Maybe I missed something, but the promos of this series made it look like one long ad for a freewheeling guy living a hedonistic Hollywood lifestyle. That's SO not what Californication is about, and frankly, it's a stupid title. There is definitely a high volume of disreputable behavior, and the show is not for kids, but there is a good story here. Hank Moody (Duchovney) is a Los Angeles-based writer whose long-time girlfriend, with whom he has a child but never bothered to marry, has left him. The whole series is about his desire to win her back, his writers' block at the loss of his muse, and his role as a father all in the context of his emotional instability. Duchovney's girl-getting eyes have the same effect on every female opportunity that comes his way in the story as they do on his millions of female fans. The series calls for a bit of a stretch, asking the audience to believe that his power to attract women never once led to an indiscretion while he was living with his non-wife. I loved the characters and although it is not realistic, it is an interesting venue for the observations made about what destructive behaviors women are willing to put up with. It also gets very far away from the Jerry Seinfeld, man-child type characters that are romantically inept. Hank is a ladies man AND a man's man. He's the lovable bad boy with a heart of gold. For those concerned about content for kids: DO NOT WATCH THIS SERIES. There is constant language, smoking, sex, frank discussions about sex, drug use viewed as acceptable, nudity, and references to all forms of adult themes. But the story line is not as prurient as all of that suggests. Hank is a family man who engages in behaviors because he has no brakes to stop him i.e. his family living with him. He doesn't actually LIKE the behaviors and wants to marry the woman who left him and spend more time with his daughter. Great acting by the entire cast --and a *really* tall cast it is!
238 Reviews
Absolutely Excellent... Nothing Like It
tpaladino17 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Its hard to explain everything that this show has going for it, and if the pilot is any indication, we are in for a fantastically brilliant series.
I've watched the pilot about 10 times already, and it is just as good as the first viewing. It is a remarkable balance between love, regret, loneliness, debauchery and moral value, the likes of which I have rarely seen.
Duchovney's character has this amazing combination of I-don't-give-a-f**k attitude (stemming from his obvious depression and regret over his ex and several other things), conceit, vulnerability, bitterness, and misogyny, while simultaneously being utterly moral and upstanding, especially in his desire to do the right thing for his ex and daughter, as exemplified in the final scene when he rushes to crash a house party that his daughter is attending and literally carries her out of there when he saw her smoking pot with some boys.
It is a remarkably refreshing change from the usual 'cool-parent' liberal permissive attitude that one has come to expect in these situations. And coming from a character like Hank (Duchovney) its especially redeeming. He is an amazingly complex character, and Duchovney pulls it off flawlessly.
The writing is nearly perfect, as is the casting and acting. The soundtrack is as brilliant and evocative as anything I've experienced thus far in television or film, and it all comes together in a hilarious, poignant and extremely entertaining package. Love it and looking forward to more.
I've watched the pilot about 10 times already, and it is just as good as the first viewing. It is a remarkable balance between love, regret, loneliness, debauchery and moral value, the likes of which I have rarely seen.
Duchovney's character has this amazing combination of I-don't-give-a-f**k attitude (stemming from his obvious depression and regret over his ex and several other things), conceit, vulnerability, bitterness, and misogyny, while simultaneously being utterly moral and upstanding, especially in his desire to do the right thing for his ex and daughter, as exemplified in the final scene when he rushes to crash a house party that his daughter is attending and literally carries her out of there when he saw her smoking pot with some boys.
It is a remarkably refreshing change from the usual 'cool-parent' liberal permissive attitude that one has come to expect in these situations. And coming from a character like Hank (Duchovney) its especially redeeming. He is an amazingly complex character, and Duchovney pulls it off flawlessly.
The writing is nearly perfect, as is the casting and acting. The soundtrack is as brilliant and evocative as anything I've experienced thus far in television or film, and it all comes together in a hilarious, poignant and extremely entertaining package. Love it and looking forward to more.
Funny, witty, and wry!
yossarian10014 August 2007
Duchovny is perfectly cast here as Hank Moody, and delivers his witty and wry lines with tongue firmly implanted in his cheek. Playing a talented but dysfunctional writer in the middle of a mid-life crisis, Duchovny's character is spot on. He can't pass a whiskey glass or a skirt and they even throw in a Porche for him to drive, in case your mind drifts. Only this is his mid-life crisis so we can laugh at it. It's OK. Natascha McElhone, having survived the Hungarian Revolution on The Company, gets to do something fun this time. This is good. She's both talented and HOT!
I laughed pretty much through the entire first episode and I'm looking forward to just how badly Moody...yeah, a guy having a mid-life crisis named Moody...can screw up his life this season.
I am so IN!
I laughed pretty much through the entire first episode and I'm looking forward to just how badly Moody...yeah, a guy having a mid-life crisis named Moody...can screw up his life this season.
I am so IN!
must.watch.
dajes_s23 January 2008
I can't talk about this show enough. It's just genius. I mean, it's so good it survived 75% of the advertisers pulling off after the pilot because of all the boycotts these sad little organizations were doing. It also survived a lawsuit by Red Hot Chilli Peppers on some crap about the name of their song and the name of the series.
Well, Californication got nominated to 2 golden globes and won one even though it's a series that doesn't cover a big age range. I'm just afraid Hollywood will screw up as it always does and pull the show off the air.
