CALIFORNICATION Doesn't Quite Land With "Grace"

Article first published as TV Review: 'Californication' - Series Finale on Blogcritics.

Showtime’s Californication completes a seven-season run this week with “Grace.” No matter how badly Hank (David Duchovny) screws things up (and he always screws things up) there have consistently been threads of love and hope sprinkled throughout the series. Thus, with the final episode, we knows there must be a happy ending, not just for Hank, but for all of those in his life, beloved family and misfit friends alike. That’s exactly what “Grace” delivers, if a tad too easily.

Hank must end up with Karen (Natascha McElhone); even the most casual viewer knows that. The problem is, “Grace” lets them work things out far too quickly. Halfway through the episode, Hank is pondering the idea of getting back together with Julia (Heather Graham), his other baby momma. Then, on a whim, he writes Karen a beautiful letter, runs to meet her on the plane she’s taking to their daughter’s wedding. But wait! They’re a couple again? Where is the lesson learned? Where is Hank’s self-examination of all his wrong-doing? Karen accepts him for who he is, and it’s just done?

Californication has spent much time on this pair, going back and forth with their love story. At times, they’ve been very, very close, and at other times, they couldn’t be further apart. Throughout this final season, it’s been the latter, with Hank trying to be a good dad to the son he only recently learns about, while Karen is off-stage. And when she does show up, she disapproves of Hank and his actions. The viewer sees Hank mature and learn from his past, finally being responsible. But Karen hasn’t witnessed the transformation. So why would she take him back?

I guess, as much as I approve of the emotional note on which “Grace” ends, complete with good callbacks, I’m just deeply disappointed that the Hank/Karen closer doesn’t seem earned. It could have been with a little more finesse, maybe even just another half hour of the story. Instead, it comes across as very tacked on, and not serving the two characters we’ve come to know over the years very authentically.

Is that intentional? Do the writers known that Hank will always mess up again if the camera lingers too long? After all, the opening scene is a dream sequence of Hank’s daughter Becca (Madeleine Martin) reminding him of his failings. That’s why I almost thought Californication might leave Hank single, knowing he can’t help himself with his vices. This would be very dark, darker than show’s usual tone, but it would be appropriate.

The rest of the half hour is quite sweet. Charlie (Evan Handler) and Marcie (Pamela Adlon) can’t bring themselves to sleep with other people, but they still get the million dollars from Stu (Stephen Tobolowsky), who is somewhat satisfied with his love doll. Levon (Oliver Cooper) has a moment with his dad, who helps him treat a woman decently, and Hank seems to set up Levon’s mother, Julia, with lonely Rick Rath (Michael Imperioli), who deserves a good woman. Even Krull (Steve Jones) gets a little Love, literally.

All of this is almost cartoonish in how it works out, but Californication does tend to give its recurring players such goodbyes on a regular basis. It’s a shame that Hank and Karen end up in the same category, as they had always been better than that, but for the rest of the characters, that’s what we expect to happen.

I guess the only regret I’m left with, besides the obvious, is the lack of Becca in “Grace.” Her heart-to-heart doesn’t seem real, and we don’t see Hank have one last conversation with her at her wedding. She deserves her own piece of the finale, one last bonding chance with her dad, and without it, the episode feels like it’s missing something. “Grace” really should have been a full hour, half spent tying up this year’s arcs, and the other half serving the long-time cast, as Californication does a solid job with the former, and falls short with the latter.

"Levon" Shakes Up CALIFORNICATION Final Season

Article originally written for Seat42F.

Showtime’s CALIFORNICATION kicks off its final season with “Levon.” Hank (David Duchovny) leaves the road to fly back into the arms of the woman he loves, Karen (Natascha McElhone). But although the series gives us the storybook ending up front, that’s all in Hank’s head, and their actual first encounter is not anything like Hank had hoped for. Now, Hank must finally work on improving himself if he ever wants to win back Karen for good.

All of CALIFORNICATION has been about Hank’s arrested development. Time after time, Hank has screwed up. He’s screwed up with love, he’s screwed up with work, he’s screwed up at being a father to Becca (Madeleine Martin). Now, the end is nigh and Hank is tired of screwing up. Season seven might actually be the year in which Hank (gasp!) matures.

