After hosting an Academy Awards party, I raced home to watch the Big Love Finale.  I didn’t care how exhausted I was; I wanted to find out what was up with Bill and the election.  Also what happened to Adaleen?  Bill sure has his hands full-he has an election coming up and the UEB Kansas compound is in the spotlight.  Let’s not forget last week’s Marilyn revelation-what are her true intentions? 

The episode starts out with Nicki inquiring about her mother’s whereabouts.  JJ’s freaky wife, Malinda, tells her and Cara Lynn that she went to Kansas to be with her loving sister wives. 

Bill and the election-the only ones truly behind him are Benny and Nicki (somewhat).  Bill approaches Congressman Paley on Marilyn’s shady ways-he gets scared and agrees to work on her.  Tell Marilyn to leave my casino alone or the press will get involved-them are fighting words.

Nicki isn’t convinced that Adaleen left freely, she asks Bill to check on it, and thank goodness he has a trustee member outpost in Kansas.  What is going on in Kansas?  Adaleen is being kept sedated by JJ and his son at the clinic.  News reports are featuring stories about the Kansas compound and possible intermarriage.  Bill asks JJ on the possible indictments in KS and Adaleen’s location.  JJ denies knowing anything.  Bill also questions Alby on the Kansas shenanigans-Alby is so cooperative (suspicious), he allows Bill to check the marriage rolls.  Alby appeals to Bill on his willingness to assist and offers his support for his upcoming election.  Bill seems a bit taken a back-Alby wants him to support his succession of Roman’s position.  He is on board, but only if Alby continues to follow Dale’s vision for reform.  Alby gets furious and accuses Dale of being a traitor.  Get it out Alby-you are still grief-stricken!

Since Bill wants to announce immediately after the election that they have a plural marriage and is feeling confident, he tells his wives to treat themselves at Dillard’s with new outfits.  While shopping, Barb and Marg notice that Nicki is transforming herself into a mini-Barb, power suit and all. Of course, Margene lets it slip that Nicki is having fertility problems.

At the casino, Leila is back!  She is pushing drugs on the floor.  When Barb learns that, she tries to persuade Tommy to notify the authorities.  He refuses and explains that Leila is his niece and this is a family matter, even if it means lying to the DEA.  Tommy tries to relay that he fully supports the casino, but family is family.  When Barb tries to tell Bill, he flies off the handle, he is worried that this will affect his campaign. 

Last week Margene mentioned that she didn’t want to be married to Goran anymore.  Is it like I predicted!  She is worried that she will fall for him; but in her immature way, she doesn’t explain her reasoning when Ana accuses Bill of forcing her to get a divorce from Goran.  She even states that Margene doesn’t want to give up her business.  Own up Margene!  She finally reveals to Ana that she finds Goran attractive; Ana understands and even mentions that she suspected it.  Margene feels better and shares an embrace with Ana and Goran.  Ok-did anyone sense a future threesome next season? 

JJ’s son calls Nicki with some bad news, the fertility treatments aren’t working.  She grows distraught and is offended when Margene offers her eggs for a possible pregnancy.  The conversation is disrupted when a rock is thrown at the living room window.  Who did it-JJ?  Nope, Don’s son.  Poor Don, he and his family have been struggling after the revelation that he was polygamist.  Despite his banishment, Don still supports Bill.

After delivering a motivation speech to his campaign volunteers, Bill is approached by a news reporter on his extramarital affair.  Initially Bill thinks it is Margene, “business partner,” but he means Ana and their “love baby”; he even has the paternity results.  Bill should worry; this could ruin the election for him.   He pleads with Marilyn to not leak the story.  She is willing as long as Bill stops campaigning against her.  What does Marilyn have on him?  Later that evening, Bill and his brood are watching the news reports….nothing on the affair with Ana.  Is this really the time to come out as polygamist?  Barb doesn’t think so-she confesses that she leaked the story to the press.  Here it is the night before the election and the whole family is still not on board with Bill. How can Bill trust Barb now?   The next day Barb and Bill both cast their vote, of course there is publicity.  I thought maybe they were going to show Barb vote for his opponent, instead she calls the casino.  She learns that the Flutes have been removed from the tribal council.   She is angry with Bill, he is worried about a possible drug scandal; I think he is just selfish.  Barb wanted to help them, plus Tommy is her friend.  Who is the righteous one now?  I want more of Barb and Tommy…maybe next season.  Marilyn isn’t out of the picture yet….she comes to the Henricksons’ home to call them out as polygamists.  The Flutes told her and is warning him that the public isn’t ready for plural marriage.  Bill defends The Principle, but Marilyn isn’t buying it.  She knows politics, plus she isn’t going to let Bill shame her for her scrupulous business ethics.  He is really going to face a “shit storm.”  I did like what she says to him about her sins being her own-not something justified by God.