So, I'm telling you people, watch the the first episode and you'll know what you're missing. This series is a gem.
Well, Californication got nominated to 2 golden globes and won one even though it's a series that doesn't cover a big age range. I'm just afraid Hollywood will screw up as it always does and pull the show off the air.
So, I'm telling you people, watch the the first episode and you'll know what you're missing. This series is a gem.
Intelligence, wit and sex in one place!
theladydragonfly18 September 2007
This has to be one of the best written shows in years. It has so much going on and generally speaking, this is a recipe for disaster. The name tells you this is going to be about sex, drugs and rock 'n roll, and it is. It is also about love, tenderness, trying to keep kids from growing up too fast, dissatisfaction with life and settling for what you think you want.
The dialog pacing is flawless and the humor timing is spot on. Things come at you out of nowhere, delivered in Duchovney's signature deadpan to great effect here. The writing does credit to the English language, albeit it well salted and peppered with expletives. The very best part of this show is that the characters felt well fleshed out from the first 5 minutes and they have continued to feel real. The relationships in the story line are valid and authentic.
In short, it just gets better and better. I find myself watching one of the rebroadcasts nearly every evening and enjoying it more each time.
The dialog pacing is flawless and the humor timing is spot on. Things come at you out of nowhere, delivered in Duchovney's signature deadpan to great effect here. The writing does credit to the English language, albeit it well salted and peppered with expletives. The very best part of this show is that the characters felt well fleshed out from the first 5 minutes and they have continued to feel real. The relationships in the story line are valid and authentic.
In short, it just gets better and better. I find myself watching one of the rebroadcasts nearly every evening and enjoying it more each time.
"Despite the fact that I'm a swirling black hole, I'm pretty faking awesome sometimes"
Bored_Dragon25 July 2019
After a series "The X Files" David Duchovny had planned to withdraw from the television, and I thought that I would in any future role still see him as Fox Mulder. I was wrong. With the role of Hank Moody, he immediately wiped all memory of Mulder.
Hank Moody is a writer in blockade, who lives of old fame and money earned from the movie based on his bestseller, while driving his Porsche from pub to party, from alcohol to drugs, from making love with a prostitute to wild sex with every woman willing to spread her legs, persistently and hopelessly trying to escape from depression and suffering for the family he destroyed. Explicit scenes of bohemian "sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll" life, immersed in impossible situations full of shame-transfers, genius replicas, inexhaustible (mostly black) humor, which vulgarly and brutally hold you on the edge between embarrassment and dying from laughter, are shifting to deeply emotional scenes of his desperate attempts to reconcile with his ex-wife and raise his teenage daughter.
Although the fantastic script and Duchovny's perfect performance are what rises this show to the top of the best series I've ever watched, we must not forget the excellent casting of supporting characters, whose diversity complements this crazy story and makes it an unforgettable experience. Particularly distinguished among them is Evan Handler, as Hank's best friend, whose performance stands side by side with Duchovny's.
I could say that it's genre is a drama-comedy, but for me, this series is falling into a special category of "complete awesomeness". There are very few series I followed from start to finish, but this one I saw several times in its entirety and each time I was impressed as the first time. I have no complaints, except that it did not last forever. One of the strongest tens I ever gave.
10/10
Hank Moody is a writer in blockade, who lives of old fame and money earned from the movie based on his bestseller, while driving his Porsche from pub to party, from alcohol to drugs, from making love with a prostitute to wild sex with every woman willing to spread her legs, persistently and hopelessly trying to escape from depression and suffering for the family he destroyed. Explicit scenes of bohemian "sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll" life, immersed in impossible situations full of shame-transfers, genius replicas, inexhaustible (mostly black) humor, which vulgarly and brutally hold you on the edge between embarrassment and dying from laughter, are shifting to deeply emotional scenes of his desperate attempts to reconcile with his ex-wife and raise his teenage daughter.
Although the fantastic script and Duchovny's perfect performance are what rises this show to the top of the best series I've ever watched, we must not forget the excellent casting of supporting characters, whose diversity complements this crazy story and makes it an unforgettable experience. Particularly distinguished among them is Evan Handler, as Hank's best friend, whose performance stands side by side with Duchovny's.
I could say that it's genre is a drama-comedy, but for me, this series is falling into a special category of "complete awesomeness". There are very few series I followed from start to finish, but this one I saw several times in its entirety and each time I was impressed as the first time. I have no complaints, except that it did not last forever. One of the strongest tens I ever gave.
10/10
awesome new duchovny series
smokeonit122 July 2007
i really loved the pilot!
duchovny comes across very authentic as a writer in his midlife crisis. divorced and unhappy the daughter suffers the most under the separation. for my part it wonder if the classification as a comedy is right... it's very sarcastic... there's some scenes that are funny but most of the time it's more a drama than comedy...
the series has a lot of potential and it's not a 100% clear where it might take us if it gets picked up. let's hope showtime has the guts to give duchovny a chance to show of his talent. for my part i loved his performance and that it would be good thing to have him back on a TV series.
duchovny comes across very authentic as a writer in his midlife crisis. divorced and unhappy the daughter suffers the most under the separation. for my part it wonder if the classification as a comedy is right... it's very sarcastic... there's some scenes that are funny but most of the time it's more a drama than comedy...
the series has a lot of potential and it's not a 100% clear where it might take us if it gets picked up. let's hope showtime has the guts to give duchovny a chance to show of his talent. for my part i loved his performance and that it would be good thing to have him back on a TV series.
