CHICAGO PD Rescues Crime Genre From Procedural

Article first published as CHICAGO P.D. Review on Seat42F.

For those of you who read my reviews even semi-regularly, you likely know that I am against procedural dramas, and have often railed at the overstuffed crime genre. So it may surprise you to learn that I enjoy NBC’s CHICAGO P.D. A lot, and am looking forward to watching it on a regular basis.

CHICAGO P.D. is a spin-off of Chicago Fire, and features several recurring characters from the mother ship, now in a main cast member role. Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Behge), Detective Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda), and Detective Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) are already very familiar to viewers, having appeared in sizable arcs and many installments. Other cops that were in Chicago Fire only once or twice are included, too, although not every police officer in that series is in CHICAGO PD. In fact, some people set up for this spin-off are no longer involved, which one doesn’t really notice because the cast that is present is full and enjoyable.

Besides those mentioned above, the pilot introduces us to Detective Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush, One Tree Hill), who has a past with Voight, Adam Ruzak (Patrick John Flueger, The 4400), an eager newcomer, Alvin Olinsky (Elias Koteas, The Killing), who can get things done, Officer Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati, Gossip Girl), who may not be as much of a pushover as she first seems, Sheldon Jin (Archie Kao, CSI), the tech guy, and others.

Like Chicago Fire, CHICAGO P.D. is must more focused on the characters than the crimes, which is the key thing that sets it apart from its peers, and the main reason I am tuning in. The first episode immediately sets about fleshing out all of the people above (plus other characters), giving them varied personalities and backgrounds. These should clash in interesting ways as the series goes on.

CHICAGO P.D. is not quite a soapy as Chicago Fire (which my wife fittingly refers to as Grey’s Anatomy: Firefighter Style). In the initial hour, there is a major crime lord who the good guys are after. But while he is being hunted, there are lots of great interactions between characters, setting up the overall dynamic, and these overwhelm connecting clues in screen time. It’s this mixture that is so important to making the show interesting.

The Intelligence team is bound to be one rife with drama. We know Voight crosses the line a lot, and may just be evil. Even if you haven’t watched Chicago Fire, that much is evident right away. And we know Antonio is a good guy, someone concerned with what is right, and a man who is not afraid to stand up to those who are selfish or crooked. Add a bunch of other ingredients to the mix, and it’s unlikely the main group will be stagnant, as is often the case in other cop shows.

There’s also an incredibly cool twist late in the episode that kind of sets the tone of what CHICAGO P.D. will be. It is a similar plot device to what Chicago Fire had in its pilot, but carried out in a different manner to make an even bigger impact, and one sure to have lasting consequences. In fact, I dare predict that this show will have many long arcs, and a criminal will not be brought to justice every week. At least, that’s the hope, and the early signs are good.

If you are a Chicago Fire fan, the connections are present very strongly in the pilot, which should help CHICAGO P.D. retain the same audience, at minimum. Gabriela (Monica Raymund) is there, of course, being Antonio’s sister, but so are Shay (Lauren German), Otis (Yuri Sardarov), and Hermann (David Eigenberg), as well as Molly’s, the bar. I hope more of these cross overs occur frequently, since both series are set in the same place and time, giving more opportunity for such things than other spin-offs usually have.

In short, the first hour is excellent. It’s got enticing performances, a terrific cast, and an interesting story, with hints of good things to come. CHICAGO P.D. premieres Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.

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.

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.

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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.

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