Ep 11. Blues From Laurel Canyon

Hank and Becca head out to California's historic Laurel Canyon to visit the latest book review that Karen has been raving about. The gorgeous scenic drive fills Hank with inspiration for his novel. But upon arriving at the book review, the atmosphere brings Hank down.

He meets a fellow author, Levon, who is a fan of Hank and insists on buying him a drink. Levon invites Hank to hang out with him and his friends, but Hank is hesitant. Levon tells Hank that he has some material that he thinks would be perfect for his book. Hank takes Levon's offer and decides to go back to his hotel room with Levon and his friends.

In the hotel room, Hank visits with Levon and his friends, enjoying the liquor and the blues music that is being played. Hank also meets Leon, a musician who used to play with Hank's old friends, The Grateful Dead. Leon is now homeless and living in a tent down by the river. Hank seems genuinely interested in Leon's music and talks with him about it.

Meanwhile, Becca meets an older man named Damien who she enlists to be her guitar teacher. Damien seems to be taking a liking to Becca and invites her and her father to a get-together that he will be hosting.

As the night wears on, Hank becomes more and more intoxicated. Levon offers him some cocaine, which Hank initially refuses but eventually takes after much persuasion. Hank's night takes a turn for the worse when he wakes up in a hospital bed with Becca and Karen standing over him.

Hank finds out that he had a heart attack and the doctors tell him that he is now at risk for another one. Karen tells Hank that they need to go home and start taking better care of themselves. Hank is despondent and tells Karen that he doesn't know how to live any other way. But Karen insists that they both have to make changes in their lives.

Back home, Hank starts to take better care of himself and spends more time with Becca. He also starts to work on his book again, getting back the inspiration that he had lost. Meanwhile, Karen starts to see Damien, the guitar teacher, romantically.

Blues From Laurel Canyon is an episode full of introspection and self-reflection for Hank and Karen. It examines the temptation of drugs and the toll that they can take on a person's life. It also highlights the need for change and the importance of taking care of oneself. With strong performances from David Duchovny and Natascha McElhone, Blues From Laurel Canyon is a standout episode in Californication's second season.