Duchovny's Back and He's Got the Goods!
gpadillo18 August 2007
I can't remember when I laughed so steadily from start to finish of a new show. Family Guy? Perhaps. In Californication Showtime has one of its strongest hits . . . ever. The writing is bitingly crisp, intelligent and fresh. Duchovny's delivery has the timing of a master comic actor and his portrayal of Hank is winning. As with the very best of comedies, beneath the bubbly surface of Californication is a show that in a single episode reveals richly drawn characters of depth and purpose. Hank's lecherousness, womanizing, wry wit and in-your-face bluntness succeed only partially in covering up a complex (or perhaps merely complicated?) man who appears to be facing all of his mid life crisis's at once. Every note in this comic symphony was perfectly struck and I look forward to getting to know Hank - and the rest of his gang - better as the weeks go by. Bravo Showtime!
Fresh, witty entertainment
cptnspoon1915 September 2007
I just watched the pilot on-demand and I have to say I am thoroughly impressed by this show. David Duchovny was a pure gem to watch as the sardonic and hapless writer in the surreal realm of Southern California. The dialogue is top-notch, the plot is thick and juicy. Hank is a deep, 3-dimensional character that we seldom see on television. Though he is definitely damaged, there is something in his tribulations that audiences can relate to. His difficulty in writing is a situation I have felt many times when I sit down at the keyboard. Similarly, I empathize with his relationship problems. The problems he faces are problems that real people face brought to life in a very funny, unique way.
With this show, Weeds, The L Word and Dexter, Showtime is becoming the new HBO. That being said I really hope this show keeps the spark that made the pilot so good for the full run of the series.
With this show, Weeds, The L Word and Dexter, Showtime is becoming the new HBO. That being said I really hope this show keeps the spark that made the pilot so good for the full run of the series.
Much more interesting when I was younger
dragosRO20 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
So, back when this was all new and fresh, I was absolutely maniac about it.
Even dreamed of moving to LA just to experience the non-stop sex and discovery with very young, beautiful and wiling ladies.
Well.. Now I'm closer to 40 and much more knowledgeable of life, in general. For the life of me I can't understand what I liked about it and why. It was rather interesting in the first and maybe second season, about how one can re-trace his shattered life and can re-make his broken family. And even the "seduction" parts were not weird and porno-movie-speed inspired.
But after that, it just became one lame excuse for nudity. In fact, it's the very prototype of how you can prolong a show's life using excessive nudity. And while in the first seasons the writing was witty and funny and entertaining, it just got stupid afterwards and if that was the point.. whoever tried to make it was stupid. Case in point, one of the very last scenes, in an airplane, where Hank declares his love to Karen, some random young girl offers herself up if Karen does not respond in kind. It's porn-stupid, without the nudity. But stupid and unrealistic. And misogynistic, come to think.
I have no idea if I rate it back then, but in this day and age, I'll give it 6 for the excellent cast, first two seasons, cinematography and general quality in making it. Too bad it lasted this long.
Well.. Now I'm closer to 40 and much more knowledgeable of life, in general. For the life of me I can't understand what I liked about it and why. It was rather interesting in the first and maybe second season, about how one can re-trace his shattered life and can re-make his broken family. And even the "seduction" parts were not weird and porno-movie-speed inspired.
But after that, it just became one lame excuse for nudity. In fact, it's the very prototype of how you can prolong a show's life using excessive nudity. And while in the first seasons the writing was witty and funny and entertaining, it just got stupid afterwards and if that was the point.. whoever tried to make it was stupid. Case in point, one of the very last scenes, in an airplane, where Hank declares his love to Karen, some random young girl offers herself up if Karen does not respond in kind. It's porn-stupid, without the nudity. But stupid and unrealistic. And misogynistic, come to think.
I have no idea if I rate it back then, but in this day and age, I'll give it 6 for the excellent cast, first two seasons, cinematography and general quality in making it. Too bad it lasted this long.
Wonderfully entertaining!
csuttie19 September 2007
I am greatly enjoying this show and hope it will run a very long time. There's something about this show that seems so real. It makes me laugh, it makes me think, and it brings something to the table for everyone. It has emotion, sex, passion, hard times, and complexity. Hanks character is absolutely great, and all the other characters are developing very well, and becoming very unique. I also enjoy Nip/Tuck, but this show is like a much more tangible version, with more depth, and somewhat on Valium (as it is much less over the top!). I believe that anyone can relate to this show with all this depth, diversity, and complexity. I highly recommend this show to anyone, and I am in love. I will definitely not miss an episode and look forward to buying the DVD releases in the future. Bravo to all parties involved with this series!
Started great but went downhill somewhere in the middle
zjscgdr21 December 2021
I remember watching first season of Californication years ago. I liked it very much but for some reason I forgot about it and I missed the rest of the show. Recently I was talking with some friends and the show popped out. So, I watched it and... the first two seasons were amazing with unexpected second season finale. For 24 episodes we saw a father with peculiar hobby (drinking and hooking up with damaged girls) who tries to get his life sorted out. First two seasons were funny, intelligent and I felt the chemistry with the characters.
