Nurse Jackie is starting its sixth season and this year the drama is out in full force. At times it is almost operatic in its passion and its heartbreak. Edie Falco and Merritt Weaver continue to head a cast that brings every nuance of their characters' personalities to the fore. This is certainly a season of change and with change comes complications. Viewers had best be ready for anything and everything to happen.
As the season opens Jackie Peyton (Falco) is still a nurse, still a divorced mother of two daughters, and still an addict. She has fallen off the wagon big time and she doesn't have any intention of getting clean again anytime soon. Her ex-husband Kevin (Dominic Fusco), her new policeman boyfriend Frank (Adam Ferrara), and all of her co-workers think she is clean and sober. Jackie plans to keep them in the dark so she can have a respectful life and a high one too.
It is amazing to watch Falco in this role. She gives a variety of insights into Jackie. We see Jackie the loving mother, loyal friend, dedicated nurse and indulgent addict. All of these facets blend into who she is. Only an actress as talented as Falco could make it all believable. She works her magic in every scene and is not afraid to make Jackie quite unlikeable.
Working side by side with her is Weaver, an actress of high talent as well. Her character of Zoe is more subtle in her transformation. Over the years Weaver has worked diligently to make her a stronger person, one who has grown into her job and into her own personhood. Weaver portrays these strengths but also lets Zoe still have her moments of insecurity. This makes for a unique performance that perfectly supplements Falco's.
There are so many stunning and emotional moments this season that you dare not miss a single episode. We get some of the series' highest highs and lowest lows. This year it is all about the drama so forget any idea of this being a comedy. The comedy is incidental but the drama is everywhere you turn.
When Falco was finished with The Sopranos it was thought she could never find another role as good as Carmella. Well she did and to may viewers Jackie is a much more intriguing character than Carmella ever was. And this time the series is centered on Falco as the star.
Nurse Jackie airs on SHOWTIME every Sunday at 9PM. Mark it down on your calendars or set your Tivos. Whatever you have to do, don't miss a single episode. This is television viewing of the highest caliber.