The Big C returns with more laughs and heartache

by Bob Degon

'The Big C' returned for a second season this week, and with the way the story appears to be shaping up, I think this season is going to be better than the first!

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TV Shows

The Big C
- Season 2, Episode 1 - "Losing Patients"

It’s funny. The return of The Big C was not one that I was holding my breath for. Sure, I enjoyed season one quite a bit, but for some reason I was not brimming with anticipation, waiting for it to jump back on my screen. Having watched the premiere of season two, I’m beginning to wonder why that was. This show is excellent.

I’m really glad that it’s back, and quite frankly, I think this season is going to leave the first in the dust. While I enjoyed the first season, there were a lot of plot points that really drove me nuts. I was furious with Cathy through most of the season for keeping her cancer a secret. I just didn’t understand it. Now, with her brother finding out this week, all those secrets are a thing of the past and we can move on. Though it appears that it will take Sean a bit of time to adjust.

Additionally, it was great to see Cathy back with her family, all of them actually acting like a family. While I understood her need to break away last season, I am glad that the family is back together. It was also nice to see some familiar faces that I thought would be long gone. Most obvious, of course, was Marlene. I figured after Cathy’s cranky neighbor offed herself last season we had seen the last of her. It was great to see Phyllis Somerville back on the show, haunting Cathy. I have no idea if she will be returning, but I hope we get to see more of her, I thought she added so much to the mix last season. Likewise, I wasn’t sure if Cynthia Nixon was going to be back, but it was a nice surprise to see her.

As for story, it looks like Cathy is going to be changing doctors. Beyond that, I’m not really sure what this season has to offer. Is it going to focus on her difficult treatments? Will it focus on her relationships with her family? You know what? I don’t think it really matters. As long the strong cast is together and show still manages to find a way to make us laugh while continuing to be heart breakingly sad at times, I’ll be tuning in.