User reviews

For years Weeds is being the "everybody-talks-about" series but I never had the opportunity to watch it. But finally I did it, and I did it desperately because the show is addictive. So finally I could understand why it got so much attention.

First of all, the cast is amazing. Mary-Luise Parker, as Nancy Botwin, fits so well in her character and she is so charismatic and so beautiful and so subtle, gentle, comprehensive and polite that it's almost impossible dislike her. Elizabeth Perkins, as Celia Hodes, my god, that woman rocks! She's so naturally dried by the unhappy life she has built that even a spontaneous smile seems like a rock. I can't believe that Elizabeth Perkins never won an award for this character until now because every moment is an outstanding performance and I mean it! It's a shame that her character lost so much of her potentials to a point of being kicked out of the show because Celia was one of the gears of the show.

The most interesting things about the show were not the drugs, neither was Nancy living a hell each new day, nor the mistakes each character does during the episodes, but yes the social matters that it pointed. I'm Brazilian and I live in a small suburban city like the imaginary Agrestic/Magestic, so... I know a lot how is to survive in a place where you're surrounded by ignorant people that are moved just by an inexistent appearance. It's so revolting to a point that sometimes you just want to do things just to provoke them and play with their abstraction of reality, and the series shows it in a very intelligent and interesting way so you feel connected by it.

But now, after 6 years and some changes, Weeds seems to have lost most of what made it so interesting during the years becoming just another dramedy and Weeds is now just all about a woman dealing with an everyday drama that doesn't fit anymore. While the first 4 seasons were amazing and subtle in its subject, the last 2 seasons lack of the cleverness that once existed. Weeds now is being pushed to something we don't know anymore and it's showing signs of tiredness and completely losing its identity and also its characters. But that happens with every kind of show sooner or later.

But anyway... if you have the opportunity to watch at least the first 4 seasons, do it. Weeds is not about dealing with drugs, but a way to express the hypocrisy of each single person in the world.

I give 8 just for the show in a whole, but the first 4 seasons deserve 10.

Weeds is a hilarious comedy, following other trend-setting shows like The Sopranos and Six Feet Under that deal with real life issues (using real life language). Sometimes wonderfully dark, and sometimes very blunt, the humour seems to suit each episode's general mood.

The quickly progressing story lines provide plenty of interest and we quickly develop a sympathy for the main characters through some genuinely emotional dilemmas, especially Nancy, but this is no doubt helped by the fact that she is a gorgeous soccer mum in distress.

The small number of episodes in each series might be a little disappointing, but is easily forgiven in helping to maintain the high quality and originality of each episode. I can't wait for season 2.

I haven't been a dedicated fan of a TV series since Moonlighting back in the 80's but I'm totally hooked on Weeds. Mary-Louise Parker plays the role of Nancy Botwin perfectly! As a widowed housewife trying to maintain an upper class lifestyle for herself and her two sons by selling weed, she obviously encounters problems maintaining her two roles....mother and drug dealer. Parker really emphasizes this "dual role" and she does it brilliantly....you'll find yourself really feeling for the character and cheering for her all the way. Elizabeth Perkins in the role of Celia, Nancy's close friend, is phenomenal. Watch her carefully in this show, her brilliant acting and her characters dry sarcastic nature provides much of the shows' comedic value but it is sometimes very subtle. I personally think Perkins deserves a supporting Emmy for this one. In short, Jenji Kohan has scored big-time with Weeds and I hope it enjoys a good long run on Showtime....I'm definitely a dedicated fan! My only suggestion....episodes should be an hour long!

Mary Louise Parker plays a widowed suburban housewife forced to create new ways to generate enough income to support the lifestyle she and her family had become accustomed before her husband departed. Parker and Elizabeth Perkins are excellent representations of housewives dealing with serious problems in this unrealistic yet frighteningly realistic comedy about living in the suburbs. Unrealistic because it is doubtful that this scenario could actually take place but realistic because the actors portray real suburban characters that you might meet anywhere in the US. The PTA scenes are a scream to any mom that has attended these mundane meetings. Kevin Nealon is great as the always high accountant looking to score and Justin Kirk accurately plays Parkers outrageously screwed up brother-in-law that can't seem to stay out of trouble. Even though this is a comedy, it also examines important aspects of suburban life. Drug abuse, race relations, cancer, homosexuality, mortality and morality are all explored in a real life yet unreal setting. It kind of makes you think while you are laughing at the superb dialog.

I don't really get hooked on a TV series, i usually just watch a show if it's on or not or if I'm in the mood. But i have to say Weeds got me more hooked than a crack-addled prostitute. Every episode just wanted me to watch the next one and i ended up buying every season. Gotta say season 2 is the best if i had to choose one but its a hard decision. Every time Doug comes on screen I'm in stitches, has to be the funniest, wittiest and dopey character ever invented for TV. This is the most creative, most hilarious TV show since friends, and definitely the most addictive. Once you watch Weeds, you'll want to watch it again and again and again.

