by Jennifer Matos

A production assistant who moonlights as a DJ, “Carmen de la Pica Morales” (Sharah Shahi) comes onto the canvas with a “MISSION: Impossible”—she begins many changes towards commitment with resident Casanova, “Shane McCutcheon” (Katherine Moennig).

A blunt, passionate and romantic Latina, Carmen is really the first to investigate what lies beneath Shane’s too-cool exterior. The two link up a few times and Shane, who senses their mutual attraction but is phobic about commitment suggests that Carmen hook up wither roommate and friend “Jenny Schecter” (Mia Kirshner). Carmen and Jenny get together per Shane’s prodding, but it proves to be a double-edged sword. Although it gives Carmen access to Shane, she also gets more than an eyeful when Shane brings women home in the presence of monogamist, Carmen. Even though Jenny goes along for the ride, she knows that her interest stems from her connection to Shane and eventually sets Carmen free to be with her.

This sparks an intense, complicated but enjoyable relationship with Carmen and Shane. Carmen’s TLC starts to chip away at the wall that Shane has created paving the way for Shane to even utter those three little words: “I love you.” Just as strong-willed as she is loving, Carmen tries to reign Shane in when former flame, “Cherie Jaffe” (Roseanna Arquette) comes into town and Carmen has to remind her to “Act like you have a girlfriend.” A one night affair dents the already fragile pairing between Carmen and Shane, causing Carmen’s retribution in a one night stand of her own.

If you have not yet seen season three and you hate spoilers, stop reading here.

Wanting to hold onto Carmen and reeling from the death of their friend “Dana Fairbanks” (Erin Daniels), Shane becomes the “anti-Shane” and proposes to Carmen. As they prepare for their wedding, Shane meets with her father (Played by Eric Roberts), who is the male version of herself. When she sees her father in action and cheating on his wife, Shane begins to doubt her ability to stay faithful to the fiery Latina and leaves her standing at the altar.

According to an interview with Planet Out, Sarah Shahi said she was comfortable playing a lesbian on The L Word because she "dabbled in it myself for a while." She also says she lives in L.A. and hangs out in gay bars.