Best new program on TV - CALIFORNICATION
Seriously I do not watch a whole lot of TV. I know that frequent readers may think differently because last season I made a commitment to watch and review every episode of 24 - and I think I did so in an unbiased (and very disappointed) fashion. Then this last two weeks I was pimping Spike TV’s summer short - The Kill Point which sadly (for this viewer) ended on Sunday night. Really I do not watch a ton of TV (and how can anybody with all of the reality crap that’s out there right now). But then by chance (and the miracle of the DVR) wala - the best new program on TV: Showtime’s new original series starring David Duchovny (he of X-Files fame) - Californication.
It’s off the wall. It’s raunchy. It’s hilarious. And it’s only 30 minutes with original episodes airing on Monday nights at 10:30pm (again, thank God for the DVR). And without a doubt it is the best writing out there for the ever-growing small screen that I have seen in years. It’s so good that I programmed the DVR forever (or at least until they don’t air it anymore) on Californication.
This is not a show for the young (although it’s likely the young at heart will love it). The themes are VERY adult (either put the kids to bed first, or DVR it and watch at your leisure).
The basic plot deals with a formerly successful writer, Hank Moody (played by Duchovny) who’s lost his way (and his chops) through the process of having sold out to Hollywood. During the sell-out, Moody has lost the woman that he believes he loves, the daughter he fathered with that woman and his ability to craft anything truly worthy of publication. The show’s storyline picks up with him sleeping with every woman that will have him while at the same time establishing a bizarre (but not on the west coast) familial bond with his daughter, the ex, the ex’s soon to be husband and the soon to be husband’s teenage daughter. Strange? Yes, but it sets the table for a web that is woven so well it needs to be seen to be enjoyed.
All I can tell you is the writing is absolutely brilliant. Each twist of the plot turns a corner you never suspect and leaves you wanting more.
Seriously - if you’ve got the time and are looking for some entertaining television, watch this show - and let me know what you think.
Best show on tv.
Hey K-Fed. The little man in the boat? He’s up here.
Maybe I should hide under your clit. He’ll never find me there! HA. This show is full of cleaver irreverent one liners. First rate writing. I hope they can keep up the momentum.
clitanus, HA
The best actors in the best roles. Sure, it’s Hollywood angst. But it’s real situations and real emotions. Like holy sh!t, what will happen next. I wish it was an hour instead of 30 minutes. Now Showtime is well worth watching. Original and hilarious. TV needs a wasted
and “who gives a sh*t” character that is self destructive and manages to survive. Somehow. Can’t wait for the DVD release.
awesome.
2nd best show on TV at the moment (after Entourage.) How shocking was little gracie from the nanny (madeline zima)
It’s intriguing. I think it is very twisted and, too many this show will appear to have just moments of random, unnecessary, dirty sex scenes (but look at the yearly net worth of the porn industry, so many will be pleased). It doesn’t bother me.
The writing is excellent, and the subject and characters are something that is finally “new.” Showtime has picked another good show and, I hope that it gets the attention it deserves. Just finished the end of episode three — I refuse to watch the leaked episodes found all over the net — and all I can say is this episode reaffirmed the potential the show has. It can only get better.
If you really want to spice this show up, bring in Gillian Anderson to do a cameo… Of course, he has to sleep with her.