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Review: The Big C, Season 2, Ep 201 “Losing Patients”

Air Date: Monday, June 27, 2011 10:30PM E/P

Rating ★★★★★

“Bring it on!” is the mantra for The Big C’s season two campaign and they certainly bring something. Strange hallucinations and a headache that just won’t go away seem to plague Cathy (Laura Linney) throughout the season two premiere, “Losing Patients.”  I was so excited for the premiere and I wasn’t disappointed at all! By the end of the first episode, I realized I had a smile etched on my face, stretching from ear to ear.

Cathy has a dream where she and Sean are going for a run but soon an unexpected guest joins them and freaks Cathy out.

When we last saw Cathy, she had decided to fight her cancer and was undergoing the invasive and harsh Inter-Luken (I.L) treatments. Not only does the treatment not work for Cathy, it gives her a terrible headache and strange hallucinations — she’s seeing her deceased neighbor and friend Marlene (special guest star Phyllis Somerville). Although I’m happy to see Marlene again, I’m worried these hallucinations might indicate an underlying problem for Cathy. Perhaps her melanoma tumors have spread since she opted for little to no treatment when first diagnosed in season one.

When Dr. Todd (guest star Reid Scott) tells Cathy the I.L treatments do more harm than good, she opts for a second opinion, which I think makes Dr. Todd a little jealous. We know he has deeper feelings for Cathy and doesn’t see her only as a patient. I just hope the new guy, Dr. Sherman Atticus (not seen) will be able to help — that is, if Cathy could ever get an actual appointment with him. It seems she’s on hold more than anything, which prompts her to take drastic measures prompted by a little idea from Rebecca (guest star Cynthia Nixon) and a nudge from Marlene.  I mean how many more times can she call and say, “I’m stage 4; there is no stage 5,” before someone returns her calls?

Cathy gives Adam a hug and gives him a sample of her farts

Cathy and Paul (Oliver Platt) decide to send their son Adam (Gabriel Basso) to therapy. I thought it was a bit much. I mean, he’s a teenager coping with his mother’s potentially fatal illness, so of course you should expect some type of withdrawn behavior. What cracks me up and makes me laugh out loud is the ‘odd behavior’ Paul thinks Adam is exhibiting. “Pointedly and aggressively farting. He even fart-framed Cathy.”  I thought it was pretty funny when the therapist asks if anyone was physically hurt. LOL! Maybe their nostrils but I think more than anything, Adam’s intestines or butt would be the injured parties. Those farts sounded somewhat painful. 

John Hickey as Sean and Cynthia Nixon as Rebecca

Sean (John Benjamin Hickey) learns about his sister’s illness from his baby mama Rebecca and he’s not taking it too well. Granted, Rebecca wasn’t supposed to say anything, but I think Sean is being selfish about it all. The fact that he’s bi-polar and unable to stay in the same house with Rebecca, even though they are having a baby together, speaks volumes about his commitment issues. And poor Thomas, the Basset Hound Cathy inherited from Marlene. He just can’t catch a break either. He may be old but I don’t think they should count him out just because he sleeps so soundly…to the point you think he’s dead.

Don’t miss an all new season of one of the best shows on television! Linney embodies Cathy so fully—she is funny, witty, and charming, but also a little bitchy and self-serving. I mean, if you had stage 4 cancer, wouldn’t you be a little bent if one of the best doctors in town wasn’t available for you? Cancer is about to get a kick in the proverbial ass!

Tune in to The Big C Mondays at 10:30PM E/P only on Showtime.

Photos © 2011 Showtime, All Rights Reserved.

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.

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.