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.
"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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
The series is boring to death
the_wolf_imdb5 March 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Well, I have probably not understood "the magic" of this series. I do not see the theme as "controversial". Sex? Marijuana? "Controversial" these days? The Sons of Anarchy are controversial, because they depict "collaboration" of police to gang members, cover-up of murders etc.
The Californication, on the other hand, is more similar to Sex in the City, but there are only two "leads" instead of four, one pathetic, one outgoing. The parts of the series seem almost identical to me: It is series of unfunny sexual debates of "supercool" Duchovny with some random woman, then short sexual encounter with that particular woman, then they got discovered during the sex or shortly after it, then Duchovny tries to cover up the situation, then he wants to "educate" his daughter, and finally he becomes sad and wants to return to his wife. This repeats every part of the series.
If you deduct the sex and sometimes drugs or vomit (ie. "the controversy"), then NOTHING remains in the series. Nothing. There is no progress, no fun, no drama, simply nothing. It is more collection of "short alcohol-inspired sex stories" which are being discussed on colleges than some REAL life story. Duchovny's character is not a writer solving his problems, he is very shallow womanizer with no direction and with no strong theme in his life. If he would try to sell drugs or weapons, he might be at least tracked by the police which could put at least some marginal drama in the series. But he does not cross any line except for common sense and some decency. He is just "too old teenager" with his own daughter. Otherwise he is completely irrelevant.
There is no drama, no catharsis in the series, only endless trip from party to party. If you want to get more reasonable controversy, go for Bukowski. He is miles better than this... boredom.
The Californication, on the other hand, is more similar to Sex in the City, but there are only two "leads" instead of four, one pathetic, one outgoing. The parts of the series seem almost identical to me: It is series of unfunny sexual debates of "supercool" Duchovny with some random woman, then short sexual encounter with that particular woman, then they got discovered during the sex or shortly after it, then Duchovny tries to cover up the situation, then he wants to "educate" his daughter, and finally he becomes sad and wants to return to his wife. This repeats every part of the series.
If you deduct the sex and sometimes drugs or vomit (ie. "the controversy"), then NOTHING remains in the series. Nothing. There is no progress, no fun, no drama, simply nothing. It is more collection of "short alcohol-inspired sex stories" which are being discussed on colleges than some REAL life story. Duchovny's character is not a writer solving his problems, he is very shallow womanizer with no direction and with no strong theme in his life. If he would try to sell drugs or weapons, he might be at least tracked by the police which could put at least some marginal drama in the series. But he does not cross any line except for common sense and some decency. He is just "too old teenager" with his own daughter. Otherwise he is completely irrelevant.
There is no drama, no catharsis in the series, only endless trip from party to party. If you want to get more reasonable controversy, go for Bukowski. He is miles better than this... boredom.
I know this comment will be bashed, but... awful beyond words.
suicidea28 March 2009
Like a kid suddenly dropped in the middle of Disneyland, I don't know where to start.
Make a TV series full of boring, one-dimensional characters, lots of nudity and cussing, and you've hit the jackpot. You'll be number one, you'll make millions. Plot? Hey, we have naked women, drugs and swearing, who needs a plot? Would it work? Of course. The proof is here: Californication.
Where to begin? We have a writer, Hank Moody (yes, the name gives a hint from the beginning) who has problems with the woman he loves. He does love her, but has lead such a carefree love life that it's hard for him to give up. After all, it's California I guess. Every episode, we watch hunky Hank's suffering (he's an artist after all) and the women dying to steal a night (or 10 minutes?) from him.
That's the whole plot. The main character is played by David Duchovny, who proves that any signs he had shown about being a decent actor(on the X-Files) were totally coincidental. Here he has the acting abilities of an average tree. He is a writer but we never see him write or work. (WORKING? LIKE REAL JOBS, AND ON TV? HEAVENS FORBID!) Like all TV characters, his job (e.g. artist, writer, fashion designing consultant, artist, aromatherapy counselor, artist, creative department head expertise fumgubator, and did I mention artist?) allows him to drift all day long, without doing one bit of the work that %99,9999 of the world does.
