Weeds Season 4 review: I'll pass this weed, FAST.

The catchy theme song we all loved to sing along with while getting excited for the latest episode is gone, replaced by clever logos and an imaginative script. Too imaginative, to say the least. Remember when Nancy was a bad mother who at least tried to do well by her children? When Doug was always comedy gold, Celia was bitchy but loveable, and Shane was innocent? Sadly, those days are over, folks. Never have I seen a cast once so endearing transform into characters I wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole. Thank God for El Andy, who at least retains his charm and seems to be the only character winning over more audience love with time.

Nancy Botwin is now officially a horrible person. One of the fascinations of this show was watching her balance that thin line between Suburbia and the Grasslands while juggling single parenthood. She was imperfect; a poor decision maker for sure, but at least she tried to bridge the gap between her growing(ly distant) sons. Her character has now officially all but given up any effort at all at maternal humanity. She goes through so many men that I’ve lost count and didn’t have time to form any sort of attachment with any of those characters except Conrad, who despite all those seasons of subtle romantic build-up, all but disappears from this latest season. Even Guillermo nosedived into awful. And when did Doug become a grouchy demanding irritant? Wasn’t he everyone’s favorite member of Agrestic? By the way, whatever happened to Agrestic? Oh yeah. Up in flames like everything else in the series. Agrestic played such a central role in the series it was a character unto itself. No more. The Botwins now live by the seaside in Ren-Mar where they engage in plenty of acts that are anything but comical. Celia’s character was initially written to be the next-door-neighbor, mother, and wife from hell (and the friend you should never double cross). Over the seasons, her character has melted into sheer terror. There is NOTHING funny about locking your ex-husband in a closet and abusing him. I’m pretty darn liberal when it comes to my sense of humor, but a lot of what is being pawned off as comedy is atrocious and completely amoral beyond belief, even for a TV show. I’m actually insulted that some of this is intended to be funny and frankly, disturbed by the implications. I guess the only realistic aspect of this show is that Shane and Silas would find their way into the drug underworld relatively early in life given their upbringing.

This is certainly NOT the season I’d ever want to watch. The entire thing was blanketed in a darkness so thick and storylines so unpleasant I dare not purchase the season and will gladly forget it ever happened if Season Five can resurrect any shred of credibility to its twisted fate. What was once ground-breaking comedy is more mangled than Celia's pillbox. Again, not funny. Part of what makes a great comedy last is material that actually accomplishes strong laughs and develops characters we can all relate to and love in spite of their flaws. I can't fathom any liking for any of these people this season. After all that viewing, it appears the show is indeed made of ticky-tacky and like everything else on TV, looks just the same.

The Return of the Jon & Kate Plus 8 Thread

Yes, you knew a follow-up post was in order. I hope this has proven to all of you that PopSpiracy knows it's shizzle! Prior to any of this Kate-and-the-bodyguard nonsense and tabloid frenzy that has ensued, I warned you about these sneaky devils.


So here is the latest on the Gelflings Gosselins.

Apparently, Kate has sought refuge in the arms of her bodyguard while Jon is allowed to run around town and date women. The two have an open marriage, according to Kate's brother and his wife (Aunt Jodi). Now, in general, I don't believe everything I read. Neither do you, and that's why you're here at PopSpiracy getting your fix. That said...


What on earth does Kate Gosselin need a bodyguard for??? Where is Jon's bodyguard?!

Jon needs more than that. Perhaps one day he'll grow a pair. Until then, I don't know how Kate can continue to claim that they aren't celebrities when they: a) have a hit TV show b) have no anonymity c) have bodyguards d) eat at five star celebrity restaurants when in LA e) Kate can afford hundreds of dollars a haircut and makeover constantly f) Jon bought a new sportscar.

Foolish Kate thinks she can control the world, as brilliantly evidenced when she started hurling insults at tabloids, not knowing that they CONTROL THE UNIVERSE and are now going to go after her with all they've got. Great job stirring up the hornet's nest, Kate. That might be the rule in your house, but your house is now public domain, thanks to the choices you two have made for your family.

Confucius (or whomever) says: NEVER bite the hand that feeds you.

