‘Chasing Life’ season 2 finale reaction: Italia Ricci explains April’s decision
For some reason, we’ve always viewed “Chasing Life” through a lens of hope. Maybe that is just the optimist within us, or our perception that ABC Family would not be that interested in telling stories that were incredible depressing.
The truth is that in the original show on which this is based, the main character does end up eventually dying (albeit not in the way that you think). After tonight’s season 2 finale, we are starting to think that if this show ends up being renewed, it may face a similar end, but in this case with April succumbing to her illness. After learning that there were no other treatment options left for her, she made the decision to try to live out the last bit of time that she has the way she wants. She’s facing a hard future, and one where her days are seem to be numbered.
So what was it like filming this scene? Speaking to TVLine, star Italia Ricci made it clear that it was a very difficult process, and something that took her some time to wrap her head around:
“I remember shooting it, and it made me crazy that she felt like she had nothing else to hold on to … Even though it might not be the right decision in a lot of people’s eyes, it’s the only one that gives her any power. If she were to go back home and continue treatment, she’d be at the mercy of the hospital and the drugs for the rest of her life. She wants to be in control of however much of the rest of her life she has left, which I thought was really interesting.”
If the show is over after two seasons, we figure that everyone will be able to come up with their own ending. We understand some will want to hope for a miracle, but there is a certain dignity that comes with living life to the fullest for however long you have.
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