What I’m Watching: Californication

Californication: Season 3, Episode 2 “The Land of Rape and Honey” (B+)

Hank’s new job as a professor is absolutely amazing. His complete ignoring of anything that’s going on in his class is fantastic, and the incredible Diane Farr is perfect as his far more mature T.A. Hank’s interaction with Ed Westwick’s character is very entertaining, though not nearly as much as his dynamic with Peter Gallagher’s bushy-eyebrowed dean. Hank’s sudden decision to get involved in his daughter’s life also creates quite an intriguing relationship between the two of them, and his no longer being the “cool dad” will likely create quite a few problems for them. As always, Charlie just has the complete wrong idea of how to act in situations, especially when it comes to anything sexual. His rather tragic exploits are well worth it however, to hear the incomparable Kathleen Turner talk about her pre-prepared Jack Nicholson fantasies and to witness Marcy’s furious reaction to Charlie’s ill-fated plan to get her back. The cast is really top-notch on this series, and while David Duchovny is excellent, the show’s success isn’t due to him alone. Evan Handler and Pamela Adlon are both so wonderfully out of control and not tied down to any norms of human behavior, and it’s great. It’s sad not to see Natasha McElhone anymore, and even Madeline Zima, who’s now wasting away on “Heroes.” Madeleine Martin is also awesome as overly mature Becca, and having Karen out of the way does allow her to get somewhat of a bigger role. The acting is great, the writing is top-notch – this show is doing well.

So well, in fact, that it just got renewed for a fourth season, slated to premiere in 2010 after the third season wraps. I’m very excited, and happy for everyone involved in the show!