So now we have Bill looking promising in the polls, but everyone else is miserable.  Good news for Nicki, JJ’s son calls to tell her he made a mistake with her test results-she’s pregnant.  She is elated and rushes to the compound to meet with the doctor.  Mute Wanda is in the background, too scared to warn her of him.  Wanda finally gets the strength to tell Bill that JJ is experimenting with fertility by implanting fertilized eggs in Adaleen.  This is the sick part-fertilized eggs of brother and sister-JJ and Wanda.  In the news stories on the television, they mention an unmarked grave of babies with deformities as well as Walker family experiments.  Really, is this all that is going on in Kansas?  How bizarre!  Next thing you know the storyline will include fertility treatments and goats!  Why is he doing genetic experiments?

Don’t count Adaleen out!  While being bathed by Malinda, Adaleen breaks free from her hospital bed.  JJ’s son meets with Nicki; he is going to give her a hormone injection, wink wink-it instantly knocks her out.  Enter JJ-he and his offspring-they are going to inseminate her with Cara Lynn and JJ-I had to see this scene twice to fully understand it-why?  JJ states that the three of them are a family again-GROSS-O!  Adaleen to the rescue (this season has been about mother’s courage-recall Lois)-she stabs JJ; Bill swoops in to save Nicki.  JJ runs away.

All that drama and still we don’t know how the election is going.  Benny calls to reveal that Bill won!  Barb is still not sold on the idea.  She drops the bombshell-she doesn’t need Bill anymore.  Wow!  Is she leaving him-to run off with Tommy?  Bill again relays him dedication to The Principle. 

The next day, Bill stands outside the state capitol to accept his candidacy and announce he is a polygamist.  What is interesting is that he calls up Nicki (sporting a new hairdo) first, then Margene-who looks very uncomfortable.  When he finally calls Barb, I thought for a second she was going to run off, but she took her position next to him.  The audience begins to disperse and you can even hear some shouting.  Was this a wise decision? 

The final scene shows JJ and Malinda (minus her wig) tied up in the clinic.  Adaleen is pouring gasoline all around the offices and out the front door.  She strikes the match and walks away as the clinic is engulfed in flames.

What is in store for the Henricksons next season?  What challenges will Bill face as a State Senator?  Will Barb and Tommy get together?  Will Alby get it together enough to run the UEB?  Will Joey come back from Mexico?  Will Adaleen be charged with arson/murder?  Was this season a bit ridiculous?  I mean-bird smuggling, inbred children, political war games?

Interesting comments: 

• Marilyn so angry and hurt that Bill called her a common criminal…tears?
• Nicki trying to justify Barb as first wife because she was the public wife….uh, because Barb was married to him first.
• Kissing cousins-trumped up charge
• Barb trying to take care of Tommy during lunch-what is in Barb’s heart?
• Alby’s wife asking for forgiveness and he cuts her-weirdos!
• Why does Margene have to sell her business in order to walk out on stage with Bill and his brood?
• Ana’s spirit baby….Goran will raise the child?
• Bill is like a big piñata!
• Shouldn’t Bill be concerned with saving his family rather than this election?  How desperate was Barb to leak the paternity test results to the media?
• Kansas compound-Walker family study in the 50s explains why JJ doesn’t have any fingernails and Wanda is crazy….
• Alby too busy to help Bill rescue Nicki-cuckoo!
• No incest without intercourse-Why are they making genetic mutants?
• Bill and his wives wearing Red, White and Blue

This episode didn’t have much, just setting us up for the season finale.  After last week’s bombshell of Margene marrying Goran and Joey admitting to killing Roman, I expected this episode to tie up some loose ends, but I was a bit disappointed.  Bill whined the entire time and Barb had another mini breakdown. 

The show opens with Bill’s campaign jingle, “Meet Bill Henrickson, Vote Bill Henrickson, He’s the kind of guy from right next door.”  Let’s see if I sing this all week long.  The Henrickson family is eating dinner together, Benny and Sarah included.  Nicki has a new wardrobe-cross between Sex and the City wannabe and 80s flashback.  Her wardrobe wasn’t the only topic at the table-Sarah and Scott are moving to Portland.  Tans/Teenie actually has a speaking role, “What about my birthday?”  After dinner, Barb finally comes clean about Marilyn-her contract and shenanigans.  Bill grows angry and fires her from the casino on the spot.  He walks off to tell Nicki about Joey. 