I really, really hope Hank gets the ending he wants. He’s a flawed man, to be sure, but he’s still the protagonist, and he never has done anything to deserve misery. Almost all of his mistakes are simple, forgivable errors, and circumstance plays as much as role as Hank’s own actions, though he doesn’t usually do himself any favors, either. Yet, there’s something earnest and sweet about Hank that makes one root for him, even when there’s not an overwhelming reason to do so. This part of Hank must be cultured so he can be rewarded.

Obviously, Hank is motivated to better himself for Karen’s sake. But Karen isn’t the only reason Hank needs to grow up. By Karen refusing to just get back with Hank, it takes away that immediate goal. This gives time Hank to improve for his own sake, and while Karen will always be in the back of his mind, he may actually find intrinsic motivation, too.

Step one of the New Hank is to find a job. Atticus has fired Hank and Charlie (Evan Handler) out of boredom, and because Aaron Sorkin became available, so Hank must find some bridge he hasn’t yet burned, a rarity in Los Angeles. Charlie points out that Hank has ruined writing jobs for books, movies, and Broadway shows, so there aren’t a lot of options left. The obvious experience still remaining? Television, the lowest art form in Hank’s mind.

Can Hank overcome his prejudices? His opinions and pride are things that have caused trouble in the past, and Hank isn’t much for being humble. Still, given the right carrot, perhaps Hank can find a way to get over himself, and maybe even come to like the medium.

Hank’s new boss, Rick Rath (Michael Imperioli, The Sopranos), should be able to help him succeed. He admits to seeing a bit of himself in Hank, believes in a good redemption story, and won’t humor Hank if his behavior goes to crap. At least this is the right environment for Hank to do well in, so if he puts his mind to it, he’s got a chance.

In true CALIFORNICATION form, the opportunity that presents itself is tied to Hank’s past, no one in the show ever escaping what’s come before. I won’t spoil what the project is, but Stu (Stephen Tobolowsky) is involved, and the title will be familiar to fans of the show.

There is another element to Hank’s story that I haven’t mentioned yet. The name of the episode is “Levon,” and there’s a character named Levon (Oliver Cooper, Project X) in it, a college kid who wants to interview Hank for his newspaper. I will say, the twist concerning Levon, one sure to keep him around for the rest of the series, is easy to see coming from a mile away, and feels tacked on in the final season of the show. And yet, the music choice for the ending of the episode and Duchovny’s trademark sneer nails the emotion so damn well that I find myself excusing the predictability, and even seeing a way this could really be good for the show and the character of Hank.

Of course Charlie and Marcy (Pamela Adlon) have a bit of story in “Levon,” too. Their renewed marriage isn’t going so well because Charlie is haunted by their time spent apart, especially what they did with others during their break. It’s regrettable, but also not unexpected. At least they seem committed to making the union work, so getting back to a good place will give them a satisfying arc for season seven.

To be honest, it took a lot not to just marathon the whole seventh year of CALIFORNICATION in one sitting today (thank you, Showtime, for making them all available, by the way), and it’s an impulse I likely won’t be able to resist long. This is such a good, solid show, and the growth and exploration of the characters is very compelling. “Levon” not only continues that trend, but also really tees up what looks to be a near-perfect last year, so I am eager to watch it. I hope you will be, too.

CALIFORNIATION airs Sundays at 9:30 p.m. ET on Showtime.

Californication Can't Shake the "Monsters"

Article first published as Californication Can't Shake the "Monsters" on TheTVKing.

Showtime's sixth season finale of Californication, entitled "I'll Lay My Monsters Down," is a joyous celebration, as well as a time for introspection. Charlie (Evan Handler) and Marcy (Pamela Adlon) are getting remarried. Now Hank (David Duchovny) has to decide whether to hit the road with a rock tour, or try to win back the heart of his lady love once again.

The wedding is super sweet. Marcy and Charlie have been through many a rough patch, but they always belong together. The longer that they are apart, the harder it gets to watch them suffer. Once Marcy agrees to remarry Charlie, there is little doubt in my mind that, not only will she go through with it, but this time it's forever.

How can it not be? They've both had their chance to sow their wild oats, and find out what else is out there. Yet, they come back to each other. This is why Californication is the story of love, even if the characters must overcome the effects of the West Coast to find their true happiness.

