All the deadly sins of man comprise the characteristics of lead character Hank Moody. Hank is a writer who doesn’t exactly write. What he does do is wallow in his sorrows with every woman imaginable, along with drugs and plenty of alcohol. He is running from his past and refusing to move into the future. This state of limbo is his predicament and the first season of Californication.

My problem with the show is that very little happens to advance the plot. It is established early on that Hank is a womanizer who does a lot of that, and that is about it. I understand that he is a silver-tongued devil but show me more of the devil. Showcase the raw side of him that is greatly depressed and let him overcome it or fail to overcome it. A downward spiral needs to be combatted with elements that are more than his ability to seduce and drink.

Californication teeters on one dimensional until it shows the sides of Hank that are more than just self-deprecating. That is when this series becomes enjoyable. Seeing Hank becoming happier when he is around his daughter and trying to win back the love of his life makes Hank identifiable and complex. His elements of pure sinning become a yin and yang effect with his goodness that is his real core but we hardly ever see it. How he handles the rug being pulled out from under him with either malcontent or with his best intentions makes Californication enjoyable.

For every great moment of Hank there is a lull in the plot. For every bonding moment with his daughter he goes and knocks boots twice. Boiling it down to the essentials the show is fairly enjoyable with strong performances throughout the cast. David Duchovny (Hank) steals the show or sets fire to the set throughout the run time. I recommend this is as worthy try but don’t put too many expectations on it.
Final Score: Maybe for Moody?