Next two seasons were good, followed the path but something was missing. I noticed that I didn't care about the story and by the end of season 4 I barely cracked a smile.
Rest of the show was a sad trip down the hill. Show got unfunny, almost forced and I lost all interest in the characters.
Overall I liked the show and I should return to it in few years. But it was a missed opportunity. I think if the story was shorter (like 4-5 seasons) and some fillers were dropped it would be whole much better.
Next two seasons were good, followed the path but something was missing. I noticed that I didn't care about the story and by the end of season 4 I barely cracked a smile.
Rest of the show was a sad trip down the hill. Show got unfunny, almost forced and I lost all interest in the characters.
Overall I liked the show and I should return to it in few years. But it was a missed opportunity. I think if the story was shorter (like 4-5 seasons) and some fillers were dropped it would be whole much better.
An old men's wet dream
lingerer-130 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I watch this show every now and then, since the premise was an interesting one: the midlife-crisis of a modern bad boy in LA, the city where getting older isn't an option. The potentially good material is wasted in such a distasteful manner it's sickening. Untopped is the hypocritical morality the show tries to sell to the audience.
The show is a portrayal of two 50(!)-year old friends (Duchovny is getting 50 this year, Handler next year) on a never-ending spring-break. They f*** everything that moves: age, status or color aren't issues here. The two "boys" do not see further than the tip of their genitals. Since both of them do have women they seemingly care a lot of, their lifestyle gets them in constant trouble getting their loved ones back.
Don't get me wrong, I do not mind the bare T&A or the explicit language of the show. I have a problem with the fact both Moody's and Runkle's behavior is glorified and encouraged. The viewer doesn't want for Hank to stop going, he wants to follow Hank, see more flesh, younger, more rotten with bigger breasts than the season before. The supposedly "good" in Hank's life, his annoying wife and even more annoying daughter, are portrayed so repulsive that it seems as if Hank's behavior was reasonable and caused by circumstance. The poor guy isn't responsible for being an a-hole, society made him.
The climax of tastelessness was reached this (4th) season. Hank, who's life just fell apart (once again) over the fact he scr*wed a 16-year old (Madeline Zima, 22 years old in real life at the time) recovers his juices with Sasha, a new girl (played by 19(!!!)-year old Addison Timlin) thats looks even more jail-bait, without a trace of remorse. In my perception, there is something seriously wrong with a show where it's is perfectly normal for 50-year old's to shag 19-year old's that look like 17, while it's a big scandal to shag 16-year old's that look like 20.
Californication is a flesh light for old men, glittery and sexy on the surface but it's core is hollow, made of rubber and seriously disturbing
The show is a portrayal of two 50(!)-year old friends (Duchovny is getting 50 this year, Handler next year) on a never-ending spring-break. They f*** everything that moves: age, status or color aren't issues here. The two "boys" do not see further than the tip of their genitals. Since both of them do have women they seemingly care a lot of, their lifestyle gets them in constant trouble getting their loved ones back.
Don't get me wrong, I do not mind the bare T&A or the explicit language of the show. I have a problem with the fact both Moody's and Runkle's behavior is glorified and encouraged. The viewer doesn't want for Hank to stop going, he wants to follow Hank, see more flesh, younger, more rotten with bigger breasts than the season before. The supposedly "good" in Hank's life, his annoying wife and even more annoying daughter, are portrayed so repulsive that it seems as if Hank's behavior was reasonable and caused by circumstance. The poor guy isn't responsible for being an a-hole, society made him.
The climax of tastelessness was reached this (4th) season. Hank, who's life just fell apart (once again) over the fact he scr*wed a 16-year old (Madeline Zima, 22 years old in real life at the time) recovers his juices with Sasha, a new girl (played by 19(!!!)-year old Addison Timlin) thats looks even more jail-bait, without a trace of remorse. In my perception, there is something seriously wrong with a show where it's is perfectly normal for 50-year old's to shag 19-year old's that look like 17, while it's a big scandal to shag 16-year old's that look like 20.
Californication is a flesh light for old men, glittery and sexy on the surface but it's core is hollow, made of rubber and seriously disturbing
Funny, cool, one-of-a-kind show for adults!
cynsunshine10 October 2007
If you have Showtime and you're not watching Californication, you're definitely missing out. I'm so glad I watched the first episode because I was hooked within the first five minutes and haven't missed an episode yet (I think it's up to 8 episodes now). I'm getting Showtime for free right now but just because of Weeds and Californication, I would probably continue paying for it after my free time is up.
I've never seen a show quite like this...the humor totally rocks; I especially love how witty it is, like when Hank says something like, "Shrivel me testes". The characters and their interactions are top-notch and I enjoy every minute of it.
I totally enjoy (most of) the actors, especially Pamela Adlon, who plays Marcie; she's mostly a voice actor (cartoon boys, mostly) and I love seeing her in an on-screen role; we need to see more of this talented woman! Sometimes I'm shocked at how hardcore the show can be and I LOVE THAT about it. It keeps me on my toes and is rarely predictable (even though whenever you see a hot chick you just know Hank will be doing her within five minutes...not the most realistic, but hey, it's a TV show with a title that includes the word, "fornication")!
