There are so many twisted scenarios in each episode of Californication that rouse discussion. I could delve into the seedy depths of Hank and Mia’s relationship for days. Or I could bore you with my interpretations of Hank and Karen’s constant flirtation and the subtext of their discussions. But instead, I’d rather get into Charlie Runkel’s plunge into soft S&M behaviour, since it was easily the most interesting thing about this week’s episode.
In this episode, Runkel continues to be a naughty boy with his assistant Danny, making her crawl seductively towards him on the floor to look for the Advil he dropped because his “head” hurts. We all know he needs Danny for his throbbing head, not an Advil.
The two have been engaging in each others’ fantasies for weeks, getting off on the “Master/Slave” role-playing initially provoked by Danny when she bent over Runkel’s lap so he could spank her.
But in this episode, Marcy’s neglect causes her to try and incite a little afternoon delight in Runkel’s office. Runkel proves he’s no master at longevity when he and Marcy go for a quickie on his office chair, lasting barely a minute, much to Marcy’s chagrin. Quickie, indeed. Nonetheless, blind to his wife’s needs, he tries to capitalize on his newfound dark sexual escapades by telling Marcy he’s interested in some some good old-fashioned S&M role-playing. Just the typical stuff, he says, like “hot candle wax on your nipples,” or a “ball gag”.
For your reference, fellas, and perhaps a bit of empathy, try dripping hot candle wax on your balls before you ask a lady to indulge in such foreplay. Unless, of course, she requests it without your influence.
Marcy wants to get laid badly, so she tries to work with her man on his newfound interest. She lets Runkel spank her, which sends her keeling over in pain. We’ll have to wait and see where Runkel’s escapades take him.
How do couples merge their fantasies together in real life? Is it something you just try and casually bring up in conversation, a la Runkel?
After all, S&M is a far cry from teacher/schoolgirl role-playing and other more vanilla activities. We’re talking bondage, whips, chains, gags, spanks, and god knows what else. A tactful segue would probably be hard to come by.
Some couples are totally into it, I get that… but how do these couples find each other?
A man will never get a whip, a ball gag, or hot wax anywhere near my body. This episode had me thinking: What do you do when your partner wants something completely outside of your sexual comfort zone? Do you cross that bridge or meet them half-way?
Written by Angela Tosse
Hanks Rank’s for this week – he managed to have sex definitely once in his house, and at the end of the episode I think we can safely assume he went for it a second time.