That said... have any of you noticed the timing of all of this? How odd that all of this controversy has to come right before the premiere of the next season of the show. Looks like the ratings of the show are in desperate need and the Gosselins are in hyperdrive trying to make sure the show doesn't get canceled. My guess is that the marriage already ended quite some time ago and they are just staying together to keep the money rolling in. When the show does get the plug pulled (and trust me, it will) there will be 8 multiples running around Pennsylvania with 2 unemployed parents. Brilliant strategy, J & K.

I am stunned by the sheep that continue to be blinded to the truth and defend these two. "You try having 8 kids!" or "They are just trying to provide for college..."

You are right. I don't have 8 kids. But I know people who are part of HUGE families, in which BOTH parents actually have to work and don't have the privilege of having their house and all of their possessions paid for by their own children. There are ways around this, and child exploitation is not it. Just ask OctoMom who is currently being sued by the state of Cali for trying to build a reality TV show around her multiples. The Gosselin kids sadly don't have the legal protection they deserve living out in PA. As for college... don't even kid yourself into thinking that there is going to be a cent left for those kids once they hit college age. Who knows what college in our country will look like 13 years from now anyway. If the landscape looks the same, BOOHOO - the Gosselin kids will have to work and get grants and scholarships or join public service or military life like everyone else in the same position. At the rate those two are spending, that money is going to be gone within five years.

Kate has also been arguing that her children "love" the camera crew and get excited when they come over. I have news for her, camera crews aren't family. She has managed to alienate her own family from her children's lives. Now, she has given them this "surrogate" family that is simply there for the purpose of money. The second that show ends (soon), those crews will be gone in a flash, and if there is any truth to the kids loving them, once again they will be deprived of even more social ties. Ye gads, imagine how traumatized these kids are going to grow up to be having everything of REAL value being ripped away from them and replaced by nonsense that won't bring them happiness or last another five years...

PopSpiracy says:

Jon & Kate = SUCK!

Dr. Drew is a hack.

I first came across the words of Dr. Drew Pinksy via Loveline, the once-MTV program turned radio show. Callers would phone the show with any number of sexual problems and scenarios for Dr. Drew, co-hosts, and guests to toss in their 2 cents. Most of the "advice" callers received arrived in the form of jokes and a condescending attitude, a fabulous response to people calling with real problems. Well, most of them were real. The ones that weren't deserved everything they got... Within 30 seconds of talking to a caller, Dr. Drew had already given them a diagnosis and the majority were told that they were sexually abused as children, whether they remembered it or not. It is actually completely unethical and incorrect for a doctor to diagnose a patient they haven't even met with based on dialogue that doesn't even last one minute. Dr. Drew is not the all-seeing eye of the universe, which would probably shock the hell out of him. People are complex machines unable to be broken down in a millisecond. I was often taken aback by some of the comments and smugness of Dr. Drew towards people in need.

Now, Dr. Drew is onto reality shows (surprise, surprise). First there was the Celebrity Rehab on VH1, which followed a group of addicts on the road to recovery. Then came Sober House, which chronicled the transition of addicts from a rehab clinic into sober living prior to taking their lives completely back in the real world. Initially I thought the concepts of the show were interesting, then I actually thought about what I was watching from the perspective of the guinea pigs who were a part of it. Whether they signed contracts to be on the show or not, this experiment is highly immoral and bound to lead to failure among the participants. The presence of cameras undoubtedly affects human behavior. The last thing addicts need is extra stimulation and reasons to act out. Suddenly, the patients are more concerned about getting their daily dose of publicity than actually taking their recovery seriously. It's not a surprise most of the individuals on the show are still relapsing constantly. How could they not??? The very idea of bringing cameras into the world of addicts breaks two of the cardinal 12 traditions of AA, NA, and recovery programs (which have 'Anonymous' as part of their title for a reason:


11. ... we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.

12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

(Source: The 12 Traditions of AA)

Nothing can break sobriety like people already obsessed with fame having more opportunities to access the very world that has contributed to the excess that put them at a rehab facility. These patients are going through very private battles which they can only weather under anonymous conditions. Dr. Drew is well-versed in this and doesn't appear to care about the success rate of his patients recoveries but rather getting his own name out in the public eye.

