What I’m Watching: Weeds (Season Premiere)

Weeds: Season 6, Episode 1 “Thwack” (B+)

It’s great to have this show back, and that means something for a show entering its sixth year. Last year’s stay in Mexico with Esteban’s violent, murderous nature constantly hovering over the Botwin family got a bit tiresome and contradicted the show’s reboot and location switch at the end of the third season. Now, the show is taking a cue and reinventing itself once again, sending the Botwin clan on the run after Shane’s deadly act at the end of last season. His constant references to his new status as a murderer are entertaining, and this show does a great job of handling such ridiculous plotlines as everything that occurred in this season-starting installment. The inclusion of Andy is also deftly handled, giving his near-fiancée a believable reason to leave him after he abandons her in a major moment of need. Most of all, of course, the supreme talents of Mary-Louise Parker are on display here, reminding that she hasn’t lost any of the token sardonic flair and ability to convey exasperation, despite what Emmy voters would have you think. Most critics and reviewers will be buzzing about the new show that airs after this one, but don’t be fooled: this show may not be fresh, but that doesn’t mean it’s lost any of its flavor. On the contrary, however, it’s found a new way of making itself interesting and exciting. Whether that will last is another matter, but for the moment, this show is off to a great new start.