Ep 8. California Son

Hank Moody is a self-destructive writer who struggles with women, his career, and parenting his teenage daughter. In Californication season 1 episode 8, titled "California Son," he continues to spin out of control.

The episode opens with Hank packing up his belongings and leaving his home in Los Angeles. He's heading to New York to be with his ex-girlfriend, Karen and their daughter, Becca. However, before he leaves, he has a run-in with his neighbor, Mia, who is still mad about the way he treated her after they slept together. She threatens to ruin him if he doesn't fix things between them.

Once Hank arrives in New York, he finds Karen and Becca living in a fancy apartment that's way out of his budget. Karen tells him that she's been staying there thanks to her new boyfriend, Bill, who is a wealthy lawyer. Hank feels emasculated by Bill's success and Karen's attraction to him, but he tries to put on a brave face and convince himself that he's happy for Karen.

Meanwhile, Becca is struggling with her new life in New York. She misses her old friends, her old school, and her old life. While Hank tries to cheer her up by taking her to see a punk band, she starts to resent him for dragging her into his dysfunctional life. She blames him for ruining her childhood and making her move to New York just to be near him.

As if that wasn't enough, Hank finds out that his agent, Charlie, has been fired from his job. He's now working as a janitor and trying to make ends meet. Hank feels guilty for not being able to help Charlie more, and he starts to spiral out of control, drinking and doing drugs to cope with his emotions.

In the end, Hank realizes that he can't keep running from his problems. He needs to face his fears and take responsibility for his actions. He apologizes to Karen for his behavior and tells her that he's going to try to be a better father. He also reconciles with Becca and promises to listen to her more and be there for her.

The episode ends with Hank returning to Los Angeles, ready to start over and make things right. He's still struggling with his demons, but he's taking small steps to overcome them and fix his relationships with the people he loves.