Through word of mouth last year, I was told that Weeds, a Showtime Original Series, was worth looking into.  Luckily, I stumbled upon a website that offered full episodes of the dark comedy and in just less than a week, I was able to watch the entire three seasons.  From the first episode, I was completely hooked and the lack of scripted original programming on the air these days makes this seem all the better.

Weeds is a refreshing yet absurd tale of suburban survival.  The show explores family, suburban secrecy and the tainted glamour of the underworld through the life on Nancy Botwin, a widowed mother of two who makes ends meet by selling marijuana.  But she's not entirely alone.  Andy, her diseased husband's reckless brother, makes up the loose family unit as the kind of unsuitable surrogate father, who gives dating advice and masturbation lessons to his nephews.  He's like the cool uncle every young boy wants to have. Then there are also other characters on the show whose storylines keep them just as interesting as the lead.

There's nothing like motherly love and some good old fashioned drug trafficking to bring a story to life.  And nothing does it better than Weeds.  If the marijuana-themed premise of the show isn't enough to get you addicted, then perhaps my reasons for watching the show will hopefully tickle your curiosity.


Mary Louise Parker

The idea that a suburban housewife could engage in such illegal activities for the sake of providing for her children seems preposterous to some people.  But the reality is that plenty of people do it everyday and Mary Louise Parker does an excellent job portraying a mother who's not too sure of her next move, but always finds a way to land on her feet.  At 44, she still has what it takes to lure viewers with her charming personality and sex appeal that stems from her intelligence and feminine poise.  She also does more with her eyes and small gestures than most actors do with pages of dialogue.


The Soundtrack

I've always been particular about the type of melody that accompanies a TV show and Weeds has made expert use of music that captures the good old-fashioned suburban American uncertainty. While some tracks are better than others (and some could really have been left out), the soundtrack somehow maintains a coherence which fits with the general mood of the show.


Brilliant Writing

Weeds is never preachy but creatively skewers everything that's wrong about the right. It doesn't appear to be taking sides when it comes to the legality and morality of marijuana-dealing or possession or use.  And while it taps on some pretty heavy issues, including racisms, illegal immigration and gang violence, the show maintains a satirical credibility that never fails to make viewers laugh.  So far, the writers have done a fine job in crafting dynamic cliffhangers that will leave you grabbing the edge of your seat as you await the next major outcome.  If you have an open mind and like fast-phased scripts, then this show is for you.

I'm pretty sure there are other reasons to watch this show, and Mary Louise Parker, the show's soundtrack and its clever writing are just among the many.  Unfortunately, Weeds just wrapped up its fourth season a couple of months ago and won't be back in the air until next year.  In the meantime, you can check out other dark cable dramas such as FX's Nip/Tuck and Damages, which returns with new episodes on January 6 and 7 respectively.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Image courtesy of Showtime)