No secret to anyone that knows me, I love premium television shows. Its not the Taxi Cab Confessions or Strip Club Divas, its premium shows with running plots that draw my attention and admiration. There are two in particular everyone should see, Californication and Dexter. Hands down, two of the best currently running shows on television. I might go as far as to say that they are two of the best shows ever. Premium television has far better writers, deeper pockets, and as results show, spawn cinematic masterpieces. If you don't have cable, join us in the 21st century, sack up, and have it installed. You'll thank me later.
Californication, for those that haven't seen it, follows the life of a New York writer living in Los Angeles. He's a rocker, a father, and a lazy writer with an attitude on the brink of stolid. It focuses on his struggles with living the family life and his un-relenting thirst for random fornication. A coming of age tale, depicting the arduous maturation process of moving from a man-child to a nurturing parent, capable of supporting those that care for him. His inner battle and egocentric behavior directly contends with the family that always takes him back. A mix of sexual inuendos and deadpan humor, this show is a hit.
I can't help but think that this role isn't much of a stretch for Duchovny. Is he truly acting? In my opinion, he's getting to live his dream life, through a medium that won't land him in the tabloids or in jail. This guy is a horn-dog that would most likely would hump your leg in public if it weren't for the paparazzi constantly watching him like hawks, hoping for some type of sexual indiscretion. Don't get me wrong, I find myself empathising with his situation and his reclusive outlook on life, not to mention his bold skill of saying whatever he wants, when he wants. I relate with the Hell's Angels at times, so that might indicate I'm just as crazy.
I digress, two supporting characters make this show possible. One is Duchovny's love interest, who is so strikingly and seductively beautiful it's hard to look away, and the wily talent agent, making textbook mistakes at ever turn while simultaneously playing lap dog companion to Duchovany's character. The side plot that follows his deteriorating marriage is almost as enthralling as the family dynamic seen in David's life. Without these two, the show would not be what it is. The scenarios depicted are blatantly bold and outlandish, they dare go where most shows will not. It's so perverse, I can only assume the writers are living their dreams vicariously. Dropping this summer will be a new season, highly anticipated by me and I can imagine, many others. If you haven't already, rent an episode, sign up for cable, either way it would behoove you not to miss this one.
Dexter is about a sociopath working for the Miami Police Department. He uses his convenient status as a blood spatter analyst to research killers which he subsequently tracks down and murders himself, in a traditionally sacrificial manner. The obsessive compulsive behavior present in his work is also evident in his punitive, rogue activism, or is it the other way around? He uses death as a mental release from the boredom that surrounds his seemingly pristine and taciturn day-to-day life. The problem Dexter realizes early in his life is his unique numbness to the realm of human emotions. Killing is his only act based on emotive urges.
You find yourself cheering for a Dexter regardless of his carnal addictions. The rationalization used is, to some, logical. He's doing something that the legal and criminal system is un-willing to do. I can't help but agree with him-some people deserve to die. You won't see me out there in a black cape, swinging from buildings anytime soon, as a staunch pacifist it might conflict with my life mantra.
Dexter differs from Californication in a few different ways. One is that, you feel alone with Dexter. His narration of the show creates a sense that you are inside his head, adding dramatic irony. You're informed of vital tid bits that the other characters are un aware of. His secondary life and world exists in his head for a majority of the show, that is, until he's able to slip away for a moment of murderous indulgence. Some people say they don't want to watch it, due to its drab theme, to those I respond, it actually has comedic value sometimes dark in nature, but humor none the less. This show has something for everyone, humor, suspense, action, and throws a curve ball at the exact moment when you think you have the plot pegged.
In conclusion, if you're looking to add new shows to your viewing repertoire, these two should be on the top of your list. They are commercial free and don't adhere to the same censorship rules as prime time television. Is anyone else excited for the return of Entourage, Hung, and True Blood this summer? I am. Sunday nights are something to look forward to once again. No Apologies, I Don't Think Before I Speak
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