The final episode of Medium, titled “Me Without You,” aired on January 21, 2011, and saw Allison DuBois grapple with the implications of a brain aneurysm that threatened to rob her of her psychic abilities and memories of her family. Ultimately, Allison chooses experimental surgery, risking everything to preserve her connection to both the living and the dead, leading to a poignant yet ambiguous ending that left viewers debating the series’ conclusion for years to come.
Allison’s Struggle and the Looming Threat
The episode opens with Allison experiencing increasingly severe headaches and unsettling visions. A doctor diagnoses her with a brain aneurysm that requires immediate surgery. The prognosis is grim: without the surgery, she faces a high risk of stroke or death. With the surgery, there’s a considerable chance she’ll lose her memories, including those of her husband, Joe, and their children. The potential loss of her psychic abilities is almost secondary to the devastating prospect of forgetting her loved ones.
This creates a profound internal conflict. Allison’s life is predicated on her connection to the other side, but that connection is now inextricably linked to her identity as a wife and mother. The episode poignantly explores her fear of losing both her abilities and her family, forcing her to confront the core of her being. She grapples with the existential question of who she is without her psychic gifts and the people who define her existence.
The Ghost of Scarlett O’Hurley and the Search for Meaning
Throughout the episode, Allison is visited by the ghost of Scarlett O’Hurley, a character she previously encountered. Scarlett serves as a guide, prompting Allison to reflect on her life choices and the impact of her abilities. Scarlett’s presence is ambiguous, sometimes comforting, sometimes unsettling, representing the complex relationship Allison has with the spiritual world.
Scarlett encourages Allison to consider the possibility that her aneurysm is connected to her psychic abilities. She suggests that the constant influx of information from the other side is taking a toll on her brain. This reinforces the idea that Allison’s gift is both a blessing and a burden, a concept that has been central to the series since its inception. The conversations with Scarlett become a crucial catalyst for Allison’s ultimate decision.
Joe’s Undying Support and the Weight of Choice
Joe, as always, remains Allison’s unwavering support system. He assures her that his love for her is unconditional and independent of her abilities. He emphasizes that he fell in love with the woman she is, regardless of whether she sees ghosts or not. This provides Allison with a crucial sense of reassurance and empowers her to make a decision based on her own desires, rather than fear of losing Joe’s love.
Joe’s unwavering support highlights the themes of family and unconditional love that are fundamental to Medium. His belief in Allison, even when she doubts herself, is a constant throughout the series and reaches its emotional peak in this final episode. He represents the stability and normalcy that Allison craves amidst the chaos of her psychic life.
The Ambiguous Ending and its Lingering Questions
Allison chooses to undergo the experimental surgery. The final scene shows her waking up in the hospital, surrounded by Joe and her daughters. However, there’s an undeniable ambiguity. She looks at Joe and asks, “Who are you?” The episode then cuts to black, leaving the audience to interpret the ending.
Did Allison lose her memories? Did she lose her psychic abilities? Did she regain them later? The ambiguity serves to emphasize the uncertainties of life and the enduring power of love and family. It allows viewers to project their own hopes and fears onto the ending, making it a deeply personal and resonant conclusion to the series. The unresolved nature of the ending cemented its place in television history as one of the most debated and discussed series finales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What was the critical consensus of the Medium series finale?
The critical response to “Me Without You” was mixed. Some praised the episode for its emotional resonance and ambiguity, arguing that it allowed for a more thought-provoking conclusion. Others criticized the lack of resolution, arguing that it felt incomplete and unsatisfying. Many agreed, however, that the performances, particularly those of Patricia Arquette and Jake Weber, were outstanding. The ambiguous ending sparked widespread discussion and debate among fans, contributing to the episode’s enduring legacy.
Why was Medium cancelled after seven seasons?
Medium was initially cancelled by NBC after five seasons due to declining ratings and high production costs. CBS picked up the show for a sixth and seventh season, but ultimately cancelled it due to low ratings and an inability to come to a financial agreement with Paramount Television. The show’s high licensing fees and the network’s desire to develop new programming also contributed to its cancellation.
Did Patricia Arquette win any awards for her role as Allison DuBois?
Yes, Patricia Arquette won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2005 for her portrayal of Allison DuBois. She was also nominated for the award in 2006 and 2007, as well as for three Golden Globe Awards.
Was the show Medium based on a real person?
Yes, Medium was loosely based on the life of Allison DuBois, a real-life psychic medium. While the show took creative liberties and dramatized events for entertainment purposes, it drew inspiration from DuBois’ claimed experiences communicating with the dead and assisting law enforcement.
What happened to the DuBois family after the show ended?
The real Allison DuBois continues to work as a psychic medium and author. She has written several books about her experiences and offers psychic readings and consultations. Information about her family is largely kept private. It’s important to note that there are ongoing debates about the legitimacy of Allison DuBois’ claims.
Were there any spin-offs planned for Medium?
There were no officially planned spin-offs for Medium after its cancellation. While there was some discussion among fans about potential spin-offs focusing on individual characters or cases, no concrete plans ever materialized.
What were some of the most popular cases Allison DuBois solved on the show?
Allison solved numerous cases throughout the series, but some of the most memorable involved serial killers, missing persons, and complex mysteries that challenged her abilities. The cases often intertwined with Allison’s personal life, creating dramatic tension and emotional stakes. Specific examples include cases involving dreams within dreams, prophecies that came true, and spirits seeking justice.
How did Allison DuBois’ powers evolve throughout the series?
Throughout the series, Allison’s powers evolved and became more complex. Initially, she primarily experienced dreams and visions, but she gradually developed the ability to hear spirits, sense their presence, and communicate with them more directly. Her powers were also sometimes unpredictable and unreliable, adding to the dramatic tension. The increasing intensity and complexity of her powers also contributed to the physical and emotional toll on her, culminating in the aneurysm.
What were some of the challenges Patricia Arquette faced while playing Allison DuBois?
Patricia Arquette faced the challenge of portraying a character with extraordinary abilities while grounding her in reality. She had to balance the supernatural aspects of the role with the portrayal of a believable wife, mother, and professional. She also had to navigate the ethical considerations of portraying a real person and the controversial nature of psychic abilities.
How did the show handle the skepticism surrounding psychic abilities?
Medium often presented a balanced perspective on psychic abilities, acknowledging the skepticism and doubt that many people feel. The show explored the possibility of misinterpretations, coincidences, and psychological explanations for Allison’s experiences. This balanced approach helped to make the show more relatable and credible, even for viewers who were skeptical of psychic phenomena.
What made the relationship between Allison and Joe so compelling?
The relationship between Allison and Joe was a central element of the show’s appeal. Their unwavering love, support, and understanding provided a stable and grounded counterpoint to the supernatural chaos in Allison’s life. Their relationship was a constant source of strength and inspiration, demonstrating the power of love to overcome even the most extraordinary challenges. Joe’s acceptance of Allison’s abilities, despite his initial skepticism, was a testament to their deep connection.
Where can I watch Medium now?
Medium is available for streaming on various platforms, including Paramount+ (previously CBS All Access) and can often be found for purchase or rent on services like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local streaming providers for availability. Availability may vary depending on your region.