Weeds - Season 5

After the first three season arc of Weeds, the fourth year changed things up dramatically with a shift in setting and tone. Season five continues along the same path, as the second part of the show's second trilogy. There's at least one more batch of episodes coming, and it could easily either wrap things up or begin a new saga. It's come quite a ways from "suburban widow sells weed", and I'd actually be interested in where they could go next. The broad strokes this time are Nancy's pregnancy and engagement to Esteban, Silas and Doug's attempt at a (mostly) legitimate business, Andy's attempts to move on from his affections, Shane's continued to development into a pretty unusual kid, and Celia's latest attempt to replicate Nancy's success. Not everything goes well, and it's fun to watch how everything they do connects and forces them to make tough decisions.

Weeds has always seemed a bit odd to me, especially these last two years, because it's remarkably plot-focused for a half hour comedy. It's not like there aren't hour long dramas that are just as funny. I currently have a vague inkling that I've brought this point up before. Oh well. The fact that it's so short though lends a strong, really quick pace as twists and events come hurtling through at breakneck speed. They could probably work it into an hour long show, but it would be a more placid one not in tune with the series' wacky and frenetic style. You never have time to get used to a gag or concept which could easily be milked for more humor before they're already on to the next one. There are several shows running I'd probably call funnier right now, but Weeds is its own unique brand of dark comedy that is always welcome.