Big Love is one of the most thought-provoking shows on television and can generate endless ideas. I didn't intend on spending much time reviewing the season premiere last week--a few paragraphs at most--but I found myself unable to stop. The fourth season, while terrible, was not devoid of interesting plots, but was weighed down by the awful plots which would not stop.
Early into the final season of Big Love, the resumed focus on the Hendricksons is working well. "A Seat at the Table" is marvelously complex with each wife thoroughly explored alongside Bill's continued quest for respect. With great acting all around, especially Ginnifer Goodwin who absolutely kills the scene in which she visits her old house and talks with Cara Lynn and Barb, this episode alone really pulled me back on board after the disappointment of the fourth season.
Due to time constraints (I'd really would love to writer a lot more if I had time), I'm not going to say too much, but I wanted to touch on each wife.
Barb somewhat reconnects with her mother, but they have a huge argument at the Sunstone conference. They're both strong women who fight and struggle for causes, and we see their conflicting ideology. Barb springs another surprise, that women should also be priesthood holders due to some textual evidence, which again puts her mother on edge. Now we see why Barb has been deviating off the path, and it makes certain sense. If Bill wants polygamists to be equal in others' eyes, then women should also be equal inside the religion.
Margie, after losing everything she has, realizes how much she's given up to have this family. With no job, little friends, and three kids to take care of, there's a lot to be desired. She doesn't want to leave with Ana and Goran to Serbia, but leave Bill? That looks like a definite possibility.
As Cara Lynn's biological mother, Nicki spends lots of time trying to reign in Cara Lynn, making sure she avoids boys and sticks to studying. It's clear she's overcompensating for her own childhood, but it's not necessarily the wrong idea either since education opens many more avenues than Nicki ever had. Still, with Margie, Barb, and Barb all trying to influence her in the episode, Cara Lynn isn't on a clear path yet.
OK, I've done it again and spent more time than intended. I'll try extra hard to cut down next week.
Score: 9.4/10
