Linda Lavin’s ‘Mid-Century Modern’ Exit Is a Fitting Swan Song for a TV Icon

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The central character of Hulu’s fresh sitcom “Mid-Century Modern,” Sybil Schneiderman, is talked about extensively before making an appearance. As Nathan Lane’s character, Bunny, put it, “She could potentially last another 20 years just on cottage cheese and resentment.” However, when she does emerge, it’s quite a spectacle. It seems that Bunny has relocated his two closest friends into the Palm Springs residence he shares with Sybil, and she expresses relief that he won’t be alone once she passes away. “But don’t worry about that happening soon!”, she exclaims, her voice escalating to a shout.

I was truly looking forward to seeing more of Linda Lavin’s brilliant portrayal of Sybil in “Mid-Century Modern.” Unfortunately, we lost her in December, during the filming of the season, and the show had to write off Sybil in the ninth episode. Her performance was the primary reason I tuned in each week, as she breathed life into the classic, multicamera sitcom format with her infectious joy and keen intellect. Even though the show typically maintains a lighter tone, her farewell scene was surprisingly poignant and heartfelt.

Throughout the show’s run, Sybil’s nagging behavior provided plenty of arguments for her children (Pamela Adlon portrays daughter Mindy in a recurring role) and her guests. At one point, Mindy says, “She may be critical, but at least she’s annoying.” Lavin skillfully transforms what might seem stale to some performers into a complex interplay of sharp, nervous jabs. Sybil doesn’t necessarily dislike her kids or her guests, like Jerry (Matt Bomer), the innocent and naive one, or Arthur (Nathan Lee Graham), the sophisticated aesthete. She simply believes they could all strive for more. Hiding Bunny’s favorite Fig Newtons is indeed a criticism of his weight, but it’s also a form of playful competition, a challenge that if he wants a treat, he needs to truly work for it. Is it perfect parenting? No. But it’s definitely a form of affection.

As Sybil exits the series, her domineering yet benevolent influence lingers. It’s challenging to write off a character so swiftly, and it seems plausible that both cast and crew were taken aback – thus, a lengthy explanation of her departure feels both practical and emotional. Bunny recounts a car ride to the hospital, where Sybil’s persistent urgings to slow down to dodge a speeding ticket suddenly ceased; this silence, something she had never allowed him, was the instant he realized she was no longer there.

The show offers delightful writing at key moments, yet it can sometimes feel overly lengthy. Co-created by Max Mutchnick and David Kohan from “Will & Grace,” the series is reminiscent of two eras. Initially, it seems like a nostalgic production with an audience, giving off an old-fashioned vibe. However, as you delve deeper, you realize that this sitcom featuring a skeptical lead character, his quirky and intelligent friend, another daffy one, and his mother living together, bears a striking resemblance to the creative roots of “The Golden Girls.

Lavin, the lead actress in “Alice,” is analogous to Estelle Getty. She’s perfectly suited for the part because flexibility has always been her strength. Lavin, who won two Golden Globes for “Alice,” rose to prominence during a time when a character actress could headline a network sitcom for nine seasons. Since then, she’s appeared in films ranging from “The Muppets Take Manhattan” to “Being the Ricardos,” and on TV shows like “The Sopranos,” “The O.C.,” and most recently, “No Good Deed,” all the way up to last year. In her late 80s, she bravely took on a role in an ensemble for a potential long-running series, performing with such enthusiasm that it might have seemed unthinkable that the show would continue without her.

In a unique manner similar to Getty, Lavin possessed the ability to burst the bubbles of falsehood and self-importance among the characters who unexpectedly cross paths with her in their later years. It’s not always that Sybil enjoys being around her son and his companions, but there’s never a doubt that she would have welcomed them into her home, or that they deeply miss her after she’s no longer there. This style of sitcom writing, amidst all the humorous quips, harkens back to a bygone era as well.

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2025-03-29 22:46