I don’t get it. Californication is still just as good — and as nonsensical — as ever, but the show’s total lack of story this season leaves me puzzled. Last night was certainly more substantive than we’ve seen for a while now, but I’ll be a bit disappointed if in the end this season is solely about how big of a hole Hank can dig for himself.
Last week Hank wrote a song with Kali, intermittently daydreaming about his early life with Karen. This week it was Hank’s love for Karen that had him pretending to be dating a stripper named Holly (Drea de Matteo). And in the middle was Karen’s “I think I made a terrible mistake,” which closed last week’s episode on a semi-cliffhanger. So what’s a good Hank to do?
Kudos to Hank for risking his own shaky standing with his family in an effort to spare Karen some pain. The efforts Hank made to clean up after Richard said a lot about how much Hank still loves Karen.
I was kind of mixed on Drea de Matteo’s appearance. Her brash character was a far cry from previous gigs on Joey and The Sopranos, which definitely shows some range. On the other hand, I didn’t really care for Holly, which made it difficult to appreciate the guest spot.
I do enjoy all the awkward meals (and variations thereof) that take place on Californication. Having such a disparate group sitting around and chatting is hilarious. Holly clearly flirting with Tyler, right in front of Becca, Hank, and Karen, was rather funny, and I love how it led to Batesy flying across the room and tackling Holly for laying hands on Karen. That was great.
But it backfired on Hank, as I should have guessed it would. Only thing is, that was a really decent thing that Hank was trying to do, for everyone. I’m tired of Karen getting on him all the time, but I’m really tired of hearing Becca complaining about how terrible he is. Hank screws up plenty, but nothing short of neglect or abuse gives Becca the right to talk to him the way she oftentimes does nowadays. Someone should teach her a little respect.
So where is this all going? Hank’s further estrangement from his family? I’m not sure I see how that would advance the story line in any way, shape, or form. I don’t need another rape trial, but it would be great to have a story to sink our teeth into.
And I’m not referring to something like Charlie and Lizzie (Camilla Luddington) the nanny. Charlie’s plenty of fun, but something’s off with her. Charlie beware.
Two great moments:
Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Feb 20, 2012 @ 16:09 EST5EDT
