Posted by
Jeff Penner
- Thursday, July 10, 2014
Want to know what happened the past few days in nerd culture? WEEK IN GEEK is your quick fix to catch up with the rest of the fanboys out there.
MOVIES
Brooding Image of Superman Released.
My take: I don't think "The Big Blue Boyscout" is going to remain dark and brooding in this movie, in contrast to Ben Affleck's Batman. However, to use this as a promotional image sets a completely wrong tone. After seeing a brooding Batman image last month, why are we getting a grumpy Superman? These two are about contrast! This was a week ago and it's talked about to death between you and your friends, I'm sure so hopefully Snyder gets the message.
Too Many Heroes in Dawn of Justice? Add Some Villains!
My take: Rumors now have the villain count jumping up to five for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. In a movie already concerned with too many heroes, is adding more protagonists a good idea? If done properly, a two hour movie solely covering the relationship between Batman and Superman would sell like hotcakes. Keep in mind you've already got Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Diane Lane as Martha Kent and Laurence Fishburne as the voice of The Silver Surfer and you've got one packed movie.
I Saw 17 Mins. of Guardians of the Galaxy!
My take: Check out my night at IMAX for full details. It wasn't really hyped properly, it didn't feel like an "event" due to Disney's lacklustre presentation but the footage made up for it. It was just enough that you got into it and wanted so much more. It felt a little "acted" at first, characters going through their lines and set pieces but once that was established the action and humor took over. Looks like a very fun ride and I can't wait for August 1st!
Ant-Man Getting a Re-Write.
My take: Apparently the script is being re-worked in the wake of Edgar Wright leaving the project. This is good news, in that they aren't going to try to capture what Wright had in mind (and could exclusively deliver) and they'll be tailoring it more towards what they need to keep it synched in the MCU. Bitter sweet, for sure. I think after the film comes out, we'll be able to hear more about exactly what went on with this whole fallout.
Sharknado: The Second One.
My take: July 30th, your plans have been made.
TELEVISION
Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on Netflix.
My take: I'm not sure if yo have this in the USA but we do in Canada. It's a great retrospect on the creation of the comic book, the animated series' and the movies. It includes handheld footage from the early days of when Eastman and Laird first started drawing. The biggest shock to me was I never realized James Avery was the voice of Shredder!
Robbie Amell (yes, Stephen's cousin) Added to The Flash.
My take: If you need a SPOILER ALERT, that was it.
Okay, still here?
Alright, so I'm a little nervous about the fact that he'll be playing a character as unbelievable as, one of my favorites of all time, Firestorm. His power is literally changing anything into anything, alchemy if you will. His ability is limited by his knowledge of the elements and I'm sure that will come into play to save on special effects. If the televised universe does turn out to be part of the cinematic universe, then you can color me excited.
Daredevil Starts Filming in New York.
My take: I don't want to know too much about the filming of this series. I've never heard much about the filming of Game of Thrones and never saw articles telling me where the camera crew for Breaking Bad was spotted. It never occurred to me that these TV series that will tie in to the MCU would be treated like movie sets.
COMIC BOOKS
Steve Rogers Loses His Title, Powers.
My take: We've seen this story before, too, haven't we? Steve Rogers loses the super soldier serum, Peter Parker loses his spider powers, Hawkeye runs out of arrows….it's an odd direction to go, considering it feels like he just returned from the dead. Also, spoiler, with Nick Fury revealed to have been aging all this time, we have two geriatric storylines going on at the same time? Marvel is about to gain a pile of readership from the release of Guardians of the Galaxy mixed with the hype of San Diego Comic-Con. They better have their ducks in a row, or a greater plan than I can see.
Guardians 3000 Series Announced.
My take: I'm excited to have Dan Abnett involved but with him and Andy Lanning not having touched the core team, or Nova, for so long, can lightning be captured again? I loved their 2008 run and even though I'm not familiar with these characters, I'll be checking this book out. I didn't know Mantis or Bug, either and I loved the hell out of their run.
Rick Remender in Hot Social Media Water.
