When Showtime premiered Weeds way back in 2005, it quickly took the television world by storm. With its razor-sharp script and well-drawn characters, the dark comedy not only pushed the boundaries of TV, it aggressively toppled them. The show’s unapologetic approach to crafting a good story was what made it most attractive. With the passing of seasons the cable hit doesn’t show signs of backing down, continuing to surprise and engage.
It’d be all too easy to put Weeds’s success down to its controversial subject matter. Sure, the premise of a suburban mother dealing marijuana is intriguing, but that’s only part of the show’s genius. What makes Weeds truly compelling is its ability to touch what’s real. Though characters and storylines continue to veer off on unexpected tangents, the path taken always comes off authentic; though what unfolds onscreen is often outlandish, it’s never contrived. Equally impressive are the actors assembled. From uptight frenemy Celia Hodes (Elizabeth Perkins) to slacker brother-in-law Andy (Justin Kirk), all the performances are pitch perfect.
Minh Nguyen
