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« Big Love
June 25, 2007: Family Is First
The title I’ve chosen for this week’s blog was a quote from “The Prophet” himself, and it was a fitting one for tonight’s episode. I have to give Roman Grant some credit. Even when he is plotting, undermining and defrauding, he still seems to wholeheartedly believe that he has the best interests in mind for his “righteous flock.” And what a flock it is! The next time I complain about a big family get-together, I am going to think back to this episode and thank my lucky stars. Nicki’s supersized lineage was on the front burner tonight as she convinced Bill to visit the compound with her and even stay as a guest in Roman’s house. Suffice it to say that Jerry Springer could have a field day with this bunch!
What I don’t get is how anyone, least of all Nicki, could be surprised by Alby’s revelation that it was Roman who called the governor’s office about Barb. Seriously? The man is willing to overlook the attempted murder of his own son in order to further his financial interests. Is it really that far of a leap to think he would sacrifice his daughter and her family — a family headed up by a man he despises? Again, I am impressed on a weekly basis by Chloe Sevigny. I think she does an amazing job with a very difficult character. Tonight, she conveyed both naïveté and misguided loyalty in dealing with Roman; however, when push came to shove, she protected her real family. “I’ve given up hundreds to live in the suburbs with 10,” she told Bill. It seems that her allegiance has shifted to the family she married into as opposed to the one she came from. Last season, we did not have much of a window into the compound, but I am really enjoying getting to see more of that life that Nicki comes from. It is interesting to me that she and Bill both have that upbringing in common, because it gives them a bond that is unique. Barb might be his soul mate, but Nicki understands where he comes from and that connection runs deep for both of them.
While I always find the scenes at the compound a little unsettling, I did giggle at some of the domestic chaos at Roman’s house. You would really have to run that kind of a household like a business, as Adaleen does with passive-aggressive efficiency. Watching her lug that gigantic bag of potatoes out of Bill’s car was a hoot, as was listening to her attempts to create a rather garbled family tree for little Josie. The entire gathering reminded me of a giant town picnic out of an especially disturbing episode of Little House on the Prairie, right down to the dresses and French braids.
Back at the other homestead, Barb’s fragile psyche was taking a beating on all sides. First, she had to contend with her sister’s vitriolic birthday card to Ben. Then there was defiant little Margene whose attempts to be “motherly” to Ben bordered on seduction in Barb’s eyes. And I wonder if those coffee klatches with Don’s “plural family” really do more harm than good. Yes, it is nice that Barb has people she can be honest and open with, but doesn’t that also feed into the illusion of normalcy that got her into trouble in the first place? I do feel like we are really getting a window into Barb's struggle this season. As much as she tries to convince herself that she is comfortable with the choices she has made, it still seems like there is quite an internal struggle going on.
There are no illusions of normalcy when it comes to Alby and Rhonda. Alby seems to become more unstable with each passing week, and tonight his anger boiled over as he jeopardized the entire compound while exacting revenge on the Henricksens. Meanwhile, desperate, crafty little Rhonda turned up on Barb’s doorstep again, despite having certified her pledge to Roman. That girl definitely has self-preservation and trouble written all over her. From the look of things, she must have overheard Bill’s discussion with Don about stealing the video-machine business out from under Roman. And when that betrayal is discovered, all hell will certainly break loose.
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Jun 25, 2007 10:28 PM
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Never thought I'd say this but I felt so bad for Nikki and I was so irritated by Margene.
I was so happy Nikki confronted Roman and then just leaving without warning him was so great. As for Margene, she's always been immature and naive and I've loved her for that but last night she was overly childish. I think she overreacted with Barb, as Barb only suggested that people might assume a sexual relationship between Ben and her because of how they interact. But by the end Margene stepped up and was a grown-up, she is still my fave.
I thought there were a few moments last season with Margene and Ben that sort of hinted towards a relationship and I was so relieved the show didn't go in that direction; but now I'm not so sure
her attempts to create a rather garbled family tree
That scene was very disturbing but found myself laughing out loud.
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Jun 26, 2007 12:34 AM
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"I think she overreacted with Barb, as Barb only suggested that people may assume a sexual relationship between Ben and her because of how they interact."
Margene wasn't overreacting at all. She was angry because Barb herself believed there was inappropriate behavior going on.
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Jun 26, 2007 2:20 AM
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I think Barb had every right to confront Margene and Margene had every right to be disgusted, but that hissy fit was definite overreacting, she lost credibility in the argument.
I too noticed the odd relationship of Ben and Margene last year, and I hope it never comes to pass because I don't think I could forgive Margene.
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Jun 26, 2007 3:14 AM
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I usually can't stand Nikki but thought that this episode did a good job of helping us to understand why she and Bill share a bond and why he loves her. After last season it felt like he only truly loved Barb and sort of tolerated the other two. The spur of the moment love scene with Nikki and Bill was actually very sweet and it was nice to get that background on them. Their common background does give Nikki a special connection with Bill that neither Margene or Barb could ever have. So now we've seen why Bill married Barb and why he married Nikki.