My take: A scene that seemed to depict The Falcon having sex with a minor gave the haters fuel to urge Marvel to fire the writer. However, the point was heavily argued by fandom on both sides and clearer heads prevailed. The story did not, in fact, depict what they claimed but did have a bit of a grey area in that the character in question aged differently than humans. DC's Hal Jordan had a similar situation decades ago with Arisia, who was once a young teen and used her ring to age her. Hal then decided it was okay to sleep with her, which he did.
Watch out for this segment each and every Wednesday. We'll see you next week!
Did we miss something? What are your thoughts on these topics?
Leave us a comment below!
Posted by
The Dace Man
- Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Hey, hey, hey, Dacetacular nation! Check out episode 54 of The Dace Man Show with hosts Dace, Gibby, and Frank Ward.
Join the Dace Man and crew this week as they break down the following:
::SPORTS NEWS::
- Current MLB standings
- Lebron James news
- USA vs Belgium in the World Cup
::WEIRD NEWS WITH GIBBY::
- More like weird noises with Gibby
::FRANK'S CORNER::
::CELEB NEWS::
- The hottest news in Hollywood
Plus the Douchebag of the Week and The Dace Man's Farewell Address! All that and more, only on The Dace Man Show!
Follow on Facebook: Mega Powers Radio | Fanboys Anonymous | The Dace Man Show | Nerd Court | Sports Talk Weekly | Addicted to Anime
Posted by
Wago
- Tuesday, July 8, 2014
First things first—Spoilers! Anyone who's a big fan of Anime will know that there are just some scenes that are, for one reason or another, absolutely heart wrenching. I'm sure many people are going to take issue with me leaving off a few of their favorites, but generally I'm going to try and keep it to one moment per anime. So with that in mind, honorable mentions are Maes Hughes' death, Lelouch's death, and anything from Angel Beats.
Pokemon - Bye Bye Butterfree
I thought I'd start off with an easy one, and now that I'm adult, it's a lot easier to watch, however at the time... damn. But hats off to 4Kids! for getting something right for once. But hey, even a blind squirrel will find a nut on an occasion. The first Pokemon we see Ash ever catch is Butterfree, and for a while we go on a journey where we grow attached to the little guy.
However, Ash being the kind hearted doofus that he is, finds out that it's Butterfree mating season. His Butterfree happens to meet a pink Butterfree and immediately falls in love. We see Ash's Butterfree triumph over Team Rocket and win the Pink Butterfree's heart. But that leaves us with the reality that it's time say, bye bye Butterfree...
Angel Beats - The Ending
I could just cheat and mention several parts of Angel Beats. However, I'll just pick the saddest of the bunch. Angel Beats is a story about a group of students in a high school purgatory, who are trapped their due to having their childhoods cut short. There are numerous depressing and tear jerking moments through out, however the saddest comes at the end once everyone but Yuzuru and Kanade have passed on.
Yuzuru, who has fallen in love with Kanade, suggests they stay and help any others that might wander in this world so that they don't fight against it like so many others had. It's at that moment that Kanade reveals that her existence in this world was thanks to him. Her own life had been cut short due to an accident and her life was extended due to Yuzuru marking himself down as an organ donor before passing. Now with his heart beating inside her chest, the one thing she regretted was not being able to thank him, hence why she wandered in to this world.
The end result would be a sobbing Yuzuru allowing Kanade to pass on, begging her not vanish, with her thanking him. Luckily many of feels would be calmed in a five second clip after the ending, which revealed the two meeting in the next life.
(Start the clip at 10:30)
Code Geass - Shirley Dies
Code Geass had it's fair share of depressing moments, and outside of perhaps the ending, I don't think you can find a sadder moment than this. Some people like to debate that Rolo's death was sadder, the only issue I take with that is that by that point most people hated Rolo. In addition, Lelouch faked kindness in his dying moments.
When it comes to Shirley, it was a love story gone horribly wrong. Lelouch hid under the identity of Zero as he led a terrorist group called the Black Knights against the Holy Britannia Army. Using his power of the Geass, he could make anyone obey him once. The chaos and drama that followed can only be explained by watching it for yourself.
