Review: The Big C, Season 2, Ep 202 "Musical Chairs"

Air Date: Monday, July 4, 2011 10:30PM E/P

Rating ★★★★★

Review: The Big C, Season 2, Ep 202 "Musical Chairs" 1

Cathy (Laura Linney) doesn't look very happy about the "Cupcakes for Cathy" campaign

“Cupcakes for Cathy.” It’s the thought that counts right? Aside from the condescending tone of the students who’ve taken time to bake cupcakes to raise money for their beloved teacher, Cathy Jamison (Laura Linney), it seems like a nice gesture. So why does it feel so contrite? The positive of the whole situation is the return of smart-ass Andrea (Gabourey Sidibe). While the friendship she and Cathy have is somewhat unconventional, it’s also mutually beneficial. Cathy needs someone who can put her in her place and Andrea needs someone who can see past her tough exterior. Andrea is also a good friend for Adam (Gabriel Basso) especially right now. He seems to be hiding his real emotions about his mother’s illness. He’s biting off heads of everyone who offers their sympathy. The sympathy is a nice sentiment but it’s also a constant reminder that his mother is sick. And I’m disappointed that Adam conveniently forgets about his girlfriend, Mia (Alexandra Socha), when he doesn’t object to some ‘special attention’ he receives from a party goer’s daughter in the basement during a baby shower for Rebecca (guest star Cynthia Nixon).

Review: The Big C, Season 2, Ep 202 "Musical Chairs" 2

Cathy (Laura Linney, L) gets a very brief first visit with Dr. Atticus Sherman (guest star Alan Alda)

Cathy and Paul (Oliver Platt) meet a vibrant older patient, Nadine (Peggy Scott), in the waiting room of the renowned Dr. Sherman Atticus (guest star Alan Alda). Unfortunately after waiting 27 minutes to see the doctor, Cathy doesn’t get a chance to ask about the clinical trials Nadine mentions because the much anticipated first appointment is reduced to a two minute vitals check and an insult about Paul’s weight. However, when a coveted spot in the clinical trial comes available, Cathy learns some disturbing news which makes the clinical trials feel more like a game of musical chairs rather than a life line. Round and round you go until the music stops and the one left without a seat, dies. Harsh, but it’s true.

During her first sonogram, Rebecca haphazardly asks if she could catch Sean’s (John Benjamin Hickey) bi-polar syndrome through the baby’s umbilical cord. Really? Of all things to worry about, her main concern is if she will catch something!? And who can blame Cathy for being a bit peeved at a self-indulgent Rebecca when she announces at the baby shower she wants to name the baby Cathy? It’s like she’s already shoveling dirt onto Cathy’s casket.

Review: The Big C, Season 2, Ep 202 "Musical Chairs" 3

Laura Linney as Cathy and John Benjamin Hickey as Sean

While “Musical Chairs” isn’t a laugh out loud romp, there seems to be some darkly humorous symbolism going on. Rebecca’s platform stilettos are not the kind of shoes a pregnant woman should be wearing. Is she hoping to fall because she’s worried the baby will be bi-polar or pre-disposed to cancer? Adam refuses to give up his big-wheel tricycle because he thinks he can still ride it. Is this his way of saying he wishes he were a young boy again because his mom didn’t have cancer then? And Sean refusing to wear pants even though it is now October in Minnesota is just plain nuts. And as happy as I am he and Cathy have made up, I’m a little nervous about him taking ‘happy pills.’ He’s always been one of my favorite characters with his snappy quips and witty jabs and I’m afraid the pills might dull his ‘Sean-ness.’

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

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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.