Californication

            Whether it’s a form of procrastination or that the show is just that good, Californication is my new obsession.  I can’t get enough of it.  I’ll sit down and say to myself, “One episode then I’m going right to bed,” but I’ll end up watching three or four and going to bed much later than I originally planned. 

            In a few words, Californication is really good.  Its five main characters hold it together wonderfully and each has their own extremely lovable characteristics.  The show follows the life, relationships, and choices of a middle-aged named Hank Moody.  Hank is a writer whose best-selling book has recently been made into a horrendous movie.  His pen is dry though, as he finds difficulty writing new, worthwhile material.  This hindrance, along with Hank’s struggles to win back his ex-girlfriend-fiancé, Karen, and stay close with his daughter, Becca, make up most of the shows plot. 

            I love Hank, but I don’t know why.  He can be sleazy and he drinks too much, but deep down he’s such a good guy.  He’s also a great father and never gives up on winning back Karen to give his daughter a normal life.  Hank can be a dumb a-hole at times but he’ll come right around and shows signs of extreme bravery, confidence, and compassion.  David Duchovny’s acting is incredible; he plays his role like his name has been Hank Moody since birth. 

            The show isn’t always realistic, at times it’s even completely exaggerated, but somehow I still find it believable.  My faith is always kept in Hank.  No matter how many strange women he fools around with, how many useless fights he gets in, or how many times he moves backwards faster than forwards, Hank Moody is a hero.  He’s a hero for the useless tired souls of Los Angeles, whom he is one of. 

            Maybe that’s why I like the show so much, because it’s not realistic?  It’s fun, rooting for someone you know will more than likely come out successful, while at the same time watching all of their comical failings before they reach that success.  As funny as the show is, it might just be an example of what not to do.  Hank’s a really cool guy but no douche gets away with that much.  In real life, knowing Hank would be a full time job and one I would definitely hate.  Some characters were meant just for the screen.

Californication is a raunchy, rowdy show with numerous almost doubtful plot points, but it is highly entertaining.  That is why I watch it.  Hank Moody is someone I have come to love and with each episode he and I become better buds. 

            It’s a big commitment to begin a series.  It takes hours to watch through the many episodes.  You need to be prepared and aware of what you are about to begin.  I regret zero of my time wasted watching Californication though and I look forward to the release of season 7.