Shirley got mixed up in the heat of all, and no matter the circumstance she always loved Lelouch, even after having her memories wiped and father killed by him, she fell in love all over again. Lelouch also had his memories altered in believing he had a younger brother named Rolo. Even when gaining those memories back he kept him by his side as pawn. However Rolo developed genuine feelings towards Lelouch and grew jealous of Shirley, killing her and leaving her to bleed out.
Lelouch would stumble across Shirley's bloody body, as they had one last exchange of words, attempted to use his Geass to command her to stay alive. But not even that could stop the inevitable, the scene ends with Lelouch giving a scream of absolute sorrow as Shirley goes limp and dies.
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood - Nina Tucker
Nina's death once made a previous list of mine, however it's not her death that is the saddest thing in all this, so it deserves a second look at. Shou Tucker had taken in the Elric brothers so that Edward could study for his exam. At they time they met Shou's incredibly adorable daughter, Nina.
Shou would leave you to believe that his wife had left him, and he was raising Nina alone. He was well regarded as an amazing alchemist for creating a talking Chimera, but now needed to do they same again to continue funding his research and way of life.
When he goes to show his research to the brothers, the chimera strikes a resemblance to family dog, except with brown hair similar to Nina's. In addition, it utters "big brother Ed." At that moment the wheels began to turn and Ed came to the conclusion of what has taken place. Shou Tucker had transmuted his wife two years ago and now did the same to his daughter.
All Shou cared about was staying a state alchemist, whilst the Nina chimera showed nothing but the innocence of a child still, and it suffered in pain. It was one of the most heart wrenching and sickening scenes that Fullmetal fans still have a hard time dealing with. Though in the end, Nina would be put out of her misery, as the state alchemist serial killer Scar put her and her father to death.
Clannad After Story - Ushio Dies
Tomoya is a single father. His wife Nagisa lost her life giving birth to her daughter Ushio. Nagisa had always been a very sick person and finally her illness caught up to her. Unfortunately for Ushio, that same unknown illness plagued her life too. She'd often miss school and be bed ridden, but Tomoya would always stay by her side just as he did Nagisa.
Having gone in to deep depression and missing for so long, we finally see him bounce back by making right and taking care of his daughter, which only made the following so much sadder.
Ushio is adamant on going on another he trip with her father. He caves in and the two set off, though once again her health catches up to her and she pushes herself to hard. Much like how her mother passed, the snow fell and she breathed her final breath next to Tomoya's side.
The saddest part is when she's in her fathers arms, she asks questions such as, "Are we on the train yet?" and, "It's dark, is it night?" It only made it sadder that he begs his wife from beyond the grave to help her daughter before the scene fades out. It's suggested that he went on to kill himself, however that was never clarified. The series would have a happy ending, but for me to explain it would give me headaches.
Do you agree with my top 5? Let me know in the comment section below. Until then, make sure to check out
Addicted to Anime.
Posted by
The Dace Man
- Monday, July 7, 2014
Hey, hey, hey, Dacetacular nation! Check out episode 53 of The Dace Man Show with hosts Dace, Gibby, and Frank Ward.
Join the Dace Man and crew this week as they break down the following:
::SPORTS NEWS::
- Current MLB standings
- Lebron James opts out of Miami Heat contract
::WEIRD NEWS WITH GIBBY::
::FRANK'S CORNER::
- What's going on at the corner of Frank and Fact?
::CELEB NEWS::
- Celeb birthdays from June 19th to June 25th
- 5 years ago Michael Jackson passed away.
- Gary Oldman under fire for comments made.
- Seth Rogen and James Franco have successfully pissed off North Korea.
Plus the High Five and new segment Gibby Sings! All that and more, only on The Dace Man Show
Follow on Facebook: Mega Powers Radio | Fanboys Anonymous | The Dace Man Show | Nerd Court | Sports Talk Weekly | Addicted to Anime
Posted by
Anthony Mango
- Saturday, July 5, 2014
On episode 3 of the Fanboys Anonymous Reviewpoint podcast, the panel reviews the latest installment of the Transformers franchise with the fourth film, Transformers: Age of Extinction and breaks down not only what worked in the film (Hit) as well as what didn't (Miss).
