Californication

Most of the time I consider myself to be somewhat of a snob when it comes to cinema and television. The reason being that I have grown to love the visual art form genre, and the things we love tend to be easier to criticize. Having stated that necessary but semi-pretentious introduction, I will now inform my loyal seven readers of my newest and most exciting media event in months: Californication.



David Duchovny is back and better than ever in this new series on Showtime. While the series plot has only just begun to grow and show us the murky depths of emotional confusion and sexual energy that is possible in dramatic comedies, it is obvious that Californication will become a new hit loved by generations X, Y, and possibly even Z.



Duchovny plays author Hank Moody (a name I truly hope is a pen name and not a not-so-subtle hint towards his character’s mood) who recently relocated to Los Angeles from New York. Traveling to LA to secure his new movie deal and spread his creative wings in a new city, he finds himself thrown into a web of surprises, disappointments, and seemingly infinite romantic possibilities. Harboring a complicated but very real love for his ex-girlfriend and daughter and suffering from a new case of writer’s block, Hank does his best to adapt to his new surroundings and take back the life he once had.


Duchovny’s supporting cast is well chosen and easy to welcome in, including his ex-girlfriend (played by Natascha McElhone) who is currently harboring thoughts of getting married to a man that Duchovny’s character is not exactly thrilled about knowing. The back and forth between Hank and his ex’s new love interest is worth the price of admission, alone.



You might also remember Hank’s agent (Evan Handler) from Sex and the City and guest appearances on Lost and Friends.

The story is interesting, the characters are believable and fun, and the sexual deviance and chaotic normalcy of everyday life in LA is hard to ignore and even harder to dislike.

This is my new addiction, and I’m happy to have it. Californication is a great new show with tremendous potential to steal away our Monday nights. Check it out on Showtime, Monday nights at 9:30.

Jen's footnote: I read this post and skimmed the review, assuming that Shanshu had copied it from some movie review site. When I told him this, he informed me that he had, in fact, written the review himself. I asked him to allow me to add this little footnote in case any of his other blog fans assumed the same. Shan wrote it. He's a writing rock star.

*This ends my shameless plug and Showtime’s free publicity.
(Showtime, if you’re reading this, please inform your gift department that my favorite color is black and I enjoy mini-muffins. Blueberry.)

*Also note that some of the pictures above were borrowed from Showtime’s Californication site. I used them with permission….I hope. They didn’t tell me I couldn’t do it.
(Again, if you are reading this, Showtime: please know that I am giving you credit for your pictures and I hope you don’t get mad at me. No shouting, please. If you want me to take them down from my site, I will gladly to so to avoid your wrath.)