Marcy's urging Hank and Karen (Natascha McElhone) to get back together can be chalked up to projecting her own feelings onto them. She has realized that she belongs back with her man, and so assumes the path to her best friends' happiness is the same as her own, even though this is not necessarily the case. Given it is her wedding day, she can be forgiven, and surely won't hold it against them if they ignore her.

Yet, Hank's story has always been about Karen. He may take detours along the way, most recently with Faith (Maggie Grace). But not matter who he shares his bed with, he always comes back to Karen. Even in his dreams, she's the one.

It's interesting that Hank's subconscious takes the form of Lew Ashby (Callum Keith Rennie) at this point. The departed musician was striving for love when he died, just as Hank always is. Is Hank worried that he will wait too long and die before he can get back with Karen? I think so, considering that Hank literally appears in Lew's position behind the bar in his second dream. Though, it really doesn't matter why Hank imagines Lew, so long as we get a glimpse of that great character again, highly appropriate in a season chock full of rock 'n' roll.

The question is, is Hank Karen's destiny? We don't see as much of her, so it's not always clear. She definitely cares about him, but she may not want to spend her life with him anymore. Shortly before "I'll Lay My Monsters Down," Karen ponders if they only remain in one another's lives at this point because of their shared daughter, Becca (Madeleine Martin). It's sad, but it could also be true, as much as Hank and his fans won't want to admit it.

Which is why it's probably good that Californication is pulling a fast one on the audience when Hank drops to bended knee on the stage at the rock concert. It is heart breaking to realize that Hank won't lie it all out on the line right then and there. But, Karen knows how he feels. He makes it clear constantly. And her words say that she's not ready to commit to him, so he is liable to be disappointed if he tries for this now. She must sort out her own feelings first.

On the other hand, she could be on the fence, and the things she says may be just to test him. After all, Hank may say one thing, but may not mean it, even if he wants to. Perhaps she needs the grand romantic gesture to make up her mind.

I truly love when Becca, high, calls her father and tells him she just wants him to be happy. At first, Hank thinks that may be traveling with Faith. Then, he realizes that it's being with Karen, of course. This is a moment where Hank is forced to consider what will make him happy, and it's fitting that his wise daughter comes through once more, even if she isn't as smart with her own decisions.

It's also great that the moment includes Hank asking Becca to text Marilyn Manson (himself) a lude picture. How very fitting for the tone of the show!

"I'll Lay My Monsters Down" bids a fond adieu to Faith and Atticus (Tim Minchin). I will greatly miss these characters, and am sad to see them go. They both truly connect with Hank in a way that only a handful do, they are two of his soul mates, and are worthy of being recurring characters along the lines of Stu (Stephen Tobolowsky) and Bates (Jason Beghe) because they just fit into Californication so well. I hope they return often, as they, far more than most recent guest stars, deserve to do so.

Also, Krull's (Steve Jones) goodbye to Hank is a wonderful moment in an episode packed with wonderful moments.

Californication will return for a seventh season next year on Showtime.

Please forgive Calfornication

Grade: 99%

Showtime’s CALIFORNICATION comes back to “The Unforgiven.” Hank (David Duchovny) wakes up after spending several days slipping in and out of consciousness. He learns that he is in the hospital because of Carrie’s (Natalie Zea) suicide-murder attempt, which only succeeds on one count.

This is Hank as we have never seen him before. He is self-loathing, yes, but now he has the guilt of Carrie’s death on his head. Or, assumed death, as she is on life support, and will likely die once the plug is pulled. Carrie is a crazy psycho, to be sure, but if it wasn’t for Hank, would she have been driven to take such extreme measures?

One would like to think that yes, whoever Carrie had been dating would be the victim, and Hank deserves none of the blame. This is not what Carrie’s friends and family believe, which is unfortunate, as they should know her better than anyone, but it is definitely the thought that Hank’s loved ones cling onto.

The problem is, Hank has never been big about listening to others. And despite his sins, he has a very strong moral compass as to how he treats women. He tries to never degrade them, or make them feel down on themselves. His whole schtick, which is what gets him laid so much, is building up a woman, making them very special, a skill that he excels at. Sadly, he fails to do that for Carrie, at least, fails to do it enough, and so he takes her actions very much to heart.

