Medium Television Series: A Look Back at the Series Finale
The final episode of the CBS series Medium, titled “Me Without You,” centered on the enduring love story of Allison and Joe Dubois. The episode opens with a shocking event: Joe’s death in a plane crash. Seven years later, Allison, now working with the district attorney, is thrust into a complex case involving a Mexican drug cartel. Following the DA’s murder, Allison takes on the responsibility of solving the case, guided by vivid dreams of Joe, which lead her to believe he might still be alive and held captive in Mexico.
The plot thickens as Allison’s dreams intensify, convincing her that the accused cartel leader has Joe hidden away, suffering from amnesia. This seemingly far-fetched storyline, complete with a classic amnesia trope, pushed the boundaries of the show’s usual fantastical elements. Allison’s unwavering belief in Joe’s survival leads her to make a drastic decision: sabotaging the case to find him. This act raises questions about her priorities and commitment to justice, creating tension and raising the stakes.
However, a significant twist dramatically alters the narrative. It’s revealed that Joe did indeed die in the plane crash. The dream of him being alive seven years later was a message from beyond, orchestrated by Joe to reassure Allison that she could thrive without him. The Mexican cartel case and amnesiac Joe were merely constructs of Allison’s subconscious, influenced by Joe’s final message. This unexpected turn of events reframes the entire episode, validating the earlier sense of unease and providing a clever explanation for the seemingly outlandish plot points.
The episode’s final moments offer a poignant glimpse into Allison’s life 41 years after Joe’s death. Surrounded by family photos and memories, an elderly Allison peacefully passes away, only to be greeted by Joe in the afterlife. This scene raises questions about its reality within the show’s universe. Was it a final dream sent by Joe, a comforting illusion, or a genuine depiction of their reunion in the afterlife? Regardless of its interpretation, the scene serves as a powerful testament to their enduring love and the unwavering strength of their bond, a central theme throughout the series.
This concluding scene, with its ambiguity and emotional resonance, provided a fitting end to Medium‘s seven-season run. The series, while sometimes uneven, offered a captivating exploration of a unique family navigating the complexities of life, love, and loss, anchored by the compelling relationship between Allison and Joe. The show also featured memorable performances from David Cubitt as Lee Scanlon, Sofia Vassilieva as Ariel Dubois, Maria Lark as Bridgette Dubois, and Madison and Miranda Carabello as Marie Dubois.
