I am mixed with excitement and disappointment as I anticipate Sunday's premiere of the final season of THE L WORD. This Showtime series, now in its sixth season, is about as soapy as it is risqué, and I strongly urge soap fans to check it out if they can. It focuses on a community of fabulously diverse and successful lesbians, all with their own lovable personality quirks and separate challenges. A few seasons ago, they lost one of their best friends to breast cancer and each season has included a powerful tribute to their gal pal while raising awareness about breast cancer diagnosis and research. They've also dealt with fertility issues, menopause, adoption, bisexuality, sexism, depression, drug addiction — all the same stuff you see on daytime — and there's always some delicious backstabbing and cattiness. In addition, these chicks have great hair and the show's wardrobe department pulls the most luxurious designer clothes for some of the more well-to-do L girls. This season kicks off with a murder mystery of a character that was historically maddening, and Lucy Lawless (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA; XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS) joins the cast as a sassy detective investigating the murder. The first episode airs at 9 pm on January 18. And if you don't have Showtime, just check out the DVDs of previous seasons. Season 3 was a full-on tearjerker, but the show went in a more fun and silly direction after that. All are just phenomenal.