Back to Basics - Weeds season 7

I'm really surprised with Weeds. A season or two ago I would have easily said that the show was on it's last legs. They had strayed so far from what had made it a fun and interesting show that they should have changed the title.

Fortunately for them it seemed to be an easy fix. Kill off a couple of characters, put in a healthy time gap, move the family again and you have a fresh start.

The season kicks off with Nancy Botwin fulfilling a three year prison sentence which allowed her family to flee to Copenhagen. She gets released early into a half way house in Manhattan, the new setting for the show.She immediately contacts her sister who has been taking care of her youngest son, who is now three years old.

Upon learning of her release the rest of the gang meet up in New York, and of course everything slowly unravels into more crime and conflict... I mean, it wouldn't be any fun if it didn't right?

I like to think that this season is marked by interesting character growth. Silas for example, seems to have put the drug business behind him, becoming a successful male model in Copenhagen; but now in the Big Apple, he's suddenly the little fish in the biggest ocean around. Interestingly enough, he seems to harbor anger because of what his mother did for them.

Meanwhile, Shane shows emotional and physical growth. Now eighteen, he has worked and even been in (questionable) relationships. He still greatly misses his mother and contrary to Silas, is grateful for her sacrifice. It's an interesting step for a character who was getting rather robotic, and just seemed to be along for the ride the past couple of seasons.

More than anything though, I'm glad to see that Uncle Andy hasn't really changed. He's still up to crazy antics that just brighten up every episode. But while the character hasn't changed, his goals have; he seems to just want to live a normal life, and wants to put the drama behind them. But again, that wouldn't make for very entertaining television now would it? It's fun to watch him try though.

I'm also glad to say that Doug is back to having a bigger role in the show again. After just 'having him around' for a couple of seasons, he is back to being a pivotal part in the plot and where it goes. This is due to Nancy's lack of resources, which is another interesting direction in the story. How does a drug dealer sever all ties with all of her contacts, go to jail for three years, get released into a limited freedom situation and still manage to deal? I can just say that it's very entertaining to see her try.

Nancy Botwin will forever be Nancy Botwin. The ultimate mother who does the most unholy, and immoral of things for her family. We've seen her go through hell for these people, and she continues to do so season after season. She also does it with the same style and wit we have grown to know and love, and this season is no different. I will go as far to say that three years in prison have only made her more resourceful, and in turn, made her even sexier than before.

You want to argue with my point?

I do think this show needed to simplify it more than anything. When a simple show about family life in the pot dealing business goes as far as to bring in the Mexican Cartel you know it's getting out of hand. I really did think they had written themselves into a corner but they managed to bring it back into a rather enjoyable season, going back to the basics of what made it a fun show to watch.

It's also a good season for surprises in many aspects, bringing in a good two or three recurring guest stars and even characters who had almost been forgotten. I won't spoil which past character come back, that would be mean. But as for guest stars we get Michelle Trachtenberg who quickly becomes Silas' "acquaintance" for a while, but beneath that she's a much deeper character than it seems. But even more awesome is the recurring cameo of Martin Short as Nancy's lawyer. He steals every scene he's in with hilarious ease. It's just fun to watch when you notice Short just ad-lib through scenes.

The finale probably one of the nicest cliffhangers in the show's history, but as of right now it hasn't been renewed. There is some speculation that it was made that way in case the show got cancelled. While it wouldn't surprise me if it did, it would make me sad. Showtime would be cutting the legs out from under a good show that's just getting a second wind. I hope they keep it on the air.

So, for now we sit in suspense. I'd be happy to hear about an eighth season, but I won't hold my breath for that one. If it is the end, then Weeds went out on a high note.

6.5/10