Hosted by Tony Mango along with Gabe Fremuth.
You can check out the podcast below on YouTube, iTunes and Stitcher. Make sure to subscribe!
Posted by
Orion Petitclerc
What's up? It's me again, back to talk about yet another outstanding issue of Warren Ellis, Declan Shalvey, and Jordie Bellaire's blockbusting comic book epic, Moon Knight. If you've yet to pick up an issue after my last four reviews, you're sorely missing out on one of Marvel's best titles. Seriously, just read the series. It's not your run-of-the-mill superhero comic.
Issue #5 is aptly titled "Scarlet." To seasoned Moon Knight fans, the name immediately conjures up fond memories of Moon Knight's classic femme fatale, Stained Glass Scarlet. Sadly, this issue has nothing to do with her. Luckily, that doesn't matter, as the book still stands on its own feet without relying on Moon Knight's history. This issue, as the creative team has giddily reiterated time and again via social media, is heavily influenced by such films as The Raid (an Indonesian flick whose plot was borrowed by 2012's Dredd) and Oldboy. If you ever watch those movies, you'll definitely see the similarities.
Moon Knight—drawing on the mythology of Khonshu in his role as the protector of night travelers—scales a six-story building fraught with armed thugs to save a young girl who was kidnapped at night. As he says to the first thug he encounters, the gang's motivation for the kidnapping doesn't matter; this is a pretty straightforward tale of the hero rescuing the damsel in distress and looking badass as he does. Context really means nothing to Moon Knight or this creative team, and that's what sets the book apart from other Marvel titles.
 |
| Yet another classic added to Ellis' Moon Knight one-liners. |
There are too many great action scenes to talk about, and I'd rather leave them for you to see for yourself. When Marvel and Diamond release their art previews of the books, they really do a disservice to the book and its team; each story is so self-contained that showing any one piece of a 21- to 24-page issues would prove too huge of a spoiler. I generally ignore the previews so I can get the full effect of the book when I first open it, and I suggest that you do the same.
Every member of the creative team is kicking major tush with this issue. I could go on praising everyone like I always do, but let's be honest: what else is there to say that I haven't already said? It's definitely a bittersweet feeling, though, knowing that this is their penultimate issue before Ellis and Shalvey leave the book to allow Brian Wood and Greg Smallwood their chance to shine. I'm still looking forward to their finale, though, and I know that whatever it will be, it shall be their swan song for the series.
 |
Really? You can afford a mansion and all your tech, and you're worried about
one truncheon? |
Moon Knight #5 gets 5 stars out of 5 for both writing and art. This issue is practically flawless, and a definite gem in the series. Don't waste any time; pick this book up now at your local comic book shop, or read it digitally with Comixology. Let me know your thoughts and feelings about this book and its epic series in the comments section below, and keep following Fanboys Anonymous for more Moon Knight reviews!
Posted by
Anthony Mango
- Friday, July 4, 2014
On Episode 2 of the Fanboys Anonymous FanTracks podcast, the panel provides commentary while watching the first two episodes of the classic Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers television series from the 1990s.
FANTRACKS EPISODE 2 - PART 2
Episode 2 - "High Five"
(original air date September 7, 1993)
Hosted by Tony Mango, the panel includes Chris Dace and Mike Paden.
After a short introduction, you will be told when to sync up your copies of the two episodes so you can follow along with our commentary. Follow the links below to listen to the podcast on either YouTube, iTunes, or Stitcher. Make sure to subscribe!
Posted by
Orion Petitclerc
- Thursday, July 3, 2014
Many of you who've used Steam probably know all too well about its humble bundle deals, in which you pay whatever price you're comfortable with for a virtual giftbox of many different games—even the big-name gems you'd have to pay $50 or more for new. I happened to stumble upon such a deal, but for something I love more than video games: comic books!