I'd still love to see if he has a deeper connection with Margene and how he decided to marry her as well. It's been a while since we've seen any genuine husband-wife interaction with the two of them. It feels as though she's sort of the odd one out. If anything ever does happen with Ben I wouldn't really blame her - she may have a better chance at having a romantic connection with him. It would be incredibly twisted but I would get it.
Lastly, I have to say how much I've enjoyed seeing how the three women care about each other this season and to see how they feel as though they are each other's sisters. We're starting to get a better picture of how these characters got to where they are and why they would choose this lifestyle.
I wasn't sure the show would be that good this year after last season's finale but I'm loving it!
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Jun 26, 2007 9:29 AM
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I guess I'm twisted, but Nikki has always been my favorite wife. This episode, as I agree with others, was well-written to show how complex Bill and Nikki's relationship is. I loved it. 2) When Adaleen was passing down the family tree, it did seem a bit creepy, because incest could easily become a factor to deal with. 3)Pathological-liar Rhonda has now began to visualize her relationship with Roman. I'm sure it's not quite as pretty as she once thought. And I'd love to give her power-hungry mom a slap--it's shame that she's willing to sacrifice her child to become a part of Roman's clan.
Also Ben has begun having sex in his home now--I think the writers are going in the wrong direction with this one. I hope he is caught by his Bill--not by any of his mothers.
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Jun 26, 2007 10:01 AM
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I've only started watching this season, so I'm still a little iffy on all the relationships, but is it possible that maybe Rhonda is eyeing an opportunity to become Bill's fourth wife? Comparing life on the compaound with Roman to life in the suburbs with Bill, who could end up quit powerful himself, who could blame her?
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Jun 26, 2007 10:31 AM
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I too found myself wondering if Rhonda is trying to marry in the the fam. I can't see Bill wanting to do that, but Roman seems to be able to pull his strings, so who knows?
Everyone seems to have a favorite wife, but mine is constantly changing. I'm always rooting for Margene, but Nikki is so fun to watch.
I think it would be fun if Barb got pregnant, since she's always getting slammed for not being able to conceive following her illness. This seems like a group who should believe in miracles!
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Jun 26, 2007 11:12 AM
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Last night's episode was highly entertaining. The season is getting better with each show.
I think Barb had every right to confront Margene. The interaction between the two was getting too touchy feely. I also think Margene's reaction was appropriate for her character. Added to that, she is a lot younger than Barb. I have to wonder how Barb can look at Margene as a sister wife and not a daughter.
Also, was anyone else disturbed by Adaleen's cutting up that slab of meat? Can we say, sociopath, lol.
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Jun 26, 2007 12:37 PM
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This season is getting better and better. I loved this eppy. Finally we get some real insight into the relationship between Nicki and Bill. I always thought they had that special understanding because they came from the same place. In the end I felt really bad for Nicki. The last seen were Nicki was walking back to her house carrying her bags, totaly in defeat it seemed. It's like her world came crashing down, she finally pulled up those blinders.
Loved the scene were Margene called out her inner Nicki, take that boss lady.
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Jun 26, 2007 4:09 PM
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This show has greatly improved in just one season...
this is one of HBO's finer works and its sad that more people aren't watching and I have to pay for John from whever.
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Jun 26, 2007 6:29 PM
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Gosh I'm just loving this show more and more. At first when I saw it was about polygamy I didn't want to watch it, but it's so artfully written, and you get a sense of that kind of life, but it's not making you want that life, it's just educating you about it in an entertaining way.
Hey, I now realise something - there are no other ethnic race in this show. Is polygamy a white religion?
I'm not white, but this is a show to watch. Wasn't Grace's expressions to die for?
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Jun 26, 2007 7:39 PM
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Barb can't get pregnant, she had a hysterectomy when she had cancer, which, I think is part of the reason Nicki became part of the family -- Barb couldn't have any more children.
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Jun 27, 2007 8:54 AM
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I just figured given that Ben is struggling right now, then Rhonda shows up, Ben realizing the straight edge lifestyle isn't for him, but maybe both look at each other and think, that might be my answer. Rhonda's escape and Ben first step into polygamy.
The hissy fit of Margene, I was with her at first, she was portraying hurt outrage well, but then the hissy fit of throwing was too much. But it did bother me more that Barb wasn't at all apologitical (sp?) I mean, be mad over the lawn, but does she really what she was accusing Margene of? And here is a weird thing, last season, wasn't Margene 23? But if she is five years older then Ben, who turned 16 (according to the birthday card), then she is 21. And how old is her first kid?
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Jun 27, 2007 10:21 AM
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wow Kate2777, you bring up an intriguing fact about Margene's age and her kid!
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Jun 27, 2007 1:58 PM
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