Miscelaney

I had a star(e)-off with David Duchovny just now. Well, a stare-off with my computer screen and his handsome, smirking self was gloating back at me. Funny thing, he never blinked. Regardless, we had a moment. Unconventional-yes, insane-no.

As I sat there looking at his current advertisement for the upcoming season of Californication, I was startled (nay, floored) by the realization we have parallels in our lives. Not in the same man-whore, absurdly clever, fantastically irresponsible, let-everyone-down-all-of-the-time sorta way, but more that we are of similar age, in the deep end of the pool without floaties, chronically irreverent, brilliantly self-defeating and (consciously or otherwise) searching for the holy grail of life with an outdated map. We are soiled, yet pure. We dream, yet are utter realists. We are in our 40′s but lie to ourselves. We have lost, but have everything.

Hank (aka David) Moody’s draw seems to be that he is a total enigma. He is utterly authentic while simultaneously totally despicable. His self-loathing inevitably cancels out his earnestness as he succumbs to his various vices. He’s quite bright yet chronically uses bad judgement. He uses his lack of willpower as if it were an extremely waterproof raincoat shielding his good self from the harsh yet apparently temporary elements of his ever-storming bad self. While his talent isn’t in question, Hank Moody seems to do everything in his power to self-sabotage his writing career. Yet, through serendipity or stupidity, his livelihood continues to evolve. Hank has become an utter cliche now that he lives in Los Angeles. He’s sold out, he’s become the epitome of self-indulgence and yet ironically he’s the number one hater of his Hollywood lifestyle…which fans the flame towards his already burning tongue.

In short, he’s faking it right now, afraid to let his vulnerable, soft side be exposed too long…because if he does, he might just get what he wants. But still, he keeps us coming back. Hoping he’ll do right, yet secretly relishing when he does wrong.

Will season 3 of Californication bring Hank the clarity he’s searching for? Will he gain stability in his personal life? Maybe, maybe not (most likely not cuz who wants to watch him if he gets all happy ‘n stuff?). I’m certain I’m not the only one who can draw some similarities to such a self-destructive, malcontent, multi-layered character as Hank Moody (aka David Duchovny), but it’s certainly a surprise when you realize you actually can.

Californication, premiering Sunday, Sept 27th at 10PM on Showtime.

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