CALIFORNICATION is a cutting edge dramedy that fulfilled many a male fantasy when it premiered sometime last summer. Why? Let’s just say, one of the best things going for the show was its enormous amounts of nudity and interesting sexual scenarios. And yeah, CALIFORNICATION managed to have a kick-ass story despite the distractions that came in the form of boobs and spanking and even a threesome. What? Oh yeah, you read correctly. CALIFORNICATION was fiery, sexy and downright raw. Not to mention, overflowing with witty dialogue and flat-out scenes of pure genius.
The story revolves around Hank Moody, portrayed brilliantly by David Duchovny. Hank’s something of a writer, but is considered a one-hit wonder because ever since the release of his first novel… Hank’s lost his touch and hasn’t been able to write anything, period. To make matters worse, his relationship with his ex-girlfriend (with whom they have a child) is on the rocks when it seems his ex-not-really-wife is in a pretty good relationship with a man Hank absolutely cannot stand. Hank’s obsession with being brutally honest makes for some incredibly hilarious moments, and his self-destructive behaviour that involve a cocktail of alcohol, drugs and random sexual encounters are simultaneously destroying and enriching his career. How? That’s part of the magic we as viewers discover when we watch CALIFORNICATION. In short, Hank’s barely got a handle on his life. But somehow, he likes it that way.
Hank’s daughter, Becca, is a big piece of the puzzle that is Hank. She’s basically what keeps Hank going, although trying to control his daughter as she enters her teenage years is proving to be quite a challenge for Hank. However, the father-daughter relationship is one of the sweetest parts of the show, and makes Hank — who is by all accounts a despicable character — seem humanising and likeable. Yes, despite all the shit he does… you WILL like him, mainly because of his interactions with his daughter. On the other side of the coin, Hank’s relationship with his editor Charlie serves up some truly astounding banter. Later in the season, the Hank/Charlie relationship will become so deliciously wacky, you won’t believe the trouble they get into. In fact, Charlie’s subplot (including the stuff with his secretary and his wife) is just underrated. Also, pretty damn hot. Those that have already caught CALIFORNICATION will know what I mean, and in a BIG way!
Annnyways, there are tons of subplots swirling around in the show that link up with each other as the season travels to a climax. Let me just say that CALIFORNICATION manages to effectively and seamlessly blend comedy and drama together to create one beast of a show! It has tons of heart yet each episode will probably have you shaking your head while trying to keep your laughter to a minimum. CALIFORNICATION also has loads of smart social commentary and the way us viewers come to sympathise with Hank Moody as the season progresses is just brilliant. In fact, Duchovny’s portrayal of Hank is just completely perfect. His tone and dry humour IS Hank Moody.
There’s so much more I want to say about CALIFORNICATION but I think you all need to watch it for yourselves to understand. It’s one of the freshest shows out there today, and with the second season about to kick off at the end of the month… now would be a good time to get caught up on CALIFORNICATION. In fact, I think I’m going to rewatch the whole first season in the coming weeks just to refresh myself. And I just know I’m going to love it!
