Admittedly, I tuned into Californication initially to see how scandalous and sexual the show would become, but I stayed for more than that. I like the overall pace and energy of the show. No, some of the scenarios aren't original, in fact, a number of the ideas are lifted straight from the 1970s, including the title, but that's ok. It's a story retold and re-tooled so it makes it as if original. Half the fun of watching Californication is figuring out which pop cultural references or stereotypes are being employed…and exactly what kind of statement is being made. This shows makes you think without become overly intellectual or pedantic about it. What I like best about Californication is that the main character, Hank Moody (David Duchovny), is not a formulaic 'sympathetic' character that most TV shows and books insist on having as leads. Things don't always go right for him, and to be honest he brings a lot of his troubles upon himself. It's the same thing with the Charlie Runkle (Evan Handler) character. By many standards, both men are 'losers' but you can't help but want to root for them when they do show their vulnerability…especially Charlie because he does have a heart of gold.
Another one of the reasons why I like this show so well is the casting, particularly in the 3rd season. There's none of the let's go down to Central Casting and 'round up the usual young and nubile suspects' and have ONLY those types on the show. In the real world, not everyone is thin, blonde, pretty and under age 35 and it's time TV shows reflected that reality. It's great that the writers of Californication casted veteran actors like Kathleen Turner, and gave her them the strong and multi-dimensional role that serves as the walking talking karma out there just waiting to start biting people in the butt. I don't watch much television, so for me to make the time to watch Californication every week says something. I look forward to seeing what they'll come up with next.
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