Ep 2. Lady's a Charm

Nancy is back and she's ready to take on her new life in the suburbs with her usual style of mouthing off and pushing things to the limit. In season 4 episode 2 of Weeds, "Lady's a Charm," Nancy finds a new diversion in the form of a high-stakes poker game hosted by the wealthy and powerful town matriarch. But as Nancy soon learns, there's more to this game than just winning money- it's a complex system of alliances, bargains, and betrayals that will test her skills, her nerve, and her loyalty to those she loves.

As always, Nancy is juggling multiple responsibilities and challenges at once. She's still getting used to being married to Esteban, the powerful Mexican politician who may or may not have had a hand in her husband's murder. She's also trying to help her son Shane, who's struggling with the aftermath of his father's death and his own guilt over what happened to Nancy's previous husband. And of course, she's still in the drug business, trying to maintain her status as the queen of the suburban weed trade while also guarding her secrets and covering her tracks.

But when an invitation to a high-stakes poker game comes Nancy's way, she jumps at the chance for a little excitement and distraction. It's hosted by a mysterious, wealthy woman known only as "Lady," who has made a name for herself by dominating the town's underground gambling scene. Nancy quickly proves herself to be a formidable player, winning several rounds of the game and impressing Lady with her skills and style.

But things start to go awry when Nancy discovers that Lady isn't just playing for money- she's using the game as a way to manipulate and control the other players, all of whom are powerful and wealthy figures in the town. Nancy finds herself sucked into a web of schemes, alliances, and secrets, as she tries to figure out who she can trust and what Lady's ultimate goal really is.

At the same time, Nancy continues to struggle with her family and her business. Esteban's shady dealings and political aspirations threaten to expose Nancy's drug trade, while Shane's emotional instability leads him down a dangerous path. And as always, Nancy must constantly dodge the suspicions and investigations of the local police and DEA agents, who are closing in on her operation.

Throughout "Lady's a Charm," Weeds continues to explore its trademark blend of dark humor, tense drama, and social commentary. The episode touches on themes of power, manipulation, and secrecy, as Nancy navigates a world dominated by rich, white, male players who see her as nothing more than a pawn in their games. It also delves into the complexities of family, loyalty, and trust, as Nancy tries to balance her love for her son and her husband with her need to protect them from the dangers of her lifestyle.

Overall, "Lady's a Charm" is a strong episode that showcases the best of Weeds' storytelling and character development. It's a fast-paced, engaging, and suspenseful episode that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat from beginning to end. And as always, it features outstanding performances from a talented cast, especially Mary-Louise Parker as the fiercely independent and determined Nancy.