Media Maven Musings

Excellent treasures indeed.  I hate to have to this but I simply must…told ya so!  The verdict is now official: Jenji Kohan & Co’s decision to blow up Agrestic (literally) and move the show to the Mexican border was a stroke of genius that has reinvented and reinvigorated a series that was running on fumes.  The series feels fresh and new again, almost as if the previous three seasons hadn’t even happened.  A fresh start for our characters and a fresh start for the narrative.  Let’s check in and see what those crazy Botwins are up to, and why the new-look Weeds is so effective:

1. Silas — Aside from rockin the most cut body on this side of ESPN, Silas has a storyline again!  Silas hasn’t been a relevant character since season one and now, with his newfound maturity and freedom, he’s about to sink his teeth into the hottest woman to be on this show since Mary-Louise Parker showed up in the pilot.  That’s right Happy Gilmore fans– Julie Bowen, a.k.a. the hot publicist from H.G. has begun an arc as Silas’ smokin hot MILF love interest.  Now we’ve got a gorgeous brunette and a gorgeous blonde MILF on the show.  Life is good, and I’m not just talking for Silas.

2. Shane & Isabel — Shane & Izzy are the two unsung heros of this series.  Whether he gets one line or fifty, Shane (Alexander Gould) is consistently terrific and always makes the most of what he’s got.  His work on that Asian dude trying to buy Grandpa Lenny’s coffee table was priceless.  And Isabel (Allie Grant) makes her triumphant return to the main narrative as she moves back in with Celia in Ridmar, a great move for the show.  This precocious teen has lost the baby fat that once made her the face of Huskeroos, but she hasn’t lost any of her zing.  The more these two are on-screen, the better.

3. Andy & Doug — The secret to the success of the entire series.  Andy + Doug = comedy gold every single time.  The best episodes from Season One were those that paired these two birds of a feather together and let them get into trouble.  And now they’re going to try to be coyotes and sneak Mexicans across the border?!  Genius!  What a perfect plot for the two goofiest and funniest characters on the show.  Add this to the hilarious Maria MerMex/Doug FlippyFloppy storyline and these guys are set for the next 6 episodes!  Just brilliant.

4. Marzipan and Davenport — Best Immigrant Names Ever.

5. Nancy — Yes, even Nancy has been reinvented.  She’s got a new man (is he really that handsome?), a new purpose, a new protege, and a new lease on life.  Her zingers have gotten even sharper, she’s only getting more attractive, and she’s back to a double life of suburban boredom/drug smuggling.  With the mayor involved and a whole lot of money on the line, the stakes are only getting higher.  The sky is the limit for where this lady can go.

Additionally, the tone is back where it needs to be.  It’s still a bit over the top (a giant hole in the back of a maternity store; a pack of immigrants wash up on the beach and Doug names one Maria MerMex, etc.) but not so over the top that we’re unable to stay absorbed in the narrative because its too far-fetched a.k.a. Season Two Finale Syndrome.  Things are feeling light and easy, which makes for great comedy, but oddly enough, also makes for great drama.  When the mood is tense and serious, the show just doesn’t work.  The dramatics feel contrived and stiff.  When we’re happily rolling on like this, then suddenly BAM! some giant dramatic obstacle appears in Nancy’s way, that’s where the real fireworks are, a.k.a. Season One Finale Syndrome.

So yes, I told you so.  Weeds is officially worth watching again full-time, so tell all your pals who gave up after last season to hop back on the bandwagon and meet us down by the border for some good old fashioned Weeds-style fun.

Grade: B+