Review of "The Big C" - TV Series on Showtime

"The Big C" Gets an A

The second season of "The Big C" is on its way to Showtime. But before I get ahead of myself, let's recap season 1...

To sum up my review of the first season in one word... AMAZING!

The script and acting performances are top-notch. I mean, this show might be perfect. I laughed, cried, and was overall amazed. Every episode leads you further into one of the main character's struggles, usually Cathy (Laura Linney), and always ends on a very emotional note.

You might know the premise of the show, but in case not, the story is centered around the life of Cathy Jamison, a middle-aged wife, mother, and high school teacher who has recently discovered she has cancer with about a year to live.

The big plot point is that she's hiding her illness from her somewhat estranged husband and teenage son. She's also hiding it from her flat-out-weirdo brother (who is a phenomenally scripted and acted character, played by John Benjamin Hickey). His dialogue is hysterical and his character provides Cathy a support she doesn't quite have in any of her other relationships. Other supporting characters include the seemingly crazy neighbor across the street, the jealous student, and the flirty doctor, who all force Cathy to question who she wants to be for the remainder of her life.

It's not all sad drama, though. Prepare for a steamy affair (or two) and hilarious one-liners.

If you don't have Showtime, wait for Netflix or catch this on-demand at a friend's house. You won't regret it. And a Big Congrats to Laura Linney for a very well-deserved Golden Globe win for Best Actress in the Television Series (Musical or Comedy) category.

~M.