At the board meeting with Marilyn and Ron Reed along with Barb and the Flutes, Bill calls out Marilyn.  He accuses her of running a dog and pony show with Reed, meeting in Scotland and extorting Bill and the Flutes.  Bill doesn’t back down-he even threatens a trial on the bomb threat.  Reed freaks out and Marilyn retorts that won’t let some “State Senate Wannabe and a Made up Little Tribe” frame her.  Bill fires her/Marilyn quits.  Later, Tommy reveals that Marilyn’s computer files have revealed an extensive background check on Bill.

Barb continues to screw things up…while at Eagle Forum meeting, she babbles about being a Utah woman, trying to be perfect and running to prescription medications for relief.  I was proud of her when she refused Bill and attended the board meeting with Marilyn.  Did anyone catch her and Tommy’s embrace?  It was expected-setting us up for more to come.

Marg confesses to Bill about her marriage to Goran at the casino office.   Of course he is furious and accuses her trying to keep her business afloat.  Her only point was to save Ana’s baby from leaving the country.  She should have let me go to Serbia.  Bill tells her that she is either part of this campaign or not…Marg kisses him and tries to ease his anxiety….Marilyn sees all of this.  Later Marilyn visits Margene at her office and tries to gather info.  Marg lets it slip out that Bill is a backer in her business; Marilyn thought they just met at the convention…uh oh!

Later Bill tries to reason with Ana over Marg’s wedding to Goran.  Talk about double standard-he defends The Principle (multiple wives), but finds multiple husbands unnatural-he can’t share his wife with Goran and Ana.  He even goes on to state; a man needs to know a woman is his.  I loved that Ana called him crazy.

Alby is being questioned by the AG’s office on the investigation on Dale’s death.  As you recall, it was in Alby’s apartment.  He denies any awareness of the lease and even hints that Dale may have misappropriated funds.  How bizarre was Alby dancing to Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots are Made for Walking and holding Dale’s picture?!  Alby is seriously demented, as well as his sister Nicki!  She wants him to run away with her, but he pushes her away when he sees Roman.  He grows mean and calls Nicki a disgrace and whore.  She and that freaky wife are all you have-don’t push out!

Nicki is going through a rough patch.  She is searching for her identity and coming to terms with her fertility issues.  She also has come to the realization that she truly loves Bill.  When Barb accidently tells Nicki about Joey and Roman’s death, she rushes to the compound to see Wanda.  Crazy Wanda is catatonic-she isn’t talking.  Guess who rolls up?  JJ.  JJ tells her that Joey made her do terrible things, but that only makes Nicki sweep Wanda away.  What a scene when Nicki slaps Bill for not telling her about Joey!    Later, Bill apologizes to Nicki-some interesting revelations from her.  She doesn’t want to share him with anyone else. 

As for Bill’s campaign, it is threatened when his opponent uses Barb’s comments about Utah women. During a debate, Bill trampled on her comments and it obliterates his family platform.  Bill wants Barb to retract, but she refuses.  In an effort to combat this negative press, he arranges for an interview with the whole family.  Barb agrees to retract after seeing the new political ads against them. 

The episode winds down with a final showdown between Marilyn and Bill (Barb present).  She accuses him of having an affair with Margene.  She is prepared to go public, which will completely annihilate his family values platform.  Barb stands back stunned-this is how you play the game Barbie!  When they get home, Bill informs Margene that she needs to continue with her fake marriage.  Kudos to Barb for her reminding them all that Bill did have an affair (years before) with Margene, she doesn’t think Marilyn will use it.  Baby Margene stomps and whines that she doesn’t want to be with Goran now.   Did you catch that Marg is worried about repeating her mistakes, “You’ve seen him Barb.”  Goran is a hunk-is that what she was hinting at? 

Marilyn calls Barb at night; she calls her a liar, what sort of woman allows her husband to treat her like that?  Marilyn feels sorry for her and Barb defends her position.  I am sure Barb still asks herself-how did I get here?

As for Sarah her move to Portland, Bill and Barb are taking this really hard.  I believe Barb is sincerely worried about her daughter’s well being, but Bill seems to just be whining about her not being there for the campaign/family.  Not everyone share’s your ideas Bill!  Just when you think Bill can be a jerk, he does something wonderful.  I loved that he came to help Sarah pack up her apartment. 

As for big interview-Bill comes to Barb’s defense, she shouldn’t apologize for the pressures she is facing, the sacrifices she has made and the nurturing she dispenses.  Sarah surprises them all when she appears.

