by Michelle Thompson (Seahurst)

As season three starts to unfold, and we watch Moira (Daniela Sea), try to find her own place among the other lesbian lobsters of West Hollywood, we thought this would be a great time to post again the article written by Seahurst (Michelle Thompson), after she was able to speak with Daniela Sea at the 2005 Power Up Power Premiere, which took place November 20, 2005.

Ms. Sea was attending the gala along with other L Word cast mates, Sarah Shahi, and Alexandra Hedison in order to present Ilene Chaiken with the Power Up Artistry Award. During the pre dinner celebrity cocktail party Seahurst was just finishing her conversation with Amy and Elizabeth Ziff.

"At the end of our conversation, Amy asked if we had been able to talk to Daniela Sea, the newest member of The L Word cast. After answering in the negative, she walked over to her, took her by the arm, and led her back to us! And, as they walked away, Elizabeth pointed to Daniela and said, "talk to her...she is the real deal."

So, with that introduction, I turned to Daniela Sea, and felt myself becoming absolutely mesmerized by her gorgeous translucent blue eyes! All I can say is...WOW!! We were able to spend about five minutes with this young woman, who was wearing an outfit that could have been worn by the hero of a English Victorian novel, or an early twentieth century  bi-plane pilot. And, after talking with her, I could see where her outfit matched her personality perfectly...unique, stylish, and she has an energy about her that instills comfort in the person she is sharing the conversation with. She was also sweet, and very gracious... clearly happy to be participating in the Power Up event. She has a very peaceful, and laid back demeanor, but was in no way disconnected. On the contrary, she was present in the conversation, and stayed focused on both of us as we spoke. It was interesting, because even though in almost all pictures, she doesn't smile...when she is talking with you, her face becomes very soft, and she smiles easily and often.

Daniela had not heard of fan fiction before, but was genuinely excited when we explained what it was, loving the idea of so many women sharing their creativity, and creating new communities. She told us that she was working as a waitress in New York when she received a call to audition for a part in The L Word. After being hired, she was on the set, and filming within four days. What was her first scene you ask? A sex scene, of course! She was quick to point out that the atmosphere was very supportive, and everyone made her feel comfortable and safe. In fact, when asked how it felt coming into a show with an established cast, Daniela smiled and commented on how wonderful everyone had been, and that because of so many women being on the set, how open it was. One of the things that impressed me, was her interest in learning about all aspects of filming. She expressed that the acting is just one of many parts that make up the whole process, and how grateful she is to have the opportunity to increase her knowledge in other areas as well.

While growing up, Daniela and her family lived outside the United States, for about six or seven years. They spent time in several different European countries, including Poland and England. In fact, at the moment, her brother is training in England to be a stone mason. Right now he is working on gargoyles at Windsor Castle.  Her eyes sparkled as she talked about him, clearly very proud. She also shared with us, that her girlfriend Bitch, of the band with the same name, also has family in England. As we talked, it was clear that our friends across the pond are close to her heart.

Talking with Daniela Sea was for me, totally worth the whole trip, and, I know that when I am watching season three, I will be wearing a smile every time I see this enchanting young woman on the screen.

Just as we were finishing up with Daniela, she saw Sarah Shahi, and called her over. Sarah was obviously in the middle of a conversation, but ducked away long enough to come over and give Daniela a hug, the warmth shared by these two women clearly in evidence. We were able to take a couple of pictures of the two of them, and I was able to ask Sarah one quick question, before she bid us a hasty good-bye, and went back to her previous conversation. The one question I was able to ask, was if she had heard of L-word.com. Her face lit up, and she smiled at me, saying, "oh yeah...of course we have!" On a personal note, may I just say that when Sarah Shahi looks directly at you, and smiles...well, let's just say that it took a minute for my brain cells to start firing again...hence the lack of another question!!"

During the first two seasons of The L Word, Ilene Chaiken lived with the constant criticism that there were no true butch characters represented on the show. Now, with the inclusion of Moria in this fashion addicted group of friends, we watch as sleeveless flannel and baggy denim, invades the land of form fitting Kenneth Cole and trendsetting Gucci pumps. And, knowing that the opposing fashion styles are just one of many cultural differences, it will be interesting to see if Moria will be able to mix and match with her new surroundings, or will she feel just as much as an outsider as she did back home?