More BANG Ready For Your Bucks

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: 'The Big Bang Theory - The Complete Tenth Season' on Blogcritics.

CBS’s The Big Bang Theory completed a full decade on the air last spring. The 24-episode Complete Tenth Season, now out on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital, brought some changes to the sitcom. Relationships matured and deepened, the family expanded, and scientific advancement came with some challenges. While perhaps not as fresh as it once was, the series does remain entertaining, and this was a pretty good batch.

The biggest changes in The Complete Tenth Season revolved, predictably, around Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy (Mayim Bialik). Early on, they move in together. Unsurprisingly, it takes an abnormal event to push such an overdue, big step in their union. And yet, Sheldon handles it a lot more gracefully and openly that he would have even a year or two ago. Which makes their subsequent coitus more genuine. Sheldon will always be the Sheldon we were first introduced to in many ways. More important than these steps are the ways in which we see Amy soften him in all aspects of his life, as well as how he has matured in handling disruption. This is key for a series that’s been on this long.

A little less groundbreaking is how the arrival of Howard (Simon Helberg) and Bernadette’s (Melissa Rauch) baby is dealt with. Yes, the inclusion of Raj (Kunal Nayyar) and Stuart (Kevin Sussman) in the plot make it a little more screwball. In general, though, there isn’t much difference in The Big Bang Theory‘s approach than how other situation comedies have done the same thing previously. The best parts are when we see Bernadette struggle with going back to work and Howard doubt his abilities as a father because of his own upbringing, and I’m glad they didn’t lean into either too melodramatically. Also, tying baby Hallie (Pamela Adlon, Better Things) to Howard’s departed mother is a great move. But I still wish they’d found a more original approach.

Rounding out the ensemble, Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Penny (Kaley Cuoco) are feeling pretty solid and comfortable this year, especially after their second wedding. Raj slowly gets his love life and independent finances in order. These both show evolution, but like the above, they contribute to The Big Bang Theory‘s leveling out, with less departure from the typical fare in the genre every year. There are some truly funny bits, such as how the pregnancy is revealed to certain characters. But overall, it feels like it might be time to start looking for an end game. Or switch to shorter, more focused seasons like some of the revivals are doing these days.

As in the past, The Big Bang Theory – The Complete Tenth Season, has plenty of great guest stars. Besides the returns of Judd Hirsch, Laurie Metcalfe, Christine Baranski, Keith Carradine, Brian Posehn, Riki Lindhome, and the too-long-gone Brian Thomas Smith, we get Christopher Lloyd (Back to the Future), Jack McBrayer (30 Rock), Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy, Married… with Children), and Dean Norris (Breaking Bad). The show stays focused on its leads, as it should, but it has done a good job of filling in other key roles with terrific and appropriate performers, some of whom viewers anxiously await the return of.

As far as extras go, the series brings back the charming #JustAskBBT segment, where cast members answer fans’ questions. There’s a featurette on family, which makes total sense, given the role relations played in several of the stories this year. There’s another on some of the more interesting props, one on the baby, and a humorous gag reel.

The Comic Con panel from 2016 is also included, too late as in most releases. But what’s cool about this one is that it’s the writers and other behind-the-scenes people being interviewed, not the actors, and Rauch serving as a very energetic moderator. That makes it more fun than some of the other panels I’ve seen lately.

The Big Bang Theory – The Complete Tenth Season is on sale now.

Not Many BETTER THINGS Than This

Article first published as BETTER THINGS Review on Seat42F.

Missing Louie on FX? I won’t say BETTER THINGS, a new sitcom premiering soon, will fill all the holes created by that show’s absence, but it certainly ticks some of the boxes, while also being its own unique project.

Pamela Adlon (Californication) is Sam Fox, a single mother raising three daughters with three different, mostly absent fathers. Max (Mikey Madison, Bound for Greatness) wants her mom to score her some pot. Frankie (Hannah Alligood) will not stop pushing boundaries at the worst times. Duke (Olivia Edward) is the baby that just wants love and attention. This is the household that makes up BETTER THINGS.