At Teenie’s birthday party, Sarah is presented with a homemade quilt with patches from her family’s clothing.  This touching scene is extended with Sarah looking at her family from the kitchen.  What is her future? 

Next week is the Season Finale!

Interesting comments:

• Sarah’s intervention at the wives’ meeting.
• Tancy/Teenie is popular; she isn’t going to give it up.
• Since Bill is the UEB Trust, he is sends Winston to Kansas for the scuttlebutt.
• Adaleen’s father in law calling her “Baby Doll”
• JJ Walker is so scary to me, but even scarier is his father.  At a family dinner, Adaleen is toasted by her new in-laws. 
• Goran and Margene’s meeting with Immigration
• Adaleen cleaning/snooping on JJ-what did she learn?  What is up Cara Lynn?
• Battle over Margene-Bill vs. Goran in tether ball.  I guess Bill was trying to prove something
• Should we be worried that Goran might take Margene for a ride (money)?

What the heck is going on?  I was so stressed out this episode-I had to pause and take in all that was going on.  All season we have seen the Henricksons struggle with Bill’s campaign to the State Senate, but now they must contend with Greenes and Ana’s baby. 

The episode starts off with Bill and Joey travelling to Mexico to retrieve Lois, Frank and Benny.  Bill has decided to lie to Barb and tells her he in on a business trip. As usual, he wants Barb to keep things working like clockwork; the only thing is that Bill has been invited to go a radio chat show.  Bill tries to get Barb to do it-typical of him, but she refuses.  Joey looks at his brother in disappointment.

As for the two brothers, they have to thank Jodean for telling them about the Greenes.  She doesn’t tell Bill why they were there, but confides in only Joey.  Not only were they involved in bird smuggling, but Frank started smuggling guns as well.  Joey is glad about the guns, but he views this as an opportunity to avenge Kathy’s death.  Bill tries to work with the consulate office, rather poorly, to get the authorities to invade the Greene’s property-Ciudad Greene.  They refuse on grounds that they do not have evidence of a kidnapping.  Bill and Joey decide to invade the compound alone.  Jodean will go with them to a certain point.   

At Ciudad Greene-Lois, Frank and Benny are accused of poaching from the Greene’s business.  They will have a trial immediately.  Lois tries to make light of the situation, but Benny fears death.  When Don Dona is removed for contempt of court-Selma shoots him.  Wake up Lois-this trial is a farce and you are all on the chopping block!  Did anyone see Benny looking at the ostrich?  They looked so similar-both captured and confused.

Nicki learns from her doctor is that she is reproductively challenged.  Adaleen apologizes to Nicki for allowing her to be sealed at 15, Nicki is grateful.  The mood changes when Adaleen reveals that she is expecting.  She is so happy, but Nicki doesn’t believe it.  Later, Nicki forces her mother take a home pregnancy test.  The test is positive and Nicki is stunned.  Adaleen convinces her to see JJ’s son to learn more about fertility solutions.

Meanwhile on the home front, Barb and Margene receive the results from the paternity test that Bill is the biological father of Ana’s.  Barb plans to meet with Ana to discuss next steps, but not before Margene tries to patch things up with her.  In her way, Margene describes her “pre-marital indiscretion” different from Ana’s-she already knew Barb and didn’t want to be the other woman.  What are you saying here Marg?  She claims she didn’t know what she was doing-but still you had an affair with a married man-yes it resulted in you being sealed to him and his wives, but you still had an affair and got pregnant.  The only difference between you and Ana is that you wanted to stay on, she chose to leave.

Barb meets with Ana-she makes a case that she was hurt by Bill and Ana.  She feels cut out of the baby’s visitation and support.  Barb-you are not the baby’s mother!  Ana’s retort to Goran in Serbian, “The cult lady wants me to drink the Kool-Aid again.”  Cute.  Ana breaks the news to Barb that they are leaving the country, visa issues; Barb grows angry-she claims that she is a partial mother.  What-a partial mother?  Barb even threatens to stop them leaving.  Are you for real?  Did they forget about the campaign? 

Margene visits Ana and Goran in an effort to smooth things over with them.  Goran reminds Margene that Bill’s campaign could be greatly damaged.  Finally someone with a clue!

Barb visits Margene at her office-she apologizes for her treatment to her.  She is upset over Ana’s possible leaving.  In an effort to make nice, she proposes that Margene to have a home office built in the new house.  Marg is not completely sold-she no longer has a home business.  Barb reminds her that businesses come and go, but family stays.  This sparks a fire in Margene.