As a part of Dynamite Entertainment's 10th anniversary, the publisher—renowned for its books based on pulp properties such as The Shadow, Green Hornet, and Vamperilla—is teaming up with HumbleBundle.com to offer a bundle of comics with a value of $288 for any price you want to pay. That's right: you determine how much you want to pay for titles like the stars' of AMC's Comic Book Men creator-owned Cryptozoic Man, Vamperilla Masters Volumes 1 and 2, Project Superpowers Volume 1, the complete adaptation series of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time, and much more!
Additionally, you get to decide how much of your money will go towards Dynamite and its charities: the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Doctors Without Borders. Pay $15 or more, and you'll receive even more comics, even George R.R. Martin's Wild Cards! The best part about the deal? Every book is DRM-free and multi-format, so you can choose how you want to read them digitally. I donated a large percentage of my contribution to the charities. What will you donate?
Take advantage of this great deal while it lasts. Time is running out! Let us know how you contributed to the Humble Bundle and your reviews of the comics in the comments section below! Don't forget to follow Fanboys Anonymous for more comic book news!
Posted by
Jeff Penner
- Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Want to know what happened the past few days in nerd culture? WEEK IN GEEK is your quick fix to catch up with the rest of the Fanboys out there.
MOVIES
I saw Transformers: Age of Extinction
My take: If only the title of the movie was representative of the film series. If I was 12, I would be in heaven at this movie; however, I am not. I'm in my 30s and Optimus Prime is one of my heroes, but this guy in the movie? That ain't Optimus Prime. So ^&%$ this movie. It's not that the source material was genius to begin with, but that was 1983, and we're smarter than that now. The comic books with the Transformers characters run on politics and character arcs. The original animated movie had better story and characters than this movie did and a plot that actually made sense. This movie was done almost half in post using ADR, and not a single character was given his or her due. Autobots that hate each other? That hate humans? I can't believe there are two more on the way. #rant
Marvel Considering Solo Hulk Movie
My take: I would be very interested to see what they could do with a solo film. With Mark Waid's Indestructible Hulk comic book basically handing Marvel a plot thread, this film practically writes itself. I don't need to go on if you're willing to check out the book, but basically, Banner does research for S.H.I.E.L.D. and when he needs to "Hulk out," they point him at something and say "Smash". Simple. Genius.
Pacific Rim Gets a Sequel
My take: With a global take of only (only) $4 million, a sequel wasn't guaranteed for Guillermo del Toro. Legendary Pictures has finally concluded that giant robots fighting each other is a good moneymaker (where did they get that idea from?). As childish as it sounds, I felt the first film could have with more robot fights, and I hope the sequel delivers.
Clark Kent Photo Released for Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice
My take: Not to be "that guy," but if Clark Kent doesn't wear glasses, I'm probably going to kill somebody. He doesn't need to wear dark-rimmed "hipster" frames or anything, but it's a pretty big part of the lore and the deception (as minor as it is). It's also too bad that Superman is always mentioned as a big reason for why the Justice League forms, and we've only now just met him in one movie. He's had no time to shine or become the Christ-like, Boy Scout figure he's supposed to be.
Star Trek 3 Set in Deep Space
My take: The crew finally start their "5 year mission" in the next movie, and thank goodness. Get them away from the politics of the United Federation of Planets and Earth ASAP.
Exclusive Screening to Guardians of the Galaxy IMAX Footage
I have tickets to 17 minutes of the IMAX footage for Guardians of the Galaxy next week on Monday, July 7th. Expect an extremely excitable report after I get the pee stains out of my jeans.
TELEVISION
Community Gets Season 6
My take: My love for "the little show that could" has been up and down over the years. The quality of the episodes and my love for the show are directly related to one another. However, news that Community has been granted a 6th season warmed my heart. As a performer, I'm happy everyone in the series gets to continue working on it. As a writer, I'm happy the writers are getting more freedom and another shot. As a man, I can't get enough of Alison Brie.
The Flash TV Show Premiere Episode
My take: I heard about this guy I know who's a friend of my cousin who met this guy's dad who worked on The Flash and saw the first episode online. This guy—who isn't me, it's a totally different person—so this guy I heard about who saw the pilot told my friend, who told me, that it was actually pretty decent. It has the huge potential for a freak-of-the-week format, which is what made Smallville unbearable after the first season. However, or so I hear, it makes a strong point that they have long-term plans for the character.
