What I'm Watching: Weeds (Season Premiere)

Weeds: Season 4, Episode 1 “Mother Thinks The Birds Are After Her” (B)

Season three of this show went out in style, and we get a chance to relive that with the burning opening credits of this episode. This is a token “in transition” installment, where things are supposed to be out of place and not quite right because the show is changing over from what it used to be – a suburban mom dealing pot to her neighbors – to what it will be later – something like: Nancy trying to ferry drugs across the border, using her looks to escape scrutiny and trouble. Mary-Louise Parker doesn’t seem quite as on target as she was last season, but I think that part of it is the transitional nature of this episode. Once things get back to normal, so will she (or at least as normal as she can be). I’d like to see more of the kids but Justin Kirk is doing a terrific job as always as Andy. I’m not such a big fan of Albert Brooks as Andy and Judah’s father, and I hope he doesn’t stick around long, as his “not-Francie” and “not-Judah” nicknames could get old real quick. My favorite part of this episode includes the happenings back in Agrestic, where Doug, Dean, Isabelle, and Sanjay all turn on Celia and frame her as the drug dealer masterminding the whole operation. I particularly enjoyed all their interviews, especially being asked about Nancy. I hope Maulik Pancholy sticks around, because he really is hilarious as Sanjay. If not, I’m sure he’ll be back on “30 Rock” come fall. Back to “Weeds” – I’m hoping for a more solid episode next week and for this show to find its sure footing quickly, without any unexpected “u-turns” or anything like that.