Viewers of CALIFORNICATION are treated to a look inside of Hank’s mind in “The Unforgiven.” In the hospital, and after, as he drinks himself into a stupor every night, we see Hank dream about his time with Karen (Natascha McElhone). But every time Hank is heading towards a happy place, Carrie invades the scenario, screwing things up, pulling Hank back towards the pain. Hank wants to be happy, but refuses to let himself, thinking he is not deserving.

As is typical for Hank, when he hates himself, he cares little about what happens to him, physically. The flaw in his attitude of caring for others is that he doesn’t consider the fact that hurting himself might hurt them, too. The incessant alcohol intake is ruining his physical and emotional state, but it’s also making Karen, Becca (Madeleine Martin), Marcy (Pamela Adlon), and Charlie (Evan Handler) miserable.

That is why they stage an intervention. It’s a crappy effort, because everyone in the group has plenty of their own issues that prevent them from being completely there for Hank. However, it’s the dysfunction that has brought them together as a group, and is the basis for their love for one another. Thus, their attempt is enough, in my book, and it does succeed in its drive.

I think, of all of Hank’s friends, Charlie is the one who takes the situation the least seriously. This may be because Charlie is used to Hank’s ups and downs, and looks up to him. Charlie assumes that Hank doesn’t need to give up alcohol completely, and should put himself back in the line of temptation if it means a good job. In this case, Charlie wants Hank to help rock star Atticus Fletcher (Tim Minchin) turn A Crazy Little Thing Called Love into a rock opera.

I feel like Charlie’s actions will jeopardize any healing that Hank may embark upon. We’ve seen before how Hank gets when living the rock star lifestyle, and while Hank was able to break away once, he’s far less strong, emotionally, than he was before. Charlie may have good intentions, but his efforts could be the thing that keeps Hank floundering all season.

And we need Hank to get better. Karen needs him, after this way-too-long, on-again-off-again thing between them, she is still in love with Hank. Becca needs him, as she is thinking of pursuing the writing career, following in her father’s footsteps, which may not be the best idea, especially if she shares his judgment. She’s also finally joined the adult cast, and this is a critical time in her development, moving into a new stage of life. Marcy needs Hank, to talk her up so that she doesn’t go back to the cheating Stu Beggs (Stephen Tobolowsky).

Bottom line, Hank has to get better, and as of “The Unforgiven,” it looks like he may need to ditch Charlie to do so, something Hank surely won’t do in his present state, especially after Charlie took a bullet for him in last year’s finale. Which means that we’re in for another glorious, rocky season of CALIFORNICATION, airing Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET on Showtime.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first posted on Seat42F

Californication goes to Hell and back

Showtime's Californication ends its fifth season with "Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be." Hank (David Duchovny) envisions himself in Hell, which is a bar where his deceased pal, Lew Ashby (Callum Keith Rennie), is the bartender. Waking up, Hank spends his day fixing everyone's problems, as, for once, he is the one who has his life together. And by helping others, Hank begins to be right with them, these people he is preparing to leave in the previous episode. Unfortunately, before Hank can get to his happy ending with Karen (Natascha McElhone), Carrie (Natalie Zea) shows up and drugs him.

Why is Lew the bartender in Hank's vision of Hell? Does Hank really think he's destined to go to the place below, considering how good he's been lately? Or does Hank still see himself as that bad boy that hangs out with Lew, a time in his life where Hank is near rock bottom? It's an interesting and cryptic look inside of Hank's head.

Luckily, Hank's life is not so chaotic anymore. He is back together with Karen, the love of his life, now that she is splitting from her husband, Bates (Jason Beghe), who gives his blessing to the reunion. Hank's daughter, Becca (Madeleine Martin), no longer hates him. What's more, Hank might have even gotten through to Tyler (Scott Michael Foster), Becca's loser fiancé. And Charlie (Evan Handler), Hank's best friend, who is on the outs with Hank, takes a bullet for him. So it looks like life can't get any better for wayward protagonist.

The thing is, how will Carrie screw this up for him? For once, any trouble Hank is in is not his fault. Sure, one can argue that Hank shouldn't have hooked up with Carrie in the first place. But Hank has done more than enough to make up for that mistake. Any actions that Carrie takes now are her own fault, not to be blamed on Hank.

