The complete series of Canada’s groundbreaking show Terminal City is now available on DVD. Often compared to the American series Six Feet Under, this is another witty, bold and clever look at an anything but funny subject, breast cancer.
This often irreverent portrayal of the process of disease, treatment, family disintegration, and of all things reality television, ultimately reveals the beauty and comfort of close relationships and enduring love.
When I was given this series to review, I didn’t know if I could do it. I’ve been through breast cancer myself, and also with good friends and dearest relatives. I just couldn’t imagine anything entertaining in the insidious process that takes so much from you, and causes you to fight like never before to regain even a fraction of what you once had. I geared myself up, and with trepidation began watching.
I can tell you that it is immensely painful seeing Katie’s life before and after, and the impact the news makes on those who love her, and how she worries about this upset. This series is both terrifyingly beautiful and painful, because so much is so true.
The actors deserve all kinds of praise for capturing emotions in a realistic manner, and yet keeping the integrity of the person intact. There are enough quirks to the story though, that suddenly it becomes more about all the lives of all the characters, rather than just Katie’s battle against the disease.
Oddly enough, there is comfort in that shared fighting the changes and discovering truths about yourself. The reality show scenario is preposterous enough to be real, and funny in a darkly humorous way.
On top of that, Katie’s honesty captures everyone who sees her and makes them part of her support group, while those who want to benefit from this “goldmine” try to turn her and the family into celebrities. It speaks volumes about our society’s attitudes. It is someone else’s pain and suffering, and we are riveted to the television.
Terminal City is presented on three discs, with 490 minutes viewing time. There is a special 45 minute interview with the cast and crew that gives some interesting insights into the production.
For me this is not a hit, because it brings back too much that I really want to move past, but perhaps someone else who has gone through the breast cancer experience would feel differently. We all react to illness or disaster or hard times as best we can with our personalities and human natures.
Some people benefit from stories of courage and battle, and enjoy the depiction of the fight and are uplifted by the hero’s steadfastness. Others draw their strength from humor and a matter of fact attitude about what is happening. There is no right or wrong way to deal with terminal illness, you find what works for you, and do your best to get through it. Would that we all could have Katie’s spark and poise, no matter what we face.
Terminal City is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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