Sherlock Will Return With a Christmas Special & Season 4
My take: It's too bad that the very show that has Cumberbatch and Freeman so much in demand now isn't able to thrive due to scheduling. It's something that longtime BBC fans like myself are used to, as is the now-confirmed Christmas Special. When a show is worth the wait, it makes it so much easier to wait for.
DC/WB Hitting Up San Diego Comic Con
My take: Looks like Gotham, Arrow, The Flash, and Constantine will have heavy coverage at San Diego Comic Con this month. My local comic shop manager recently told me DC held a meeting with shop owners where they actually owned up to screwing up lately. They admitted it was pretty dumb to have Deathstroke (you know, the "terminator"?) all over Batman: Arkham Origins and Arrow without corresponding products for fans to pick up in-store. Notice the new solicitation this week for the new Deathstroke comic book ongoing series? That's why.
Hieroglyph Cancelled by FOX
My take: Money wasted on a series that FOX was probably hoping would rival Game of Thrones in the realm of scandal and intrigue. I suspect the DVD may come out of season one, fans will call it "not bad actually," and it will be back in production in no time!
COMIC BOOKS
New York Comic Con 4-Day Tickets Sell Out In 40 Minutes
My take: I have been to the better-known San Diego Comic Con three (3) times. The first time, in 2001, I had absolutely zero (0) issues getting tickets, accommodations, or entry into a single panel or event. The next trip, I think in 2006(?), it was a little more difficult. The most recent trip in 2012? Every single aspect of the trip was an absolute disaster. Getting tickets online was a nightmare, it took me 4 hours to get a pass for just myself. It looks like cons are growing in demand and New York City Comic Con is starting to get this way. My suggestion that helps the actual comics industry? Put advance ticket vouchers inside comic books.
Deathstroke Given New Ongoing Series
My take: As per above, DC recently held a conference with comic store owners and owned up to some laziness. They admitted it was pretty dumb to have Deathstroke all over Batman: Arkham Origins and Arrow without corresponding products for fans to pick up in-store. This new ongoing is in response to that and they hope to highlight the character properly this time around.
Mark Waid back at BOOM! for New Series
My take: I've loved Waid for eons; his run on The Flash is, to this day, my favorite. I couldn't get enough of Irredeemable & Incorruptible so I can't wait to see what he has cooking. I met him at a convention once, and he's a super nice guy to boot.
HOLLYWOOD
Harrison Ford Seen Walking with Prosthetic in UK
My take: Harrison Ford is as manly as they can get. He's been out and about, broken leg and all, with a peg leg so he can get from A to B. Rather than sit around like a lazy person, he's mobile and active, ready for action sooner than we think!
Watch out for this segment each and every Wednesday. We'll see you next week!
Did we miss something? What are your thoughts on these topics? Leave us a comment below!
Posted by
The Dace Man
- Tuesday, July 1, 2014
What's up Dacetacular nation? The Dace Man here, hot off the press to kick off the month of July! Not too long ago, I reported to you on the shows that were cancelled and wouldn't be seeing the light of day in the Fall of 2014. The big shocker was that NBC's Community was on the chopping block. The series had survived five seasons of lackluster promotion, terrible time slots, and will-they-or-won't-they-return each year that eventually drove away two of the cast members. The series had been plagued with many issues, from the initial firing of creator and show runner Dan Harmon to the departure of Donald Glover and Chevy Chase. Now Community has yet again escaped death and found life on a new network—well, kinda sorta.
It was announced yesterday in a press release by Yahoo! and Sony Pictures that the infamous sitcom would see its wish of six seasons. Community will return this fall on Yahoo! Screen for a 13-episode run. The end of the darkest timeline is here. The CMO of Yahoo!, Kathy Savitt, had this to say about the return of the cult followed TV show:
“Yahoo is all about connecting the best creators to the audiences who love their work. ‘Community’ has an incredibly passionate and loyal fan base who have fought hard to keep this amazing show alive. We couldn’t be more excited to work with Dan, Joel, and the entire cast, as well as Sony, to deliver a great season 6."
