Californication - TV Fanatic

Californication Review: More Than Words

cfohara4@hotmail.com (Chris O'Hara) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:00:01 EST

After Karen told Richard it was not okay to bring in the clowns Hank was summoned away to help write a "Love Song" with Kali. Kali told him she wanted the song to be "More Than Words." While she informed him of the story of how she left New York to come to Los Angeles, Hank flashed back to he and Karen's first days in L.A. when they were debating whether or not to move out West themselves.

The three-year gap between last season and the current one had me anxious for some flashbacks to what we missed during that span, but what we got this week was far better. I had always assumed that Hank was unfaithful to Karen throughout their relationship, but as we saw when he snubbed the advances of Allie Andrews, he was not always so willing to say "Let's Get It On." So what happened?

According to Hank, neither cities nor people can change a person; we are who we are. By that line of reasoning, it was only a matter of time before Hank strayed from Karen, regardless of whether or not they decided to move to L.A.

Despite the allure of woman such as Kali - who sizzled this week and showed some nice depth of character - as the episode came to a close with Karen and Hank embracing, it was never more clear that they will always be each other's first, last and everything. Hank may not have a chance to rekindle their endless love, though, as it seemed more and more likely that Samurai will eventually catch Hank and Kali playing their "Wicked Game."

It was great to see the old gang though in their early days, wasn't it?

Hank - with stars in his eyes and Charlie with dollar signs in his - were ready to take on Hollywood. I loved Marcy's reasons for loving L.A. as they very much mirrored my own, but in a town where everyone is trying to be someone else, it is no wonder Hank has lost sight of who it is he wants to be.

Regardless, he and the rest of the cast were "Wonderful Tonight" and set the stage for some exciting episodes to come.

Californication Review: Dude Looks Like a Lady

cfohara4@hotmail.com (Chris O'Hara) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 23:01:00 EST

After last week's dinner party fiasco, whatever respect Hank managed to keep in the eyes of his family went right out the window by the conclusion of "The Ride-Along."

It remains to be seen what the repercussions of Hank's joy ride with Samurai will be, but he most definitely violated his emotional probation with Becca and Karen after Tyler linked Samurai to the guys who jumped him in the club. It was a shame on a number of levels.

First, it seemed like Tyler really had taken Hank's advice to heart and was warming to his girlfriend's father as he proudly admitted to sabotaging Bates for trying to stand in for Hank. Also by disappointing his girls yet again, Hank's actions brought a rather somber conclusion to what had been a ridiculously comedic scene featuring the return of boozy Bates and his notorious mangina.

All was not lost, though, as Samurai reminded us a final time about Charlie's back seat bro-mance with the transvestite hooker moments before picking up a running Richard, who was doing his best Frank the Tank impression.

The police are going to end up being the least of Hank's worries. Kali and Hank's curb side conversation made it seem like it will only be a matter of time before Samurai learns the truth about their night together. Charlie's anguish was far from over too as he no doubt will be in for a slew of shame boners when his own mangina incident inevitably goes viral.

It has indeed been hard to tell if Hank has been condescending toward Samurai or, as he claimed, just merely trying to relate. Kali alluded to the darker side of the soon to be A-list raptor, but I fear Hank won't fully understand just how serious a warning that was until it's too late. Regrettably so because the chemistry and banter between writer and rapper this week was the best yet. For example, when Hank accused Sam of wanting Charlie and him as witnesses only because they were white.

Will Hank get a slap on the wrist or worse? I'm eager to find out.

Showtime Renews Shameless, Californication and House of Lies

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:28:13 EST

Showtime has announced the renewal of three programs, picking up Shameless, Californication and House of Lies for another season.

“These three shows are clearly resonating with audiences as evidenced by their steady growth on Sunday nights," said President of Entertainment David Nevins. "We are extremely pleased with the creative work being done by the casts, producers and writers – and I so appreciate that each of these series has such a clear and distinctive voice."

