Sometimes you just can’t escape your past. No matter how much you have changed or try to move forward, some people will always see you in the same light. Hank Moody (David Duchovny) has done some foul stuff in his life and in the second season of Showtime’s series Californication, he is being forced to deal with his past.

Californication has been one of the most interesting and original new series to come out of Showtime. The blend of humor and unusual (but somewhat believable, at least in L.A. they are) situations creates a ‘what will happen next’ type interest without becoming overly gimmicky. In this season of Californication the writers (creator Tom Kapinos with Gina Fattore and others) put Hank Moody in situations similar to the first season and then let the audience to see if he has changed at all since the season finale.

In the season finale, Karen (Natascha McElhone) leaves her fiancé at the altar to be with Hank and their daughter, Becca (Madeleine Martin). As season 2 opens the couple is still together and living at Hank’s house. Several times in the premier episode Hank is faced with temptation of the female variety (see below), and in both occasions he turns down the offer. However, by the end of the episode Hank gets in trouble with Karen and then  tossed in jail, but at least he’s trying to act like an adult.

Through Hank’s jail excursion he meets record producer Lew Ashby (Callum Keith Rennie); think Rick Rubin meets Phil Spector. Ashby is a lot like Hank, he’s completely unrepressed and somewhat self destructive. Watching the two of them interact is like watching new Hank and old Hank hang out. As luck would have it Ashby needs a ghostwriter for his bio and Hank needs a paying writing gig.

While hanging out at Ashby’s mansion/studio, Hank has a run in with the happy hooker, Trixie (Judy Greer) and while it does not end in a full release, it does wind up complicating things with Karen. To add insult to injury, Sonja (Paula Marshall) returns with a job offer for Karen and some very surprising news for Hank.

Meanwhile Charlie's (Evan Handler) wife Marcy (Pamela Adlon) has rediscovered cocaine. Back at work tensions with Charlie's former assistant Dani (Rachel Miner), lead to a big shakeup at his job.

Becca (Madeleine Martin) begrudgingly heads off to private school and winds up with a boyfriend, which gives Hank the chance to play the protective father. In other teen news, Mia (Madeline Zima) is enjoying her new role as an acclaimed author, even if she had to steal Hank’s (re-titled F**king and Punching) book to do it.

David Duchovny is in a role that seems to be tailor made for him and it might even make you forget that he was on that other show. Look for Callum Keith Rennie (Leobon of BSG fame) and Pamela Adlon (Bobby Hill from King of the Hill) who are real stand outs this season. Look out for some cool cameos from Brian Posehn, Sheri Moon Zombie, Pete Wentz, Alexis Arquette and Colin Malone (of Colin's Sleazy Friends) who all make memorable appearances.

Californication is a once in a decade show that allows its characters to be exactly who they are and lets the audience watch them as they sink or swim. If you missed the first season then now is the perfect time to jump in.