‘The L Word: Generation Q’ Star Katherine Moennig Discusses Returning to Her Revolutionary Character

Over a decade after its final episode, Katherine Moennig still hasn’t lost sight of The L Word‘s troublemaking and ever-sexual Shane. At the Television Critics Association’s 2019 summer tour the actress spoke to Decider about what it’s been like returning to her beloved role and what’s ahead for The L Word: Generation Q.

“I think back in 2002 when we made the pilot we knew we were making something special, all of us. It was like lightning in a bottle. But I didn’t realize it would have this impact,” Moennig said. “People still stop and want to talk about it and have such a visceral reaction to it. That just shows that it has stood up to the test of time even though it’s incredibly dated and there are things where you think, ‘I would never wear that.’ It’s very of its time, but there are themes that I think are universal.”

Over the course of The L Word‘s six seasons Moennig played Shane, the group’s most sexually adventurous, yet also most level-headed and kindest member. Unlike similar characters, such as Sex and the City’s Samantha or Girls‘ Jessa, Shane approached her many relationships and one-night stands with a sort of composed coolness. In many ways Shane’s “anything goes but nothing sticks” attitude feels like a precursor to modern dating.

“It’s wild coming back to her because I was doing another series [Ray Donovan] for six years, so my brain has been in that gear,” Moennig said. “It was tricky to figure out where we’re going to pick up and see her now that the show begins, but I really like what Marja [Lewis Ryan] came up with as an idea. I thought that was actually a really smart choice. I can’t tell you what it is, but it’s a grown-up version of her still, with elements of who she really is at her core.”

Set 10 years after the events of The L Word, Generation Q will follow a new group of friends as they explore sex, dating, and relationships in LA. The new series will include The L Word originals Shane, Bette (Jennifer Beals), and Alice (Leisha Hailey). To figure out where Shane’s been after this past decade Moennig collaborated closely with Generation Q‘s showrunner Marja-Lewis Ryan.

“When we were meeting with people to potentially run this show, they were very clear. Leisha said, ‘I see Alice here,’ and Jennifer said, ‘I see Bette here.’ But with Shane I was like, ‘She could really be anywhere, to be honest, and anything would make sense,'” Moennig explained. That’s certainly true. Over the series’ six seasons the fictional hair stylist was involved in several shady Hollywood deals, was the target of serious stalking, became a model, and temporarily became the reluctant caretaker for her brother. “It was a matter of finding that one idea and making it believable and giving it some color and some detail.”

The actor also explained how she’s seen the LBGTQ+ community change since she was in the spotlight in the 2000s and how that might translate to this new iteration. “What I’ve noticed, and maybe I’m wrong in this, but the younger generation, they might not want to be defined by just one thing, and they don’t want anyone else to label them either. I think there’s something very empowering in that,” Moennig said. “I think that sort of thing comes from all of the work that has moved us forward, but that’s a pretty radical idea.”

As ready as Moennig is to be returning to Shane, she knows the continuation is not going to be for everyone. “The L Word isn’t going to encompass everybody. It’s impossible, just like the original show,” Moennig noted. “I don’t think you need to apologize for that. I think that power comes in truth and honesty and authenticity. If you’re doing that, then you’re doing your job. And that’s how I approach it.”

The actor pointed to the lack of complex LGBTQ+ stories on television as a reason why the original series has faced so much criticism. “It’s hard with The L Word because there really hasn’t been that much since, so not everything can fall on this show’s shoulders. Hopefully there will be more shows that can pick up the baton and run with it. That’s part of the reason why we’re back because there really hasn’t been anyone that’s done that since,” Moennig said, noting that Pose was the rare exception.

As for whether or not The L Word would deal with its biggest mystery, the death of the haphazard Jenny (Mia Kirshner), Moennig said, “I believe so.”

But for all the love triangles, broken hearts, and manipulative hookups, Moennig is happy to be back. “I mean, I love Shane. She drives me crazy, but I do love her. She’s grown up a little bit, but she’s still got her demons. I don’t think they’re ever going to go away.”

The L Word: Generation Q premieres on Showtime December 8, 2019.

Where to stream The L Word

Watch The L Word: Generation Q on Showtime December 8