The previous series of Weeds left its leading lady – middle class mum and unlikely pot-dealer Nancy Botwin - at gunpoint, dangling in a dangerous web of her own making. Having taken a turn for the darker since the relatively light-hearted first season, it was anyone’s guess how things would play out in this much-anticipated third series.

Now twice-widowed, and feeling somewhat responsible for the death of her second husband at the behest of a rival dealer, Nancy is quite literally at the end of her tether, and can only turn to her feminine wiles to try and wiggle out of a tight spot. Winding up beholden to ruthless gangster U-Turn (Page Kennedy), she is forced to run dubious errands in order to work off a debt, whilst also trying to keep tabs on her increasingly dysfunctional family. But no sooner than one problem is solved, another crops up, and Nancy is faced with blackmail, intimidation and threats from all sides. Her constant struggles make for a brilliantly-paced series, with just the right amount of twisted humour to prevent it ever becoming oppressively tense.

Mary-Louise Parker portrays the ever-evolving role of Nancy with increasing relish, radiating a serene sex appeal that seems to thrive on her precarious lifestyle. Several hilarious sub-plots emerge, mostly involving the ever more embittered and unhinged Celia Hodes (Elizabeth Perkins) and her sometime lover/political nemesis Doug Wilson (Kevin Nealon) – both of whom are bent on vengeance towards their respective tormentors, including each other. Hapless Uncle Andy (Justin Kirk) faces his own demons when he is forced into the army and ends up serving in Iraq, to disastrous consequences; and both Nancy’s sons are inevitably affected by their mother’s dubious trade.

Consistently clever and effortlessly amusing, Weeds continues to prove itself a cut above its rivals in the comedy-drama genre. Keeping the seasons short at only 13 episodes - each under half an hour – is a smart move on the part of its creators, always leaving you wanting more. This series ends on a dramatic cliff-hanger, so I’m relieved to report that a fourth season is on its way; currently airing on Showtime in the US, its premiere episode pulled in the biggest ever audience on that network.

Soundtrack & DVD extras

As with season two, the irritatingly catchy theme tune “Little Boxes” is made more bearable by being performed by a different artist each episode - this time including The Shins, The Decemberists and Randy Newman. The soundtrack (available on Lions Gate Records) also features tunes from an eclectic mix of ‘hip’ contemporary bands such as Beirut, The Dresden Dolls and Great Lake Swimmers, lending the series added kudos, as if it needed any. The sparse extras are hardly worth mentioning – with only the obligatory gag-reel being of any real interest.