Medium

Medium is a captivating supernatural crime drama series that aired on CBS from 2005 until 2011. It is centred around the life of Allison Dubois, fittingly portrayed by Academy Award-winning actress Patricia Arquette. The show is based on real-life medium Allison Dubois, who has claimed to use her psychic abilities to assist law enforcement in solving crimes.

The series is set in Phoenix, Arizona, providing an inviting and consistently sunny backdrop to the sometimes dark narratives played out in the series. As the drama develops, one of the key elements that makes Medium stand out is its blend of genres– it’s not purely a procedural crime series, nor is it purely a supernatural thriller; instead, it skilfully integrates elements of both, creating a show that is truly unique in its field.

The storyline revolves primarily around Allison's psychic experiences, which often take the form of dreams about violent crimes or speaking directly with the spirits of deceased individuals. Interesting mysteries and gripping storylines are paramount in Medium, as each episode presents a new case or situation which Allison's abilities are vital in solving. Co-stars include Jake Weber excellently playing Allison’s patient and understanding husband, Joe, and Miguel Sandoval, who portrays District Attorney Manuel Devalos, a close confidant of Allison who frequently utilizes her abilities in his work.

A quintessential element to the show's appeal is the realistic portrayal of spirituality, psychics, and mediums. The writers of Medium have done a commendable job of representing these phenomena as part of everyday life, neither overdramatizing them nor relegating them to the realm of pure fantasy. Rather, the supernatural aspects of the series are intertwined seamlessly with the normal, mundane aspects of life. This realism, combined with the complicated, likable characters and the dramatic tension inherent in the crime-solving narrative, makes Medium a series that keeps its audience engaged, episode after episode.

Beyond the intriguing premise and engrossing storylines, Medium's strength lies in its character development. Patricia Arquette's portrayal of Allison is particularly noteworthy — she manages to make Allison a believable and relatable character, skillfully balancing her dual roles as a dedicated law enforcement consultant and a loving mother and wife. The chemistry among the cast, which includes Sofia Vassilieva and Maria Lark as Allison's elder daughters, is palpable, adding to the show's genuineness and charm.

Additionally, the series doesn't shy away from exploring the struggles and doubts that the Dubois' face as a result of Allison's extraordinary talents. We see the family grappling with an uncertain, challenging reality as they come to terms with their matriarch's unique abilities, yet they always manage to pull through, their love for each other serving as their anchor in the maelstrom.

While Medium is a series focused on solving crimes and navigating the supernatural, at its heart, it is also a family drama. The poignant relationship dynamics between Allison and her husband, as well as their three daughters — Ariel, Bridgette, and Marie — adds a familial warmth to the series that perfectly balances out the darker, more intense elements of the narrative. Despite the high-stakes crime solving and psychic dream-diving, it consistently highlights the day-to-day struggles and joys of the Dubois family, cementing its place as a show that resonates on multiple levels with its viewers.

Medium garnered a loyal fan base and positive critical reception during its six-year run, not only for its unique concept and compelling narratives, but also for its well-written characters and strong performances, particularly from Patricia Arquette, who won an Emmy Award for her work on the show. From its engrossing storylines to its believable depiction of supernatural events, Medium has left an indelible mark in the realm of supernatural crime dramas.