During his driftings in his fancy car****, he comes across some woman from his past every five minutes. And boy, do they want him back. Apparently Hank has a habit of changing his bed partners more often than his facial expression. Also apparently, apart from his writing abilities, he is so gifted in bed that all women are desperate to have him back. And the ones he hasn't met yet are so turned on by his wooden acting and porny name that... you get the idea. They are all ready to do it right there and then in 30 seconds.
The whole Hank Moody character, in every aspect, is right out of some 14-year old's horny dreams. He has a cool-sounding job that does not require him to do anything, he is rich, and all the women are wet and hot for him. But please don't get me wrong: I don't mean that he is popular, or well-liked among women. I mean women are ready to open their legs for him the second they see him. Yes, even without foreplay. Doesn't this strike as porn to you as well?
America must be full of women who are dripping wet and horny for the only real man: Hank Moody. Those puffy cheeks (which make him look like a Charles Bronson - Santa Claus hybrid, or a mutant squirrel-man), constant smoking, drooping shoulders and never-changing expression must be the biggest turn-on for women. Also, it seems these women have not had any happy relationships at all. Like there are no real men in America other than Hank Moody. The women are all unhappy, unsatisfied, un-everything.
The writers (yes, this stuff is actually written) try to blend in some drama, but it does not go beyond your average soap opera. Hank's gf still loves him and wants him to be faithful. Hank wants it too, and at one point he actually gives up others for her. But somehow, for some unexplicable reason, in every episode she catches him in a rather naughty-looking position with another woman. So finally she dumps him, and he goes to live with another rich-but-not-working guy, rock producer Lew Ashby (whom he's writing a book about). Hank is out of his home and desperately in need of consoling, so we have more excuse to see the token pubic hair and orgasm scene (at least once in every episode).
Other characters include Charlie, the something-producer (who looks very much like a twisted, retarded version of Peter Lorre. Also contender for the most annoying, pointless character in TV history) and his coke-snorting wife, etc.
I have nothing against sexuality, profanity or drug use on movies, or TV. As long as they are in the right context, proving a point. As long as they are a part of the plot. (Like Deadwood, or Entourage) But in this case, they are not. I guess Californication was supposed to be a series about some people's lives, involving their affairs, sex lives and drug habits. Instead, it is a series about sex, with no characters in it. And you may tell yourself it is not so, but there's a name for that: porn.
I'm trying to imagine the target audience for this show. Certainly not kids. There's almost no action, in fact, no story at all; so I'm guessing not men either. Women? Only bored housewives who'll watch any dull fantasy, I guess. Although no fantasies here either: just Hank exchanging dirty implications with women and trying to give the "It's oh so hard to be rich and loved by every woman, I'm sooo artistic and world-weary" look.
I try to find one bit of entertainment, at least one ingredient that works in this hodge podge of a series. Yes, the soundtrack. The songs are cool. That's it.
Final word: I've read quite a few hundred, perhaps thousands of comments on various movies and TV shows, but no show's fans use the word "witty" as often as fans of Californication. It seems to mean: "I love seeing breasts, but I'm too sophisticated to admit it, so I call this 'witty' instead of 'titty' ."
**** Hank has a Porsche but it is always dirty and one of the headlights is broken, yet he never gets it fixed. WOW! How profound. He is soooo artsy, sooo different from the rest of us.
Make a TV series full of boring, one-dimensional characters, lots of nudity and cussing, and you've hit the jackpot. You'll be number one, you'll make millions. Plot? Hey, we have naked women, drugs and swearing, who needs a plot? Would it work? Of course. The proof is here: Californication.
Where to begin? We have a writer, Hank Moody (yes, the name gives a hint from the beginning) who has problems with the woman he loves. He does love her, but has lead such a carefree love life that it's hard for him to give up. After all, it's California I guess. Every episode, we watch hunky Hank's suffering (he's an artist after all) and the women dying to steal a night (or 10 minutes?) from him.
