For four years, Big Love has led us towards the inevitable "coming out" of the Henricksons and their unconventional lifestyle. Now, following Bill's "Yep, I'm a polygamist!" speech after his election to state senate, the consequences begin to pile up.
Consider the many questions to be resolved in the fifth and final season: Will the public accept the family or will the fallout be greater than Bill could have imagined? How will the growing strains among the sister wives affect the clan's solidarity? And will Alby use this moment of the family's greatest stress to solidify his position as head of Roman's empire?
Three Wives, No Waiting (for Drama)
It's somehow appropriate that after last season's fiery finish, the season premiere, "Winter," opens on a scene of quiet contemplation. There's still fire, but it's a campfire. Bill has taken the Henrickson clan to a remote Utah park to decompress after his public proclamation about plural marriage.
As the sister-wives throw newspapers with damning headlines into the fire, Bill optimistically states that "the worst is over." But when he adds, "Now, it's time to pick up our lives -- and we have each other," Margene walks off.
That probably should have been Bill's first clue that all-for-one-and-one-for-all isn't playing well right now. In fact, the three wives are completely at odds over the public outing, causing cracks in the family foundation.
Barb must decide what she meant by her announcement (last season) that she doesn't really need Bill anymore. Margene is horrified to learn she's been fired from her home shopping network job for being "a liar." Nicki, who wants Bill all to herself, continues to chafe under Barb's role as first wife.
The ongoing struggles of the three women promise to be highlights of the season. Barb -- a secret drinker? Margene -- lured into a multilevel marketing scheme by a charming motivational speaker? Nicki -- threatening Boy Scouts to keep them from bullying her son? Bring it on!
A Capital Dilemma
Things aren't going so well for Bill professionally or politically, either. First, he must deal with rebellion in the ranks of his Home Plus employees. It's all poor Don can do to keep the store staffed. Now more concerned about losing his business than keeping Bill's friendship, Don finally asserts his authority at the hardware store.
But Bill has bigger problems awaiting him when he goes to set up shop at the state capitol. All the deal-making he did before the election has come to nothing: His staunchest political ally faces a DUI charge and resigns. When Bill approaches the new Senate majority leader to see if he's still welcome, the man gives Henrickson a rude surprise: He loathes Bill for straying from the true church and recommends he resign.
Thrusting in the knife, he adds, "You don't have any relationships -- you're alone." Though he means political relationships, Bill will soon be questioning all his relationships.
Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch
Alby returns to the UEB compound after his own wilderness adventure. Like a modern-day prophet, he's decided he's been "purified" in the desert. He's had a revelation: It's time to bring Bill down, for "taking away everything I love."
"Winter" is largely a Henrickson-centric episode. But we do learn that Alby and wife Laura are keeping the pregnant Adaleen prisoner for her part in the fire that took JJ's life. The fact that JJ tricked a woman old enough to be his mother into getting pregnant through a grotesque medical experiment doesn't seem to carry much weight with Alby.
A Party Where Nobody Came
Just when things seem bleakest for Bill, he throws an open house for all his constituents -- and no one shows up. All the arguments, bitter accusations and second guessing about his decision to go public come to a head when Don shows up. He tries to get his former best friend to admit that he sometimes makes mistakes.
Bill, having his own revelation, finally apologizes to Don and his entire family. "I've gone and torn my family apart, and I am truly sorry," Bill says.
Maybe it's just good karma, but the doorbell rings, and several polygamist families stand at the threshold. They'd waited for cover of darkness before heading to the Henrickson houses to thank Bill for standing up for them. Suddenly, Bill isn't so alone anymore.
Right Back Where We Started
"Winter" marks a return to classic Big Love form by keeping the focus on the drama of family relationships and the consequences of difficult decisions. No murder-by-arson or pickup truck. No kidnappings. No baby-making schemes. Instead, we got to see everything we know and, yes, love about the show: sister wives in conflict, Bill being mule-headed, Alby plotting his revenge.
Check out the Big Love video recap:
And get a behind the scenes look:
If the producers can keep this up, then Big Love will be going out on a high note.
Can't wait for next Sunday? Check out Margene's blog here.
(Image courtesy of HBO)