Written by Seahurst

Why should I order Showtime?

I ask the question, because honestly, there are times when I am no longer sure why I should order Showtime.

Sadly, I no longer believe in ordering it JUST because of The L Word. Oh, I believed it for the first season, and still for the second. For both those seasons I was a madly devoted fan, watching each and every episode over and over again...writing fan fiction with my whole heart. In fact, I was so determined to watch my favorite show that last year when I spent a couple of months in LA, I negotiated with the woman whose apartment I sublet for her to order Showtime so I could watch season three...which she did!

I will not get into my thoughts on season three too much, other than to say that I still have not watched all the episodes. That's right...this madly devoted fan couldn't stand to watch the character assassinations week after week...so I stopped. I didn't buy the DVD either, so unless someone drops a copy in my lap, my collection will be missing season three, and that is fine by me. I mean, why spend what limited resources I have on a DVD I won't watch? Loyalty you say? Well....loyalty goes both ways.

Now, I know that we owe Showtime many thanks and much gratitude for both Queer as Folk and The L Word. They have been a beacon for the gay and lesbian community, and should be commended over and over again. However I must ask...how long should my financial loyalty last?

Like I said before, I ordered Showtime for seasons one through three. I bought the DVD sets for seasons one and two. Bought the CD for seasons one and two. I spent my own money to fly to LA to attend the Power Up gala so I could report on IC receiving an award. I spent money in London for the first convention...bought numerous magazines because there was a picture of one of the cast on the cover. I have put my money where my loyalties have been, but again, loyalty goes both ways.

Even though I am sure that Showtime is still loyal to The L Word (just look at the talent hired for season four). But, if they truly want this show to be successful why are they not advertising this wonderful new talent? Unless you are already a fan of the show, and actually SEEK out information, as far as I can tell no one outside of our little fandom knows anything about the new season of The L Word. Other than one ad on BRAVO I have seen nothing...no advertising at all for the new season. I even bought the December issue of CURVE expecting to see a promo picture of the women of the L. Surely Showtime would have an ad in the most popular lesbian magazine a month before the new season aired...wouldn´t they? Especially when that same magazine is hosting a premiere party for them. Nope...no ad....no promo picture...nada. Where did I finally see the new pictures? Why right here, of course. But, that is my point. I had to log onto a lesbian fan site named for the show itself in order to find promo pictures. A fan site that is not associated with Showtime. Now, if Showtime wants season four to be a success, which I would like to think that they do, then why am I not seeing ads for The L Word on other networks? Am I missing something?

They keep comparing The L Word to Sex and the City, saying this is what would happen if the women of Sex and the City were sleeping with each other. Well, I can tell you that when Sex and the City was ready to air a new season EVERYBODY knew it was starting. Yet here we have the gorgeous women of the L and NO ONE knows it is starting soon!!

The only "teasers" I have seen are also from this site. I didn´t see them on Showtime because I haven´t had Showtime! Besides, I don´t understand the concept of only advertising on your own network a show you are trying to bring new fans to. If they are not fans already and don´t have Showtime how are they going to see your "teasers?!!"

I went onto TV-now.com the other day to pull up the December schedule for Jennifer Beals. (Yes, I am a major fan). This site lists any movies or TV shows that are airing during the current month that JB starred in. As I was scrolling down I saw the listings for The L Word, and thought, oh good, they are re-airing season three. At least they are doing that so people can be reminded of what happened during season three was so they will be ready for season four. Then I looked at the times they were airing. "Lost Weekend" - Sunday December 3rd 4:00am. "Lobster" - Monday December 4th 3:55am. "Light my fire" - Tuesday December 5th 2:55am.

Lovely.

Now this is how you get people to watch this show, and your network. Air the programs smack dab in the middle of the night when very few of us are up. Yep! That sure entices me to want to order Showtime!! By airing them at that time Showtime is telling me loud and clear how proud of the episodes they are! Well, there is always Showtime on Demand, right? In the Seattle area they season three episodes just started running within the last week. Up until then only seasons one and two were available...which of course I already have on DVD!

It is clear that Showtime is trying to gain a reputation for its original series rather than the movies it plays. So, if it is the original series that are making or breaking this network, please tell me why it is December 22nd...less than a month to air time and there is no indication anywhere that THE FOURTH SEASON OF THE HIGHLY ACCLAIMED L WORD WILL PREMIERE ON JANUARY 7, 2007??

I feel like Showtime is willing to pay big bucks to cast well known stars, but when it comes to actually letting the general public know the show is about to air (so they can attract more viewers, which would mean more money) they are nowhere to be found. I can’t figure out if it is because they spent all their money hiring big name stars, so they have none left to advertise with...if they are afraid to advertise a lesbian show in what has become a fairly conservative climate in the United States...or, if after the negativity of season three they lost interest in the show just like so many of the rest of us.

(Sigh) I don´t know. I truly do want to watch the forth season...I do. However, between the disastrous (in my opinion) third season, and Showtime's seemingly lack of interest in promoting its own show, I am left wondering if I should spend the $16.00 a month for Showtime, or take that money and buy a good lesbian novel?

I know...I know....in the end I will order Showtime, if for no other reason to watch Jennifer Beals, Laurel Holloman, and the rest of the gang, along with new comers Marlee Matlin, Cybil Shepherd and someone I have had a crush on for years, Annabella Sciorra. But still...I want to feel good about spending that $16.00 a month dammit. I don't want to feel like I am spending it out of an obligation. And, I certainly don´t want to feel like Showtime takes my money for granted, thinking I will automatically order it just because I am a lesbian!

I am doing my part Showtime in advertising your show. I actually talk to my straight co-workers about the show, trying to encouraging them to order Showtime and try something new. I have even shown some of them the web site where I post my fan fiction. Now it's time for you to do your part. What good is spending all that money if no one knows you are there? Come on Showtime, come out of the advertising closet! Advertise on other networks other than your own and Bravo. Convince Americans why they should be in front of their televisions on January 7th. In other words, show them why 10:00 EST on Sunday nights is without a doubt Show-time!!

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