That's the whole plot. The main character is played by David Duchovny, who proves that any signs he had shown about being a decent actor(on the X-Files) were totally coincidental. Here he has the acting abilities of an average tree. He is a writer but we never see him write or work. (WORKING? LIKE REAL JOBS, AND ON TV? HEAVENS FORBID!) Like all TV characters, his job (e.g. artist, writer, fashion designing consultant, artist, aromatherapy counselor, artist, creative department head expertise fumgubator, and did I mention artist?) allows him to drift all day long, without doing one bit of the work that %99,9999 of the world does.
During his driftings in his fancy car****, he comes across some woman from his past every five minutes. And boy, do they want him back. Apparently Hank has a habit of changing his bed partners more often than his facial expression. Also apparently, apart from his writing abilities, he is so gifted in bed that all women are desperate to have him back. And the ones he hasn't met yet are so turned on by his wooden acting and porny name that... you get the idea. They are all ready to do it right there and then in 30 seconds.
The whole Hank Moody character, in every aspect, is right out of some 14-year old's horny dreams. He has a cool-sounding job that does not require him to do anything, he is rich, and all the women are wet and hot for him. But please don't get me wrong: I don't mean that he is popular, or well-liked among women. I mean women are ready to open their legs for him the second they see him. Yes, even without foreplay. Doesn't this strike as porn to you as well?
America must be full of women who are dripping wet and horny for the only real man: Hank Moody. Those puffy cheeks (which make him look like a Charles Bronson - Santa Claus hybrid, or a mutant squirrel-man), constant smoking, drooping shoulders and never-changing expression must be the biggest turn-on for women. Also, it seems these women have not had any happy relationships at all. Like there are no real men in America other than Hank Moody. The women are all unhappy, unsatisfied, un-everything.
The writers (yes, this stuff is actually written) try to blend in some drama, but it does not go beyond your average soap opera. Hank's gf still loves him and wants him to be faithful. Hank wants it too, and at one point he actually gives up others for her. But somehow, for some unexplicable reason, in every episode she catches him in a rather naughty-looking position with another woman. So finally she dumps him, and he goes to live with another rich-but-not-working guy, rock producer Lew Ashby (whom he's writing a book about). Hank is out of his home and desperately in need of consoling, so we have more excuse to see the token pubic hair and orgasm scene (at least once in every episode).
Other characters include Charlie, the something-producer (who looks very much like a twisted, retarded version of Peter Lorre. Also contender for the most annoying, pointless character in TV history) and his coke-snorting wife, etc.
I have nothing against sexuality, profanity or drug use on movies, or TV. As long as they are in the right context, proving a point. As long as they are a part of the plot. (Like Deadwood, or Entourage) But in this case, they are not. I guess Californication was supposed to be a series about some people's lives, involving their affairs, sex lives and drug habits. Instead, it is a series about sex, with no characters in it. And you may tell yourself it is not so, but there's a name for that: porn.
I'm trying to imagine the target audience for this show. Certainly not kids. There's almost no action, in fact, no story at all; so I'm guessing not men either. Women? Only bored housewives who'll watch any dull fantasy, I guess. Although no fantasies here either: just Hank exchanging dirty implications with women and trying to give the "It's oh so hard to be rich and loved by every woman, I'm sooo artistic and world-weary" look.
I try to find one bit of entertainment, at least one ingredient that works in this hodge podge of a series. Yes, the soundtrack. The songs are cool. That's it.
Final word: I've read quite a few hundred, perhaps thousands of comments on various movies and TV shows, but no show's fans use the word "witty" as often as fans of Californication. It seems to mean: "I love seeing breasts, but I'm too sophisticated to admit it, so I call this 'witty' instead of 'titty' ."
**** Hank has a Porsche but it is always dirty and one of the headlights is broken, yet he never gets it fixed. WOW! How profound. He is soooo artsy, sooo different from the rest of us.
One of the VERY BEST series EVER.
paulwatson-427601 September 2021
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
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.
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.
Perfect, balanced and totally unstable
punkekahh12 September 2019
The drama is real, and is not forced at all (like most of the crap we're used to see around).