Will Karen forgive Hank for a drugged indiscretion with Carrie? It truly will not be Hank's decision to do anything. In fact, Hank sees Heaven in that moment, and his Heaven includes Karen. Surely Karen will understand this and view Hank as a victim. Right?

Things look good for Charlie in the end, too. His son is talking, and considering who the parents are, "blow job" is an acceptable first word. Marcy (Pamela Adlon) is leaving Stu (Stephen Tobolowsky), and is by Charlie's side at the end of "Hell Ain't a Bad Place to Be." So hopefully Hank and Karen won't be the only reunited couple.

Season five of Californication is depressing because things are so screwed up for all of the characters through most of the episodes, instead of just for Hank, the usual formula. In fact, Hank has his best year yet, in terms of staying on the right path. But with a sixth season ordered, and the finale ending in a bright place (save the Carrie drama), could next year finally bring a happy ending? Can't wait to find out!

Californication airs on Showtime.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Read every Californication review I've ever written. Click here to catch up on Californication with streaming episodes and DVDs.

Californication takes "JFK to LAX"

     Roughly three years have passed in the world of Showtime's Californication as the series returns for a fifth season with "JFK to LAX." Hank (David Duchovny) breaks up with his girlfriend of a year, Carrie (Natalie Zea, Justified) when she wants to get serious. Then he flees on a plane to LA, meeting a charming young lady named Kali (Meagan Good) along the way. What Hank doesn't realize until later is that Kali is already spoken for by the rapper Samurai Apocalypse (RZA, Blade: Trinity) who'd like to hire Hank to write a movie.

     Isn't this always the way of Californication? Hank doesn't intend to get into trouble, but it just happens. And he doesn't set out to hook up with non-single girls, but they are attracted to him like teen girls to cell phones. Or to Hank, for that matter. Thirty minutes into the new season, with everyone else starting fresh, Hank is right back as he started, in the same types of situations, which will surely end badly, as they always do.

     It's a good thing others have moved on in "JFK to LAX." Charlie Runkle (Evan Handler) seems at peace with ex-wife Marcy (Pamela Adlon), who is experiencing a sexual renaissance with Stu Baggs (Stephen Tobolowsky). It might help that she gave Charlie a son, Stuart (Quin and Reed Baron), though at two and a half, the son isn't talking yet. It also might help that Charlie finally brings is 100th girl! Both Charlie and Marcy have no shame in flaunting their sexual activities in front of Hank, a sign that they are in a good place.

     Karen (Natascha McElhone), too, has moved on, remarried and living happily with Richard (Jason Beghe). Hank seems happy enough for them, considering he likes how Richard treats Hank's daughter, Becca (Madeleine Martin), though Karen being married hasn't stopped Hank in the past from going after her. The difference here, though, from season one is that Karen doesn't appear to want Hank to continue to pursue her. So she has moved on without Hank, and that is, indeed, a big shake up in the ways of Californication.

     Speaking of Becca, she is on a path one might never think to see her on in "JFK to LAX:" she is dating an older boy named Tyler (Scott Michael Foster, Greek) who is just like her father. Shouldn't Becca have learned her lesson after watching all of the bad things that happen to Hank? True, girls to often idolize their dads, and look for someone like them. But in this case, it's a shame that Becca falls into that trap. Hank is essentially a good man, but he is wrong for any girl. And because viewers aren't familiar with and charmed by Tyler, this outsider view does not look good for poor Becca.

     In short, the hook of season five will be how does Hank cope with everyone he loves having moved on and found their happiness? Where does he go when he is no longer surrounded by tortured souls? Considering he spends the past three years in New York, away from these people, perhaps it's his fault that they were in bad places originally, and without him, they are better off. Except for Becca. Hank really must find a way to give his daughter a wake up call.

     Watch Californication Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET on Showtime.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

Californication delivers "And Justice For All"

     Showtime's Californication season four finale: It starts with a surreal courtroom scene. Hank (David Duchovny) is read the verdict after being charged with statutory rape, a plot arc that started way back in the pilot, more than four years ago.

     For a startling few moments, it appears that Hank is going to prison to be locked up and kept away from friends and family. Hank is not a bad man, and it seems gigantically unfair. After all, he had been tricked, believing the young girl seducing him was a college student, with no idea she is actually the daughter of Hank's ex-wife's fiance. However, that becomes open for debate once it is revealed that Hank has met her once before that night, albeit when he was plastered.

