Posted August 27, 201014 yr http://www.sho.com/site/thebigc/season1/images/extras/TheBigC_800x600.jpg New comedy/drama on Showtime. Laura Linney (Love Actually) plays Cathy, a suburban wife/mother and teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. She doesn't tell her husband, son or brother but she does decide to start living a less reserved, more joyous life. She starts by kicking out her husband - she loves him but he's incredibly childish and she doesn't want to waste what time she has left running around after him. He can't understand it and assumes she's having an affair. She also decides to take a gobby student from summer school, Andrea, under her wing and help her to lose weight. The whole tone is light and heavy all at once, with a chirpy soundtrack and lots of jokes but also a fair dose of emotional stuff. Like the other female-lead Showtime series (United States Of Tara, Weeds, Nurse Jackie) the show has a habit of throwing things in which are completely unexpected - see the final scene of the first episode. Laura Linney is quite brilliant as Cathy - utterly likeable which is what sets it apart from Weeds in my opinion (the critics are comparing them very closely), since Nancy in that show is so self-centred. Gabourey Sidibe (who played Precious) guest stars as Andrea. There's a brilliant scene where she makes Cathy's son show his mum a bit of respect with the help of a paintball gun. In future episodes Cynthia Nixon (Miranda from Sex & The City) will play Cathy's friend, whilst Idris Elba (The Wire, Luther) and Liam Neeson will also guest star. A little clip: bn9E55au3VU Only two episodes have aired so far but I'm loving it. It's just so likeable (and only half an hour long!). I really hope a few people on here discover it but it hasn't been picked up by a UK broadcaster yet (and the language is pretty strong so if it does it'll probably be on something obscure that nobody watches!).
August 28, 201014 yr :heehee: This looks really good. Hope it is shown in the UK. She looks alot like Miranda Otto :o
August 28, 201014 yr That sounds really good from your description! :o Might give it a go, I need a good new TV show to get into.
May 10, 201114 yr Author So I just finished watching the first season and I firmly believe that Laura Linney needs the Emmy for Actress in a Comedy. There are so many shades to her performance. And she fucking always makes me CRY. I thought Marlene's brief cameo in the very final scene of the last episode was absolutely beautiful. Also Cynthia Nixon has been a bloody brilliant guest star. A revelation actually. Basically it's all been the tits and indeed Showtime is the tits.
May 30, 201114 yr Author So the best show on cable is BACK on June 27th - four weeks to go! There's a trailer out now: NZA1dvA4R1o Can hardly contain myself.
May 30, 201114 yr BRAVE BITCH. How i love this show. I'm guessing this season is going to be even more amazing.
May 30, 201114 yr Exciting. I'm glad Gabourey Sidibe is returning - really wasn't sure if they were going to write out her character. Does anyone know if Cynthia Nixon is back too?
May 30, 201114 yr Author Yes she is! There's a behind the scenes feature and she talks about moving in across from Cathy with Sean.
May 30, 201114 yr Author You're in for a complete treat! It's a really easy programme to zip through too. I can watch 2 or 3 episodes back to back easily whereas usually after an hour of TV on my laptop I find myself getting antsy.
May 30, 201114 yr I never have problems watching TV back to back. :heehee: The pilot is turning out pretty awesome.
Create an account or sign in to comment