House of Lies debuted a few weeks ago as the network's second-highest premiere ever; Shameless averages 4.75 million viewers per week and Californication checks in at just under three million.

All three air new episodes on Sunday.

Californication Review: Cruel to Be Kind

cfohara4@hotmail.com (Chris O'Hara) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 23:01:00 EST

"Waiting for the Miracle" opened with yet another clothes-less colloquy between Hank and Charlie. These scenes have become some of may favorites.

Despite being somewhat tough to stomach, such as when Charlie emerged naked from his hot tub grime machine, the conversations between the long-time friends have been honest and heartfelt as they bared their souls to each other... among other things.

Both devoid of lovers, Hank and Charlie continually break the stereotype of men not talking about their feelings. They accept each other's dysfunctionality and provide a sounding board that is free of judgement, even if Charlie often forgets where the proverbial line is. His comment about Karen and Becca being killed by Hank's bunny boiler was just such an example.

One of the best aspects of this series has always been the lack of any kind of censorship when it comes to discussions between Hank, Karen, Charlie and Marcy. Since the Runkles divorce, though, there has been a shortage of scenes in which all four characters appear together, which is why this week's dinner party was so refreshing to this long time fan.

The subject of sex - or, more specifically, sex toys - was the perfect subject matter to provide the brand of verbal jousting that has been lacking in recent episodes. Newcomers to the fray, like Stu and Bates, held their own in a conversation about sexual proclivities, which included references to dildos, girth, anal and tantric sex.

The most startling revelation of the night, however, came from Carrie, who realized there was no future with Hank because, unlike his friends, he has yet to move on from his past. Her description of the way he treated her as stealing, once you got past the vulgarities, was spot on and the look on Hank's face proved it.

Last week, I implored the show's writers to help Hank find his way back East so he could reconnect with the Moody of old that has made this show so great, but I realize now I was wrong to do so. While watching Hank go through his series of meaningless flings is always entertaining, the reminder we got tonight that he has done so while still clinging to some idealized version of he and Karen's love story was just tragic.

While I understand for some watching Hank bounce from bed to bed while waiting for the band to get back together is part of the show's draw, Karen's comments tonight pretty much assured us and Hank of that scenario's improbability.

While Prema-Charlie's date with the virgin Mary went better than expected, I think it is only a matter of time before Lizzie (Camilla Luddington) gives her new boss another shot.

That, of course, will leave Hank even more alone. Either he is set to meet someone new or Bates will meet an untimely death. I hope the first option comes to fruition as I have very much enjoyed the latter's increased role this season. What do you think? Will Hank find love or continue to bend over and take it, Hollywood Style?

Californication Review: Welcome to Hollywood, What's Your Dream?

cfohara4@hotmail.com (Chris O'Hara) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:01:00 EST

Plenty of people tried to get Hank to put off his trip back East, but it wasn't until Becca needed him that he finally abided.

On the latest installment of the M-Files, "Boys & Girls," our resident rolling stone Hank Moody was determined to leave La La Land for the friendly concrete jungles of New York. Kali called Los Angeles the city where dreams come true, but as Hank was reminded of when Becca and Tyler split, it is more often the home of heart break.

When Hank showed up to say goodbye to his offspring, she was preoccupied with running an errand for her battered boyfriend. Like Hank, it's hard for me to accept that Becca is a grown woman. Seeing her grab the car keys just somehow didn't seem right, but when Hank walked into her room to console her she showed that no matter how old she gets, she can always use some fatherly TLC.

Just prior to going upstairs, Karen reminded Hank that "these things hurt." No doubt a nod to all the heartache he has caused her over the years. It's no secret that Hank and she have a very special yet sordid past, but this week for the first time I found myself being not okay with the way Hank still flirts with Karen. The verbal coquetry is one thing, but to constantly have his hands on her just is no longer cool with this critic. Especially after seeing how fired up Bates was when he forced himself to take a walk around the block to keep himself from assaulting Tyler.