What up with the protesters outside of the casino?  Tommy and Barb (the hardest working woman in the Henricksons household) have tried to reach Marilyn to help resolve the PR nightmare caused by the Religious Right; apparently she is out of the office until the 28^th.  A bomb threat at the casino scrambles Tommy and Barb to call Bill, but he is too distracted with a scary road block in Mexico and a call from Hollis Greene.    Left with their own devices, Barb and Tommy contact Ron Reed directly; he is in Scotland and denies any criminal involvement.  He calls the casino as a cultural cancer and warns them not to bite off more than they can chew.  Stunned-Tommy and Barb realize they are alone in resolving this matter.

Once Bill learns the real reason why Lois and Frank are in Mexico, he blows his top!  He laments on how hard he has worked to get where he h as gotten and is now being dragged back. If it wasn’t for Ben, he wouldn’t be there.  Yikes! 

Marg has a solution-she wants to marry Goran.  She can protect herself, Bill and Barb can have their baby and Goran can stay on in medical school.  Nicki walks into Margie’s house and finds Goran and Margie posing in front of a Christmas tree.  Why?  To establish a relationship, Marg reveals to her, along with her plans to marry Goran and keep the baby in the country.  Nicki walks off upset over baby talk.  Marg confronts her and Nicki reveals that she has secondary infertility.

The morning of the rescue operation, Joey and Bill learn that Jodean left the night before.  Joey thinks it is because of the guns that he took from Lois’ car.  Can this operation get more complicated?  Now, Bill knows about the gun smuggling operation.  Bill compares Joey, Frank and Lois to a bunch of crabs in a barrel-clawing and pulling to anyone trying to get out.

Wanda goes to JJ to inquire about Aalen’s pregnancy.  She is angry, but JJ manages to scare her into silence.  What is wrong with him?  Apparently he made some promise to Wanda, but he still has the info on Joey murdering Roman.  JJ states that he has big plans for this baby and his family here and now.  This scene was pretty disturbing with Wanda stammering in silence and JJ looking so cold.  Great cast!

Jodean to the rescue!  She infiltrates herself with the women of Ciudad Greene.  The clock is ticking-Lois is panicked and tries to say sorry to Ben for roping him in this mess.  As they try to jimmy the door, Jodean comes to check on them.  She calls Bill with information on where they are located and to warn them that Joey is intent on killing Hollis.  Of course, Hollis shows up and calls for an immediate continuation of the trial.    

Nicki visits JJ’s son, but I can’t help but be worried.  He states that his father brought him to the compound-a place for people to feel comfortable.  I wonder if JJ is using the clinic as some sort of angle.

As Bill and Joey plan their attack, Bill takes Joey’s gun and warns him to stay behind-in case he needs help and to prevent Joey’s revenge.  Bill takes this opportunity to again to remind Joey that Bill has been cleaning up all of their messes-broken people. Joey retorts that they are broken because Bill walked away/thrown out.   Joey tries to identify as a victim, but Bill reminds him that he screwed up when he had his chance (football/drugs).  Joey accuses Bill of being filled with anger that he couldn’t relate to his family and forgive.  Bill drives off

Marg reveals to Barb that she married Goran, no big deal.  She wanted Barb to like her again.  Nicki walks in with Cara Lynn, but tries to walk away.  It is there when Barb catches on that Nicki knew.  Now all three ladies are arguing-Marg isn’t apologizing anymore, she stands by her decision.  Barb walks away-I liked what she says, “My cope container is full.”

Lined up  for an execution, Frank, Lois, Benny and Jodean, are found guilty of larceny, attempted possession of avian goods and treasonous acts of the one true Prophet-but Benny appeals the conviction.  This buys them an hour and hope for Bill’s help.  The party for Selma begins…check out the cake, “Welcome Home Mommy.”  I just want to note that I love this song-I haven’t heard it in ages.  At the ostrich pen, Lois tries to make peace with Jodean, but she only replies that it is not for her to give the forgiveness that she seeks.  DEEP.  Frank reveals to Lois that Roman told him that Bill had to leave, because he didn’t want keep his possessions and wives-a selfish coward.  Frank repents.  Just in time-Bill breaks the door.  He has a car a mile away-Frank can’t make it.  Lois in her cold manner says to leave him, pause, until they can send someone for him.  Bill won’t leave him behind.  Meanwhile Joey shows up and calls for Hollis Greene.  Bill tries to sway Joey to go with them, the Heavenly Father will judge.  Finally it comes out-Joey killed Roman.  Hollis and Selma show up-Bill offers to trade himself for the others freedom, he agrees to forfeit all that he possesses.  The camera cuts to someone grabbing a machete-right when Hollis lays a hand on Bill and states, “William Orville Henrickson, you shall,” Lois slices off Hollis’ arm.  Stunned-Selma agrees to let them free in order to save Hollis’ life. 