     Luckily for Hank, and for us, Hank had simply fainted before hearing a key word - probation. A hefty fine and large amount of community service is something Hank can handle as we go into season five.

     Prison, however, would have left him a changed man, one likely unrecognizable to longtime fans. It's not a place that would suit Hank. And so it is with a sigh of relief, and copious sex with his attorney, Abby (Carla Gugino), that Hank is let off the hook. Has he learned a lesson? I don't know. He does need to clean up a few things, but most of Hank's problems are circumstantial. He drinks too much, but only engages in consensual behavior after open dialogue, nothing shady or malicious. Things just keep happening to him.

     The large middle section of this episode takes place at a dinner party that is just pure fun, plain and simple. It's a launch party thrown by Stu (Stephen Tobolowky) to celebrate the start of production on the movie Fucking and Punching. Hank goes with Abby, while Karen (Natascha McElhone) brings Ben (Michael Ealy). Marcy (Pamela Aldon) is living with Stu, and Charlie's (Evan Handler) plus one is his psycho realtor, Peggy (Melissa Stephens). Sasha (Addison Timlin) and Eddie (Rob Lowe) are there, too, of course, as the stars of the movie. Such an eclectic mix of personalities, many with shared romantic history, is just asking for trouble. So, of course, there is plenty of that, mostly instigated by Eddie, who asks probing, intrusive questions.

     I am most excited that Charlie now knows Marcy's baby is his. While Hank and Karen cannot commit themselves fully back to each other until their story is over, and the series is leaving the air for good, Marcy and Charlie need to work things out sooner. Their separation has been hard on both of them. While they are from from perfect, they have a chemistry that is unique and special. At times, Marcy's pulling away has felt uneven and insincere. I keep waiting for Charlie to wake up and do whatever it is she is waiting for him to do. I don't think either one will be happy without the other. Surely Charlie will not, as he admitted to the gathered assembly.


     I love Abby, and hope we have not seen the last of her. As things stand, she has not closed herself off to Hank, but she does ask him to make a choice. While this could be a chance to start anew for the troubled writer, he will never be able to move on from Karen. He has had opportunities to build a future with any number of wonderful women; Abby is just the latest, and possibly the best. But Hank never even appears to consider serious monogamy with anyone but Karen. It's not that he's a cheater, but rather he is having fun and biding time until he can end up in the arms of his one true love. Why must Hank stumble through life so lost? Why can't he just settle for someone else? I would actually support that choice, at this point, and it would not preclude him eventually wandering back to Karen in the long-term.

     This episode is not only a fitting ending for a terrific season, one in which Hank faces his past far more than at any time before, but it could also have made a fitting ending for the series. Hank can finally put the whole incident with Mia (Madeline Zima) behind him, though he still has the therapy of making a movie about the experience. As the episode draws to a close, Hank is walking the sets, seeing the real life people he knows in place of the actors standing in for them. Making a decision, Hank takes to the road, presumably to find his love, Karen, and daughter, Becca (Madeleine Martin), who have left for a road trip with Karen's new boyfriend, Ben. They, too, are thinking of him.

     Should this have been the way Hank went out? Having lost the two girls he cares more about than anyone in the world, but having found professional success, he heads off into the world to find them? I, for one, am gratified that there is more story left to tell about the characters. Yet, it is a moment so perfect, it makes me a little sad to see it come so early. One can only hope that Hank's journey will end on as uplifting a note as this season did.

     One question I am left with: why did the writers choose to have Ben save Hank? At first, I thought it is so Hank will like Ben and back off. But by the end of the episode, he is yearning for Karen again. The scene has the feeling of more than mere coincidence. I guess we shall see.

     Since there will be a season five, what will it involve? I am really hoping that Fucking and Punching will still be filming, for one. While each season has its own mix of fun characters, I am not done with Eddie, Sasha, or especially Stu. They need to stick around a bit longer. I can see where Eddie, especially, may be problematic, as Rob Lowe is already a series regular on NBC's Parks and Recreation. Any way we can keep these people coming back, I'm good. I also really like the possibility of Hank dating the actress playing Karen in the movie. I think perhaps Hank should turn around and go home, unsuccessful in his search, and then Karen can return to find him dating essentially her double. That would be interesting indeed!

