The Big C: It’s not a gift



I have a bone to pick with NPR.

I listen to a lot of podcasts, especially ones that relate to pop culture. And as I was listening to one of my favorite NPR podcasts on my way to work this morning, I was excited to hear that they were going to review my new favorite show, The Big C. Then I heard the review, and I wasn’t so happy any more.

First of all, they compared the show to another Showtime series, Weeds. This was so unfair. I’ve never seen Weeds, but I’ve heard there are similarities between the two shows. Still, The Big C has only aired three episodes and deserves a chance to find its footing before being compared to a successful, long-running show.

I also disagreed with the reviewer’s criticisms of the series. He admitted that Laura Linney is fantastic in the lead role, but complained the writing is weak. I totally disagree – I think it’s a smart, funny, well-written show and this most recent episode was one of the best yet.

Cathy has finally started to deal with the reality of her disease, and has told some people that she’s sick – though not the people you’d expect. She still hasn’t told her husband, brother or son. She did tell a room full of strangers after briefly crashing a cancer support group meeting, but those people were far too chipper for her. They spouted things like “Cancer’s a gift” and “Cancer is a passport to a better life”. Hearing Cathy tell them that cancer is not a gift, but the reason she won’t get to see her son get married or meet her grandchildren, was an important step for the character. Up until this third episode, Cathy seemed to be taking her cancer diagnosis a little too lightly. This episode changed that. She’s shown that she does not want to die, and we didn’t quote know that before.

A lot of this episode focused around Cathy’s attempt to surround herself with people she cares about, who also care about her. Sadly, it wasn’t an easy task. Her husband is making drastic, somewhat cute and romantic gestures to try and win her back, but he still lacks an understanding of who his wife is. He doesn’t know her. The people from the cancer support group were too chipper and kept trying to lift Cathy’s spirits when all she really wants is for someone to admit that cancer sucks, and to ride a bicycle built for two with her. Cathy tried cooking dinner for her son, her student Andrea, her brother and his girlfriend, but she ended up being the odd one out at her own dinner table. Seeing her sit, alone and silent, while her family and guests ignored her was a bit heartbreaking.

Cathy finally confided in her curmudgeonly neighbor, but only after her neighbor Marlene realized Cathy must have cancer because Marlene’s dog kept following Cathy around, just as he’d done to Marlene’s husband before he died of cancer. Marlene made it clear that she and Cathy still are not friends, but it was nice to see her at least talk to someone who gets her. I’m interested to see where things will go for Cathy – based on some news items I’ve read about upcoming guest stars, I think Cathy will have a few new friends enter her life. I’m excited to see in what other ways Cathy will start to improve her life, and if she’ll confide in anyone else.

seeing red

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