With Weeds’first episode being such a drab affair, it’s certain that many people figured the effort simply as a place keeper or some sort of backwards gaze. Viewers obviously needed to be reminded about what was going on last season. Even if that appraisal was appropriate, the fact that the season’s second episode, “Felling and Swamping,” didn’t seem too distant than its predecessor is a troubling sign.

As the series has progressed, the differences have been easy to pick out. And of course, the Mexican drug kingpin angle worked to drastically redirect the entire thing – which is part of the reason Conrad hasn’t been seen or heard from in literally years. So, while it’s admirable that the show’s writers have endeavored to craft a unique vision for each subsequent year of shows, it already feels like the sixth season should be the final one. The actress portraying Celia’s already jumped ship – a situation deftly addressed by people with new identities needing to distance themselves from their past. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

“Felling and Swamping” picks up exactly where “Thwack” left off. The Botwins are headed out of So Cal, attempting to escape what the clan guesses will be a full scale investigation into Pilar’s murder. Of course, the entirety of this week’s episode is given over to just driving north.

Along the way, though, Silas is given the opportunity to leave the troupe in order to make a life of his own. He passes up the chance and actually hands over some cash he picked up when the family was fleeing. The chracter’s a stand up kind of guy. Too bad his baby brother, Stevie, thwarts everyone’s plans when he’s denied entrance to Canada for lack of a birth certificate. So, the fam heads back south. And what’s the first major city south of the BC boarder? We’ll find out next week.

Best Moment: Ummm. There really wasn’t one. Maybe Andy hitting on some random women at the gas station counts seeing as he needed to run after his own van to hop aboard. But that’s really about it.

Notes: Well, it can’t get worse. How could it? Next week are viewers going to watch the Botwins do grocery shopping? I hope not.

Episode Rating: 2.50 (The first two episodes of this season easily count as low points in the franchises run. If there were anything to hold onto – apart from the concept of relocation – it’d be worth a few extra points. As it is…not so much.)