Dialogs and character's constructions, directing, scripts, everything is simply perfect in this sitcom.
Definitely a must watch.
I'm not the kind of guy that throws 10/10 around (only 5 movies and 2 series - Black sails and breaking bad), but this one is, beyond doubts, a 10/10.
Californixcruciating.
scrapmetal79 January 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Please note: I only watched the first season, so none of the following is levelled at season 2.
To say something nice up front, David Duchovny is one of the best and most likable actors around, and he is good in this show. I am glad to see him return to series TV.
The problem is, He is the only good thing about this show. I find CALIFORNICATION to be complete crap. Even so, I hope it gets better and keeps going rather than gets cancelled, because David Duchovny is always worth seeing.
Unfortunately, I doubt it will get better, because I sense that its creators are perfectly satisfied with it as it is. It seems to reflect perfectly their petty, narcissistic vision.
It is fitting that CALIFORNICATION is credited to "Aggressive Mediocrity Inc.", as that name sums up this series very well. This is a tray of self-indulgent wishful thinking, and is riddled with some of the worst clichés of modern series television. Here are the snotty teenagers and the adoring supporting characters in their annoying comedy relief story lines. And some clichés that don't work in TV or movies, like trying to launch a new teen singing sensation by giving her musical numbers on the show. Has that worked since Ricky Nelson? And here is an ex-wife who somehow spends all her time with him and tells him how great he is. And the characters can't talk about what a great writer he is without name dropping Jay McInerney and Elizabeth Wurtzel. How hip.
It is generally a mistake when making shows about creative people to show the characters' creative works. Unless the writers are real prodigies, their attempts at "works within works" usually fall flat. Hank's first blog (how cutting edge!) is read to us in a voice-over, and it is no more daring than anything the dumb guy you work with would come up with, but guess what? By the next scene it is "quite the water cooler topic"!
Hey, did Evan Handler annoy the crap out of you when he married Kristen Davis on Sex and the City? Guess what? He is ten times worse here. I appreciate that he wants to work, but my god the man has not a shred of dignity. He proudly takes the trophy of unwelcome comedy relief subplot guy away from the forgettables on Rescue Me and The Shield.
Natasha McElhone, who has one of the most beautiful faces in the history of faces, has always seemed like an actress looking frantically for a niche, like pre-"Will and Grace" Deborah Messing. She looks like she does not know what she is doing on this show. Maybe it is because her character is as unrealistic as a unicorn, being an ex-wife who can't stop telling everyone what a great guy her ex is.
Madeline Martin as the daughter, Becca, behaves like a robot. Her visual is unbelievably processed and meticulous, like a Hot Topic version of John Benet Ramsey, rest her soul. Martin must spend as much time in the makeup chair as Ron Perlman did in Hellboy.
Fortunately, there's no restriction on Madelines, because Bill's daughter Mia is played by Madeline Zima (heir to the bottled water fortune?). So, here is a question: Isn't it considered illegal to depict minors having sex? Even if it is simulated, and even if the actress is not herself a minor, aren't there laws against depicting minors in the sex act? I'm pretty sure there is. I've seen more than a few adult videos that have a disclaimer to the effect that "All actresses are over the age of 18 and are portrayed as such". So, apparently no one was paying attention. Well, that is a lucky thing, since that's now how she got her big break. Congratulations.
To say something nice up front, David Duchovny is one of the best and most likable actors around, and he is good in this show. I am glad to see him return to series TV.
The problem is, He is the only good thing about this show. I find CALIFORNICATION to be complete crap. Even so, I hope it gets better and keeps going rather than gets cancelled, because David Duchovny is always worth seeing.
Unfortunately, I doubt it will get better, because I sense that its creators are perfectly satisfied with it as it is. It seems to reflect perfectly their petty, narcissistic vision.
