Comments on: Weeds, Season 5, Episode 2

By: Disgusted

Disgusted — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 20:52:14 +0000

This scene was disgusting. I have never approved of the show, but this was the last straw. She was raped and did not even seem to care. In any case, the entire show has an awful message. Saying "who cares, it's television" doesn't excuse it–and in any case, are we so busy protecting artist's rights that we cannot take a minute to think about the artist's responsibilities? Doesn't this perpetuate the idea that women are sex objects and that they enjoy being dominated? That men can use force to get what they want or to indicate their manliness? I have decided to boycott Weeds, and would thoroughly encourage anyone else who chooses to.

By: meelee

meelee — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:11:02 +0000

I agree with Amanda's comment above. When does Nancy take a stand? When does she muster her will to not just react to circumstance, the vagaries of life, money, or strong, charismatic men but to her own sense of ethics? Ratting on Esteban and then surviving through the trump card of pregnancy ( a male child, no less) and paying the penatly through rape? Is that all there is? too dark. Give us a little light, a little wisdom touched with humor, lif'e's sweet, wise spice. Show a path through the extremes of mindless suburbia and mindless drug traffiking and violence.

By: paul

paul — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:53:55 +0000

The enjoyment displayed by Nancy's character isn't about the sex, as you imply was meant. It's about finally being able to accept her powerlessness in her relationship with the drug kingpin ... because she's forced to finally get behind her denial that she's in control of her life.

By: tom

tom — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 06:06:06 +0000

one thing that has really started to bother me about this show, is that there isn't a single character (at least at this point in the timeline) that has a good heart.
sure, i get it, people are flawed, everyone makes mistakes, blah blah blah. but this show isnt full of good people who make bad choices. it's full of selfish, irresponsible, truly corrupt people. the only person who had at least some sense of honor or code was conrad, and he's ghost in the past at this point.
my point is: for the longest time, i was so hooked on weeds because i actually cared what happened to the characters. i ACTUALLY cared if nancy was going to get killed, or busted. I ACTUALLY cared when silas got his girlfriend pregnant. i even at one point, cared about what happened to doug. but now that the show has dragged on like it has, i've gotten to the point where i don't care about anyone in the entire show. they ALL suck. they ALL suck really really hard now.
note to the writers of weeds: start giving your characters actual souls, or we will ALL lose interest very very soon.

By: Diane

Diane — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:31:53 +0000

You say you love Weeds for it's honesty, well, honestly Nancy should have been raped about 10 times over since season 2. I mean really, let's be honest:

- She would have been raped by U-Turn, and the Armenians at the end of season 2.
- She would have been raped by Guillermo and the 4-5 other men she did the 'brick' dance for in season 3.
- She would have been raped and/or shot dead by any of the Mexican thugs she encountered in the tunnel or in the garage during season 4

People have been complaining that Nancy has been way too lucky; that despite her stupid actions she has always walked away without a scratch. Well, Weeds finally got real and now people are complaining about that! Guess what, Esteban is not a nice guy. She ratted out his operation, lied to him about it, then got drunk and came to see him with the intent of provoking a reaction. What on Earth did people expect? How does this not "fit with the story?"

Frankly, she STILL got off easy!! He did not slap, kick or shake her and even the sex act itself could not have been too bad – judging by her reaction.

In my opinion, the most disturbing aspect of the scene was that she seemed to enjoy the abuse. But again, she's a twisted sister and that really didn't surprise me much either.

I'm a 33 year old woman working in the social services field. Every day, I read about the horrible violence carried out by the violent Mexcian drug cartels on our border and I also see first-hand the chilling effects of drug-abuse, domestic violence and poverty in our country. Rape happens, ESPECIALLY to people associated with the drug trade. If a woman is stupid enough to CHOOSE to associate with violent criminals – she should expect to be raped at some point. That's reality.

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:09:14 +0000

Rape? Are you kidding me? HELLO??? Rape: A sexual engagement AGAINST somones will. So he didnt ask for it, maybe THATS why she liked it! Never once did she say no. Being some sort of lawyer you should have picked up on that. I don't know about you, but my lawyer would have the charges dropped with one question... "Mrs. Botwin, at any time did you make any physical or verbal attempt to stop the sexual encounter?" Case dismissed. I have sex with my wife all the time without asking... if she don't want it, she will push me away.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:19:44 +0000

You were offended by this "rape" scene, and thus questioning if you should continue to watch the show?? Are you insane?? There has been murder, torture, and various other acts of physical and emotional violence so far on Weeds, yet only this bothers you because it calls into question female rights?

As a female, I was not offended by this scene in the least. Nancy entered into a relationship with Esteban knowing that he was a horrible person–guilty of murder, trafficking, and countless other horrible and illegal things. She sought HIM out, because she was fascinated and attracted to his dangerousness and his power. She called the DEA on his actions, and then lied about it to him. Then, rather than try to lay low or escape, she went to his house, screamed in his face, pushed him around, and shoved a gun in his face, asking him to kill her. He then threw her on the table and had sex with her, which she CLEARLY enjoyed. I don't consider any aspect of this situation to be "rape". The whole scene was about the sexual tension between them, as SHE had put HIM in a bad situation with their relationship.

By: Muziki Ulimwengu

Muziki Ulimwengu — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:52:44 +0000

I too have been a fan of Weeds. Many of the HBO and Showtime series have been known for "pushing the envelope", however last week's episode that included a rape scene was neither necessary to the story line nor appropriate. I am not only upset and disgusted with the writers and producers of the show, but with the actors that would agree to go along with such a scene.

Why would you promote the ultimate of violations?

I will boycott the show and encourage friends and family to boycott as well.

By: Katie

Katie — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 16:33:36 +0000

If you've watched the third episode, they had addressed the situation and Nancy referred to it as "rough sex" not rape. Perhaps the writer realized the negative social impact of the scene and wanted people to know that wasn't their intention. I do not think they condone violence against women, but as other poster's have mentioned it is not uncommon. Weeds is one of the only show's that doesn't sugar coat the ugliness in this world. Although I will say I much preferred the previous seasons (dialogue and music) I will continue to support this show and see how Jenji is able to write herself out of this corner.

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:13:41 +0000

Honestly, I don't think that rape scene was the worst that's ever been shown in the series. Yes, it is a touchy subject, but get over it; it's television.
As for the dispute about the show's quality, Seasons 1-3 were very good. Season 4 was slowly going downhill, and so far Season 5 has been tanking.