A few years have passed when Hank accepts an invitation from Charlie to return to Los Angeles and write a film starring rapper/actor Samurai Apolcaypse, then reunites with Karen, her husband, and his daughter Becca. Season premiere.
Hank takes a meeting with director Peter Berg, where they discover that Hank and Peter have shared more than just a love of the written word; Samurai Apocalypse tries to get rid of Tyler, damaging Hank and Becca's relationship.
Hank delivers a completed draft to Samurai Apocalypse, his attempts to leave town are thwarted when he's asked to show a night on the town to Kali, his "acquaintance" from the flight to Los Angeles; Tyler crashes with Karen and Becca.
Hank receives an unwelcome surprise in the form of Carrie, his ex-girlfriend and arsonist. He reluctantly invites her along to a party with Karen, Becca, Stu, Marcy and Bates that proves to be illuminating, disturbing, and out of control.
Sam invites Hank and Charlie on a ride-along with the Santa Monica Police Department and takes them on a journey that goes sexually awry for Charlie; Richard hits the bottle at a restaurant with Karen and Becca, but Hank saves the day.
Hank channels an earlier time when life was simpler in order to write a song that will help Sam break through his lyrical roadblock; Karen shows up at Hank's door worried that she has made a serious mistake.
Hank saves Karen from embarrassment with a drunk Richard, then covers for Richard by pretending to be dating a stripper named Holly; after she is fired, Lizzie the nanny allows her relationship with Charlie to progress.
Hank reads Tyler's screenplay, discovering hidden talent and disturbing information about the author's relationship with Hank's daughter; Charlie and Lizzie's love quadrangle with Stu and Marcy heats up.
Hank's rendezvous with the leading lady of his new movie puts his relationship with Sam in jeopardy on the first day of production, but Charlie luckily has a backup plan.
Hank crashes with Karen and Becca while looking for new representation, which he may have found in power agent Larry Levine, who sets up a meeting with one of Hank's idols; Lizzie gets her big break with a small part in the movie.
Hank prepares to hit the road but is surprised when everyone he knows and loves shows up to send him on his way, but it's not a party until somebody gets hurt.
Hank wonders if he's in Hell when he realizes a local bartender is his late friend Lew Ashby; Sam's jealousy on the set of "Santa Monica Cop" gives Charlie a chance to prove his loyalty; Hank's arsonist ex has a surprise. Season finale.