crashes Los Angeles

- Things heat up for four couples, some with surprises

- Molly flirts with the thought of going further with Shane