Thus, with the help of a generous co-worker, I sped through the first three seasons of "Weeds," and got hooked on its great performances, scathing wit and wacky plotlines. The fourth season started Monday at 10 p.m. If you missed it, don't worry -- Showtime will air it again, like, a zillion times in the next week.
This season Nancy (Parker) has fled her suburb of Agrestic, which burned down in a series of wild fires (which were spurred by a fire set by Nancy's new drug contact). She, her two sons and her irresponsible brother-in-law Andy have settled in the beach community of Ren Mar. Nancy was looking to hide out with Andy's and her late husband Judah's grandmother. But, when the fam shows up, Bubbie is on a respirator. Surprise! She's being cared for by Judah's and Andy's surly, gambling-addicted dad, Len (Albert Brooks, pitch perfect). Len is a bitter sort, and is so resentful of Nancy that he refuses to call her by her real name. Instead, he's dubbed her 'Not-Francie,' in honor of the lovely Jewish Lasik surgeon Judah SHOULD have married. He's no fan of Andy, either, and calls him 'Not Judah.'
But Nancy doesn't mind. She's not there for a family reunion, but embarking on a new career, moving up from a pot saleswoman to drug trafficker.
Meanwhile, her former neighbor and friend Celia (Perkins) has ratted Nancy out to the police. However, Celia's ex-husband and some of Nancy's salespeople, pin the rap on Celia instead. She lands in jail. In the short-term, that's unfortunate, as Celia is such a fierce, over-the-top character -- I hate seeing her humbled and pushed to the sidelines. But I have a feeling that, in the long-term, her misfortune will just make her angrier and more of a force to be reckoned with.
The show can be difficult at times. A lot of the characters behave unsympathetically, and Nancy just gets more manipulative with each season. Also, I miss Nancy's former drug cohorts, Heylia and Conrad, who fled during the wildfires. A lot of the other regular characters, including hilarious stoner accountant Doug (Nealon) are seen only briefly (though I have a feeling that Doug will soon be joining Nancy and co. in Ren Mar).
Still, this show is, at times, hilarious, and Parker is flawless as a woman who's both lovable and despicable. Justin Kirk also is consistently good as the damaged, troubled Andy. But the real coup here is the casting of Brooks (alas, on hand for only four episodes). He keeps Len from becoming grating and unlikable, and shows real warmth in the season's third episode.
Even with its flaws, "Weeds" is daring, smart and funny, and definitely worth adding to your viewing scedule.