(S05E04) "They were going to sell my gallbladder to the Japanese. Fortunately, my body is a toxic pit." - Celia to Nancy, trying to convince her to let her move in
I know some of you will disagree with me, but I thought this was a really great episode. Maybe Jenji Kohan is listening to us, because it brought back the unique blend of fun and drama that I loved about the early seasons of Weeds. And oh, the quotes! Like this one, when Esteban meets Nancy and clan at the house, after they've been on the run:
Silas: "So you're the mayor of Mexico or something?" Esteban: "Or something, yes." Shane: "And you stuck your penis inside my mother at least once." Nancy: "Ok, then. Good night, Shane. Go upstairs."
This week in Jane After Dark, I took a short break from The Wire, but don't worry, devoted Wire fans! I'm watching season three right now, and already writing next week's column in my head.
Since I'm covering season five of Weeds for TV Squad, I thought I'd better get caught up on season four. I'd watched episodes here and there, but not the entire season from start to finish. I just finished the last episode and have to say the series certainly took a turn in a different direction.
First of all, I really like the little vignettes at the beginning of Weeds episodes now (and last season). They're always related to whatever the episode is about, and this one featured a bar of soap. Nancy got her stinky "bodyguard" Sucio to take a shower in her outdoor shower, but then he disappeared, leaving blood stains in his wake. Much as I loved the "Little Boxes" theme song, it didn't really fit once the gang migrated south, and the new openers are very cool.
And much as I love Jennifer Jason Leigh as an actress, I'm not sure I'm loving her character of Nancy's sister, Jill. Maybe because I'd really like Andy and Nancy to get together, and with Andy and Jill doing it, that's just not going to happen -- at least not right now. Andy and Nancy are sort of perfect for each other.
(S05E02) I learn something new every time I watch Weeds. Last week, I learned about flash mobs. This week, I learned that fish are used in the pedicure process and guys in prison get specific tattoos on their backs. You know the ones I mean. Yes, I lead a sheltered life.
Ok, so the fact is I found this episode really dark -- on my first time through, that is. I watched it again and decided it had lots of subtle funny moments.
The first one occurred when Esteban's goon was tasked with keeping Nancy company, and then got sucked into getting a pedicure. Big mistake because Nancy ended up ditching him on the guise of getting a bikini wax.
(S05E01) "Just because you've been a slutty, irresponsible, slutty slut and had unprotected sex with a Mexican doesn't mean we can't be friends." - Andy to Nancy
One of the things I love about Weeds is the show's ability to mix humor and drama in every episode. It leaned more towards the drama in season four, but hopefully, we'll get back to more humor in season five. It sure seems that way so far, even though I'm wondering how the heck Nancy is going to get out from under the Mexican mafia (literally), especially with Esteban's baby on board.
You have to wonder how many people watch Weeds as a Pot 101 primer. We've gotten some really good tips on what -- and what not -- to do in the pot-growing business. Now with Andy, Silas and Doug growing pot in a national forest, maybe our national forests will be covered with pot. I see lots of funny storylines ahead for these three.
The new season of Weeds starts on Showtime June 8, and the cable channel has a couple of new ads out to promote the show. The one below features Kevin Nealon giving a speech with a familiar theme (not to mention that poster behind him...).
(S04E12) A lot can happen in two weeks! Weeds took a short break and returned in the form of an action-packed drama. If this episode set the tone for next week, we can expect the finale to be a departure from the flaky, in-over-her-head Nancy from seasons past. Things have gotten serious on our little drug comedy.
Fortunately, there were some lighter moments. Naked Andy always mellows things out, and Celia gave us some laughs as well. Naturally, her rehab breakthrough came from a selfish place, which led to some hilarious backhanded apologies. Will there be any time for humor in next week's season finale?