It is fitting that CALIFORNICATION is credited to "Aggressive Mediocrity Inc.", as that name sums up this series very well. This is a tray of self-indulgent wishful thinking, and is riddled with some of the worst clichés of modern series television. Here are the snotty teenagers and the adoring supporting characters in their annoying comedy relief story lines. And some clichés that don't work in TV or movies, like trying to launch a new teen singing sensation by giving her musical numbers on the show. Has that worked since Ricky Nelson? And here is an ex-wife who somehow spends all her time with him and tells him how great he is. And the characters can't talk about what a great writer he is without name dropping Jay McInerney and Elizabeth Wurtzel. How hip.
It is generally a mistake when making shows about creative people to show the characters' creative works. Unless the writers are real prodigies, their attempts at "works within works" usually fall flat. Hank's first blog (how cutting edge!) is read to us in a voice-over, and it is no more daring than anything the dumb guy you work with would come up with, but guess what? By the next scene it is "quite the water cooler topic"!
Hey, did Evan Handler annoy the crap out of you when he married Kristen Davis on Sex and the City? Guess what? He is ten times worse here. I appreciate that he wants to work, but my god the man has not a shred of dignity. He proudly takes the trophy of unwelcome comedy relief subplot guy away from the forgettables on Rescue Me and The Shield.
Natasha McElhone, who has one of the most beautiful faces in the history of faces, has always seemed like an actress looking frantically for a niche, like pre-"Will and Grace" Deborah Messing. She looks like she does not know what she is doing on this show. Maybe it is because her character is as unrealistic as a unicorn, being an ex-wife who can't stop telling everyone what a great guy her ex is.
Madeline Martin as the daughter, Becca, behaves like a robot. Her visual is unbelievably processed and meticulous, like a Hot Topic version of John Benet Ramsey, rest her soul. Martin must spend as much time in the makeup chair as Ron Perlman did in Hellboy.
Fortunately, there's no restriction on Madelines, because Bill's daughter Mia is played by Madeline Zima (heir to the bottled water fortune?). So, here is a question: Isn't it considered illegal to depict minors having sex? Even if it is simulated, and even if the actress is not herself a minor, aren't there laws against depicting minors in the sex act? I'm pretty sure there is. I've seen more than a few adult videos that have a disclaimer to the effect that "All actresses are over the age of 18 and are portrayed as such". So, apparently no one was paying attention. Well, that is a lucky thing, since that's now how she got her big break. Congratulations.
Room for improvement
mstomaso26 August 2007
On the basis of Natasha McElhone's and David Duchovny's solid performances, I have given this pilot a 5. Without these performances, a 2 might have been more appropriate.The pilot for this upcoming Showtime series appears to be, at best, a vehicle for these talented performers.
Duchovny plays a down-and-out sex-addicted, extremely self-centered writer experiencing writer's block whose incredibly dysfunctional relationship with his ex-wife (though it is not clear whether they were ever actually married) is the only subject actually examined in this series of sex scenes. Thankfully McElhone is spared from the humiliation of the sex scenes.
Though well acted, the dialog is mediocre and often obviously forced (the entire plot is compressed into about 25 minutes of exposition which is inserted between sex scenes. The cinematography is pretty good for what it is, and the pilot is produced with a level of class which easily supersedes the value of the subject matter. The show simply celebrates living gender stereotypes. yawn.
Unfortunately, I found it difficult to generate any sympathy for the lead character, since he seems to be yet another example of 'making the bed and proceeding to lie (and do other things) in it'. He feels as if he has been slighted by Hollywood because his only successful book was made into a movie he does not like, and apparently this is his excuse for leading a bloated, self-abusive, egomaniacal lifestyle? Where's my violin?
Maybe Californication will improve, but judging from the pilot, it is likely to be constrained to examination of Duchovny's mostly unlikeable character, his dysfunctional relationships, and an endless stream of nude people.
Duchovny plays a down-and-out sex-addicted, extremely self-centered writer experiencing writer's block whose incredibly dysfunctional relationship with his ex-wife (though it is not clear whether they were ever actually married) is the only subject actually examined in this series of sex scenes. Thankfully McElhone is spared from the humiliation of the sex scenes.
