Medium

Since the success of "Sixth Sense," many characters in the movies and on television have been seeing dead people. Allison, a law student with a husband and three kids, is one of them. This series is based on a real-life, gifted medium. She is portrayed by Patricia Arquette. Having seen the real Allison Dubois and heard her speak, this is great casting.

The episodes I've seen thus far have been entertaining, refreshing, intriguing, and a nice break from the usual fare on network television, i.e., bachelors, survivors, bachelorettes, and makeover victims. Arquette's performance is understated, that of a likable character with an offbeat, supportive husband, cute kids, and a bizarre relationship with the spirit world. The guest cast tends towards the quirky, making them interesting. Allison's visions are more focused than the rather far-fetched images the young woman gets on "Missing," probably because Allison is not only seeing, but talking to, dead people.

I really enjoy this show. The premise is great. The paranormal aspect is handled well, and I love the interplay between the husband and wife. For me, it's a never-miss-it show, and I don't say that for too many shows. Good job! My husband had one issue with a legal aspect, but he's a lawyer so that's expected. The show I really enjoyed was the one with the husband's friend at work. I also enjoyed the show where one of their daughters made a friend at school. It was also very touching. The emotional growth of the characters is well done. One has to feel sorry for the husband, right? :-) He can't get away with anything. I also like the way they have returning characters.

I haven't been this enthusiastic about a TV show for awhile. The actors are top notch and the stories interesting. In my opinion, the core of the show is not the cases the main character (Allison) investigates or even her psychic abilities. Rather, its how her abilities affect her relationships with others (especially her husband). So far my favorite episode has been "A Couple of Choices" but I can't explain why. I love how the husband and children are portrayed. I have a small crush on the husband (Joe) and the kids argue with each other just like normal kids. (I got a real kick hearing the eldest daughter tattle that the younger one hadn't brushed her teeth - rather she just got the toothbrush wet.) Allison is so down to earth that she is easy to related to.

So few crime or science fiction shows effectively incorporate family drama. Medium is a refreshing change!

I have to disagree with anyone who says this show is "corny," "unbelievable," or glamorizes a "supernatural talent." The essence of good fiction does promote the suspension of disbelief to the point in which the characters, events, and plot are believable. If you watch the show for realistic events, true plots and characters, then, yes, this show will be a disappointment. If, however, you wish to escape the constant bombardment of "reality TV," this show is an excellent diversion.

The characters, the plots, the dialog, and the premise itself may not be all that believable, but neither were "Baywatch," "Melrose Place," or "Dukes of Hazzard." And look how long they lasted! Those who have just one hour to try this show, try keeping an open mind to the talent of the actors and watch for the sake of watching, not scientific evidence.

I've known women who have had premonitions - one even gets weird twinklings where she blurts out things while watching the news - and then whatever info she states comes out to be true.

So this show really works for me. It could have easily gone for some kind of sensationalism and quickly sunk to the bottom, but the writers have decided to reach for something more meaningful by creating an everyday household trying to deal with an unique situation. In doing so they have made the fantastic seem much more plausible and have given the show a sturdy foundation.

If you are looking for refreshingly crisp dialogue and some excellent acting within a show that makes you think, then please give Medium a try. It's so much better than all those so called "reality" shows, or the posturing in such shows as CSI where the writers cover up their lack of skill by having the stars look meaningfully into the camera.

It's funny how a show that many think has an outlandish premise can actually come off as being so much more realistic.