Constance Phillips, A Writer's Musings

As a writer trying to get published I find myself dissecting other works. Whether it be books, television or the movies; when something resonates with people, I try to pull it apart to see why. What is so appealing about this scenario, characters, or plot-line?In the same vein, when it comes to TV, I don’t have a lot of extra time to watch, so something has to resonate with ME, before it makes it onto my ‘must see’ list.

While I’ve heard good things about the Showtime series Californication it took word of a story arc featuring Rick Springfield to get me to tune in this season. (Yeah, I know, big surprise there too.) The semi-autobiographical, bigger-than-life character the singer/songwriter/actor is taking on has made me giggle, I must say. It’s been a lot of fun. What’s surprised me though is I’ve found myself pulled into the main characters, their stories, and Hank Moody (David Duchovny) in particular.

So, the real question is why?

My local writing group has been talking a lot lately about appealing characters, rooting interests, sympathetic heroes, etc. and on the surface poor Hank is the kind of sleazy, stereotypical guy’s guy who can’t keep his pants zipped and is driven by his need for carnal satisfaction. I shouldn’t care what happens to him, in fact, I should probably wish some unconventional, painful death on him. But I do care, and I want everything to work out for him.

Why?

The answer came to me while watching last night’s episode.

I care because Hank cares.

Despite what the student in his class thinks, he does care about whether or not she continues to pursue her education. He cares about his friends, his daughter, and most importantly ‘the soul mate’.

I don’t kn0w if this charecter archtype could be pulled off in another scenario and work as well.  There’s a delicate balance to be walked and it’s a fine line between sympathetic and sleazy that Hank Moody walks. But as long as I feel like Moody still cares, I think I’ll care enough to continue watching.