Article first published as TV Review: Californication - "And Justice For All" on Blogcritics.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

Click here for an alphabetical list of all of Jerome's Current Season Reviews.

Californication - "The Recused"

     Why does Hank (David Duchovny) have to be such a womanizing screw up? Things take a much darker turn this season on Showtime's Californication when Hank faces both assault and underage sex allegations, the latter of which leads to Karen (Natascha McElhone) finding out about Hank's one night stand with step-daughter Mia (Madeline Zima), which happened all the way back in the first episode. Hank's teenage daughter, Becca (Madeleine Martin), who usually stands by her father and overlooks his flaws, doesn't even want anything to do with him. Losing his family and facing jail time, one would think that Hank has been given a much needed wake up call. Sadly, that does not seem to be the case.

     The newest flub? Hank is now sleeping with his lawyer, Abby (Carla Gugino, Watchmen, Entourage). She attempts to recuse herself by passing Hank off on her boss, Lloyd (Alan Dale, Ugly Betty, Lost), but of course, Hank can't mind his manners for one day on the golf course with Lloyd. They erupt into fisticuffs, only to laugh and bond as soon as Abby agrees to take back Hank's case. Later, she has sex him one last time before telling him he is cut off from that pleasure until after the trial. Not only that, but by the end of the day, Hank has Karen smiling at him, too. How long does anyone seriously believe either women will stay out of his pants this time?

     What charm does Hank have to allow him to get away with all of this? I mean, I get it, having watched the show. Hank is just such an open, honest, likable guy. He may sleep with lots of women, but he'd happily commit to one, especially if that one was Karen. He has proven he can be faithful. Hank's ability to win Lloyd over post-fight is a little more confusing, both of them being dudes, but I think the same things that women find attractive in Hank, men find endearing in a different way. Hank doesn't hold grudges, his emotions are out there for all to see, and once Hank and another man get into it, they have taken out their anger and can move on from it. Even Karen's new love interest, Ben (Michael Ealy, The Good Wife, FlashForward), despite Hank's rotten behavior towards him upon their first meeting, is willing to befriend him.

     However, some things are above even Hank's charms. Despite his unknowingly bedding Mia, and Karen knowing that it was ignorance, neither she nor Becca can bring themselves to move past it. I think this is a case of both of them trying to bridge a disconnect between the Hank that they know and the man who can sleep with an underage girl, who was Karen's then-boyfriend's daughter, to boot. Yes, the facts support Hank, but it is still such a depraved act that it's hard to reconcile it with the Hank who would never knowingly do such a thing. Which he didn't knowingly do. They will eventually wrap their heads around it, but I don't think that might be such a good thing for Hank, in the long run. He has been forgiven a lot, and while I'd like to see him have a happily ever after with his family, he needs to make a few changes first.

     In the B plot, I am hoping that Charlie (Evan Handler) and Marcy (Pamela Adlon) are finally coming back together. Sure, Charlie is still continuing his conquest to bed one hundred women (he's up to twenty one), and Marcy is dating Stu (Stephen Tobolowsky, Glee, Heroes), but they make a great team, as evidenced by their pitch to Showtime this week. I wonder that they can't bring themselves to move past the past yet, as they clearly both see each other in that old, rosy light during the pitch meeting. Once Marcy admits to him that she is pregnant with his baby, which looks likely, I think it will come together. I guess some things just have to run their course, and Charlie and Marcy haven't finished the current track yet.

     Californication airs Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on Showtime.

Article first published as TV Review: Californication - "The Recused" on Blogcritics.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional TV news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

Californication - "Exile on Main St."

     Showtime's Californication began its fourth season last night with "Exile on Main St." Picking up three days after Hank (David Duchovny) was hauled away in handcuffs for assault in front of his family, it set the stage for brand new stories. Which is both good and bad. I mean, Hank's three love interests from season three stuck around long after he tried to end it with them. Why are they suddenly gone as season four begins, only three days later? I also wonder about the time line, as each season seems to progress naturally right into the next, without huge delays, and yet the young characters age one year per season. The seasons certainly don't feel like they cover an entire year.

