L Word Interrogation Tape of Shane McCutcheon

Webisode Touches On Trust, Secrets, and a Statute of Limitations

Mar 16, 2009 Kristin Krogh

Shane's interrogation tape, the second in a series of webisodes to be released on The L Word site, is the next piece in the puzzle to deciphering a convoluted finale.

The L Word interrogation tapes - the newest development in The L Word saga - are the follow-up to the largely unresolved series finale that left viewers hanging and caused many to feel frustrated and cheated. With these tapes comes the potential for Ilene Chaiken to wrap things up, settle the charged emotions of the viewers, and finally answer the most highly publicized inquiry from season six: "Who Killed Jenny Schecter?"

As Sergeant Duffy (Lucy Lawless) investigates Jenny’s death, the interrogations that were shown in fragmented form during the finale will be released one by one on Showtime’s website. Each Monday, a new tape will be released, and the webisodes will continue until each character has had her say. As of now, the only tapes that have been revealed are those of Tina Kennard and Shane McCutcheon.

Shane Goes Second

Following Tina’s tape, Shane’s seems slightly innocuous. There is no incest, no infidelity. As Shane makes a point of stating in her tape, she "didn't really know anything” in terms of gossip and she didn't have the information that interested Alice when they first met. This seems true to a certain extent - Shane never was all that interested in being part of the so-called “dyke drama.” However, she was one of the most observant characters on the show and many people came to her with secrets, knowing she could keep them. In this way, it seems somewhat logical for Shane’s tape to follow Tina’s, as they were both secret-keepers. Whether this was out of consideration for others or out of self-protection we may never know, nor do we really need to. The more pressing issue is what they didn’t tell us and whether we have a right to know that too.

Shane and Alice

Though the focal point of the investigation is supposed to be the death of Jenny Schecter, Shane’s three-and-a-half minute webisode focuses a great deal of its attention on Alice. Shane explains how they met, and even redirects Sargeant Duffy when asked if Alice had used her. This curious spotlight on Alice can’t help but make us wonder if this is yet another tactic to hype the Leisha Hailey-based spin-off, or if Alice must ultimately be the one to defend herself against an accusation of murder.

Trust and Relationships: Jenny and Molly

In Shane’s declaration of all things well-known about her character, she explains that she is a great friend but that she encounters difficulty with being a reliable lover. Her ability to trust others also comes into question (though to be fair, that may hinge more on the fact that Sergeant Duffy is talking about Jenny, rather than trust in general). For example, when asked if she loved Jenny, Shane responds with an affirmative. But, when asked if she trusted her, there is a pause. Shane comments, “I did…I wanted to.”

When it comes to trust and relationships, though, the most noticeably absent piece of information is the resolution of what happened with Molly. Did Shane confront Jenny once she found the jacket containing the letter? Did she go after Molly? Sadly, although no explicit statements are made, we may be able to infer that Shane remains single, as she states that she is perhaps destined to traverse her life's path alone.

Statute of Limitations on Arson

Because the tapes seem to be so fixated on secrets and revelations, this tape, just like Tina’s, has its unexpected moment. Whereas Tina reveals a situation of incest, Shane’s revelation focuses on arson. In the tape, Shane inquires about the statute of limitations for the crime and, upon receiving the answer, goes on to make a confession that falls almost completely flat. Given the nature of Tina’s revelation, Shane's confession that she burned down her own business is simultaneously strange and hard to get worked up over, especially since there is the added element of frustration that this statement opens the door to more questions that it resolves.

Katherine Moennig’s Performance

Just as the viewers seem to be plagued by discomfort due to all the uncertainty, the actors also seem to be affected. Katherine Moennig’s performance, like that of Laurel Holloman, appears quite stiff and forced. For actresses who excel at glances, gazes, and subtle physical movements, this setting does not leave much room to build on their strengths. Ultimately, however, it does serve as yet another reminder to the audience that there is more information available in what these actresses don’t say than in what they do.

The copyright of the article L Word Interrogation Tape of Shane McCutcheon in Prime Time TV is owned by Kristin Krogh. Permission to republish L Word Interrogation Tape of Shane McCutcheon in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

The L Word - Shane

What do you think about this article?

---

NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.

post your comment

What is 3+2?