And a crazy household it is, too. Sam not only has to care for all of the children, but she also needs to make a living. Her chosen profession is as an actress, which she seems to be successful enough at to support a family, but not so successful that she can stop. The uneven schedule seems to help her motherly duties, but over time, it’s sure to hinder them as well, which we see just a hint of in the pilot when Sam is doing housework when she’d rather be asleep.

Sam wants BETTER THINGS and that doesn’t make her a bad mother. She loves her kids, and they are her primary focus. But she’d also like some male companionship, not that she’d allow herself to be vulnerable enough to admit it to most people. And she’d like to not run herself so ragged trying to take care of things and keep going. Can Sam achieve her goals? Probably not, but it’ll be entertaining, if a little heartbreaking, to watch her try.

Adlon created the series along with long-time collaborator Louis C.K. (Louie), which is probably why the parental sensibilities somewhat match the show Louie. Sam can love her charges and want them dead at the same time, and that’s OK. This is a more realistic, less sanitized version of the modern family, and that works very well with the premise.

Adlon also manages to bring in a slew of guest stars. In just the pilot alone, you’ll see Constance Zimmer (UnREAL), Julie Bowen (Modern Family), and Dale Dickey (True Blood), among others. (I don’t want to give everything away.) C.K. does not appear in the pilot, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him down the line. Sometimes these famous faces play a version of themselves, and sometimes they’re playing a character, but with so much talent on screen, you know the quality is going to be high.

Where BETTER THINGS differs from Louie is that it seems like it will be a more cohesive story, rather than an artistic expression that changes and reinvents itself constantly. That is not a knock; BETTER THINGS is the best version of the traditional family sitcom. It’s just a little more conventional than that other series.

What I like most is Adlon herself, who long ago deserved a starring vehicle. She is sympathetic and rude at the same time, seeming to not care about anything while simultaneously being deeply loving. Her complexity feels natural and easy, though I hesitate to say that because I don’t want to undersell what she’s doing. She’s really an excellent performer, and the show rises and falls based almost completely on her. Her talent is why the pilot is so good, and it’s likely that the following installments will be, too.

While not yet a father myself, BETTER THINGS gives me a look at the future, and one I might actually be able to relate to (though hopefully with the addition of a helping spouse), unlike most of television. Maybe I’d better start taking notes.

BETTER THINGS premieres Thursday, September 8th on FX.

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.

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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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Louie The Complete First Season on Blu-ray and DVD now

     The complete first season of FX's Louie will be released on DVD and Blu-ray today. The set contains all 13 episodes from last summer, many of them with audio commentaries by creator and star Louis C.K. There is more than half an hour of deleted and extended scenes from the season, as well as a three minute look at Louis C.K.'s writing process. Perhaps the neatest thing about the set is it is the first ever Blu-ray television release to have the Blu-ray content on one side of the disc, and the DVD portion on the other side, which feels like less wasted plastic than sets including separate discs for each format.

     Of course, Louie looks great on Blu-ray. The picture is 1080p and presented in 1.78:1 widescreen, which is, I believe, the same way it airs if you get FX as an HD channel. Which means the original viewing format is preserved in pristine condition. The sound is just as good, with English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. Now, the series Louie contains neither big special effects or groundbreaking sound tricks, but it is filmed with a slightly gritty, realistic style, and releasing it in this high quality, high definition format protects the content the way it is meant to be seen, in an immersive experience.

     The episodes themselves are hilarious. Louie (Louis C.K.) deals with raising his kids while divorced and being a stand up comic. He takes care two young girls part-time to the best of his ability, and grumpily attempts to reenter the dating scene, with not so fantastic, but amusing, results. Some segments show Louie in the club, performing his material. These are actually filmed in a real comedy club with an real audience. Other vignettes are short, and take place out in the world. Each episode has one or two main stories combined with the standup, making it a really unique type of show.

