What I’m Watching: Californication (Season Finale)

Californication: Season 4, Episode 12 “…And Justice for All” (B+)

These cable series often seem like they fly by, and the thought of not having Hank Moody and crew around the next nine or so months is a saddening thought. I’m relieved that this season’s trial didn’t result in Hank going to jail, even if this newfound trick editing gave us a brief hallucination of what it might be like for Hank to be sitting in a cell thinking of nothing but Karen and Becca. The final shots of this season were marvelously done, with both Hank and the two women in his life thinking that they saw the other in random passerbys, constantly thinking of each other while they are destined to be apart. Watching Hank and Karen parade their current partners around almost as childishly as Charlie and Marcy is somewhat disturbing but ultimately entertaining, and it’s nice to see Hank and Ben bond after Karen’s new beau saves him from drowning. Abby did a good job of chewing Hank out for trying to take the easy way out of their relationship, and she’s been a good character for him to interact with this season. The dinner table scene wasn’t quite as spectacular as the one hosted by Felicia at this point last season, but it definitely came close. Seeing Marcy spring to Charlie’s defense when his hand got a little bit stabbed was sweet, and Eddie immediately picking up Charlie’s date was hilarious. The future is unclear, both of our characters and their movie, but it’s been a good year, and I can’t wait for the return of this show.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: David Duchovny/Natasha McElhone