So its all about the Breaking Bad at the moment, spoilers, dissemination’s, lamentations. I still have the first two seasons staring down at me from the book shelf, unwatched. But I promise I will get around to watching it any day now. However, there is another incredibly well acted series about to bow out along with its terminally ill protagonist Cathy Jamison. The Big C is nearing completion with two more episodes left on More 4 Thursdays at 10pm.

The Big C tells the story of a school teacher, Cathy Jamison( played by Laura Linny), who is diagnosed with an incurable melanoma and how this news effects her, her family and her neighbours. In the first season Cathy decides to do all the things she always wanted to do, like building a pool in her back garden and drains her bank account buying presents for her teenage son’s future birthday’s that she won’t be around to see. She has a torrid affair with the delicious Lenny, played by Idris Elba and reconnects with her homeless brother Sean. For much of the season she is trying to prevent her family from finding out that she has cancer but when her husband Paul (played by Oliver Platt) finds out about her affair and requests a divorce she is forced to come clean about her illness. Cathy also befriends her friendless and cantankerous neighbour Marlene who herself is suffering from Alzheimer’s. Their connection and Marlene’s subsequent connection with Cathy’s son Adam ends in tragedy.

Season two meets Cathy as she is undergoing medical trials to see if they can find a cure for her cancer. During these trial she meets a fellow patient Lee (played by Hugh Dancy). Paul loses his job along with the families health insurance and has to find work in an electrical store. Andrea (played by Gabourey Sidibe) a student of Cathy’s who they take in begins a relationship with one of Paul’s co-workers. Cathy’s brother Sean moves into Marlene’s house and has to readjust to normal life and having a relationship with one of Cathy’s old school friends without giving up on his free living ideals. Cathy has to come to terms with the fragility of human life by the end of this season.

In season three Paul becomes a motivational speaker under the tutelage of Joy Kleinman (played by Susan Sarrandon). Cathy’s medical trials are going so well she decides that she and Paul should add to their family and begin the process of adoption. Cathy begins to lead a double life where she pretends to be someone else altogether when she visits a local pub to the hospital called the Naked Turtle. When Paul finds out he is extremely hurt and once again suggest that they divorce. A family trip and motivational speaking gig for Paul and the family to Puerto Rico brings about life changing decisions.

Season 4 is called hereafter and is only 4 episodes long. It deals with the final weeks of Cathy living with her terminal cancer after the medical trials have failed and she gives up on treatment altogether.

The Big C has a fantastic cast, many of whom have been Oscar nominated for their film work and Laura Linney has won Emmy and Golden Globe awards for her role. Her performance has been pitch perfect throughout all the seasons. There won’t be the same levels of frenzy when it ends next week, or water cooler moments as each frame is debated and dissected. But I will miss this charming series not afraid to examine the fragility of normal family life when touched with a terminal illness with humour and pathos.

By LAW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX7G-S1qGy8