"L Word" creator: Sex isn't gratuitous

Despite enough steam to boil anybody's kettle, Showtime's "The L Word" is not just about lesbian sex, says its creator and executive producer.

"We only use sex in the service of telling a story," Ilene Chaiken says. "It's authentic. We've never done anything gratuitous. It's great to be able to tell those stories frankly, and without apology."

"L Word" launches its second season Feb. 20. Thirteen hourlong episodes will run at 10 p.m. Sundays.

Two regular characters are gone: stunning cafe owner Marina (Karina Lombard) and swim coach Tim (Eric Mabius), former fiance of bisexual writer Jenny (Mia Kirshner).

Three newbies join the cast. Sarah Shahi, an ex-Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, plays Carmen, a disc jockey and sex toy for hairdresser Shane (homegirl Katherine Moennig).

Brit Rachel Shelley plays lesbian Helena Peabody, scheming daughter of arts patron Peggy (Holland Taylor). And Eric Lively is Mark, a straight pornographer and new roomie to two "L" gals.

Leisha Hailey, who plays bisexual journalist Alice, welcomes the new depth.

"I wanted to make Alice more real, more human," says Hailey, 33, the only out member of the cast.

"I'm playing somebody more flawed," she says. "She's fun, a little crazy, outspoken and witty."

The entire cast posed naked in group publicity shots this season. Like most of her castmates, Hailey's cool with graphic sex scenes.

"All the girls are so amazing and we all get along so well, it's like doing something with your friend. It's not at all sexual. It's comfortable."

"L Word" sex, she says, "is always backed up with feelings, deep meaning or love. It's never sex just for sex. This show doesn't exploit sex. It explores it."

Well, except with Shane. Modeled on Warren Beatty's libidinous hairdresser in 1975's "Shampoo," Shane "doesn't do relationships."

The success of "L Word" made it easier to attract heavyweight guest stars for the second season.

The roster includes Camryn Manheim, Sandra Bernhard, Gloria Steinem and Arianna Huffington, along with such musicians as Heart, Peaches and classical guitarist Sharon Isbin.

Speaking of music, Hailey did three '90s albums as part of the pop-rock duo the Murmurs. On the show, Alice sings only once, in a flashback scene.