There wasn't a ton of action in tonight's episode, but there's lots going on just below the surface as we prepare for the final two episodes of what has been an amazing ride this summer. This is one weekly fix that I am going to sorely miss as we enter the madness of the fall television season. It'll be a long 10 months until our favorite polygamists return to the rotation.
As Rhonda sang about being "the happiest girl" tonight, her words were juxtaposed against all the various levels of dissatisfaction among the women in Bill's life. Barb is clearly showing signs of strain as the "public wife" and it looks like old habits are coming back to haunt Nicki. Her stolen windfall led to the resumption of her shopping addiction, not to mention an ill-advised and over the-top party for Joey, Wanda and Kathy that was crashed by creepy brother Alby. Now that he has seized control of the compound and Roman's medical care (with the help of his equally nefarious wife), he is more dangerous than ever. It is clear that Adaleen will quickly regret her decision to support Alby's efforts to step in for Roman.
While Barb and Nicki struggled with their own demons, Margene's excitement over her first public outing as Bill's wife was quickly deflated when Bill proved, once again, that Barb is his go-to wife for social acceptance and propriety. However, Margene certainly didn't help her cause by acting like a petulant child and attempting to make even more of a mess for Bill. Luckily, his potential business associates were intrigued by Bill's secret vice and, as Barb later noted, he played his domestic situation to full advantage, appearing to be a hero to Margene while knowing full well that his lifestyle would gain him favor with that particular audience. Last season, I had trouble with the fact that Bill came off as such a clean-living, well-meaning man who happened to dabble in polygamy in a very noncommittal and secretive way. It has been so interesting to see his darker side emerge this season. Despite his issues with Roman and the compound, he maintains his ties with the UEB, his family and all the baggage that that entails. By allowing Bill to embrace his true nature - his desire to climb the social ladder while covertly undermining it - he has become a richer and more intriguing character.
The ongoing power struggle between Frank and Lois is starting to wear on me, mostly because neither of them seems to have a redeeming bone in their body. I guess the lesser of two evils would be Lois. Frank's attempt to win Alby with flattery while at the same time using his son's would-be wife as a pawn is low even for him. But Lois still has a number of tricks up her sleeve as her talent for self-preservation continues to be her most enduring trait.
Finally, little Rhonda continues to wreak havoc, attempting to blackmail Heather and generally tormenting Sarah with her presence. It was particularly painful to watch Roman watch his former child bride trading on her notoriety to gain public sympathy. I honestly didn't think it was possible for me to feel sorry for Roman, no matter how dire his circumstances, I did feel a little sympathy for him tonight. Go figure.
Anyway, remember that for the next two weeks, the show reclaims its rightful Sunday-night spot. In the meantime, if you need more
Big Love, check out the
Online Video Guide.
show less
There wasnt a ton of action in tonights episode but theres lots going on just below the surface as we prepare for the final two episodes of what has been an amazing ride this summer This is one weekly fix that I am going to sorely miss as we enter the madness of the fall television season Itll be a long 10 months until our favorite polygamists return to the rotationAs Rhonda sang about being the happiest girl tonight her words were juxtaposed against all the various levels of dissatisfaction among the women in Bills life Barb is clearly showing signs of strain as the public wife and it looks like old habits are coming back to haunt Nicki Her stolen windfall led to the resumption of her shopping addiction not to mention an ill-advised and overthe-top party for Joey Wanda and Kathy that was crashed by creepy brother Alby Now that he has seized control of the compound and Romans medical care with the help of h
read more