As always, check back regularly to see what Chris "The Dace Man" Dace is looking at (and no, not just porn), as well as all of the other bloggers here at Fanboys Anonymous. Remember, keyboard warriors: leave your feedback! Until the next time, for the few, the proud, and, of course, the Dacetacular, grab a beer—and in this case your Greendale Spirit!—and check out what's going on here in the Dace-Sphere. See ya next time!
Follow on Facebook: Mega Powers Radio | Fanboys Anonymous | The Dace Man Show | Nerd Court | Sports Talk Weekly | Addicted to Anime
Posted by
Eddie Siqueira
- Monday, June 30, 2014
The last episode has aired; the final stone has set. Hank Moody has taken us through a tale of fatherhood for Generation X in seven seasons. Luckily, the final episode did the series justice.
Californication was not a force to be reckoned with. It didn't engage a kaleidoscope of demographics like Game of Thrones or Breaking Bad. It caught the eye of a more select audience. One that, while laughing at gratuitous vulgarities of the show, also appreciated the more selective emotional moments of rock-bottom and total bliss.
I often saw Californication as Sex and the City for men, due to the occasional misogynistic nature of certain events that possibly alienated a few women—although many female characters in the show were at par with the male sexual aggressiveness. This writer is guilty of being gruesomely bored by the Sarah Jessica Parker chick-flick series, so my comparison remains valid until proven wrong. Nevertheless, Duchovny's series was not easily hypnotic to many, which makes it extremely underrated.
We saw two distinct parts to the show: seasons 1–4 told of Hank's constant battle with Mia, the underaged teenager he was tricked into bedding. This story was sandwiched between his reconciliation with his girlfriend and daughter, followed by the chaos of fathering a teenager and coping with the law, as Mia resurfaced and told the truth. Season 4 ended on a note of farewell as Hank returned to New York on his own. If the series had ended here, it would have been an epic modern tale.
Seasons 5–7 saw Hank returning to California for some extra shenanigans, although truth be told, it seemed like a forced story. It was 3 years later, and the vibe was completely different as Becca entered college and Karen seemed more distant. Season 6 only strengthened this tendency, as we entered rock 'n' roll cliché territory. Season 7, as a whole, was perhaps more coherent and less fantastic, but lacked some passion. However, it all made more sense than a lot of random things that had occurred in most episodes of season 6. There was some conflict of character as everyone seemed dumbed down from the first few seasons, but it was all right, although not at par with the show's history.
Karen made occasional appearances, and Becca was seen in only one episode of season 7. Hank discovered his long-lost son, Levon, and was a TV show writer. Things were odd for a bit as Hank was in a weird rut. Something did, however, become strangely nostalgic in this last episode.
Hank dreamed of a walk in Venice with Becca, as they had done so many times. Charlie and Marcy reconciled through dysfunction, as they always did. Hank chased Karen. Charlie and Marcy, due to financial difficulties, move to a smaller place—a certain apartment in Venice Beach, conveniently vacant. Although cheesy, it sparked a little nostalgia in me. It was a good ode to the classics.
What's great is that the new storyline wrapped nicely. Hank helped Levon score a date and set up a blind date for Julia and Rath. Moody followed Karen onto a plane heading toward New York and read her a letter; somehow it seemed to work. A montage overlaid with a remix of Elton John's "Rocketman" played back a perfectly happy ending with a few flashbacks of family happiness. There is still the never-ending uncertainty as to what will actually happen to Hank and Karen, but given that the final dolly shot lowered onto the abandoned black Porsche, overseen by a California sunset, it seems likely their future is in New York.
There was no other way to end it. A little suspense is the only way to go. All I know is that it played out wonderfully and surprisingly well, considering the rest of the season, which comprised both highs and lows. I give it a thumbs up, and I'm willing to cast aside my more critical side because emotions have been stirred. From here on, best of luck to the actors!
The silver lining? David Duchovny will star in an NBC series entitled Aquarius, where he plays a police sergeant investigating a certain Charles Manson in the '60s. Duchovny playing an agent? That sounds familiar… Will the new show live up to expectations? Comment!