Later, Barb aka Nancy Drew, informs Tommy that Congressman Paley, Ron Reed and Marilyn are in Scotland.  How?  Confirmation from Marilyn’s assistant and the country code from Paley’s fax.  They are being hustled!  Bill warned them about her. 

The final scene has Bill and Benny being greeted by his wives in their front yard.

We only have 2 episodes left-Margene has disturbed Bill’s plan to come out as a polygamous family.  We still need to know what will become of the UEB and I am sure the Greenes aren’t out completely.  A storm is coming soon….

Interesting thoughts:

• “This is Fruit Loops time,” Lois says at the trial.
• In a radio interview we learn that Bill has been appointed the new UEB trustee.  There also might be an Attorney General investigation into Dale’s death.
• FBI in Mexico-come on Bill.
• Robert’s Rules of Orders
• Barb gazing at Tommy-hmmm?
• Frank requesting acetaminophen and Celebrex at the trial-what is this the Bureau of Prisons?
• Mexican movie playing on the television moves Bill to call Barb.
• Lois loves Ben as a good pal.

After the convention, what’s in store for the Henricksons?  This episode had a few of our favorite characters re-emerge, plus it is setting us up for some interesting plot twists.

The episode opens with Bill and Barb at lunch with a Republican Party bigwig and his wife talking shop, breaking up UEB.  Barb spots Ana.  She is waitressing and pregnant.  Surprise…it is Bill’s, too.  Barb calls a sister wives meeting to discuss Ana.  Barb and Nicki are new best friends-Barb deliberately looks away from Margene.  Barb wants to support Ana and wants to make room for the baby, apparently the night before she and Bill prayed and Bill feels the door is closed on this matter.  Barb and her Sisters of Mercy visit Ana at the restaurant to offer love and advice, plus try to sell her on the benefit of extra moms-Ana wants no part of it.  I guess Bill didn’t completely close the door, he’s at the restaurant, too-but Ana takes a stand.  She doesn’t want them.  Later we find Ana visiting Bill, she needs help.  Her doctor wants her to stay off her feet, Bill will help her.  Her terms are that Bill is the only contact, not the whole Henrickson family.  Bill agrees, but refuses to draw up any legal arrangements.  What’s up with Ana?  Is this legit?  Barb is worried about this being a shakedown-Bill only involved; is this baby?   Barb even retorts, “Are we a family that makes decisions together or are we all free agents?”

Bill not only has to contend with this new addition-he wants to expand the casino.  His case for the wider net and re-branding is a campaign strategy.  I am not sure about Bill’s vision for expansion-is it to protect their livelihood?  Marilyn is back to formally pitch-Bill is resistant, but agrees to a meeting for the Flutes.  Wow, is this chick slick!  She brings Barb a gift of hot chocolate and tries to empathize how hard it must be to juggle family, work and campaign.  Of course she also lets it leak that she is meeting with board, but Barb wasn’t invited.  Marilyn’s strategy is set-since Barb is on the board, she will be at the meeting (despite that it is a boy’s club).  When Barb confronts Bill about the meeting and campaign headquarters, he just assumed it was implied and he didn’t need permission.  He tells her she is naïve for liking Marilyn.  I like how he describes her, “a shark with a price tag of a whale.”  I agree with Bill-since Marilyn is so connected, she could expose them all, plus she playing a game.  Later at the casino, she completely butters up Barb-dedicated campaign wife.  The next scene has Marilyn talking dirty politics to her assistant.  A sheep in wolf’s clothing?  At the pitch-Marilyn delivers some sobering news, Bill’s efforts to expand in Idaho has been rejected.  The state chapter of Families for a Responsible America, a campaign by the new face of the Religious Right has canvassed the state with brochures on a ballot referendum banning gambling.  This is a perfect segue way into her pitch, she is has pull with the Idaho delegates.  Bill isn’t convinced; Marilyn and him go toe to toe.  Barb breaks it up and reminds him that the casino is their safety net.

