Laura Linney is so radiant as the terminally (and secretly) cancer-stricken Cathy inThe Big Cthat the viewer briefly is reminded ofLove Story, in which Ali McGraw, also terminally ill, became more and more radiant as her not-quite-believable death approached. But there the similarity ends. Linney's performance as Cathy is utterly believable, and charming, even if Cathy's actions aren't always respectable. Linney is diagnosed early in the season with terminal melanoma that's spread through her body, and she keeps her diagnosis from her husband (Oliver Platt, never better) and her son, Adam (Gabriel Basso). The idea forThe Big Chaunts the viewer throughout the episodes--what would you do if you knew you were only going to live a short while longer? How would you approach your relationships--and would you keep them? What kinds of risks would you take? Linney's Cathy, until now a responsible schoolteacher, begins to question her life of "staying within the lines," and begins to take chances that baffle her family. The supporting cast is divine, including Gabourey Sidibe (Precious) as a student Cathy is tutoring and coaching--and often annoying. Idris Elba (Luther) is a hunky handyman at Cathy's school, who becomes the object of Cathy's careless flirtations, and John Benjamin Hickey is hilarious as Sean, Cathy's living-off-the-grid brother. But with all the wry humor,The Big Chas some sad, anguished moments--including the first-season finale, which should not be watched without a box of tissues.The Big Cfeatures Linney at her finest, a very believable character facing an all-too-believable fate--and managing to live her life out loud. Extras include candid interviews with the cast, deleted scenes, and outtakes. --A.T. Hurley