“Weeds” (9 p.m., Showtime) returns for a second season with Nancy (Mary-Louise Parker) forced to decide between her flourishing marijuana business and her budding romance with her new boyfriend (Martin Donovan), who just happens to be an agent for the Drug Enforcement Agency. She’s also trying to corral her family into some semblance of order by establishing rules and family meal times.

Nancy’s role as a pot-growing mom trying to keep up with the Joneses in an upscale community is clearly intended to provide a backdrop for suburban satire, but much of the dialogue is more smug than insightful.

Although its drug-dealing story line remains unique, “Weeds” is part of a recent trend of shows where beautiful, 30-ish women behave like baffled teenagers while trying to make sense of their lives amidst showroom houses and cookie-cutter affluence. Think of “Gilmore Girls,” “Desperate Housewives” and, most recently, “Three Moons over Milford.”

“Weeds” really lights up when civic leader Doug (Kevin Nealon) and Nancy’s tough-talking, cancer-stricken friend, Celia (Elizabeth Perkins), are onscreen. Viewers should get plenty of chances to see them bicker and battle, as Celia has decided to run against Doug for his seat on the City Council.

¢ “The Miracle of Stairway B” (7 p.m., History) recalls one of the uplifting stories to come out of 9/11, the rescue of 14 people who survived the collapse of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

¢ The N will present 12 hours of “Dawson’s Creek,” beginning at 5 p.m. Check local listings. The remainder of the show’s six seasons and 128 episodes will air weeknights at 6 p.m., beginning Tuesday.

Tonight’s other highlights

¢ John Dean appears on “Lou Dobbs Tonight” (5 p.m., CNN).

¢ Shawn and Gus snag a jewel thief at a posh wedding on “Psyche” (7 p.m., NBC).

¢ Spatulas clash on the two-hour season finale of “Hell’s Kitchen” (7 p.m., Fox).

¢ The search for payoff continues on “Treasure Hunters” (8 p.m., NBC).

¢ Details from Brenda’s past come to light on “The Closer” (8 p.m., TNT).