Ep 4. Fear and Loathing at the Fundraiser

Hank is back in Los Angeles after a brief trip to New York City. He is still reeling from the events that took place at Mia's book reading and trying to avoid her as much as possible. Karen has organized a charity fundraiser at her friend Carrie's house, and she is adamant that Hank comes along.

While at the fundraiser, Hank runs into a famous rock star named Lew Ashby, whom he had met briefly in New York City. Lew invites Hank to his mansion to check out his new album, and Hank agrees to go. At Lew's mansion, Hank meets up with a group of people, including a young woman named Janie Jones, who is a singer and one of Lew's protégés. Lew offers to produce a record for Janie and asks Hank to write the lyrics.

Hank starts to bond with Janie and feels inspired to write some lyrics for her. However, he soon realizes that Janie is only 16 years old, and he feels uncomfortable about getting involved with her. Meanwhile, Karen is at the fundraiser with her new boyfriend, Bill, and Hank becomes increasingly jealous and insecure.

The night takes a turn for the worse when Hank sees Mia at the fundraiser. Mia demands that Hank apologize for what he wrote about her in his book, and he refuses, causing a scene. Karen witnesses the whole thing and becomes angry with Hank for ruining her night.

Back at Lew's mansion, things get even more complicated. Janie reveals that she has feelings for Hank, and he agrees to help her make a demo tape. However, Lew has other plans for Janie and wants her to work with another producer instead. Hank and Lew have a heated argument, and Hank storms out of the mansion.

The episode ends with Hank sitting alone in a bar, feeling disillusioned and lost. He realizes that he has pushed away the people who care about him and wonders where his life is headed.

"Fear and Loathing at the Fundraiser" is a complex episode that explores themes of jealousy, insecurity, and creative inspiration. Hank is struggling to come to terms with his past mistakes and navigate his complicated relationships. The episode also introduces Lew Ashby, a character who will play a significant role in the series and serves as a foil to Hank's cynical, jaded worldview. Overall, it's a compelling and thought-provoking installment of Californication.