Though well acted, the dialog is mediocre and often obviously forced (the entire plot is compressed into about 25 minutes of exposition which is inserted between sex scenes. The cinematography is pretty good for what it is, and the pilot is produced with a level of class which easily supersedes the value of the subject matter. The show simply celebrates living gender stereotypes. yawn.
Unfortunately, I found it difficult to generate any sympathy for the lead character, since he seems to be yet another example of 'making the bed and proceeding to lie (and do other things) in it'. He feels as if he has been slighted by Hollywood because his only successful book was made into a movie he does not like, and apparently this is his excuse for leading a bloated, self-abusive, egomaniacal lifestyle? Where's my violin?
Maybe Californication will improve, but judging from the pilot, it is likely to be constrained to examination of Duchovny's mostly unlikeable character, his dysfunctional relationships, and an endless stream of nude people.
off to California again
RavenGlamDVDCollector19 April 2014
It deserves its top score and then some. I am collecting the box sets, and I've got the first five, and tonight I'm watching Saturday evening treat's Season 3 finale. The series ranks under my Top Choices as Best TV Show, and, indeed, film in general. It's better than almost any movie. I suppose people stay at home to watch this one if they don't have TiVo. I live in South Africa, and DVD is my pleasure of choice. And if you're thinking of adding this to your collection, do! The stories are cringe-worthy if you're watching this with family members, I suppose, so be aware that this is Adult Entertainment, not as a euphemism for pornography, but truly what entertainment for adults should be like. Something to sink your teeth into, and I'm not talking about Natascha McElhone, loads and loads of eye candy, and, yes, this includes Natascha McElhone, although she is the only regular actress on the show that is excused from having to appear in the compromising scenes, of which there are many. If ever there was a film character that makes a good impression, it is Karen, and Natascha will be remembered for this forever. Karen and Hank are so clearly made for each other, they click so resoundingly, that it is ten times more excruciating to see them going in opposite directions.
It is difficult to define Hank. Likable rascal? Who gets into trouble, because trouble follows him on their long, lissome, stiletto-heeled hind legs? Because trouble can't keep their soft, manicured paws off him?
And then there's Charlie Runkle. Evan graduated from a bit part in SEX AND THE CITY to this one, the role he was born to play. Replacing him would be impossible. A special mention also to Pamela Adlon as Marcy - good thing she was elevated to main cast member. Best male guest star, Rick Springfield. Notable eye candy - Surfer Girl, one episode First Season, one episode Second Season. What a pretty girl, with a terrific screen presence, without hardly saying a word. Michelle Lombardo, she sure knew how to fill a barely-there bikini! I also loved Judy Greer as the prostitute in Season One - she returned later on again, in Season Five if I'm not mistaken.
Great fun for the liberal-minded!
It is difficult to define Hank. Likable rascal? Who gets into trouble, because trouble follows him on their long, lissome, stiletto-heeled hind legs? Because trouble can't keep their soft, manicured paws off him?
And then there's Charlie Runkle. Evan graduated from a bit part in SEX AND THE CITY to this one, the role he was born to play. Replacing him would be impossible. A special mention also to Pamela Adlon as Marcy - good thing she was elevated to main cast member. Best male guest star, Rick Springfield. Notable eye candy - Surfer Girl, one episode First Season, one episode Second Season. What a pretty girl, with a terrific screen presence, without hardly saying a word. Michelle Lombardo, she sure knew how to fill a barely-there bikini! I also loved Judy Greer as the prostitute in Season One - she returned later on again, in Season Five if I'm not mistaken.
Great fun for the liberal-minded!
Cali crap
Zaphod200025 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Okay folks ,so after watching a few terrible and boring episodes I've finally decided to write an honest review as possible. First of all ,it's way too overrated and way too hyped --in fact ,I can't really believe that this total stupidity went into our television's prime time not mentioning the big awards and trend around it...it's just crap ,possibly another one of the worst commercial TV shows ever. Second ,the whole story gets into a pointless kind of comedy drama dumb cheesy plot without any interesting developments nor interesting characters -total bore and commercial trick. In conclusion :if you have a brain just use it -avoid this predictable and uninspired stupidity at all costs.
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