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Talk Back: Showtime's "Weeds" and "Secret Diary of a Call Girl"

I'm curious to know what everyone thought of Showtime's two program launches last night, which saw the return of Weeds (now in its fourth season) to the lineup and the addition of British import Secret Diary of a Call Girl to the mix as well.

If you couldn't tell from my advance review of both series, I was completely captivated by Secret Diary of a Call Girl and by Billie Piper's incandescent performance as Hannah/Belle in the ITV2 series which aired in Blighty last year. Showtime was definitely smart not to buy the format and remake it here in the US but to just air the original British production as is; it's absolutely perfect the way it is and I can't imagine very many young actresses pulling off the combination of vulnerability and sexual confidence that Piper manages to effortlessly deliver. (You can read my original advance review of Secret Diary of a Call Girl here.)

As for Weeds, I thought that the Season Four premiere was a sign that the series, which struggled creatively in its third season, was definitely back on track and Nancy and the kids went on the lam and ended up hiding out at the beach. (You can read my original advance review of the first two episodes of Weeds' fourth season here.)

But I am curious to know what you thought. Did you like the change in scenery on Weeds? Did you dig Piper as Hannah/Belle on Secret Diary of a Call Girl? And the most important question: are you hooked enough on both (or either) to tune in again next week? Discuss.

What's On Tonight

8 pm: AFI's 10 Top 10 (CBS; 8-11 pm); Deal or No Deal (NBC); Beauty & the Geek (CW); According to Jim/According to Jim (ABC); Moment of Truth (FOX)

9 pm: America's Got Talent (NBC; 9-11 pm); Reaper (CW); Samantha Who?/Samantha Who? (ABC); Hell's Kitchen (FOX)

10 pm: Boston Legal (ABC)

What I'll Be TiVo'ing

8-10 pm: Britcoms on BBC America.

I don't know about you but by Tuesday night, I'm usually in need of some comedy in my life. Why not stick around on Tuesday nights for BBC America's new comedy lineup, consisting of classic episodes of Coupling, new comedy Not Going Out, and Absolutely Fabulous? You'll thank me in the morning.

10 pm: Flipping Out on Bravo.

Season Two kicks off tonight with a brand-new episode ("Sell Out") in which we get to catch up with Jeff Lewis and his gang of colorful characters. Come for the tantrums (Jeff's) and stay for the insane interpersonal dynamics. You'll think your workplace is a hell of a lot more sane afterwards.

Comments

danielletbd said…
I'm bummed at the retiring of "Little Boxes;" that tune has been stuck in my head for weeks. Thankfully I was able to pick up the "Little Boxes Dimebag" today to get my fix!
Anonymous said…
I actually think this was the weakest season opener of the entire series so far.

While I think having Albert Brooks play Judah's dad was a great idea, it seemed that the entire back-story about 'not-Francie' and Judah's estrangement with his family somewhat tacked-on. Didn't seem to ring true based on what we know of the Botwin family so far. I hope that story-line gets more interesting next week.


The best parts were the scenes back in Agrestic/Majestic with the old crew. The excellent supporting cast is what makes this series great.

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