From time to time I’ll comment on shows out there that really flip my noodle. The reason being: the word is filled with a million critics and everyone can tell you why something is bad. Anyone can be a critic. It’s easy to bag on anyone. I bag on LA drivers all day. That’s not gonna make them drive any better. 

However, the world is depressing enough with economic crisis, poverty, war, and Paul Newman dying, so one of my goals is to bring a little thought into the world instead of a little anger; and shed some light on those that do the same.

Showtime has got it down, and so do the writers of  Californication. They know how to get their point across in a way that you’ll never forget. They’re edgy. They’re cynical. They’ve got a hold of your heart. They can mess with your head.

In Californication, Hank Moody’s character takes on things that no man ever should. But I like the way he handles his dilemmas. He’s constantly tantalized by past escapades and in the first season did his fair share of squandering, but at the heart of the show, the man has a soul. He wants to better himself in a strange world where temptation is the middle name and at every turn I can’t help but be nervous at what he’ll do. The writer’s have me exactly where they want me. Not only am I nervous for what he’ll do, I know that he’s human and will fuck things up and have to guiltily taunt himself at wit’s end until he finds proper retribution. And he’s funny. The show is filled with one-liners that Bukowski would have wished he’d written. There isn’t an episode that goes by that I don’t get goosebumps on what will happen next because the show is fearless. But no matter what, in each episode, there’s a moment that grabs you and tugs at your heart. And as witty and sexually oriented as Hank may be, at the center of it all he loves his ex, his daughter, his best friend/agent, and worries about his sputtering career. Here’s a show about a group of people going through the struggles of life, one step close to the line in all its glory.

And of course there’s sex. Funny thing about the show. A while back my brother was going on a long vacation with his wife and was taking his ipod with. He wanted to know what show would be good to download. I suggested Californication. After some explanation he was amped, but I warned him, “be careful with sharing it too much with the wife, she’ll think its porn.” That’s the edginess of the show. Sure enough he convinced his wife to watch the show and after an episode or two, she thought it was soft core. But the interesting thing about the show, is that was the first season. The second season goes from carnalistic to humanistic. I like its transgression and I care enough to tune in every week to see what happens in the microcosm of Hank Moody.

Ultimately, when I watch a show, I think to myself, if I was writing for this show, would I be proud to put it on my resume? For Californication the answer is a resounding YES. So take a weekend, rent the 1st season on iTunes or Netflix or whatever club you’re a part of these days, and give yourself a view through Hank Moody’s eyes. you’ll be glad you did.

(Disclaimer: you should be 18 prior to taking my advice in this, or any of my other blogs. If not, then don’t)