“Californication” might be the worst show that I’ve ever watched for 7 seasons, and never missed a second of (although usually caught up with On Demand months or even years later). Still, endings make me sentimental and I have to admit that there was always something weirdly soothing about this show. Like the combination of lazy jokes, obvious premium-cable bait debauchery, and anti-climactic, going-nowhere plots really just became comfortably enjoyable after a while.
I think this season of Californication—-mostly centered around a TV show Hank gets a writing job at—-was as good as any of them have been, mostly thanks to excellent assists from the sunny Heather Graham and underrated Michael Imperoli. Sure, the jokes were as predictable and repetitive as they ever have been, and I’m pretty sure not even David Duchovny really cares whether or not his character gets back with Karen at this point (literally every season of this show has ended with Hank trying to get Karen back, a cliffhanger about that, and then him screwing it up the first thing the next season). Still, why kick a show when it’s on its way out the door?
Californication, your series finale was just as sloppy as all the season finales you’ve done, and the show was so hopelessly stuck in a rut that it actually felt like any of the season finales you’ve done over the years (Charlie and Marcy are happily together after facing a threat from an outside party, Hank makes a grand speech to Karen about how she’s the “one” for the “one” millionth time). However, this sentimental TV watcher might be ever-so-slightly sad to see you go.
Grade for series: C…Grade for season: B- …Grade for series finale: B-
I also like Californication but not sure why. Maybe lack of anything else to watch. Last season ……….not the best.