(S04E13) The final shocking revelation of the season--which wasn't so shocking, if you heard the rumors--made me want to write off the Weeds season finale as unimaginative. To offer up such a commonplace TV twist, and to do it in the last moments of the episode, was definitely not original.

As season finales go, this episode wasn't legendary (I'll never regard that word the same way again, thanks to Doug). However, there were a few scenes that gave us the Weeds we've always loved, and I'd like to believe that the show's distinct, dark humor will have a stronger presence next season.

(S04E12) A lot can happen in two weeks! Weeds took a short break and returned in the form of an action-packed drama. If this episode set the tone for next week, we can expect the finale to be a departure from the flaky, in-over-her-head Nancy from seasons past. Things have gotten serious on our little drug comedy.

Fortunately, there were some lighter moments. Naked Andy always mellows things out, and Celia gave us some laughs as well. Naturally, her rehab breakthrough came from a selfish place, which led to some hilarious backhanded apologies. Will there be any time for humor in next week's season finale?

(S04E11) The truth hurt almost everyone this week. The stress of having both a deflowered son and knowledge of the tunnel's other uses took its toll on Nancy. Harsh reality set in for the others as well. Doug's faults weren't lost on Maria, Celia's lack of insurance affected her recovery, and Bob Odenkirk made me lose confidence in commercial airline pilots. Where's Jimmy Jam when you need him?

(S04E10) Season four of Weeds has been a season of breakthroughs. Ever since Nancy left Agrestic and started over, she's been re-examining her life and coming to terms with her personal failures. The big question is: Will she ever truly change her behavior?

Her self-awareness has yielded some positive results, like her dinner table apology and her throwdown with Lisa, but we've yet to see any significant changes. Will this week's discovery make a difference?

(S04E08) This episode definitely belongs in the "mixed bag" category. Some things worked for me and others didn't. Nancy's extended lunch date with Esteban and Shane's prison-style lunch confrontation were both enjoyable. On the down side, Celia's drugged-out craziness and Silas' scenes with Lisa didn't entertain me.

I expected something more at this point in the season, but it looks like things are set up for a better episode next week. Don't give up, Weeds fans!

(S04E07) Nancy hasn't completely left her old self behind, has she? After only a short time at Maternity World, she was ready to take on her old operation. Many of the pre-Ren Mar folks emerged from various parts of California. I was strangely excited to see the Botwins' old housekeeper, Lupita, along with Sanjay (now a father to Clinique's baby) and Marvin (10 pounds lighter).

Have the good old days of pot dealing returned, or will Nancy have trouble working within someone else's organization?

(S04E03) What a relief! Now that we've ditched the dead weight (sorry, Bubbie) Weeds can finally get down to business. The Agrestic and Ren Mar worlds are slowly coming together, which should please the Doug fans. Some familiar faces are making their way to Nancy's new home, and that could mean trouble for her.

(S04E02) The season premiere took us to a new town, and "Lady's a Charm" gave us a look into Nancy's future as a drug trafficker. There's room for improvement, that's for sure. This week we learned more of the Botwin family history, got a brief and depressing Yiddish lesson, and, for the first time, I heard the word "schlimazel" outside the context of Laverne & Shirley.

The "Little Boxes" theme is gone for good. Instead, we got a quick shot of the Mexican border. I'll miss the old song, but it no longer fits with the show's new setting. I can't decide if I like the music-free credits, or if a different theme song would have been a good idea. What song would suit Weeds now that it isn't set in the suburbs?

The fourth season of Weeds began on Monday night, and the comedy's season premiere earned Showtime record ratings. With 1.3 million viewers, "Mother Thinks the Birds are After Her" is officially the most-watched season premiere of any Showtime series to date. Weeds broke the record formerly held by the season two premiere of Dexter, which had one million viewers.

Showtime's Secret Diary of a Call Girl also brought in a significant audience. The drama earned 949,000 viewers, setting a record for the highest-rated series premiere on the cable network. The L Word's series premiere was the previous record-holder.

(S04E01) So, the Botwins are beach people now. The opening credits gave us one last look at Agrestic/Majestic before taking us to Ren Mar, Nancy's new home. We spent a lot of time getting acquainted with some of Judah's relatives, Lenny and Bubbie. I'm a little squeamish when it comes to serious health issues, so Bubbie already gives me the creeps. Weeds used Dean's serious injury to get some laughs last season, and now we're dealing with someone in a vegetative state. I'm repulsed, yet intrigued. Welcome back, Weeds!

Mary-Louise Parker was forced to wear a cast to Sunday night's Tony Awards ceremony. The actress broke a toe while filming a love scene on Weeds. The injury occurred when she hit her foot on a bed frame. It was only the first take, but Parker completed the scene. The footage will have to be used in an upcoming episode. The fourth season of the Showtime comedy premieres tonight.

Devoted fans are familiar with Nancy Botwin's various affairs--Alejandro, Peter, Sullivan, and, most recently, Conrad. The question is, who is she hooking up with this season? Romany Malco and Tonye Patano were phased out of the show, so it probably isn't Conrad. Any guesses? Warning: spoiler-related speculation after the jump.