Review: Californication

BY JACOB FIERMAN

Constantly filled with mania and depression, Californication takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride as it expresses its ups and downs. The t.v. series follows the unique life of a writer named Hank Moody played by David Duchovny who also starred in the hit series The X Files. Moody is best described as an outlaw with an inability to turn down drugs, sex, and alcohol.

In the first season, the audience is introduced to Karen, Moody’s one true love. Although he never married Karen they do share a child named Becca, who Moody also adores. Moody is constantly trying to do the right thing but is always getting into trouble for one reason or another. This struggle is his biggest downfall. His inability to turn down all things “evil” in life is what stops him from being with Karen. The relationship between the two is enchanting however, because no matter what Moody seems to do, Karen’s everlasting love seems to bind the two together and they can never stop loving one another.

The series is based in L.A. where Moody is an author of a couple of books and some short stories, but his claim to fame is his novel “God Hates Us All.” Moody is a successful author but his laziness is what hinders his capabilities because he never seems to want to sit down and write. Moody’s agent, Charlie Runkle, played by Evan Handler, is his best friend and a key part of Californication. Runkle provides a lot of comic relief to the show and he faces some of the same problems, as Moody but they both seem to get through life together. In the later parts of the series

The thing that keeps people so attached to the series is that Moody is such an interesting character. Moody is a true womanizer who is never satisfied unless he is with Karen, which always gets him into a mess. Californication does a good job at displaying the realities of life, what really happens after each seemingly harmless scenario. Moody goes through life experiencing the struggles of what it means to be famous in the notoriously fake city of Los Angeles.

The show incorporates all of the things that most people idolize in life as well. In the “City of Angels,” life is extravagant, with each person seemingly trying to outdo the other. The show is constantly taking place in million dollar mansions, driving around in Porsches, and living what most consider “the good life”.

Another thing that makes Californication so great is the epic soundtrack that was chosen each season. Classic rock is the genre of choice so people can constantly hear songs by the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, and many others. Classic rock seems to be the most fitting style of music in Californication because the show has more of a classic feeling to it. Moody attempts to live a humble lifestyle for a man who has more than enough money to get by. This is because he really doesn’t care about materialistic things, an outstanding trait to have in such lavish city. He doesn’t keep his signature black Porsche in the best of shape, he lives in a moderate sized house that is constantly a mess, and he dresses in very modest clothing. This is something to admire about the character that has so much but cares so little. All Moody truly cares about is the loves of his life, Karen and Becca, and the rest is virtually meaningless to him.

In this wild, 6 season and counting, TV. series, viewers will become instantly hooked from the first episode they watch. Although it is adult themed it is still an incredible show and once you start it is nearly impossible to stop watching. Dream of Californication my friends, Dream of Californication.