The Unfiltered Ramblings of a DVR Addict

Big Love-Episode 38:  The Mighty and Strong

The Henricksons are preparing for Bill’s candidacy announcement, but things are not going as planned for him and his family.  Last week, we saw Margene kiss Ben-this episode is dealing with the aftermath of that incident, in addition to some plot development on Juniper Creek.

Welcome to politics Bill! While on a radio show, Bill is challenged by Roy Colburn, regarding Utah values and employment issues.  Now, the Home Plus store is being audited by the INS.  Don resents Bill’s quest for glory, but resolves his concerns by working to hide the “extra wives” health insurance benefits.  Don has legitimate reasons for worry-child support, sick kids and ex-wives.  We learn that Colburn is behind the investigation from Nicky, who is deep as a campaign volunteer for Colburn.  Bill couldn’t ask Barb or Margene, they are not as sneaky as Nicky.  Let’s not forget she did the same things for her Dad last season.    How is Nicky to learn from her mistakes?  I guess when you are on Bill’s side, it is the right one?  The only way for the investigation and media to move away from this issue is for someone to own up-Bill convinces Don to take the hit.  Don announces that he had multiple wives and resigns from Home Plus.  The look on his face, when walking away was so sad-I hope Bill doesn’t forget the sacrifice that this dear friend has done for him.  We need to stay tuned for more….

Now onto the Mr. Margene Heffman kerfuffle-Margene tries to explain to Barb how this some TV blooper, accident.  Barb is confused, but chalks it up to added stress in her life and advises that Marg tell Bill.  When Marg tries to explain to Bill, he becomes irate and tells her that Ben is not a sales tool and to fix it.  Does she not see the seriousness to this matter?  Bill is running for office, Ben cannot be her husband.  Bill talks to Ben and stresses that Marg made a mistake.  When Marg runs into Ben, at first she denies anything, but then says it something.  Ben is really shaken up about this-he wants Marg to be honest about their connection.  Later, while on camera, Margene in tears admits that her husband abandoned her and her three children and that Ben was just her friend.  This was a glimpse into what Margene is really feeling.  It was Teenie that really opened up everyone’s eyes-she tells her parents that Ben loves Marg.  Recall last season, when Ben wrote Marg a letter declaring his love.  It all wraps up with Bill confronting Ben and Margene about the kiss and letter.  Ben admits to it all, but Margene confesses to Bill right before the campaign rally.

Poor Sarah, a young newlywed, trying to make things right with Layla, only learns the truth later when Tommy, tells Barb that Layla has concocted a story that she sold her baby.  Who did she sell it to?  Barb’s assistant/Sarah, which prompts Tommy to call out Barb’s lie and explains the legalities for selling Native American children.  When Bill and Barb approach Sarah about the baby, she is sort of at peace, explaining that she is caring for him until Layla can.  Scott gets home right in the middle of this.  Bill snaps at Scott to tell Sarah to give up the baby.  Scott steps up and tells them that is not how they do things in their home, he doesn’t dictate, and then pulls Sarah aside to ask what she wants.  She reveals that caring for the baby made her come to terms with the one she lost last summer.  This tender moment shared by Scott and Sarah, really cemented their commitment for each other, as they prepare to take one step at a time.

JJ is so up to something.  He requested that Alby allow him to marry Adaleen.  Later, we see JJ approach Joey with incriminating photos of him digging up Roman and setting him on fire.  What is this all about?  JJ replies that he has a “truer cause” for Joey.  Is JJ angling to be prophet?  Who better to have on his team than Adaleen?  She has really proven herself with Roman, plus she still harbors resentment towards Alby.  At first she is upset over this arrangement, but later we see her accepting her future husband in front of Nicky.  Of course Nicky is appalled-he married her first!

Meanwhile, Lois and Frank are continuing their exotic bird smuggling.  He has Jodean working for them as well.  They almost get busted at the US/Mexico border, but all is well.  Frank tries to convince Lois to get a hotel room before making the long drive back.  She owns up that Bill is running for State Senate and she needs to get back to make the opening remarks.  Frank is surprised and questions why he wasn’t told?  In a comic twist, Jodean unties the birds from the trunk, which causes Lois and Frank to scramble about.  I liked that we got to see Jodean in a different light-she might have a bigger role in the season.

Alby breaks into Dale’s home to surprise him with dinner.  Dale is startled, but Alby assures him he knows his family is out of town.  When Dale leaves to change, Alby finds reports citing redistributing UEB assets.  Roman makes an appearance again as Alby’s conscience.  Alby storms off.  When he returns later he confronts Dale that he knows about the Trustees and Bill’s plans.  Dale is confused, but will not betray him.  Alby is relieved when Dale assures him that he wants to help.

At the Henrickson rally, Barb, Teenie and Ben greet Bill as Lois welcomes him to the stage.  Joey is also there for his brother, but the camera pans to Frank, standing in the audience.  What does Frank want?  Is Joey there out of sincerity or what?  What will become of Don?

The closing scene has Ben packing to leave the Henrickson home and Bill agreeing with his decision.  Is Ben going away to make things easier for him or Margene?  How can Bill want Ben to leave?  Is this is a similar theme of boys being run off the compound in order not to be with the elder wives?  Is Ben really over Margene?

Interesting thoughts:

• “The sugar will really hit the fan.”
• ‘Dispose of wives?’  Sounds like some sort of
• What is a marriage of eternity vs. time?
• Wanda and Nicky talking about killing JJ.  “He’s charming us Nicky, we have to do something or he’ll just get stronger.”
• Alby making turkey tetrazzini.
• Margene is a Republican elephant costume.