I discussed this matter with a good friend of mine who successfully fought the perils of addiction and turned his life around. He has since been sober for over a decade and is living a very fulfilled life. He can't stand these reality shows, which he finds to be a horrid idea and damaging to not only the participants but the fields of recovery themselves. He is correct to point out that such scenarios including cameras create opportunity for great conflict and drama, the essence of "watchable" TV. He also points out that many of these people are has-beens anyway and their addiction is suddenly affording them the opportunity to get famous again, so what message does that send out?

Clearly, these addicts are not a priority for anything but good ratings. My heart goes out to these people who are obviously under tremendous strain and are poor decision makers, proven by their decision to compromise recovery by signing onto one of these shows. I have no idea how Dr. Drew thinks he can justify such behavior, but I'd like to see him try. He writes extensively about ego, narcissism, and celebrity, three things that seem to describe him to a T.

Jon & Kate + 8 = Bad.

Like much of America, I was originally transfixed with Jon, Kate, and their 8 rambunctious offspring. The 411 for those folks tuning in who don't know the score on this show: Jon & Kate are a married couple who had two sets of multiples (twins followed by sextuplets). Supposedly, Kate had trouble getting pregnant and turned to fertility treatments. Upon learning how many children were growing in her womb, Kate and John (Christians not keen on abortion) had the babies.

Upon first glance, it seemed like a wholesome show. I found myself oddly drawn to it, partially because it made me appreciate my life so much more knowing I didn't have that level of constant bombardment at home. It was interesting to see these little people trying to discover the world with so many distractions. After watching the show more, I became incredibly disturbed.

While some insist that these two parents are wonderful, Jon & Kate have raised quite an eyebrow with their parenting techniques and personalities. Kate has become one of the most disliked women on television, largely thanks to her overwhelming neurosis and treatment towards Jon and her children, which is unbearable. Overly domineering and controlling, she didn't let her children chew gum or play with markers as she insisted their clothes would all get dirty and she'd have to wash it, as if that's not what would ultimately happen anyway...

There was an odd absence of other family members present in their lives. The only one that seemed to be involved in the rearing of the children from their respective families was Aunt Jodie, who subsequently disappeared off the show. Supposedly, members of her family have spoken out against Jon & Kate and claimed that they were getting upset that Jodie was part of the series and started blaming her for trying to cash in. If that isn't the tea pot calling the kettle black... it seemed that Aunt Jodie gave the children a freedom that Kate couldn't provide and she chucked her as I'm sure kids preferred Auntie time. When Jon & Kate were asked why their parents were more involved, they gave a vague answer - something to the effect of having bad relationships with them. What kind of family has 8 children and no help from their family? But sure, they'll expose them to strangers and camera crews. It seems that Jon & Kate have done a great job alienating the people in their lives from wanting to have anything to do with them. Let's assume that Jon & Kate don't like their parents. Those children have every right to have grandparents and any parent who would deny their children such an experience has every right to be seriously questioned. It's not about them, it's about what's best for their kids.

Kate's unhealthy habit to berate her husband constantly (particularly in front of the children) is annoying and resorts to not just emotional abuse but also physical abuse by smacking Jon when he doesn't do what she wants. Kate's controlling nature and Jon's passive aggressiveness make for a very unhealthy combination.

Part of what upsets people so much about these two is their constant complaints and insistence that they are poor, just to get sponsors to send them free stuff they can publicize on the show and send them on vacations. They make over $70,000 AN EPISODE and are millionaires. Jon & Kate don't do much to hide it anymore, having recently been spotted at a very pricey LA celebrity eatery. Kate complains anytime she does chores and cleans up after her family, meanwhile when the cameras are off they have a personal organic chef who cooks for the family and maid service. (I eat organic and I can tell you it costs about three times as much as the alternative, I can't imagine their food bills. While I'm happy to see anyone convert to organic, no poor family can afford it, nonetheless a large one.) They didn't even have to pay for their house.