I hope there is a Season 2 for this awesome new show...any many more seasons beyond. If you don't have Showtime, wait till Californication comes out on DVD and get it right away!
I've never seen a show quite like this...the humor totally rocks; I especially love how witty it is, like when Hank says something like, "Shrivel me testes". The characters and their interactions are top-notch and I enjoy every minute of it.
I totally enjoy (most of) the actors, especially Pamela Adlon, who plays Marcie; she's mostly a voice actor (cartoon boys, mostly) and I love seeing her in an on-screen role; we need to see more of this talented woman! Sometimes I'm shocked at how hardcore the show can be and I LOVE THAT about it. It keeps me on my toes and is rarely predictable (even though whenever you see a hot chick you just know Hank will be doing her within five minutes...not the most realistic, but hey, it's a TV show with a title that includes the word, "fornication")!
I hope there is a Season 2 for this awesome new show...any many more seasons beyond. If you don't have Showtime, wait till Californication comes out on DVD and get it right away!
A solid new comedy series with top drawer performance from Duchovny
DVD_Connoisseur11 October 2007
From its controversial opening scene to its excellent finale, the first episode of "Californication" sets the tone for the series. Stylishly directed by the always-reliable Stephen Hopkins, the pilot is thoroughly entertaining adult comedy. Watching the first episode reminded me a little of a modern Blake Edwards' production.
The cast are excellent, especially David Duchovny as the seedy Hank Moody, a man whose mid-life crisis is on display for all to see, from his Porsche to his constant bed-hopping.
The script is sharp and the whole show exudes quality.
Recommended.
The cast are excellent, especially David Duchovny as the seedy Hank Moody, a man whose mid-life crisis is on display for all to see, from his Porsche to his constant bed-hopping.
The script is sharp and the whole show exudes quality.
Recommended.
A very adult comedy drama about fornication under the sun
HuntinPeck8022 August 2023
I rewatched Californication, a few years ago, in that most destructive way possible, a binge-watch. Of course, a binge sort of fits well with a show that is full of alcoholic benders, of drug addiction, sex addiction, and every kind of lasciviousness and ribaldry. I'll say one thing for the binge. Set against the other show I binged then, espionage drama The Americans, Californication came on like a great sunrise, in total contrast to the former's dourness. Californication is soaked in the Californian sun, it is replete with gorgeous people, beautiful homes, sports cars, fashionable restaurants and bars, and that most life affirming of sinful acts, sexual intercourse. It is (was) a tonic after all those 1980s Washington shenanigans.
Leaving the much vaunted The Americans to one side, what about this one on its own terms? The first season is the strongest, with the richest story scenario. No surprise, really. In season two matters are undone in order to create complications for our entertainment. It is contrived and very vulgar. The third season improves, the show settling into being a bawdy and riotous sex comedy. The hero, Hank Moody, sees his - what is the expression? - chickens come home to roost in season four. Just as with season one, which is a stand alone season, season four also has a conclusive end, and one could drop the show at the end. Yet, there were three more seasons still to come.
I'd say it's worth seeing the lot, despite the weaknesses of seasons 5-6, and the increasingly coarse language in season seven. The main reason is the screenwriting, which despite the story weaknesses, remains remarkably witty, right through until the satisfying final episode. Californication, for all its explicitness, is delightfully playful and witty, from beginning to end. It is FUN, and fun in movies and TV shows is becoming more and more important to me as the second quarter of the new century continues to strike me as sulky, po-faced, faux-didactic and pseudo-serious. That tiresome obsession with sending messages of commitment, social, political, environmental - of lecturing the audience, boring us to tears. Californication has no desire to do anything other than entertain, and thank heavens for that.
David Duchovny will probably be best remembered, in the long term, for The X Files. Ok, but his character here, Hank Moody, the almosy washed-up New York novelist adrift on a river of p***y in Los Angeles, shows him at his most charismatically confident. The show also has that rarest of things, a precocious teenage daughter character is not a pain in everyone's backside, but rather someone empathetic and relatably human. There is also the comic pleasure of watching Hank's agent, Charlie Runckle (Evan handler) weeping at least once every season. Trust me, he's a hoot.
This show is almost a cousin to Charlie Sheen's sitcom, Two and a Half Men. It will also satisfy anyone who thinks QT's rude wit dried up after Pulp Fiction. Like early QT it also has a banging soundtrack, classic rock through to contemporary noise bands, but its signature song is Rocket Man. Don't misunderstand Mr Hank Moody, he's not the man they think at all (oh no, no, no). He's a chivalrous character, a knight without his lady, a hero who disdains the court. A rebel knight, a rogue hero, but a hero all the same. Come and say hello.
Leaving the much vaunted The Americans to one side, what about this one on its own terms? The first season is the strongest, with the richest story scenario. No surprise, really. In season two matters are undone in order to create complications for our entertainment. It is contrived and very vulgar. The third season improves, the show settling into being a bawdy and riotous sex comedy. The hero, Hank Moody, sees his - what is the expression? - chickens come home to roost in season four. Just as with season one, which is a stand alone season, season four also has a conclusive end, and one could drop the show at the end. Yet, there were three more seasons still to come.
