TCA: A Possible Weeds Crossover, And 5 Other Things You Should Know About The Big C

The proprietors of a new premium cable series often trumpet its arrival with broad statements about the journeys the characters will go on and the high quality of the cast and the unique support it has received from such a special network. The Big C panel knocked out all three of those requirements with aplomb, but they revealed much more than their excitement to be gilding Showtime's strong-female-lead lily.

The Main Character Has a Bucket List

...which, judging by the preview, includes paying $300 for a live lobster, burning a couch, flashing a faculty member while in class (try to figure that one out without a visual), getting a bikini wax for the first time and then admiring the finished product with a hand mirror.

There Might Be a Weeds Crossover

When asked if The Big C would ever consider an episode in which Linney's character visits one Nancy Botwin for a supply of medical marijuana, the cast and crew were extremely receptive of the idea. Linney said, "That's actually something I talked to [the network] about. I'd love to do that. I'd love to have [my character] visit Nurse Jackie too. Maybe we can just visit all of the Showtime shows."

Laura Linney Goes There

There being co-star Gabourey Sidibe's (character's) size. When Cathy's (Linney) trouble-maker student Andrea (Sidibe) pushes one too many buttons, Cathy tells her "You can be either fat and jolly or a skinny bitch. Pick one."

Watching This Show Will Not Guarantee Correct Pronunciation of Gabourey's Name

The only question directed towards Gabourey today (something along the lines of "Had you been planning an administration career before breaking into acting?") began with a critic's brutal mispronunciation of the Precious star's name.

Liam Neeson Is Not Playing a Love Interest of Linney's Character

At least, not at first. After confirming that she personally asked her Love Actually co-star to appear in the new series, Linney revealed that Neeson will be playing "a great character in the alternative medicine world" in just one episode "so far."

Laura Linney's Character Will Not Necessarily Die at the End

When asked how producers plan on outlining their heroine's arc without knowing how many season pickups (if any) await them, producers made it clear that they would like to explore as much of this character's life as possible. And no, they are not certain that she will die because new developments in melanoma treatments are being made every day. Let's just hope that if The Big C does go six seasons, producers don't use the "Will she make it" cliffhanger as a crutch.