Benny is working with Frank and Lois (plus Jodean)-they are in Mexico on a bird sting.  Lois has made arrangements directly with her contact and cut out the middleman.  No more brokers, she is going straight to Don Dona.  Lois and Frank see real potential in Benny-he is smart, organized.  Really Benny -you want to go into business with them?  The story is that Ben is helping his grandma; she sprained her ankle and can’t walk.  Lois is on cloud nine-she is enjoying her jumbo shrimp cocktail-she breaks into song and dances a jig…what a tender moment!   They propose that Benny live with them.  “Why not Mexico?” he replies.  Bill calls looking for Ben, he is at his Mom’s house, when Lois lies and tells him he is at her house, but then changes her story that they are camping.  Bill demands that get home.  Later when they meet with Don Dona, a hilarious character, they learn there are no birds yet.  Don Dona gushes over Ben and his good hair, Frank is disgusted.  They leave, but plan to return the next day.    

As for Alby and Dale…the future is not so bright.  Alby is completely lovesick over him.  He rents an apartment so they can meet.  Dale is worried-Bill met with him to discuss UEB and accusations from the Board of inappropriate contact with Alby.  He tries to warn him that Alby is a sociopath.  Define inappropriate contact with Albert Grant.  Not only are Bill and the Board suspicious, Alby’s wife, Lara, is on to him.  She has been following Alby and tells Bill that Dale is a homosexual and Alby can’t remove him.  Dale is struggling with his relationship with Alby, he meets with his Bishop, Alignment isn’t working, re-orientation at BYU, electro-shock, nothing is working.  When Bill confronts Dale, he bursts into tears.  Bill advises that he needs to resign and is very sensitive, he knows about keeping a secret.  Bill will try to keep it contained, but possible investigation.  Nicki tells Alby who told on him, but Alby confesses how he feels. 

 Nicki is not the only soul feeling tortured-her mother Adaleen is marrying JJ.  She is still upset over the upcoming nuptials and her mother’s bonding with Cara Lynn.  I just about died when I saw them in matching outfits.  Wanda is her woman on the inside-JJ’s family is coming into town for the wedding.  Wanda completely breaks down when JJ brings their parents over to visit her.  What’s the story there? 

The episode climaxes when some old friends come back….Lois and Frank meet with Don Dona to get the birds.  When the Frank refuses to kiss him, Lois notices that people are clearing out of the market and Benny arrives.  Who comes rolling up…Hollis and Selma Greene!  I thought Selma was in jail.  Hollis accuses them of poaching from his supplier and takes them all hostage along.   AHHH!  Those Greenes are trouble…now what? 

Barb confronts Ana on how she feels-the baby is all of theirs, but quickly learns that Ana is engaged (he knows the baby isn’t his) and that the baby was conceived before the marriage.  The look on Barb’s face…priceless.  Later at the casino, Barb signs for Weber Gambling and just like that Marilyn hired.  Barb tells Bill about Ana (fiancé and baby); Bill admits that he made a mistake.   What does their religion say about a baby conceived out of wedlock?  Either I forgot or just learned that Marg got pregnant before their marriage.  Are the wives, the babies, and the campaign for the higher good or for Bill’s ego?  Bill takes his wives to the new campaign headquarters-Casa Grande-a home for all of them to be in.  What troubles me is that he describes the home as all he ever wanted and has always wanted it for all of them? 

Wedding day…Nicki shows up dresses as a bad 80s streetwalker-what is up with side pony?!  Adaleen and Nicki argue over her wardrobe, but also Nicki’s first marriage to JJ.  She describes the La Esperanza motel as the place where her soul was killed.  Adaleen tells her Cara Lynn’s marriage was arranged before Roman died.  Nicki finds Cara Lynn and rescues her, but JJ tries to convince her that she is not to be sealed.  Nicki threatens to kill JJ if he comes near Cara Lynn again.  In one of the creepiest scenes, Adaleen’s wedding night.  JJ gave me goose bumps, especially when he serenades her.

The final scenes show Lara visiting Dale’s family and Alby finding Dale hanged in their apartment; Alby falls to the floor in tears.

Interesting thoughts:

• Marg proposes that Bill delay announcing their unique family-is this to protect them all or her business?
• Frank asking for extra napkins- “in case I get the trots”
• Bill calling Lois, Frank, Jodean and Benny a ragtag posse.
• Alby worried that Nicki knows everything….would that be Kansas?

Let’s see where should I begin?  Bill and the campaign team are working hard to secure the nomination, but the Margene/Benny incident is still looming over all of them (except Nicki-since she hasn’t a clue). 

Barb seriously needs a medal for all that she has done for Bill-extra wives, crazy in-laws, criminal mischief, casino and now this campaign business.  Bill has her going door to door meeting delegates to gain their support.  He even has her meeting with Church Elders for home teaching-what a farce!

