Papi (The L Word character)

Infobox character | name = Eva Torres


real_name = Eva Torres
portrayer = Janina Gavankar
creator = Ilene Chaiken
species =
gender = Female
first = Livin' La Vida Loca "(episode 4.02)"
last = Long Time Coming Up "(episode 4.12)"
last_cause =
age =
occupation = Limousine Driver
title =
alias = Papi
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
footnotes =

Eva "Papi" Torres is a fictional character on the Showtime television network series "The L Word", shown nationally in the United States and Canada. She is played by Janina Gavankar. Papi first appeared in episode 4.02: "Livin La Vida Loca", which originally aired on January 15, 2007.

Character story

When Alice makes The Chart into an interactive website, she finds that a woman known only as "Papi" has the most conquests, even more than Shane. Alice goes on a mission to find Papi to interview her for her radio show. After almost giving up, having run into nothing but imposters, Alice finally meets the real Papi. Papi sleeps with Alice after their date, then sleeps with Alice's roommate Helena the next day. Papi attempts to start a rivalry with Shane, whom she describes as just a "skinny white girl," but Shane is uninterested in challenging her. Papi is originally somewhat dimissive of Alice and her group of friends, believing they are too spoiled from living middle-class lifestyles, but soon befriends them. Papi introduces the others to her best friend, Tasha Williams, whom she originally met through an awkward hook-up. Papi is concerned for Tasha's well-being, as she has just returned from a tour of duty in the Iraq War, and wants her to meet some women instead of closing herself off. Although Papi is known for her sassy comebacks and obviously understands how to take care of herself, she's a truly kind person and very loyal friend.

Papi begins to fall for Kit, even though Kit is seemingly straight. After Angus cheats on her, Kit begins returning Papi's affections in order to make him jealous. Papi takes Kit to a bar where she buys her drinks, not knowing Kit's history as an alcoholic. Kit attempts to sleep with Papi that night, but is too drunk. Kit and Papi later do sleep together, but Kit is unable to orgasm, and tells Papi she just isn't attracted to women.

It is revealed in episode 3.09 "Lead, Follow or Get Out of the Way" that Papi was involved with Carmen when they were in high school. Carmen stated that the reason she didn't go to prom is because she ran off with a girl named "Eva Torres" who taught her how to 69. [http://www.afterellen.com/TV/thelword/recaps/4/12?page=0%2C1]

Her real name is Eva Torres, which was revealed by Tasha Williams during the end of Season 4.

Papi was not included in the cast during season five; no information regarding why has been released. It is most likely because the actress playing Papi was involved too many other international projects to work on season five. In addition, it is also widely believed that the character was not well-received by all of the show's fans, and has been criticized as a caricature of Latina women.

In episode ten of season five, Papi's long time friend Tasha mentions her name while explaining to Alice how Papi and she used to play basketball with the Coco Girls. However, there was still no mention of Papi's whereabouts.