The worse part is the exploitation of those innocent kids. Some people argue that they watch the show "for the kids". That's like watching a train wreck and saying it's for the good of the people in the crash. Watching isn't helping and giving this show ratings contributes to an awful cycle these children should be freed of. California and New York, given the entertainment hubs they are, have very strict rules involving children working in the entertainment business, i.e. Coogan Laws, etc. Given that Jon & Kate live in Pennsylvania, their children aren't subject to the types of protection they would have if they lived elsewhere and are taped far more than should be allowed. Yes, that is work, and it does stress them. The show is taped several days a week and the children are constantly filmed. There aren't rooms in the house that are off-limits, the bathroom is fair game. Sadly, these children are even taped using the potty or bathing, NOT the actions of parents that care about the welfare of their children. The exploitation they already receive is bad enough, but exposing them to perverts across the country is unacceptable. The toll on these poor kids must be tremendous, who are all going to need therapy. Imagine their embarrassment growing up knowing that their most private moments were shown to millions of people. Hopefully the Gosselins will invest the money they made off of their children on their psychological well-being one day, but it's doubtful. The stress will inevitably topple these children. Already affected is Maddy Gosselin, i.e. the kid from hell. This poor girl is so constantly negative and miserable it's painful to watch. I don't blame her, I'd be screaming to get outside of there, too, and she's clearly a product of a highly chaotic environment. Being that she's one of the oldest (the twins), the negativity will have a trickle effect on the younger ones who emulate their older siblings. If you think Jon & Kate have it bad now, just wait. And it will be a prison of their own making. I am reminded me of a scene in which Maddy placed a sign on her door with explicit instructions that no cameras enter and a giant frowning drawn face. It was a cry for help if I've ever seen one. All children need privacy to grow into healthy adults, these children don't even have a room in the house they can disappear to if it all becomes too much. That's because they'd spend all day in it.

Unsurprisingly, photos of Jon completely drunk at a party surrounded by women (sans Kate) surfaced. He was uninvited.

According to town locals, Jon makes his way to many of these shindigs and has no shame hitting on the town meat. I don't advocate infidelity, but being married to Kate must be a living nightmare. Not having the balls to stand up for yourself in the world must be pretty bad, too. Nonetheless raising a huge family and being on a show he supposedly doesn't even like. Of course, the Gosselin's came out swinging fists and denying any problems. Even Jon & Kate's renewal of wedding vows sounded like a ploy for a nice free Hawaiian vacation. They didn't look thrilled then either. These two don't seem happy with their lives or children at all. This is typical reality TV fakery at it's best. Someone call Dr. Drew, quick. So that he can exploit them too. Don't worry, I'm doing a story on him ASAP. You knew it was coming...

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, folks, but Jon & Kate are NOT good parents. They are not healthy, they are not happy, and they are destroying their children's lives. So are you if you continue to watch, I change the channel now. Why contribute to that? It is NOT cute. The fact that it got picked up for yet another season despite the public catching on to their inappropriate behavior is sad. Once again, America lowers it's standards. If you really care about the kids, STOP WATCHING.

Justin Timberlake - NOT "The New King of Pop"

Justin Timberlake owes the Jackson family massive apologies. From the start of his career, the Jacksons have been largely responsible for his artistic success.

During Janet's "The Velvet Rope" tour, she gave NSYNC a huge break in their careers by making them her opening act on a leg of her tour. NSYNC was not a popular group at the time, that city-to-city exposure greatly helped give them visibility. Janet claimed she had seen a Disney concert they had done and was impressed, most likely because Justin did a rendition of Michael's Jackson's 'Don't Stop Til You Get Enough' on that show equipped with MJ's moves.

