Why You Should Watch: "Weeds"

Published on Wednesday, October 13 2010

Written by Wes Ferguson

Watching "Weeds" is no more distinctly adult-themed than most cable shows, but it should come with an age-appropriate warning. This isn't a gardening series.

If you're into clever, anti-establishment-themed entertainment, here's why you'll like watching "ËœWeeds':

 

* Dark comedy: Disturbingly funny! There is humor in the humiliating things people have to suffer in order to make their way. It is most certainly Schadenfreude (pleasure at the misfortune at others), but feels so good.

 

* Fresh start: Season 5 just made its debut with the family on the run from the law and a crazy drug lord. That's pretty much all you need to know to pick up and follow along.

 

* Anything but typical: You think your family is dysfunctional? Step into the Botwin household.

 

* All the wrong choices: Just when everything seems to be finally going in their direction, somebody will find a way to completely ruin any chance to just break even.

 

* Unpredictable: "Weeds" keeps you guessing over impossible odds to see how they make it through the next (oftentimes life-threatening) obstacle.

 

* Silas IS cute: In case you missed that part. The young actor brings a fresh, believable character to the screen that is worth rooting for.

 

* Shane is a psycho: In contrast to his older brother in almost every way, the younger Botwin brother adds a disturbing (and deadly) twist to the family dynamic.

 

* Sly and sexy: Hot mom Nancy Botwin is played effortlessly yet exhaustedly by Mary-Louise Parker, who won that Emmy for a reason.

 

* Surprisingly anti-drug: A show about a pot-slinging mom in the suburbs is hardly sending a positive message about the drug trade. While fascinating to watch unravel, nobody wants to end up like these people. Drugs are bad, m'kay?

 

* On DVD/demand: There's no excuse to miss an episode in this digital age!