     All that aside, Californication is a great show. It's hard to rate an episode as being particularly good or bad, as the series relies on long arcs to define itself. Rarely does one week deliver a self contained story. As such, I cannot say if the season premiere last night was particularly good or bad. What I can say is that it felt like a good, solid episode that fit beautifully into the established series.

     The overall story of the show revolves around Hank trying to win back Karen (Natascha McElhone) and forget his inappropriate one night stand with Mia (Madeline Zima, who sadly did not return full-time this year, or at all last night). These two arcs have been kept separate for three years, but the decision was made for them to collide spectacularly at the end of last season. I certainly don't blame the writers; it was time. What has resulted is Hank in the absolute worst place in his life yet. He faces legal consequences for sleeping with an underage girl, and Karen is more hurt than ever, wanting nothing to do with him. Which sends Hank back into another downward spiral, from which he never manages to crawl all the way back up from.

     I like the new character of Abby (Carla Gugino, Entourage), Hank's lawyer. From past experience, I'd say Hank will be sleeping with by next week, two weeks at the latest. Hank has already fallen into bed with the young starlet playing Mia in the movie version of his indiscretion, Sasha Bingham (Addison Timlin). Hank coaching Sasha in practicing the punch scene was one of the most moving moments of the series. Hank has never been a masochist, and it illustrated just how much pain he is in. It was a raw, moving scene, entirely satisfying. Paired with the dream sequences of his family, there was some powerful stuff.

     What is so entirely frustrating about Californication is that Hank is a good guy. His problems with Karen seem to me to be as much her fault as his. He is truly caring and sweet, and loves Karen completely. Yet, he can't bring himself to behave in a way that will win her back. If she's not fully committed, he has to be having sex with someone, and that's a problem. If he could just keep it in his pants, he'd be OK. Granted, the Mia situation was not his fault, and I feel terrible that Karen hates him so much for it. I understand her pain, but the anger she's emoting is not warranted. However, it's also easy to see why she wouldn't know the detailed truth, and so absolve Hank. It's the realism of their feelings and their chemistry that makes this show so great. And that fact that full understanding of Hank's biggest mistake really places no blame on him solidifies his role as a likable main character.

     Sadly, we saw very little of Becca's (Madeleine Martin) reaction to the Mia revelation last night. Her limited role was necessary, because Hank is the main character, and he has some heavy stuff to go through. I do believe it is within Becca's character to forgive him soon, but not immediately. Becca has always been understanding of her father, accepting him for who he is in a way that Karen probably never will, unfortunately. I am more curious about what Becca will say to Hank than what Karen will. Hank and Becca have the true father-daughter love, and the most lasting, stable connection of any two characters on the show.

     Elsewhere, Charlie (Evan Handler) is on the verge of putting himself back to where he was professionally in season one. With the outing of Fucking and Punching as Hank's, he has new success for his number one client. It looks like Charlie will be returning to his old agency, which may open up the return of old characters like Dani (Rachel Miner), who was last seen still working there. That's fine with me, as long as Charlie and Dani don't get involved again inappropriately, which I don't see happening. I will be most joyful, though, if Sue (Kathleen Turner) somehow figures into this year's arcs, as she was truly the most enjoyable addition in season three.

     Charlie's personal life isn't so together, which is a shame. Marcy (Pamela Adlon) seemed so close to taking him back, but I guess she was just having nostalgic fun. The two are clearly meant to be together. They've had a rough few years, but I wish the writers would allow them to work it out. Sure, drama must be kept going until the end of the series, but at this point, Hank has enough domestic strife to carry that banner on his own. A happy Charlie and Marcy would lighten the tone a bit. Does anyone really want to see Charlie bang eighty-eight more girls? I certainly don't.

     Californication continues its most enjoyable slog, continuing plots as season four opens. Hank never begins a new story; rather his entire life is one big novel or memoir. I say novel because of the wonderfully trippy dream sequences, which were back in evidence last night. How many more years the show will go on, I do not know. My hope is that they are given a fitting conclusion. I think the series is probably closer to an end than a beginning, but no rush. In my opinion, five seasons may be the perfect numbers.

     Check out Californication Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on Showtime.

Article first published as TV Review: Californication - "Exile on Main St." on Blogcritics.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional tv news, follow Jerome on Twitter.