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The Big C

GEM's centrepiece may kick off from a bleak premise but it is an affirmation of life, led by the wonderful Laura Linney as a flawed mother and teacher.

Two new channels jam packed with repeats, but there are some hidden treasures if you look hard enough.

One is Showtime’s new drama The Big C starring Laura Linney, screening on GEM.

The premise is straightforward, Cathy Jamison, a suburban schoolteacher and mother is coming to terms with the realisation she has been diagnosed with cancer. Such a bleak set-up is very possibly enough to send viewers (and even Programmers) running in the opposite direction. Here to plug that hole is Linney, an actress of wonderful skill, full of life, shades of grey, humour and irony.

Cleverly, the series opens from a point beyond Cathy hearing the dreaded news. It spares us a tragic opening. Instead, Cathy is flirting with her doctor at her latst check-up, and taking a new control of her life. She has energy rather than self-pity, an astute dramatic choice.

Cathy’s husband Paul (Oliver Platt) is already separated from her and wanting to win back his wife. What he doesn’t know is her diagnosis. On casting terms Platt’s inclusion is part of the charm of the unconventional show. Her teenage son Adam (Gabriel Basso) is obsessed with playing practical jokes on his mother. With Cathy on something of a short fuse, he may have picked the wrong target.

In the classroom Cathy takes no prisoners. Gabourey Sidibe (nominated for an Oscar for Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire) plays an overweight and angry teenager Andrea. Cathy can’t bear to see a student whose self esteem issues impact on their capacity to learn. Cruel to be kind becomes a practical and effective lesson.

Cathy also takes a new approach to her elderly neighbour across the road, apologising to her for never taking the time to know her name. It opens up a new relationship at a tenuous point in her life.

This is a show where the sum of the parts makes up a rather wonderful whole. At its heart is Laura Linney, making Cathy a flawed character, and a very dimensional hero. Its message is an affirmation of life.

I didn’t see the US series Side Order of Life in which a woman reconsiders her life after her best friend is diagnosed with cancer. It screened earlier this year on GO! But I’m glad I caught this.

The Big C brazenly tackles cancer, commitment and even that other big “C” in its dialogue. It’s a perfect fit for GEM’s target of women over the age of 35. But thanks to Linney, it’s also rich enough for plenty of others to enjoy as well.

The Big C airs 9:30pm Wednesday on GEM.

9 Responses

  1. Finally had an opportunity to catch up on the Big C and wanted to thank you for urging us to give this show a chance. Wow what a fantasic show I am addicted can’t wait for the next episode. Having been affected by cancer wasn’t to sure but it has been done brilliantly.

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