Nancy passed the stair test on this episode of Weeds.

But what grade will she earn on the life challenge she laid out for herself and her family on "A Beam of Sunshine?"

There was marked improvement tonight, as the Weeds Season 8 premiere did very little except to establish that Nancy had been shot and lay in a hospital bed coma. The culprit was also identified as... ummmm... ah, right: Peter Scottson's son, Tim, someone so random the show had to actually flash back many times just to remind viewers who this guy was.

Not exactly a sterling start to the final season.

But we saw glimmers of hope here. Nancy is finally realizing all the awful ways in which she's behaved and all the people she's hurt along the way, clearing the path for the question of whether or not Nancy Botwin can be redeemed.

It seems unlikely, but reaching that final step probably seemed unlikely for this potentially reformed dealer 77 days ago.

Still, she'll have to convince Silas to give up making a major profit via his most business-savvy skill in order to truly turn things around for her children and reach her desired destination: After Botwin.

(Note: The scene with Silas whipping his partner was an example of Weeds just trying too hard to be different and edgy. It came across as random and desperate.)

Overall, I'm on board with Nancy's new mission and even with Shane's burgeoning career as both a police officer and a love interest for his fellow trainee. They shared a cute scene together.

But I can't say anything close to the same about Andy and Jill. I just don't care, about their relationship, her husband, her children, their unusual living arrangement... any of it. Is this meant to depict a mature side of Andy? I don't see him as someone who actually cares about Jill still, just as someone who doesn't want to be left behind.

Oh, and Doug is now investing in scarves that can be worn in six different ways by bikini-clad marijuana saleswomen? Okay then.

What did everyone else think? Are there smiles in the future of the Botwins? Or is this family destined for the doldrums?

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.