For many, David Duchovny will always be Fox Mulder from the hugely successful science-fiction series The X-Files, with attempts by the actor to take on new roles having historically met with apathy and disinterest from the wider public. Certainly, Duchovny’s cinematic outings haven’t fared very well and with news of another forthcoming X-Files movie, maybe it is inevitable that his antics as Mulder, investigating paranormal phenomena with buddy Dana Scully, will be the role that defines his acting career.

But don’t tell Duchovny, as he hasn’t yet thrown in the towel when it comes to other parts, and last night saw his latest attempt to reinvent himself debut on Five. Californication (sadly no Red Hot Chili Peppers song for the opening credits) hit these shores amid controversy, with religious and right-wing groups in the US and Australia upset by the saucy content. But was it worth all the fuss and can Duchovny convince with a new character?

Firstly, Duchovny’s central character, Hank Moody is not really that far removed from Mulder. He is laconic, intelligent and incredibly perceptive, but unlike his former creation is not motivated or inquisitive. He has achieved success in the literary world with the publication of his novel, which has since been turned into a box-office hit, but faces the struggle of the follow-up book. He labels himself a one-hit wonder and sits at his lap-top, unable to concentrate on work, typing the word ‘f**k’. He is Mulder 20 years down the line: jaded, confused and uninspired. He wants to work, knows he should work but is incapable of it.

In attempts to either reinvigorate his creativity or try to salvage some self-esteem, he lingers in book shops reading his own book or goes to the cinema to watch his film. He is offered a blogging job by his affable agent, the under-used Evan Handler as Charlie, but turns his nose up at it (boo!) He has hit the zenith of his career and is now wallowing as he waits to work out what he should do next with his life.

To help pass the time, Hank channels all of his energies into rampant sex. The opening scene sees him dreaming of getting a blow job from a nun. Oh – controversial! Because this show is determined to be ‘adult’ and ‘mature’ it means that we actually get to see people getting naked when they have sex and no convenient L-shaped sheets for the ladies as they lie back afterwards. Californication is proud of its tits’n’ass and so we are treated to numerous pairs of jiggly bosoms as various women take a ride on the Moody love machine.

The sex (which always features Hank on the bottom fact fans) can feel a little hollow and contrived. Yes, we understand that Hank is spiritually lost, but his laidback behaviour and hang-dog expressions don’t really suggest an animal desire for non-stop naughtiness. He seems too bored for sex and it feels wedged in by writers to inject more ‘edginess’.

Hank’s lady action impacts upon his relationship with his 12-year-old daughter Becca and his ex-girlfriend Karen (the always fantastic Brit Natascha McElhone.) His daughter is found by her teacher being touched up by a boy at school as she believes that is the only way to get a boy to like her, before being carried (literally) by Hank out of debauched party of sex and drugs. Said youngster is constantly clad in pseudo-punk garb and will no doubt develop into one of US TV’s customary brats.

Karen seems nice enough, though this being the first episode, she like the rest of the cast suffered from the strict focus being on Hank. She remains the love of Hank’s life and though we understand that their relationship ended in disaster, the lingering love is far from subtle. Sadly Karen is now engaged, and further complications are introduced with her fiancé’s daughter, 16-year-old Mia, a recent conquest of Hank’s.

And so after 45 minutes (an odd length, no?) in the company of Hank and co. what have we learned? That Duchovny has enough charm and wit to make the reading of the phone book unmissable TV and hopefully with some meatier work from some of his co-stars, the show could develop a sound ensemble. The premise of a frustrated writer is far from novel (ha!), and the reliance on sex could soon get very boring, but there is enough potential with the repressed romance to create some genuine drama. The jokes were strong (one line about ‘finger-banging a cat’ had me laughing like a naughty school-girl) and with a second season already commissioned, Californication could be another strong offering from US cable station Showtime (Dexter, Weeds, The Tudors.)