Review: The Big C - S3 - "Thin Ice" (bonfire of maxi pads and a wedding dress)

Review: The Big C, Season 3, Ep. 301 – “Thin Ice”

Air Date: Sunday, April 8, 2012 9:30 PM E/P on Showtime

Rating: ★★★★★

Are you Showtime-less? Fret not, you can watch the season three premiere of The Big C on YEC now!

“Fear less” is the theme of season three and “Thin Ice” reintroduces us to the wonderful cast of characters, reminding us of why we love watching The Big C. And surprise! My theory – “wild hair variety” – about Paul’s (Oliver Platt) death was right! Paul did die at the end of season two from a massive heart attack, which is why Cathy (Laura Linney) saw him at the marathon finish line. However, he was revived and is alive and kicking…well, sort of. He’s more like a pajama sporting blogger now. He has a lot to say about his near death experience and how his childhood friend, Patrick Bertstrand (unseen) sent him back to the world of the living. To say I was surprised would be wrong. My hunch was a strong gut feeling. I didn’t think the writers would turn Paul into a recurring ghost character. We’ve got one ghost – Marlene (Phyllis Somerville) — and Lee (Hugh Dancy) may visit once in a while but to have three ghosts is a little much. They would need to call this show The Big G instead of C.

Review: The Big C - S3 - "Thin Ice" (bonfire of maxi pads and a wedding dress) 1

Cathy (aka Alexis Bertstrand) signs up for the pub's "Broom Ball" team

Now that we’ve gotten Paul’s mortality established, we must move on to Cathy. She’s taken on a new persona of sorts. She’s been frequenting a local pub near the hospital (convenient) under the assumed name, Alexis Bertstrand. Does anyone find it odd that Alexis’ last name is the same as Paul’s savior? Coincidence? At any rate, Cathy seems to be stressed and rightly so. She’s dealing with Paul’s health, in addition to her own cancer clinical trials and the mounting insurance bills. It’s a release for her to be someone else for a short while, drinking martinis, smoking, joining the bar’s “Broom Ball” team, and lying about her profession and who she really is. But, like all the other secrets she’s kept, somehow they manage to find their way into the light.

Review: The Big C - S3 - "Thin Ice" (bonfire of maxi pads and a wedding dress) 2

Laura Linney as Cathy and John Hickey as Sean

Cathy asks her brother Sean (John Hickey) to be Adam’s (Gabriel Basso) “guardian buddy” in case anything should happen to both her and Paul. And much to my dismay, Sean is medicated but still has that sharp tongue and sarcastic wit I so adore. I find it odd, although not surprising, that Sean bonds with Andrea (Gabourey Sidibe), who now wants to be known as “Ababoo” after her return from Ghana. Both are still reeling from love lost and love deceived. Sean misses Rebecca (Cynthia Nixon) and still mourns the loss of their unborn child while Andrea tries to cope with the betrayal of her former fiancé, Myk (Boyd Holbrook), who, it seems, only wanted to marry her for a green card. Sean and Andrea bonding over a trashcan bonfire of maxi pads and a wedding dress – nice! Who knew maxi pads could hold such nostalgia?

Review: The Big C - S3 - "Thin Ice" (bonfire of maxi pads and a wedding dress) 3

Cathy gives Adam the good news in the waiting area of Dr. Sherman's office

Adam appears happy to have Andrea back in the house. I’m sure with his parents’ recent health issues, having someone else to talk to is a comfort. It’s wonderful to see Adam’s growth over the seasons. From an immature little shit in season one to a maturing teen now faced with his parents’ mortality, it’s natural for him to be curious about religion. When Andrea hangs a picture of “black Jesus,” it prompts questions from Adam about the power of prayer.

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Cathy is feeling huggy after receiving some encouraging news from Dr. Sherman

A smiling Dr. Sherman (Alan Alda) gives Cathy some terrific news about her prognosis. “There’s not a period at the end of your sentence anymore.” Hearing his mom say she’s “less cancery” than she was before gives Adam renewed faith that perhaps prayer does work. I’m all for positive thinking and if religion and prayer give you that, so be it. I only hope Adam has as much faith in science and medicine because that’s what is helping his mom right now and his dad, too, for that matter. Paul’s implanted ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) device will give him a jolt that’s like a “horse kick to the fucking chest,” should he go into arrhythmia.

“Thin Ice” is funny, sarcastic, endearing, and a bit sorrowful. You most certainly will laugh, especially when Paul tells Cathy what happens to him after he runs out to save her when she falls into the ice pond (aka their unfinished swimming pool). If this episode is any indication of what the season will bring, grab your Depends and defibrillators; it’s going to be one hell of a ride!

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.