New TV - Californication

David Duchovny stars as Hank Moody, a novelist from New York who is struggling artistically since his move to LA. His beloved, acclaimed novel has been filmed, but transformed into a mediocre rom-com. Unable to write, he is pining for his ex-girlfriend and mother of his child, even though she's engaged to Mr Solid-but-Dull. Hank finds refuge in drinking, pontificating and fornicating

Hank shags a lot of women and they are all beautiful. Much like Vincent Chase in Entourage, Hank is the type of man LA women want to have sex with. They pull up next to him at a traffic light and throw their phone number into his car. They ask his opinion on wine in a supermarket and then drag him home to get naked and high. But Hank is no movie star, in fact he's not even famous so the idea that these promiscuous women experience lust at first sight is quite ridiculous. Duchovny/Hank is not a bad looking guy, but what is it about Hank that makes women, (from aged 16 upwards) behave so?

This show is nothing more than an approaching-middle-aged man's fantasy. Women are seen as nothing more than sexual conquests, either an easy to obtain or a challenge to be exploited. His ex-wife, the object of his affection, is a beautiful free-spirited, ex-wild child,who's seeking the stability that eluded her and Hank with the rich and mediocre Bill. Bill's daughter is a highly over-sexed 16 year old, who's blatant desire for Hank is causing him no end of problems. Hank's best friend and agent is rebuffing the advances of his randy wife, but engaging in a bit of slap and tickle with his young (of course) personal assistant. Even Hank's 12 year old daughter is swooning after her guitar teacher.

Californication is cliched, slapstick and arguably sexist. It's also hilarious, sharply written and surprisingly touching. The only way I could justify Hank Moody's character in my head was when I realised he is the male version of Samantha from Sex and the City. He's the tart with the heart; the smart, witty guy who likes to screw. But under the frat boy behaviour is someone looking to connect. He wants his family back, he wants to be a writer again, but all he is capable of achieving are short-term flings and blogging. Yet his exploits along the way are as charming as they are daft.

Duchovny is outstanding, giving Hank, who should be a contemptible dirtbag, a natural charm and wit that absolves him of all dubious acts. As a fondness for casual sex is thankfully not a hanging offence, it is honesty that is Hank's fundamental relationship flaw. He never tells a woman what they want to hear, but they are endeared to him anyway. He will stand up for his family, and family values, if they are being threatened. He is not an adulterer or home wrecker, in fact there are several scenes where he tries to put relationships back together. He is outspoken about what's lacking in culture and in self-esteem (yes, even a woman's). He is clever man who is sleeping and drinking his way back to his identity. It all seems like a massive ego trip for Duchovny-also a producer of the show - yet he pulls it off. His performance saves this show from being a male's indulgent sexual delusion

The cast are spot on, particularly Natascha McElhone as his ex, an actress who brings to the performance a dignified beauty with a dash of mischief. It's easy to see why Hank wants her back. His daughter is a quirky, wickedly smart pre-teen with a fondness for rock music. His best friend/agent varies from being a solid-as-a-rock advisor to a man in danger of emulating Hank's ways for all the wrong reasons. But Californication is by no means unique or high-brow, but it makes a great guilty pleasure. You'll never believe you could be so fond of a fornicating boozy blogger.

http://www.sho.com/site/californication/home.do