Justin ended up building a career around Michael Jackson's influence. From the way he sings to the way he dances and even the way he dresses, as evidenced by his "Like I Love You" dance attire. Timberlake has cited many influences, but never has he "borrowed", or blatantly ripped off, the others. I have no problem with artists having influences, surely Michael Jackson did, the difference is that: a) you give props and credit where they're due and b) you add something unique of your own, ORIGINALITY to change it up. I'm not doubting Justin Timberlake's ability to be talented. I believe he is. But he doesn't have one iota of originality, and hence he could never be in the same ballpark as someone like Michael Jackson, not that he had a fighting chance either. He's not a genius, he's not THAT talented. Seeing Justin named "The New King of Pop" on Rolling Stone's magazine cover a few years ago was incredibly laughable and sad. Justin did cite Michael as an influence for awhile and Michael Jackson appeared with NYSNC at the MTV Video Music Awards years ago, the boys presented him with an award at the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, and they joined the Jackson Five onstage at Madison Square Garden in 2001. All of that changed when child abuse allegations resurfaced about Michael. Justin began doing interview after interview of dropping Michael's name off his list of influences and continued to steal all of Michael's attributes. This appears to be a typical pattern for Justin, who whimps out whenever he sees any inkling of controversy surrounding anything. He clearly can't take a stand for anybody or anything he believes in if it's not 100% popular. Again, totally unoriginal. Original people have their own thoughts and are unafraid to publically be true to themselves. In all honesty, Usher steals from Michael pretty badly as well. The difference is Usher has always admitted it and given Michael mad props, and gives him a shout out every time he wins an award. He's aware he owes Michael, big time.

But it isn't Michael that has been the most royally screwed Jackson by Timberlake, it's Janet. Janet gave NSYNC a huge break, and she continued to support NSYNC's careers and even went to see them in concert. When Justin did his first solo album 'Justified', he asked her to appear on the record and they did a duet together. In fact, you can even hear Janet's voice sampled on his latest single, 'Sexy Back'. If you chose to give any credence to rumors, supposedly Janet reciprocated Justin's life-long crush and the two were seen making out at some clubs and allegedly had a one night stand. If that were true in any way, it would add even more insult to injury into what ended up happening. Fast-forward to Nipplegate, Janet and Justin's performance at the Superbowl where Janet's breast became an international scandal. Justin denied knowing the "wardrobe malfunction" was going to take place, and profusely apologized publically and blamed it on Janet, blaming it all on her. Which is pretty funny considering the event took place right after Justin sang the lyric '...and I'll have to you naked by the end of this song" and RIPPED off her clothing.



The Grammy's would not let Janet or Justin appear at their show unless they issued public apologies, Justin apologized his heart out and continued denying responsibility in all forms while Janet refused to apologize and didn't attend the ceremony. Eventually she did apologize for the incident, cleverly wording it "I'm sorry people were offended" as opposed to apologizing for the action. True artists don't need to apologize for their artistic expression, and people suing national television networks for 'emotional distress' (in light of these same people watching multiple killings and maimings on TV and being fine with it) and CBS being fined half a million dollars plus MTV severing their relationship with Janet despite all that her family has done for the channel was already such a hypocrisy and a serious sign that something is wrong with our society. Janet's career suffered a massive backlash, her 'All For You' album which was released after the Superbowl incident was the lowest selling album she ever released, and the media and public turned on her. Over a breast! One of the most successful female recording artists in history was brought down by FLASHING A TIT. Of course, squeaky-clean mama's boy Justin was able to distance himself completely from the scandal and continue on with his career as if nothing had ever happened. Though in a different way, Justin felt his own backlash. Not from the media or the public, but from his peers and the artistic community, many who distanced themselves from him and expressed upset over his treatment of a friend and woman who had done her best to help him and his career. Justin has since tried to get a hold of Janet who refuses to talk to him, claiming he wasn't the guy she thought he was and had changed since his success.

On a recent interview, Justin was asked what specifically he would have done differently about the Superbowl if he had a chance. He gave an emotional three minute speech about how he let down a lot of his peers and Janet and that he'd felt the consequences of it and should have taken responsibility and stood by her. Oops. He also mentioned that the backlash on her career said something about society's view of women, which while partially true, certainly seemed like another way to evade the fact that the situation was as bad as it was because he dumped it all on her and fled. I doubt her career would have suffered anywhere near that level of destruction had he shouldered half the blame, if not more than half seeing as he was the one to rip off her clothes and expose her to the world. Justin's such a baby. Kind of like when he retaliated after the Britney Spears break-up by telling the world she wasn't a virgin or by making the 'Cry Me A River' video where he's stalking the Britney look-alike. Give me a break, was all that really necessary? Is it possible that this kid can act like a mature adult once in his life? I have yet to see it. You reap what you sow. I doubt Justin will be successful in this industry for a lifetime like the Jacksons. He doesn't have the originality or the backbone.