Bates is not just into Karen, he has showed numerous times this season that he sincerely cares for Becca as well. Hank should show the man some respect and accept the fact that Karen is a happily married woman.

Perhaps, like Charlie, Hank is seeking companionship. While Charlie went digital and filled his void with online porn, Hank clicked the mouse of Bobby Digital's girl, Kali. While there was little doubt the two would hook up at some point, we were left waiting to see what Calvin's reaction will be when he inevitably finds out about their affair. I bet Hank will be mindful of Sam's disdain for his urban quips when the rapper's katana is pressed to his neck.

Come to think of it, Hank hasn't seemed too preoccupied with settling down, but what will become of Charlie and the nanny? The kiss to finger blast move was horrid, but the fact that she didn't slap the taste out of his mouth and run screaming out the door was promising right?

Charlie - having realized he was too preoccupied with modern hardcore porn - decided to wean himself off things like ATM and get reacquainted with the more simple pleasures of the masturbatory arts, such as "back in the day when the bushes were big and the boobies was real." While I have always loved the guest stars on this show, Rza and Megan Good being no exception, perhaps too much focus is being paid to their story lines? Is there a way to get back to the aspects of season one that made this show so good?

I haven't been completely displeased with the new season, but maybe the writers should take a page out of Runkle's book.

The problem lies with Hank, sadly. Hank hasn't evolved at all but the people around him have. Well, except for maybe Charlie. He has sort of devolved. But despite himself, Hank has become a success and a public figure. Things were all well and good when he was just the face on the back of God Hates Us All and spending the movie studio's checks, all while cursing himself for selling out. He has had a taste of the West Coast cash, though, and it keeps bringing him back. With each day he spends away from his beloved New York comes more and more trouble.

Let hank get back to The Big Apple, let us see him in his element and get a little taste of what he has been up to these last few years.

Californication Review: Man Pound

cfohara4@hotmail.com (Chris O'Hara) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 23:00:05 EST

As Mike Tyson once said, "everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face."

Well, Hank Moody's plan to turn down Samurai did not go as scripted, but somehow taking a punch from Peter Berg came across like a fitting moment in this week's "The Way of the Fist." Just like driving a Porsche with both headlights intact seemed out of character for Hank last episode, it didn't really feel like the season was under way until Hank got into fisticuffs with someone.

Despite the fresh shiner, Hank still seemed off his game when he decided against telling Becca about Tyler's extra curricular activities at the club. The overly protective Hank has given Becca numerous reasons to hate him over the years, so why in this case would he care about hurting her one more time if it served to only benefit her in the end? My guess is he realized Tyler is a lot like him, after all, and just like he has been given numerous second chances by those he loves, perhaps Tyler deserved at least one, just in case he actually does care about Becca.

I'm not sure any amount of parenting advice could have prepared Charlie for the news that little Stuart whipped out his Stuart Little in front of his classmate, but he did well in showing up at the offended girl's house armed with a heartfelt apology. Unfortunately for Charlie - but fortunately for us - the mother Allison didn't get her fill of the Runkle family by seeing Marcy at her gym and seduced Charlie into showing her his own notorious and well publicized "bar method."

As for Pamela Adlon, her scenes have been brief in these first two episodes, but she has made the most of them. I loved her during the parent/teacher conference, as well as Stephen Tobolowsky when he tried to get Marcy to tone down the cleavage on school grounds.

Speaking of guns, if Kali and Hank don't want to see the business ends of Samurai's arsenal, they better turn down the PDA. Alas, it's only a matter of time before those two finish what they started at 30,000 feet. As Berg reminded us, Hank is no stranger to a little O.P.P.

I have to say I was thrilled with the aforementioned Friday Night Lights producer's cameo. Despite all the amazing work to his credit, I can never see him on screen and not think of Dexter Rutecki, so Hank's Aspen Extreme mention was one of the best moments of the episode in my mind.

