This season of
Big Love, which at nine episodes is as short as they come, has received a lot of criticisms for what some described as over-the-top plotlines and out-of-line narration. The big storylines this season, including the casino, Bill (Bill Paxton) running for office, and crazy J.J. (Zeljko Ivanek) scheming to cultivate Mini-J.J.'s somewhere in Kansas, were all deemed, well, slightly crazy, even in the
Big Love universe, and that is saying a lot.
Don't forget to catch: 'Big Love' Fan Columnist: 'End of Days' Season Finale RecapThat being said, even the harshest of
Big Love critics concede that the season 4 finale "End of Days" did manage to tie any loose ends as far as storylines go, but in the process also opened up a whole world of possibility via the big springboard for next season - Bill's coming out as someone who practices "plural marriage," the little red, white and blue alignment of the wives notwithstanding.
Nevertheless, the season ended with a bang, including the quite literal scorching of the J.J. storyline, the casino, the election (but hopefully not Marilyn) and the Ana-Goran love triangle. Alby (Matt Ross), first conceived as this season's most villainous character, turned out to be relatively harmless, although he was last spotted slashing his wife's face and tearing down wallpaper. With these things out of the way, critics heaved a collective sigh of relief, as the new season will doubtless explore new plots, hopefully less inane and in more than nine episodes.
Foremost on the agenda, of course, is the repercussions of Bill's outing. This will no doubt put an interesting turn on things, including Barb's (Jeanne Tripplehorn) realization at the end that she "thinks" she wants a different life, Nicki's (Chloe Sevigny) pregnancy, and Margene's (Ginnifer Goodwin) business (and being called a "tramp" who gives birth to "big headed babies" - way harsh, Nicki, even for you).
Don't forget to catch: 'Big Love' Fan Columnist: From the Fans to the Media- Stop Picking on Our ShowMost importantly, although critics will not readily put Bill Henrickson up there with the most interesting character studies like Tony Soprano and perhaps Walter White, the season has witnessed twists and turns in his psyche and actions, culminating aptly with Marilyn calling him "a sad, stupid man." The new season, with him as State Senator, will no doubt push this envelope further and maybe even give redemption to this lukewarm offering that is
Big Love season 4.
(Image courtesy of HBO)