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Californication Season 5

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Written by Jonathan Jacobs

Californication is one of the best series ever produced. The idea of having a rebellious author struggle through marriage, fatherhood, fame and see-sawing fortune is a brilliant notion. Duchovny has embodied the character Hank Moody through and through, so much so that many fans find the two indistinguishable. Natasha McElhone (Karen Moody) has always portrayed her character as a tortured free-spirit caught up in California's game of chewing up and spitting out its Hollywood types. Always Hank's faithful friend and oft partner in crime, has been a wonderful mainstay. Madeline Martin (Becca) may not set the world of attractiveness en fuego but she more than makes up for it by playing the role of patient yet afflicted daughter perhaps too well.

The real unsung heroes of Californication have been Marcy (Pamela Adlon) and Charlie Runkle (Evan Handler). Adlon has a talent for being absurdly profane and yet simultaneously so raw and enjoyable. Handler finds himself involved in sexual and transsexual imbroglios all too often. Best of all, he is disgusting naked which makes audiences unable to divert their eyes! Let's not forget the endless parade of hot naked pieces of glorious rear end. There have been dozens of massively breasted, nicely manicured ladies at the beck and call of Hank and Charlie. Each one somehow seems hotter than the next. Even Susan Sarandon's daughter contributed to the naked ambiance.

Californication Season 5 thankfully and logically occurs a few years after what would have been the last episode ever (Episode 12, Season 4). Karen is married, Hank is in New York, Becca is entrenched in a sexual relationship, and Charlie is thanking the gods for being able to pump 100 times before blasting off his rocket. There are some fantastic guest stars including Rob Lowe, rapper RZA, and Meagan Good (she is a hotter version of Rihanna and she can act). Moody's life and loves and family and escapades come full circle. The final season does not take itself as do-or-die seriously as Seasons 1-4 did. Everything is rather fait-accompli and nonchalant. Sure it is gross and disgusting but we would not enjoy it any other way. Long like Hank Moody and thank Showtime for this glorious once-in-a-lifetime series, Californication.

Jonathan Jacobs

Member Florida Film Critics Circle

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