I'd say it's worth seeing the lot, despite the weaknesses of seasons 5-6, and the increasingly coarse language in season seven. The main reason is the screenwriting, which despite the story weaknesses, remains remarkably witty, right through until the satisfying final episode. Californication, for all its explicitness, is delightfully playful and witty, from beginning to end. It is FUN, and fun in movies and TV shows is becoming more and more important to me as the second quarter of the new century continues to strike me as sulky, po-faced, faux-didactic and pseudo-serious. That tiresome obsession with sending messages of commitment, social, political, environmental - of lecturing the audience, boring us to tears. Californication has no desire to do anything other than entertain, and thank heavens for that.
David Duchovny will probably be best remembered, in the long term, for The X Files. Ok, but his character here, Hank Moody, the almosy washed-up New York novelist adrift on a river of p***y in Los Angeles, shows him at his most charismatically confident. The show also has that rarest of things, a precocious teenage daughter character is not a pain in everyone's backside, but rather someone empathetic and relatably human. There is also the comic pleasure of watching Hank's agent, Charlie Runckle (Evan handler) weeping at least once every season. Trust me, he's a hoot.
This show is almost a cousin to Charlie Sheen's sitcom, Two and a Half Men. It will also satisfy anyone who thinks QT's rude wit dried up after Pulp Fiction. Like early QT it also has a banging soundtrack, classic rock through to contemporary noise bands, but its signature song is Rocket Man. Don't misunderstand Mr Hank Moody, he's not the man they think at all (oh no, no, no). He's a chivalrous character, a knight without his lady, a hero who disdains the court. A rebel knight, a rogue hero, but a hero all the same. Come and say hello.
A review of what used to be my favourite comedy.
MovieAddict201620 February 2013
"Californication" was once a promising comedy, something that spoke to my love of classic rock, English, Bill Hicks, Bukowski and Hunter S. Thompson-style self-loathing.
I wanted to write a bit of a rant, however, on why this now may be the worst comedy on cable.
This season is better than last, but that's not saying much. The sexual hijinks and gross-out factor is getting insulting. Last episode has Charlie basically getting raped by a drunk woman up her butt (haha! it's funny because it's anal!), which is pretty disgusting (how funny would it be if the genders were reversed?). Female-on-male rape can be kinda funny just due to the novelty of it, but it has to be handled well, and in this episode it's just dumb and sleazy. Meanwhile the Sex Pistols guy is making out with a couple hotties, the Russell Brand dude is talking about drugging his wife so he can screw another girl, and Hank is trying to get into Maggie Grace's panties while cracking jokes about bodily fluids on the floor and butt-****ery. It isn't funny or clever anymore.
A big appeal of S1 was that Hank, while a womanizer, still respected women. He had that whole "Hell-A" rant about how the city corrupts its women. He loved Karen and Becca and often found himself in sexual scenarios where he tried, but failed (his relationship with the adulteress, for example).
But now, he's taking oral sex from drunk grieving widows behind tombstones and his apathy is sort of comical rather than earnest. The show has developed little trademarks for the characters (I can't quote Hank's - it involves profanity) that is turning it more and more into a silly sitcom. It's no wonder that Hank seems to be appealing more to the masses now as a character, since he is essentially turning into a caricature - a sort of idiot manchild that Hank in season one would have railed against. They've basically "Crazy Little Thing Called Love'd" Californication, and viewers of the show will understand what I mean by that.
Also, as much as I love Runkle and how pathetic he is, his relationship with Hank has become more ridiculous than ever. In the early seasons Hank had a brotherly relationship with him, but they were still pretty straightforward with each other. Runkle still acted respectfully around Hank, to preserve his status as an agent, and inquired into his personal life when he thought he had hit rock bottom. (Remember in the pilot episode how he asked Hank whether he was OK, needed help, etc.? Told him to get it together?) Now, Runkle is basically just the butt end of jokes when Hank is around. And he doesn't seem to care much about his friend's spiraling out of control, such as when he brings him pot to his rehab center.
I'm truly shocked that Kapinos is still the one writing this show. It amazes me that the creator of season one would allow the show to devolve like this, let alone be the sole person responsible for it.
I wanted to write a bit of a rant, however, on why this now may be the worst comedy on cable.
This season is better than last, but that's not saying much. The sexual hijinks and gross-out factor is getting insulting. Last episode has Charlie basically getting raped by a drunk woman up her butt (haha! it's funny because it's anal!), which is pretty disgusting (how funny would it be if the genders were reversed?). Female-on-male rape can be kinda funny just due to the novelty of it, but it has to be handled well, and in this episode it's just dumb and sleazy. Meanwhile the Sex Pistols guy is making out with a couple hotties, the Russell Brand dude is talking about drugging his wife so he can screw another girl, and Hank is trying to get into Maggie Grace's panties while cracking jokes about bodily fluids on the floor and butt-****ery. It isn't funny or clever anymore.
A big appeal of S1 was that Hank, while a womanizer, still respected women. He had that whole "Hell-A" rant about how the city corrupts its women. He loved Karen and Becca and often found himself in sexual scenarios where he tried, but failed (his relationship with the adulteress, for example).
