Weeds - Season 8 Episode 2 - Recap and Review - A Beam of Sunshine
Weeds' second episode of its final season aired tonight, and in "A Beam of Sunshine," viewers finally get a solid look at what life will be like post-shooting for Nancy (Mary Louise Parker). As it turns out, Nancy Botwin got a wakeup call. As she's racked up over $400,000 in medical bills, she's nearly fully rehabilitated. In addition to healing her body and mind, she's also done some healing of the soul. How will Nancy use her second chance at life?
The episode opened with Nancy's medical bills flashing across the screen to signify the passing of some time. As it turns out, she's on her third roommate, and only one has died! The story of her shooting, the infamous Post Drive shooting, has spread across town. The law has linked her to the Mexican Mob, and in pure Botwin fashion, Nancy will use this to her advantage.
Shane (Alexander Gould) visited to help Nancy with her physical therapy. Nancy's using a walker and her memory slips here and there, but for the most part she's pretty solid for someone who was shot in the head. Her humor is still there, and so we are still entertained. According to one of the staff members, she's a "beam of sunshine" for everyone at the hospital. Who is this Nancy Botwin? Is it an act? Apparently, not at all. Nancy has made some friends, several who are in some severe pain. She delivers snacks and booze to those too ill to get it for themselves. One cancer patient requested pistachios and peach schnapps, but what she really needs is weed!
Shane has diagramed a list of possible culprits for his mother, but she's not interested. She subconsciously remembers the killer visiting her and saying that he regrets the shooting. "He got what he came for." She's not afraid to return to her normal life as a weed dealer.
The weed business is on the rocks. They need Nancy back on her feet to get the supplies going again. Silas (Hunter Parrish) spent the episode negotiating with (having some kinky sex with) the head model from last season who provided them with delivery boys. They're running low on the product! Doug (Kevin Nealon) also had a scene, his only scene this week, "dealing" with some frustrated models who were looking for business.
In order for Nancy to get back into the game, she has to conquer the dreaded "staircase challenge." Meaning, she has to re-learn to climb a flight of stairs on her own in order to prove that she's rehabilitated. While she finishes up her last few days of practicing, she encounters Butters the Clown. Apparently, Butters has been dealing candied weed to terminally ill folks at the hospital at ridiculously overpriced rates. The new Nancy doesn't like this. She does some internal reflection. Was she a clown? No matter, now. She has a second chance and she's ready for the Botwins to become the "after picture" to their former, sad, "before picture" selves.
Shane has a new friend at the police academy, a girl who also lost her father. Apparently, the statistics say that young people in their positions are more likely to go haywire and become criminals. They agree to stick together. Is this a love interest for Shane or just a confidant?
Silas brings hundreds of weed sugar cookies for Nancy to gift wrap. As he mulls over some prices, Nancy announces that they're working for free. They're giving back to start off on the right foot, and she's ready to take down Butters, too. She passes out beautifully gift wrapped cookie trays to anyone who needs one. Later, she stumbles upon a room full of very happy sick people who glance at her gratefully, and she smiles back. Job well done, Nancy! Not to Butters, though. He wakes Nancy up in the middle of the night threatening her. He warns that she's out of her league. He doesn't have a clue.
"It smells like onions," said Nancy Botwin as she interrupted Butters canoodling with an employee. She scared the girl off and used her Mexican Mob affiliation to pressure Butters into working like her. Give the people in pain a break, and gouge the staff all you want.
Nancy: "I come from a long line of people who can make other people disappear like magic."
He easily gives in to her demands, and she promises to keep tabs on him after she leaves.
The side story of the episode involved Jill (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and Andy (Justin Kirke) exploring their sexual relationship and figuring out where it could go. Jill's husband rolled back into town after visiting Asia for a few months and he wants another shot with Jill. Jill assures Andy that she's just looking to give Scott what he wants, which definitely isn't her. Andy urges her to be nice, and to let him see his girls. Jill just wants to know at which Wholefoods her husband found cookie dough flavored Luna bars! She plans on ordering everything on the menu at the chinese restaurant so she borrows a sexy dress of Nancy's to entice Scott.
According to Jill's twin girls, this happens all the time. Their father and mother fight, he leaves, she gets something she wants, and they get back together. Last time she got an entire painting studio! The girls start packing before their parents even go on their makeup date. Andy gets worried. Does Andy have real feelings for Jill?
After Jill chugs a few beers on her date, Andy shows up uninvited and lingers in the background. Scott reads how he's changed for the better from note cards, while Andy charades sex with a peking duck in the background, unbeknownst to Scott. That's enough for Jill! She sneaks off to the bathroom, and they have sex. Scott catches them, and breaks it off for good. Jill could care less! Will Andy end up with the other sister?
The episode ends with Nancy conquering the stairwell on her own, and Shane finding his own solution. He discovers that Tim Scottson was the shooter and he's out for his revenge!
What did you think of the episode? Do you like that the show is coming full circle yet showing a positive outlook? Do you like the new Nancy? How will Silas evolve? Are you done with Doug? Will Andy still end up with Jill once Nancy is back in the picture? Where is Celia Hodes?
Showtime "Weeds"