Newsgasm: Pot really does lead to stronger drugs

Imitation remains the sincerest form of television, especially when it comes to edgy new series venturing into uncharted territories. Some are a bit more blatant about it, like CBS, who saw the success of House and came up 3 Lbs., its own series about a prickly genius surgeon that premieres tomorrow night (get an early look at the show now– before it’s aired and cancelled– on the CBS broadband site). But even the most prestigious networks that aspire to the next The Sopranos–or at least Mind of The Married Man– can’t help but copy a proven success.

Our current favorite is the new series announced by AMC, which is commissioning original “cinematic” series to go along with its slate of censored movies. The concept is meant to be a shocker
–and is bound to elicit protests from the American Federation of Teachers. But it’s Showtime who should ask for a cut of the residuals.

And no, it’s not about coroner who moonlights as a serial killer. But close.Breaking Bad revolves around a high school science teacher who learns he’s terminally ill, and to assure his family will be well taken care of after he’s gone,starts manufacturing crystal meth in the science lab!

On the surface, the series from X-Files producer Jim Gilligan does sound pretty original (though AMC promises all the “anti-hero” caveats that will keep advertisers from running away).

But them we thought about another Showtime series.

See if you can spot the similarities:

Breaking Bad: A high school science teacher learns he’s terminally ill… and to assure his family is well taken care of after he’s gone…] starts manufacturing crystal meth in the science lab!

Weeds: A suburban mom learns her husband has dropped dead while jogging… and to keep up her lifestyle… starts selling pot from her home!

Scary original.