A novelist wrestling with writer’s block, drinking and women realizes that he really wants to be with the mother of his 12-year-old daughter, who is about to marry another man.

CRITIQUE

Californication is the perfect series to watch on DVD, because though it is nominally a comedy, it is really grounded in its characters and their changing relationships, so it’s not the kind of show in which you can watch a random episode and know what is going on.  But these 12 first-season half-hour episodes go down very well when watched over a period of a few days or a week, and it’ll be interesting to see where they take the characters when Season 2 starts this summer.

The main character here is Hank Moody (David Duchovny), a once-respected novelist who hasn’t written anything in seven years; he is also struggling with drug and alcohol problems and a penchant for womanizing.  This leads him to inadvertently sleep with the wrong woman in the first episode, a decision that has ramifications throughout the first season.

The heart of the series is Hank’s relationship with his ex-girlfriend Karen (Natasha McElhone) and their 12-year-old daughter Becca (a very solid Madeleine Martin); Hank and Karen still love each other on some level, but she is about to marry wealthy Bill.  This season is really about Hank’s maturing (to its limited extent), and the episodes reflect that; early episodes are rife with gratuitous nudity and sex, but as Hank starts focusing on getting Karen back, the episodes get a little less obsessed with naked female flesh, and more with the characters themselves.

The actors all do good work here, with Duchovny capturing how flawed but likable Hank is.  McElhone is radiant, Martin does a good job as the older-than-her-years daughter, and the supporting cast (particularly Evan Handler as Hank’s agent and friend) are very strong as well.

Some of the episodes in the middle of the season have their draggy or repetitive parts, but things kick in nicely over the last four episodes, when the drama really starts ratcheting it up, and the writers do a good job of camouflaging what is going to happen next, and making one care.  Ultimately this is solid stuff that is funny and knowing as well, and it is well worth checking out.

THE VIDEO

Californication is presented in widescreen.  The visuals are good throughout.

THE AUDIO

Californication is presented in English Dolby Digital.  Dialogue, music and sound effects come through clear. 

THE EXTRAS

There is a Commentary on the first episode, featuring Duchovny, creator Tom Kapinos and executive consultant Stephen Hopkins that is amiable and entertaining.

There are brief Biographies of the five main actors here.

There is a short Photo Gallery of about a dozen pictures of the various cast members.

FINAL THOUGHTS

A solid blend of grown-up drama and humor that is worth checking out.