What I’m Watching: Californication

Californication: Season 5, Episode 7 “Here I Go Again” (B+)

This episode isn’t nearly as fun as season three’s revolving apartment installment, but it’s most notable for its dramatic value. Hiding a broken-down Bates in his house means that Hank has to give Karen the cold shoulder to get her to leave, and he could really have used the opportunity to have brunch with her and make her feel better about their relationship. Tyler, surprisingly enough, is the one that asks the obvious question, which is why Hank is working so hard to protect Bates when letting his indiscretion be known could help Hank get back together with Karen. Their relationship is far too complicated to analyze, and I just don’t see it working out well anytime soon. Drea DeMatteo’s stripper Holly was foul-mouthed and atrociously-behaved, and I’m not sure whether her sticking around would be productive for anyone. Becca sure got pissed at him and wounded him with her words, and it’s doubtful that he’s going to be able to please both of the women in his life that are important to him. Samurai Apocalypse wasn’t even present in this episode, and it didn’t suffer at all from his absence. Charlie sleeping with Lizzie is not a good idea, but the unknown events at the pool (not the first time we’ve see that on this show) mean that Lizzie may be playing everyone involved, which is sure to come back to hurt both men in Marcy’s life. I don’t particularly care for her as a character, so I’m not sure I would mind if she didn’t stick around.