According to Showtime, the hit series “Californication” will return for one final, definitive, absolutely-conclusive season. Why the redundancy? Because Californication has been said to have been ending for each of the last three seasons. It is as terrible at retiring as Brett Favre was at the tail end of his career. Even its star David Duchovny (Hank Moody) has talked about the show running its course. Money may be the ultimate lure for actors to return long past their show’s expiration date, but in all fairness, Californication is not just some mundane television program, it is a cult classic that speaks to the soul.
What is the Show About?
For the uninitiated, Californication at its foundation is about a fractured “family.” Hank Moody (the sometimes patriarch) is a famous writer that is admired by a scuttlebutting fan base for all of the wrong reasons. He is one of the most debauched characters in modern memory. Addicted to sex, drugs and public displays of inappropriate behavior, Hank is forty percent perfect sweetheart and 60 percent confused villain. Audiences can be moved by writer Tom Kapinos to love and hate him simultaneously. Hank Moody is 50,000 shades of delicious grey.
The omni-matriarch of the Moody cult is Karen (Natasha McElhone), Hank’s former partner-in-crime and the love of his life. Hank lives for the promise of Karen’s love and affection and approval, only he never lives up to her standards no matter how much lower they go. Karen is an architect, a wonderful caring mother, and a genuine person. The drama that is Californication generally involves her meandering between loving Hank with all her heart and tearing his heart to pieces when the mood to abandon his skullduggery should strike.
Becca (Madeleine Martin) is the daughter of one Hank and Karen. Her in-show talents lie in being brutally honest, a musician-in-training, and supporting her mess of a father. Her character is what always brings Hank and Karen back together for better or for worse. They share a lifelong bond because of her.
The Cast of Californication
The two other mainstays of Californication are Charlie (Evan Handler) and Marcy Runkle (Pamela Adlon). Viewers may remember Charlie from his days on “Sex and the City” portraying Charlotte’s husband. Charlie has vacillated between being a porn-addicted sleaze-ball to being a loving and adoring husband and provider. He is Hank’s best friend (most of the time) and agent (most of the time) and occasional drinking buddy. Marcy is another mercurial character that can never quite decide if she holds a place in her heart for Hank or if she would rather flirt with the prospect of marrying a fabulously wealthy man with less baggage.
Californication Season 7 is the End
Californication season 7, the final season airs on Sundays at 9:30 P.M. beginning on April 13. Although long term fans of the show may have already given up on the promise of Hank and Karen and Charlie and Marcy reuniting and living happily ever after (permanently), it is still a serious possibility. Tom Kapinos may be famous for inserting discord and disharmony into the lives of his characters, but he can generate bliss and happiness just as easily. It will be truly sad when Californication leaves the airwaves because it is truly one of a kind and it can be a great companion when fans need a little pick-me-up. Here’s hoping Showtime gives the show a proper send off with season 7.
