The Unfiltered Ramblings of a DVR Addict

Big Love-Episode 37:  Strange Bedfellows

Mr. Henrickson goes to Washington and gets a quick lesson on how to play the game.  Nicki and Cara Lynn meet Bill in Washington, DC while he is there to meet with a Utah Congressman to get his endorsement.  Why is Cara Lynn there?  I wasn’t the only one wondering as well, Bill was perplexed, too-but Nicki assured me that she wanted to spend time with her daughter.  So much for the romantic getaway that Bill wanted. 

While Bill tries to secure a fundraiser ticket to meet with Senator Paley-things don’t go well.  He has managed to tick off Paley’s head lobbyist, Marilyn Densham (Sissy Spacek), when he snaps at her making him wait and assuming she is the receptionist.  She catches on fast and refuses to sell him a ticket.  It is only later that he learns that she more that what she seems.  When he tries to go back to apologize, no dice.

Meanwhile, Nicki tries to modernize Cara Lynn and dresses her in new clothes, in attempt to not draw attention.  Come on!  She goes from Little House on the Prairie dress to short s and sleeveless top?  Baby steps Nicki….poor Cara Lynn feel s awkward.  Was her caricature the saddest thing ever?  She is really struggling-but I still don’t trust her.

Margene is going Prime Time, plus a possible audition for a hostess gig for the Fall Color Special.  She is over the moon excited.  She is encouraged to bring her friends and family because the Prime Time gig is live.  She invites Barb to come, but she declines because Teenie and her casino seminars.  Jodean, Cathy Marquart/Joey’s second fiancé, is helping Margene out, they bond and Margene invites her to live taping.  They are interrupted when JJ comes knocking and demanding to see his daughter-he wants to speak to a man.  She tells him that Cara Lynn is with Nick and work it out with Nicki.  Ben comes racing in to tell him to leave and that they are in DC.  When Ben pushes JJ, he warns him that it was a mistake-something very Sopranos about JJ-he scares me.  Margene is shook up and asks Ben to stay on the couch-where’s this going?

Barb and Sarah try to patch up their relationship.  Sarah accompanies Barb on a Culture Sensitivity seminar at the reservation.  Is it Barb’s social work studies that have her wanting to bridge the culture divide, but really what for?  I couldn’t help but think of The Office when Barb encourages dialogue between a casino employee and Sarah during a demonstration.  If anyone has ever gone to these courses, you know how they can be-ugh!  At least Sarah and Barb can spend some time together; all is well until Barb accidently hits a young woman on the reservation.  Tommy warns Barb to leave the reservation for their protection.  Sarah is reluctant, but follows.  When Barb tells Tommy that she wants to hire Leila, the woman she hit, she learns that she is a known drug runner and Meth head.  Apparently the reservation has secrets, too.  Does anyone think that Barb and Tommy might get chummy? 

Alby and Dale are in negotiations over the UEB trust.  The sexual tension between them is so strong; they can’t help themselves but act on it.  Dale is also struggling-he wants to end their affair (again) not only because it is sinful, but unethical.  Alby doesn’t see it like that-he is not gay, he just likes fool around.  While lying in bed together, Alby snaps a photo of them with his camera unbeknownst to Dale.  So I guess it isn’t love for Alby, he needs some leverage.  Later Dale inquires about the compound in Kansas, satellite compound/new Zion; they have spent over $100 million on it.  I wonder if JJ runs the Kansas compound.  Dale tries to convince Alby that they should collaborate, but Alby is willing if kept confidential.  Dale tells his that same-sex attraction doesn’t exist in the Celestial Kingdom, which brings relief to Alby.  Tell me you loved that Roman makes an appearance as a vision to Alby!

JJ scares Wanda with the prospect of a possible investigation into Roman’s death, he even mentions DNA.  This just sends Wanda running from the room-she is such a character!   Later Joey is all wound up; he is worried about DNA evidence since Roman scratched him during the struggle.  Next thing you know Joey is digging up Roman and JJ’s sickly wife is watching from afar.  What does JJ have planned?

Now for Bill and Nicki’s romantic evening, he gives her a negligee during dinner.  It is soon interrupted when Margene calls frantic over her home invasion from JJ.  What is the story?  Did Nicki tell JJ she was going to DC or is she lying?  JJ calls Bill and the night is ruined!  The next morning Bill rushes off to meet Paley, he learned that he was in morning meeting at a coffee shop, but to no avail.  Nick and Cara Lynn (back in her Laura Ingalls outfit) try to plan their day.  Cara Lynn doesn’t want to do anything, but find some open sky, go to the airport for brochures on Italy and the White House.  Hello!  Go to book store at get Lonely Planet, take her to eat Italian and walk on the Mall.  We also learn that Cara Lynn lied to her father about going to DC.  Since DC is so dangerous, I am so glad that Nicki has her gun on her.  This is a disaster in waiting-everywhere you go in DC, has metal detectors, they don’t care if you have a permit.

Sad news-Jodean can’t go to the studio with Margene, she must return to Juniper Creek.

Bill at the fundraiser is a hoot.  He tries to smooth talk his way in, but to no avail.  His prayers were answered, when he is greeted by the woman he met earlier in the waiting room, he gains access as her escort.  Marilyn spots him and congratulates him on getting in-apparently she underestimated him.  There is something so slick about Bill-you aren’t sure if you should be impressed by him or sickened.  Nicki crashes the fundraiser, by stealing a nametag (Bill- take notes) in order to bring Bill his talking points.  Nicki runs into Marilyn in the ladies room and talks up Bill-successful businessman and casino owner.  While Bill pitches to Paley, Marilyn strides up to him and encourages him to listen to Bill.  What made her change her mind?  Paley will donate to Bill’s campaign.  The camera pans to Bill looking at the Capitol.  Marilyn likes big shots-could this be something?

Finally, we get to root of Cara Lynn’s frustrations.  She can’t fit in and has abandonment issues.  Nicki confesses that she wants her to strong and not be afraid.  They struggle and Cara Lynn yells out for help and tells the security guards that she has a gun.  She pulls it out and says it isn’t loaded and she has a permit.  You knew this was going to happen-Nicki arrested and Bill trying to smooth things out.  Nicki wants more for her daughter and confides in Bill.

As the episode concludes, we see Teenie home with Margene and Sarah taking in Leila and her son.  Ben surprises Margene at the studio; he cancelled his show to support her.  Margene, probably not in her right mind, kisses Ben smack on the lips.  Beverly sees them and while live on the air, announces that Marg’s husband is in the audience.  Barb is at home watching as the cameraman points the camera at Ben.  There is going to be some explaining….

Some interesting thoughts:

• Joseph Smith ran for President
• Nicki in the big city-calling women in the train station whores, but the next shot is Margene in a photo shoot…
• Bill gives change to the hotel staff
• Barb’s role play on the Mormon culture being is self reliant and Indians are Welfare cheats-I love the genuine response
• What are the kids watching on tv-Birth of a Nation?
• Paley drinks coffee-away from Utah
• What the H?