But now, he's taking oral sex from drunk grieving widows behind tombstones and his apathy is sort of comical rather than earnest. The show has developed little trademarks for the characters (I can't quote Hank's - it involves profanity) that is turning it more and more into a silly sitcom. It's no wonder that Hank seems to be appealing more to the masses now as a character, since he is essentially turning into a caricature - a sort of idiot manchild that Hank in season one would have railed against. They've basically "Crazy Little Thing Called Love'd" Californication, and viewers of the show will understand what I mean by that.
Also, as much as I love Runkle and how pathetic he is, his relationship with Hank has become more ridiculous than ever. In the early seasons Hank had a brotherly relationship with him, but they were still pretty straightforward with each other. Runkle still acted respectfully around Hank, to preserve his status as an agent, and inquired into his personal life when he thought he had hit rock bottom. (Remember in the pilot episode how he asked Hank whether he was OK, needed help, etc.? Told him to get it together?) Now, Runkle is basically just the butt end of jokes when Hank is around. And he doesn't seem to care much about his friend's spiraling out of control, such as when he brings him pot to his rehab center.
I'm truly shocked that Kapinos is still the one writing this show. It amazes me that the creator of season one would allow the show to devolve like this, let alone be the sole person responsible for it.
One of the five greatest shows of all time.
dead4754810 August 2008
Warning: Spoilers
It's one of the five greatest shows I've ever seen. The writing is absolutely perfect and does a great job with both the comedic and dramatic scenes. David Duchovny's Hank Moody is one of the finest characters ever put to the silver screen and his performance is really what makes the show just so damn enjoyable to watch. The sex scenes were hilarious, and the entire story with Charlie (Moody's agent played by Evan Handler) and his secretary (Bully's Rachel Miner) started off very hot as they indulge in a Secretary-esquire relationship and then got hilarious once they started having a threesome with Charlie's wife Marcy (the hilarious Pamela Adlon) and his nipple gets ripped off and then Marcy actually sleeping with the secretary on her own.
And then, of course, there was the squirting scene when Charlie and Hank have a threesome with a girl they meet at the gym and things get...very wet. So perfectly handled to make the final result gut-bustingly hilarious.
But what holds the show together so wonderfully is the perfect balance of Moody's crazy sex life and the hilarious suplots of his agent with Hank's attempt to get the woman he loves back and try to raise his daughter right. Hank was in love with Karen, they had a kid, never got married and broke up. She's now dating the douchebag Bill and planning to get married. Natascha McElhone plays Karen with an excellent blend of deeply emotional work and an adorable, comedic touch that makes the audience understand why Hank is just so madly in love with her. Their child, Becca, is played by the very young Madeleine Martin with a level of grace and maturity that is incredibly surprising for her age. She hits the comedic notes perfectly but also knows how to deliver some great dramatic work.
Rounding off this pitch-perfect cast is Madeline Zima as Bill's teenage daughter, Mia. We first meet her when Hank picks her up at a book store (not knowing her age) and takes her back to his place for some good ol' fashioned sex. And then, just as he's about to finish, she punches him in the face. And does it again. The shock of this is only increased when we learn later in the episode that she is the 16 year old daughter of the man Hank's love is currently sleeping with. Over the course of the season Zima turns Mia into an absolute bitch who we, although I've always disliked this phrase, love to hate.
It's an absolutely marvelous, unique show that hits every single note perfectly thanks largely to the flawless cast and the expert writing.
And then, of course, there was the squirting scene when Charlie and Hank have a threesome with a girl they meet at the gym and things get...very wet. So perfectly handled to make the final result gut-bustingly hilarious.
But what holds the show together so wonderfully is the perfect balance of Moody's crazy sex life and the hilarious suplots of his agent with Hank's attempt to get the woman he loves back and try to raise his daughter right. Hank was in love with Karen, they had a kid, never got married and broke up. She's now dating the douchebag Bill and planning to get married. Natascha McElhone plays Karen with an excellent blend of deeply emotional work and an adorable, comedic touch that makes the audience understand why Hank is just so madly in love with her. Their child, Becca, is played by the very young Madeleine Martin with a level of grace and maturity that is incredibly surprising for her age. She hits the comedic notes perfectly but also knows how to deliver some great dramatic work.
Rounding off this pitch-perfect cast is Madeline Zima as Bill's teenage daughter, Mia. We first meet her when Hank picks her up at a book store (not knowing her age) and takes her back to his place for some good ol' fashioned sex. And then, just as he's about to finish, she punches him in the face. And does it again. The shock of this is only increased when we learn later in the episode that she is the 16 year old daughter of the man Hank's love is currently sleeping with. Over the course of the season Zima turns Mia into an absolute bitch who we, although I've always disliked this phrase, love to hate.
It's an absolutely marvelous, unique show that hits every single note perfectly thanks largely to the flawless cast and the expert writing.
Watched entire thing many times!
christophersarles30 July 2019
Sure there are plenty of scenes of naked women and debauchery BUT that's not the point. This series is the story of a man in love. Someone who knows what he wants, needs even, and also knows that his personal demons, that make him WHO he IS, will forever keep him from being who he longs to be. An emotional rollercoaster mixed with a constant, underlying humor. Give it a chance.. if you get to the third episode and can STOP watching, then you should, because you're never gonna get it, but if you can't stop watching, it just may change you a little.
