There are just as many bad things about Showtime’s David Duchovny vehicle as there are good, and yet it’s just so damn watchable. Duchovny stars as a disaffected novelist trying to wrestle writer’s block and a drinking problem while screwing everything that moves and watching his ex and their daughter start a new family.

Witty dialogue collides with clichés and pretension. Character motivation and cause and effect are thrown out the window. And apparently, Duchovny has magical sexual powers that instantly turn every woman in Los Angeles into a nymphomaniac.

A strong cast, including Natascha McElhone as the Ex and the ubiquitous Evan Handler as the Agent, keep the show afloat during its more ridiculous moments. And the episodes keep moving before you can reach for the fast forward button.

Grade: B+

Californication – The First Season is currently available.