Post Eight: Stay Tuned!

Ah, the television. Although many critics call the television the “idiot box”, the television has attracted quite a following amongst many different audiences from the comedy-seeking Modern Family watchers to the loyal 30 Rock fans. These sitcoms tend to be only a half-hour long (with commercials), humorous in content, episodic, and consist of hyperbolic or overdramatic plots (which typically would not happen in real life). One of the characteristics of the sitcom genre is that there is usually a pattern that progresses as the show does. This pattern or cycling establishes a routine within a particular show which in a way guarantees its audience somewhat of a comfort zone or an expectation from the show. This way, the audience can sit down every week at the same time to the same network and see the same leading characters and similar plot devices and not be overly surprised at what they are viewing. By using this method, sitcoms can create a loyal following amongst viewers.

The show Weeds is a sitcom that revolves around the protagonist/antagonist (depending on the viewer's perspective) Nancy Botwin. Recently widowed and unable to afford her expensive-suburban lifestyle, she resorts to dealing marijuana. As the show progresses with additional seasons, her involvement in illegal dealings also increases from dealing marijuana to becoming involved with an underground drug cartel in Mexico. As the seasons continue, the plot thickens and the characters find themselves in increasingly difficult and even hyperbolic situations. However, the pattern stays consistent: the Botwins find themselves new ways to deal the drugs and avoid legal authorities. For example, by the start of the fourth season and the following ones, the Botwins eventually relocate to a different place because they have to run from those who are after them. In season 4, the Botwins, on the lam, move to (fictional) Ren Mar. They then move to Mexico, after Nancy finds herself involved with the mayor of Tijunana and also the person controlling the underground smuggling activity. They then race to Canada and after being turned away, find themselves in Seattle. After facing more problems from the authorities and their past in season 6, the Botwins find themselves back on the road to an off-the-road trailer park and subsequently are chased out of town. The last episode hinted that they would be heading to Copenhagen.

This pattern and cycle of finding new destinations allow the Botwins to continue their illegal shenanigans, propel the story and continue the sitcom (it would end if they were ever to get caught!) The pattern also implies that no matter how outrageous the situation may be, Nancy and her group can always find a way out and the viewers can find out simply if they stay tuned…for next week!