Californication
jboothmillard2 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I saw the advert for this programme and thought I'd give it a go, and turned out to be one of the most original comedy drama series in ages. The series basically sees the life of struggling, (for a while) uninspired and womanising writer Hank Moody (Golden Globe nominated David Duchovny, also producing). Mainly it sees his struggle to keep his career on track with the help of his agent, Charlie Runkle (Evan Handler), his relationship with ex-wife Karen (Natascha McElhone) and their daughter Becca Moody (Madeleine Martin), his sexual life, and just the general complications and situations in life. Subplot stories involving Charlie and his wife Marcy Runkle (Pamela Adlon), his secretary Dani (Rachel Miner), Hank's one night stand and tormenting bitch Mia Lewis (Madeline Zima), and sometimes Bill Lewis (Damian Young), the man who would marry Karen. The jokes can be quite rude, but they are certainly most hilarious, and I didn't expect a programme like this to have so much nudity, I look forward to more of it. It has been nominated the Golden Globe for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy. Very good!
One of the VERY BEST series EVER.
paulwatson-427601 September 2021
great first season
SnoopyStyle9 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Hank Moody (David Duchovny) is a womanizing, hedonistic, self-loathing writer struggling to write in L. A. His baby mamma Karen (Natascha McElhone) is the love of his life but he could never take the big step to marry her. He's furious that she and their daughter Becca (Madeleine Martin) have moved in with her fiancé Bill. Hank sleeps with a young woman who punches him during sex. He's shocked to find out that she's actually Bill's 16 year old, underage daughter Mia (Madeline Zima). On top of that, she starts using his unpublished works and steals his latest novella. Charlie Runkle (Evan Handler) is his idiot agent and Marcy (Pamela Adlon) is Charlie's on-again-off-again loud-mouth wife.
The first season is fantastic. The oversexed Hank Moody is a compelling destructive character. F*king & Punching is a hell of a way to start a TV show. The show does deteriorate after a 9/10 first season. The first mistake is probably Karen walking out on Bill. Karen's marriage would have created another level to Hank's self-destruction. It would have also kept Mia in the show a lot longer. The end of season 3 brings another opportunity with Mia bringing the sleazy manager. Character actor James Frain is amazing and he could drive a whole season simply by himself. In the end, the show opted for more raunchy slapstick comedy and some sitcom writing rather than going darker.
The first season is fantastic. The oversexed Hank Moody is a compelling destructive character. F*king & Punching is a hell of a way to start a TV show. The show does deteriorate after a 9/10 first season. The first mistake is probably Karen walking out on Bill. Karen's marriage would have created another level to Hank's self-destruction. It would have also kept Mia in the show a lot longer. The end of season 3 brings another opportunity with Mia bringing the sleazy manager. Character actor James Frain is amazing and he could drive a whole season simply by himself. In the end, the show opted for more raunchy slapstick comedy and some sitcom writing rather than going darker.
Like California itself, it first entrances and then disgusts
crshtrep6 August 2013
I loved the first three seasons of this show, when it was still fun, well written and even innocent (in a very non-innocent way). Then seasons 4 & 5 came and went, leaving little impression other than "more of the same". Season 6, though, has driven right off the PCH into the ocean. It's cartoonish, lacking any depth or nuance, almost as if the Wayans brothers had decided to make a broad, boorish spoof. In keeping with season 6's sophomoric obsession with all things sexual, at best it's a teenage masturbatory fantasy; at worst, it's an abortion. Sad to see the terminal decline of what began as a truly great piece of television.
Nothing less than a masterpiece!
frederiklysgaard18 February 2018
It's truly phenomenal, the perfect combination of entertaining, humourous, and thought provoking storylines. The eventful journey through the life of antihero Hank Moody is filled with twist and turns and a seemingly endless stream of bad decisions.
Many people get thrown of by the nudity and calls it softcore pornography, it's so much more than nudity, and the nudity is essential to portray his life. After all sex is a part of the life of adults, especially lonely men who can't keep his life together, but his ability to get women.
You can't help but love Hank, he is funny, cool, and he has a good heart. Yet his ability to find himself in the worst of situations and his endless battles with himself and the loneliness/self loathing he feels, is an eternal conflict in the family and harms his relationship to his daughter and "baby mama".
All that combined with amazing and funny characters such as Hank's best friends Runkle, and the seriousness of relationships, fatherhood, failure, self loathing and loneliness, sarcasm, and amazingly well written script. This is a clear 10/10 definitely one of the best shows to every hit a TV-screen.
Many people get thrown of by the nudity and calls it softcore pornography, it's so much more than nudity, and the nudity is essential to portray his life. After all sex is a part of the life of adults, especially lonely men who can't keep his life together, but his ability to get women.
You can't help but love Hank, he is funny, cool, and he has a good heart. Yet his ability to find himself in the worst of situations and his endless battles with himself and the loneliness/self loathing he feels, is an eternal conflict in the family and harms his relationship to his daughter and "baby mama".
All that combined with amazing and funny characters such as Hank's best friends Runkle, and the seriousness of relationships, fatherhood, failure, self loathing and loneliness, sarcasm, and amazingly well written script. This is a clear 10/10 definitely one of the best shows to every hit a TV-screen.
Very Interesting
tannerzack5 January 2020
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