The music choices for this episode continued Californication's history of aptly chosen soundtracks and was capped off with a very fitting rendition of "Old Man" by James McCartney. Tyler is indeed a lot like Hank and no doubt has the same needs, which include the love of an amazing woman like Karen or Becca but also the need to quench a seemingly insatiable thirst for fornication.

Becca loves her dad, but knowing the toll his actions have taken on her mother, it will be interesting to see if she ends up choosing a similar path by staying with Tyler. Until next time, check out some of the best quotes and "urban patois" from this week's episode.

Californication Review: Goin' Back To Cali

cfohara4@hotmail.com (Chris O'Hara) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:00:01 EST

Season five of Californication opened with Hank and Carrie discussing an entirely different kind of opening. One might say there definitely was a "hole" in the storyline of "JFK to LAX," but it only served to make the commencement of the new season that much better.

Sadly for Hank, poor man's Steve Nash slammed shut the Escalade door before he could get his new love interest Kali's number. The somber moment was short-lived, though, as Hank was quickly greeted by his dearest friend and agent. It was great to see the literary lizard king and tissue assassin back together, but was anyone else half expecting Runkle's son to tell Hank the human head weighs eight pounds?

Hank described Karen to Kali as his own brand of heroine and, like a true junkie, the first thing he did after landing in Cali was go looking for a fix. While I have always shared in the awkwardness Hank feels when around one of Karen's love interests, I have to say I did kind of like that she married Richard Bates. I don't know if "awesome" was the right word to one up him on Hank with, but after hearing his Dexter-esque plans for Becca's boyfriend I, too, could not help but like the guy. As if his famous serenade where he told everyone to blow on his dice while in the nude wasn't enough of a reason already.

And what about this "spirited" suitor of Becca's?

Tyler drives fast, talks faster and seemingly woos any woman he meets. So how could we not like a guy who, as Karen stated, is so obviously a younger version of Hank? Something about him just did not sit right with me. Perhaps it's because we've all watched Becca grow over the years and we only want good things for our little rock star.

When it comes to his daughter some things never change for Hank, and thankfully his time away from his loved ones didn't tarnish his silver tongue or dull his quick wit. From the Fatal Attraction reference to his mile high montage of flattery, the old boy was in mid season form from take off.

Overall, I thought it was a solid premiere, which featured all the main characters and introduced us to a few new ones that will no doubt provide some intrigue this season. Meagan Good lit up the screen each time she was on it and Rza just set it on fire. I am not going to blame Hank for taking another run at Samurai's lady, but when he does I hope he knows to "Protect Ya Neck!"

Californication Season 5 Preview: Hangsta Meets Gangsta

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 13:10:06 EST

Attention, Californication viewers: Hank Moody is about to go gangster.

When this comedy returns on January 8 for season five, three years will have elapsed for Hank and company. Where will the main character find himself? What sort of role will The RZA play? What about Natalie Zea from Justified, who pops up in th very first scene below?

Watch an extended Showtime trailer for the season now and visit TV Fanatic the moment the premiere concludes for a thorough review of Hank's latest escapades:

Californication Season 5 Promo

Natalie Zea to Guest Star on Californication

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 13:06:01 EST

Natalie Zea is a busy, sought after woman.

The actress has signed a new deal to remain the ex-wife of Raylan Givens on Justified, and she's also headed to Showtime.

According to Deadline Hollywood, Zea will guest star on the new season of Californication a new love interest for Hank Moody. That rarely ends well for women.

Camilla Luddington to Guest Star on Californication

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Sun, 08 May 2011 05:06:55 EST

Fresh of portraying the new Duchess of York, Camilla Luddington has landed another high profile role.

The British actress, who played Kate Middleton in the Lifetime movie William and Kate, has nabbed a recurring role on the fifth season of Californication. She'll appear on eight episode as a nanny who gets fired from her job and ends up working for Charlie and Marcy.

Along with Luddington, looks for The RZA to play a key role on the upcoming season.