(S04E09) It appears that Nancy is growing up, and it only took four seasons for it to happen. She dealt with mature relationship issues and had a calm, romantic moment with Esteban. I was thrilled that she finally made good on her promise to be more available to her family, going MILF-a-MILF with Lisa and dealing with Shane's kinky flea-scratching. Her responsible behavior also made up for Celia's descent into coke-fiendom.
(S04E08) This episode definitely belongs in the "mixed bag" category. Some things worked for me and others didn't. Nancy's extended lunch date with Esteban and Shane's prison-style lunch confrontation were both enjoyable. On the down side, Celia's drugged-out craziness and Silas' scenes with Lisa didn't entertain me.
I expected something more at this point in the season, but it looks like things are set up for a better episode next week. Don't give up, Weeds fans!
(S04E07) Nancy hasn't completely left her old self behind, has she? After only a short time at Maternity World, she was ready to take on her old operation. Many of the pre-Ren Mar folks emerged from various parts of California. I was strangely excited to see the Botwins' old housekeeper, Lupita, along with Sanjay (now a father to Clinique's baby) and Marvin (10 pounds lighter).
Have the good old days of pot dealing returned, or will Nancy have trouble working within someone else's organization?
(S04E06) Everyone was finding love--or lust--this week on Weeds. The presence of guest stars Julie Bowen and Demian Bichir just made the show significantly hotter. The Botwins and their tenants focused more on their personal lives, with mixed results. Celia developed her maternal side, Andy and Doug pondered their next move, and Silas got to know the neighbors.
(S04E05)Weeds turned a corner with this episode. This week marked the true beginning of Nancy's new life. She owned up to her mistakes, made amends to her friends and family, and admitted the obvious: she was a lousy drug dealer. While it took Nancy several seasons to realize the truth about herself, Guillermo figured it out in a few episodes and gave her a new job.
(S04E04) Nobody mourns like the Botwins. I can't decide whose behavior was the least appropriate; there certainly were a lot of contenders. Lenny's countdown was extremely insensitive, and his actions throughout the episode didn't do him any favors, either. I'll save the specifics for after the jump, but he made Nancy's Andy-ditching look like an act of kindness. Not cool, BotWinBig, not cool.
Here come two more lists of the ten actors and actresses that are finalists for Emmy nominations in the supporting comedy categories. As with the other awards, there are some surprises on the list, and some notable omissions. For the ladies, the headline is that last year's winner, Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl), didn't make the cut. Surprise finalists include Conchata Ferrell (Two And A Half Men) and Amy Poehler (Saturday Night Live). I don't mind seeing Conchata on the list because she is consistently funny on the show, but I don't know that there is enough to her role for her to actually garner a nomination when you consider the competition.
(S04E03) What a relief! Now that we've ditched the dead weight (sorry, Bubbie) Weeds can finally get down to business. The Agrestic and Ren Mar worlds are slowly coming together, which should please the Doug fans. Some familiar faces are making their way to Nancy's new home, and that could mean trouble for her.
(S05E02) I learn something new every time I watch 
(S04E12) A lot can happen in two weeks! 
(S04E08) This episode definitely belongs in the "mixed bag" category. Some things worked for me and others didn't. Nancy's extended lunch date with Esteban and Shane's prison-style lunch confrontation were both enjoyable. On the down side, Celia's drugged-out craziness and Silas' scenes with Lisa didn't entertain me. 
(S04E07) Nancy hasn't completely left her old self behind, has she? After only a short time at Maternity World, she was ready to take on her old operation. Many of the pre-Ren Mar folks emerged from various parts of California. I was strangely excited to see the Botwins' old housekeeper, Lupita, along with Sanjay (now a father to Clinique's baby) and Marvin (10 pounds lighter). 
Here come two more lists of the ten actors and actresses that are finalists for Emmy nominations in the supporting comedy categories. As with the other awards, there are some surprises on the list, and some notable omissions. For the ladies, the headline is that last year's winner, 
TV Squad previews NBC's new shows (part 1)
TV 101: How ESPN controls the world and what the other networks can learn from it
TV Squad previews CBS's new shows