     Ultimately, Louie usually does not succeed in his efforts. Whether directing a school bus onto a freeway that it is not supposed to go on, or dating his kids' friend's mom, Louie tries to act with the best of intentions, but ends up screwing things up. He is the everyman, but isn't very good at it. Thank goodness for his comedy schtick, as it is hard to imagine this character in any other career. Which is fine, because Louie is original, and one of the funniest series currently on television.

     Louie's self-deprecating stuff may not resonate with everyone, but most people with a sense of humor will get it. In fact, those in the comedy world show much respect for Louie, who lands big names like Ricky Gervais, Nick DiPaolo, Pamela Adlon, and Matthew Broderick to guest star in this initial batch of episodes.

     I recommend that you buy Louie The Complete First Season, and then watch new episodes when season two premieres this Thursday, June 23rd at 10:30 p.m. ET.

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Article first published as Blu-ray Review: Louie - The Complete First Season on Blogcritics.

Loves Bites begins with "Firsts"

     NBC has a little show called Love Bites that was originally slated to premiere last fall, got pushed to mid-season, and ultimately has to wait until summer to see the light of day. That, combined with terrible first night ratings, does not bode well. And yet, it is an original, compelling, tasty treat of a series. The first episode, appropriately titled "Firsts," aired this past Thursday, and if it is representative of the series as a whole, Love Bites is going to be pretty good. Assuming NBC allows it to continue airing, which is far from certain because of the aforementioned ratings.

     The hook for Love Bites is that it is a series of vignettes, with their own subtitles, having some threads that twist through all three stand alone stories. The theme song boasts only two stars: Becki Newton (Ugly Betty) and Greg Grunberg (Alias, Heroes). Yet, in the first episode, so many wonderful actors play their friends, including Craig Robinson (The Office), Kyle Howard (My Boys), Lindsay Price (Lipstick Jungle), Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad), and Guillermo Diaz (Weeds), that this could easily become an ensemble piece. Also in the pilot, is Grunberg's character's wife, who is Pamela Adlon (Californication) in the first episode, but was recast as Constance Zimmer (Entourage) in further installments.

     The first bit, "First Time," finds Annie (Newton) trying to help her friend Cassie (Ritter) pick up a man. Unfortunately, Annie's large belly and story of being a surrogate for her sister distracts the guys in the bars. Cassie comes up with her own, albiet made up, story to get attention, telling a guy she's a virgin. He falls for her, but becomes hesitant to engage in sexual relations, knowing he will be the one she remembers. She eventually comes clean, as does he, but instead of splitting up, as would happen when the scenario arises in sitcoms, they stay together. It's a sweet nugget, and a good way to begin a series about love. Attraction is about more than just the pick up lines people use, and everyone wants attention.

     In the second segment, "First To Go," Carter (Howard) loses his job. When he gets home to tell his fiance (Price), he finds her using a vibrator. It's too much humilaition for his manhood to take in one day, so he puts off telling her the bad news, and instead devotes himself to being better in bed than the sex toy. Of course, the truth eventually comes out, and she is supportive. It may sound similar to the first story, but it doesn't feel that way, because a committed couple who have been together for a long time have totally different reasons to lie, and find it much easier to forgive. Clearly, these two belong together.

     Finally, the third and longest section is called "First On the List." Judd (Grunberg) gets the chance to live out the fantasy of many a married man. On an airplane, he runs into Jennifer Love Hewitt (herself), the one and only girl on his "exemption" list, who if he sleeps with, his wife is not allowed to get mad. His wife tells him to go for it, and his buddy (Robinson) is very encouraging. Stranger still, Hewitt is agreeable, having just gotten out of a relationship, finding Judd nice, and wanting to try her fantasy of joining the mile high club. In the end, they get to the bathroom, but Judd is too loyal to his wife to seal the deal, earning even more respect from Hewitt. This is certainly the least realistic situation, meeting an attractive celebrity is only too willing to have sex with you, but again, the heartfelt ending demonstrating true love saves it from being an utter waste.

     Doesn't that sound like a good show worth watching? Here's hoping the series gets signficantly more viewers so it can at least play out the short first season it filmed. Love Bites airs Thursday nights at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.

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     Click here to watch the first episode of Love Bites streaming for free!