If there is a heaven, it's got an endless supply of Weeds episodes. Consistently robbed by Award Shows, under-sold, under-advertised, it's got the most creative writing, the funniest, most daring actors, and what's amazing is that every season tops the last. How long can they keep it up? Personally, I've seen every episode, 4 or 5 seasons already, and my only complaint is that they only make about a dozen episodes a year. Way to keep people jonesing! The writers, cast and crew should have their every need catered to, and their only responsibility should be to make more Weeds episodes. More episodes, longer episodes, keep everyone in the cast, and keep spreading the word so I can laugh about it with more people. These are my only suggestions. You might want to watch from Season One, as everything builds, and references to the past are made. The topics discussed or engaged in seem to be all the ones that are taboo in our society: guns, drugs, sex, politics, abortion, etc. Sometimes, the characters choose wisely, and sometimes they do wrong, but even when they do, it ends up making us, the viewers, all the wiser for it. But ultimately, it's about a family. And that's the main thing that keeps me coming back. It's a meal of madcap clever zaniness sprinkled throughout with moments of intense sunshiny love. Aww!

I have been watching weeds and i am up to the 4th episode of the 3rd season.

The performances on this show by every actress and actor are fantastic. Even the young actor who plays Shane is an excellent actor. Mary Louise Parker's portrayal of Nancy Botwin is awesome, she is a very good actress who can show intense emotion. The Andy character has a great presence and always makes me laugh.

Weeds is a very smart, funny comedy and a sad, intriguing drama which i hope lasts a for a long while. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mix of smart humor and drama.

I only subtract one point because it's only a half-hour as opposed to an hour long show. I wish it were longer every episode. I am NEVER disappointed in the quality. One liners, twists, drama, LOL moments... It hasn't mis-stepped once as far as I'm concerned. There isn't a single cast member that doesn't play their role perfectly. The writing is superb. And how hot is Mary-Louise Parker? Oh my god...

I DO miss the theme song--especially from second season when they were all covers, but the new openings are inspired as well and don't take up as much time, thus giving me a few extra seconds of show!

This is by far one of the best shows on television. Especially in these days of "reality" TV. Finally something worth watching. Please extend it to an hour per episode!

Have watched this in entirety a number of times over the years. The most recent watch seemed to have lost its charm that I once held for it. It's entertaining, don't get me wrong. It's a bit of deliberate roller coaster of story.

***SPOILER ALERT***

Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker) becomes increasingly toxic, narcissistic & entitled throughout the series which gets a bit tiring by its conclusion. It's no wonder her sons are messed up.

Uncle Andy is the one of the few redeeming characters as a loveable goofball. Unfortunately he simps after Nancy who uses his affection for her to keep him around.

I get distracted easily. I drop watching series easily. I stop caring about characters in series easily. Not this time.

When a series (or a movie) is trying to force something into my mouth I just grab my remote. And almost every modern series does that, mostly because ratings go high after such move.

Weeds is different. Writers somehow stopped themself from putting any gimmick plots and focused on telling something you can believe in. Then when you believe in the character, and wonderfully played by ML Parker Nancy Botwin is the one to make you care. She is just so natural, like a person that the creator probably met in his real life.

And when all the unrealistic stuff comes in it's just funny. Soap opera moves are reduced to a appropriate level. Written like somebody really cared to do a good piece of writing, not just to sell it to million of viewers And the theme. Elvis Costello's version rules

The show was well written and well cast - EXCEPT for Nancy. A terrible mother and a worse person - but somehow makes her way as the protagonist.

Just finished the series and I am so relieved. I don't think I could take any more of the bull that this show was churning out at the end (for the last number of seasons in truth). I can't decide when the shiw jumped the shark. There are too many to choose from.

Nancy is one of the most self obsessed characters in the history of television. She had no concept of the consequences of her actions.

Was it worth the ride? No. But at least now I know what all the "fuss" was about back in the day.

Good lord, this show is good. It's thought provoking. Really, so many of the decisions made are poor, so many of the characters do fairly rancid things. But you can't help loving them and you can't help loving the plots. I've fallen in love with every member of the Botwin family. This is a smart, very funny, sexy and sophisticated show. I'm not going to summarize anything here because I'm sure people are aware of the premise.

It sounds like it could be ho-hum, but you must see it- each episode, people are dealing the characters deal with difficult decisions. Sometimes there's deliberation, sometimes there's regret- the show's smart enough where it assumes we know what the "right thing" was that one should have done. Most often, the characters don't do that right thing, and yet we love them, maybe even think "I would have done that." This is a show that basically says, beneath the normalcy, everyone is pushed to the limit in some way. It's no where near as dark as "Twin Peaks," but somehow, without the freakiness/fear, it reminds me of it because it's intelligent and it shows what lies beneath a bit.

