(Updated: Apr 2, 2004) Many critics and fans have taken exception to the lack of butch lesbians featured on The L Word. 'The Powers That Be' in TV land have been accused of pandering to the straight male population, by casting beautiful, feminine women in the leading roles. Producers have stood behind their decision, stating that they are portraying a Los Angeles reality - and the lesbian scene as creator Ilene Chaiken has experienced it. 

In an April 2004 article from Diva magazine, Guin Turner says that "the women represent an LA TV aesthetic."  She thinks that in season two "it'll become more 'dykey,'" but that there are realistic factors at work there too. There is a goal in mind that was forefront in the minds of everyone involved with getting the show off the ground.

"The agenda of the show is to have a second season: we want to be on the air for a while so it can take more risks.  We want to develop an audience that's not just lesbians; sadly enough, but truthfully, it's not enough of an audience to keep the series going on Showtime."

This show intends to break lesbian stereotypes, and so far it has done that by making everyone question the appearance and the style of the show's main characters.  So far, the most butch or 'dykey' characters have been represented has been in the extras or minor characters.  Hopefully, in season two, the producers will take on a bigger challenge by creating some storylines that better reflect and represent the breadth of the lesbian community.