(Credit: Sheryl Nields/Showtime)
But this new season finds the series in an odd position. In addition to a new setting and the loss of those iconic opening credits, some characters have disappeared completely. Does "Weeds" execute all of these changes well, or is the series finally starting to wilt?
‘High’ lights: The character of Celia Hodes (Elizabeth Perkins), formerly limited to affairs with mismatched men, finally gets to shine. The first few episodes find her taking the fall for Nancy’s grow house (and sporting some prison-woven cornrows as a result). Also, Albert Brooks joins the cast as Nancy's curmudgeonly father-in-law, Len. The Botwin clan seeks refuge with him and his comatose mother after they're forced to leave Majestic, and his cruel snark and gambling addiction make the other men in Nancy’s life look like princes.
Buzz kill: Does one have to be high to not find "Weeds" tediously slow? Most shows would cram the events of an entire season of "Weeds" into just a few episodes. Season 4 doesn't start off at the snail's pace of Season 3, but the first two episodes hardly satisfy our munchies.
To bake or not to bake? The series isn't going to win any new fans this season, but it probably won't alienate the old ones either. The change of scenery is a much-needed shot in the arm, and Mary-Louise Parker remains reason enough reason to turn on, tune in and veg out.
“Weeds” premieres Monday, June 16, at 10 pm ET/PT on Showtime.
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