When you watch it, watch out for Shane Botwin who is the Id of the show, and Andy, his grown up version who I personally hate yet am totally charmed by.

Ah, and yes, the acting is superb.

Here's hoping it goes to DVD!

When I first watched this show i didn't really know what to expect....I got the first and second season on DVD without ever watching a single episode..And at my surprise it was really good.. "Weeds" is about a widowed mother who's struggling to maintain a good life for her two children..After her husband's unexpected death she found herself without a job,alone with her two children in suburbia (Agrestic) so she made a critical decision and became a "Weed" Dealer. it may seem like a drama but it's not...the show is actually very humorous...the acting is great...Particularly,Mary-Louise Parker plays a memorable part... even tho the series is somewhat short but it was probably a good choice to make so it would not be milked for what it's worth... each episode keeps you pending on a crucial place so you would be anxiously waiting the next episode... Finally i find myself compelled to recommend this show to anyone not looking for your average everyday comedy show...

Weeds has always been full of hyperbole and social commentary via satire. It wasn't always all that insightful but it was clever and cute at the least. Unfortunately it's disdain, detachment from reality and holier than thou attitude often show through the wit. From it's grindingly unaware and sanctimonious title song, to it's hypocrite self centered characters...once the cute wears off, it's hard to give a crap about anything deeper because the surface is so tarnished.

The ridiculous story lines not only do nothing for the point trying to be made, the absurd unbelievable plots treat the viewer like an idiot :

Don't like anti-drug laws....so the proponent of said laws is a barely functioning alcoholic whose entire life is a train wreck. How clever. Alcohol is worse than Marijuana...we get it.

The "War on Terror" sucks.... so the army randomly kills recruits with drone planes apparently driven by Gomer Pyle. To cover up they send in evil teams of black Ops LAWYERS to strong arm witnesses with magic toys that make the most ludicrous James Bond toy look like a calculator watch. I wish I was kidding. If I had to be fair, this is the scene that broke weeds for me. I forgave it's heavy handed idiocy and overlooked it's characters flaws and unrealistic reactions because to be honest...it was funny a lot of the time. I think I would have been much happier to watch them just flat out say "The war on terror is ridiculous, and we have lost respect and trust for the Armed Forces." Thats totally fine...I agree 110%. But a scene that makes Get Smart look realistic and hides behind weak attempts at humor? Cmon...what a joke.

To top it off, the writers are often too afraid to make the protagonists react in realistic ways for fear of alienating weak minded viewers. Nancy can yell at her bumbling drug addict brother in law, but when her self centered prick of a son nearly gets her killed and essentially forces her into servitude with the local drug dealer by stealing her drugs...she never mentions it. In fact no one even addresses it.

I want to like the show. Heck a lot of times I do. Mary Lousie Parker is droll and kissably cute...not to mention incredibly versatile in her role. The soundtrack is often pointed and sharp, which is in stark contrast to the ham fisted finger wagging of the actual show. Sadly, 9 times out of 10, I share Weeds outlook on the topics they address. However, the childish and unrealistic way they address them often makes me wish I didn't for fear of association with halfwits.

In the end it's just hard to tolerate preaching from a show so flawed.

I like "Weeds" for its dark comedy. The first season's jabs at suburban life and Nancy (Mary Louise Parker) juggling that with the lucrative world of drugs had a lot of subtle humour that I enjoyed.

I enjoyed the characters that they introduced me to. Doug (Kevin Nealon), Dean (Andy Milder), Silas (Hunter Parrish) and Andy (Justin Kirk) all have a vague charisma with underlying comedy that I was drawn to them. I'm a little disgusted by how thin Mary Louise Parker and Elizabeth Perkins are but I can get past that by how well they portray their characters. But this brings me to my biggest problem with the show, these characters are not explored as deeply as they should be. The show is actually all plot and no character development.

The show gets darker as Nancy gets deeper into the drug world. The comedy is still there but I am frequently squirming in anguish over the situations that she gets herself into.

I recommend "Weeds" for people who like dark comedy, but it has its faults and can be off-putting, disconcerting and frustrating.

This show is so addictive! I have never watched a show that has engrossed me as much as this.

I really do wish I could watch all the seasons now I hate the suspense!!

But thats why its addictive!!!

Mary Louise Parker is perfect for the "suburban wife turned Drug Dealer" role. Simply a must see. There's drama, and comedy, and suspense, and just everything anyone could want from a T.V. series. Its almost like it's real in a sense! I have watched all 6 seasons and it just gets better and better as i go along! Jenji Kohan is a genius!! Superb 10 out of 10 for sure. I really cant wait for season 7!

Seasons 1-3 were good Season 4 was garbage Season 5 got a little better Seasons 6-8 were complete garbage and the final 2 episodes felt rushed. They were also really really bad.

So yeah, only watch seasons 1-3.