What I’m Watching: The Big C

The Big C: Season 2, Episode 11 “Fight or Flight” (B+)

This was an entertaining episode, motivated mostly by Cathy’s encounter with Dr. Sherman at the swim meet which led to her and Paul being invited over by his young and attractive wife for a double date. What’s almost been most appealing about Cathy is her spirit of life and adventure, and her decision to take a family trip over the holidays to Italy is her bravest choice yet. I’m very glad that Cathy hasn’t gotten hung up on the fact that Paul’s side income is illegal and immoral since that’s something that could very much have held up the show for a while rather than allowing it to move forward. Paul’s cocaine usage is a similar device that is simply allowed to happen and not dwelled on any more, though it’s possible it could be brought back up again soon. Lee leaving the trial is a way of distinguishing him from Cathy and allowing her to move on with her life while he chooses not to keep trying the same way she does. Sean being missing in action is strange since his peculiar energy is definitely one of the best parts of the show, but in his absence, it’s intriguing and somewhat hilarious to learn that he’s known as Maddog among a certain homeless tribe. Paul rather inadvertently got Mick to propose to Andrea, and I’m sure that’s going to lead to some complications as Cathy definitely won’t be on board, especially considering the way she’s been performing academically recently.