Aside from this nomination-Bill, Barb and Margene are consumed with worry over Benny’s absence.  It was a matter of time before the writers had another Lost Boys storyline.  After Margene confessed last week that she meant to kiss Benny-Bill has struggled with forgiving her.  Barb was perplexed that Bill hadn’t forgiven Marg, but when Bill tells her the truth Barb grows angry.   What is interesting to me is that these families are so close and in each other’s business, but sometimes they are three separate families living together.  Marg is trying really hard to gain Bill’s trust, but now she has to contend with Barb. 

Where’s Benny?  Benny is staying with Sarah and is having a hard time.  He feels abandoned by his father, especially after Margene came clean.  Marg tries to convince Ben to come home, but agrees to come to the campaign event.  At the event, Benny tells Barb that Bill banished him.  Apparently Bill’s intentions were for Ben to chill out for a few days, but that’s not how Ben feels.  He wants an apology, but his Mom wants him home.  Barb blames Margene for this and calls her out as a “flirt.”  Margene is refusing to be shunned and exhibits her jewelry at the campaign event when Barb accuses her of pushing Ben out.  Here’s where the fireworks go off-Barb, with Nicki behind her, gang up on Marg.

The Lost Boys storyline continues when Colburn highlights a young man that was recently gunned down robbing a convenience store-he uses it as ammunition for his efforts to abolish polygamous compounds.  Colburn challenges Bill to express his thoughts on these violent Lost Boys.  This has Bill coming to terms with his past as well as his recent behavior with Ben.

Nicki is sort of catching on how she is perceived.  Not only does she do the majority of the big household projects, including building log cabins, she is Bill’s go to person for sinister activity.  She is still spying for him at the Colburn campaign.  Poor Nicki even asked why Bill always has her do the “morally ambiguous” things-why?  Because you are good at it Nicki!

Guess who is back?  Marilyn Densham is in Utah trying to gain Bill’s business with the casino.  Bill tries to give her the ole heave ho, but she is relentless.  She shows up at the convention and spots Nicki aka Daphne-where is Bill?  When she meets him face to face, he agrees to introduce her to the Flutes after she threatens to sway Paley over to Colburn.  Why the hesitation Bill?  He is worried about doing business with Marilyn, who is insistent on meeting immediately with them at the casino.  Bill is shocked when Daphne rolls up in Marilyn’s rented Hummer, along with Joey, Congressman Paley and Margene (who meets Paley after her run in with Barb).  Barb is shocked too when they all show up at the casino including Bill’s parents.

Lois, Frank and Jodean are featured in this week’s episode.  Benny calls his grandmother inquiring about how he can make some quick cash.  Lois doesn’t have work for him at the moment, but presses on why he needs money.  When she learns that Bill threw him out, she is furious.  She is stunned that Bill would do that, even after he went through the same thing.  Frank has been annoyed since the campaign announcement when Bill did not acknowledge him.  They come across the casino after a “bird run” and decide to pop in. 

Now that everyone is at the casino-Bill is scrambling to make things go smooth.  He tries to get his parents to leave.  Frank provokes Bill and Lois accuses Bill of banishing Benny, she also tells him that Bill can’t blame her this time.  Joey is in the background and confronts Bill-wrong path.  Joey ponders how could Bill do that?  Joey’s character has really grown-I have a feeling we are going to see more from Joey. 

Later, Bill introduces Marilyn to Tommy Flute, but he isn’t interested in meeting with her.  Marilyn is surprised her pitch didn’t work.  What’s up?

Tommy and Barb share a tender moment when Tommy invites her to his sweat lodge.  Tommy tells her about his late wife and kids that were killed in car accident.  Barb is just about to share her troubles, but bursts into tears and leaves.

The next day, Bill and his crew show up for the run-off debate, but the school is plastered with Bill’s teenage mug shot.  Barb’s sister and brother in-law are convinced that the election is over.  What did Bill do?  Teenie and Sarah can’t believe their father’s past-why weren’t they told?  Bill wants to patch things up with Benny and asks that he come to the debate.  Barb goes to her son, but can’t convince him to come.    Side note:  The night before Bill visited the body of the Lost Boy and agrees to pay for the burial expenses-he would have wanted someone to do it for him.  Instead of running from his past, Bill uses it in the debate.  He wants to be the crusader for these young men, their mothers and families.  Bill cinches the nomination.  He also apologizes to Margene.

Marilyn congratulates Bill, but tells him that she knows he tried to bamboozle her with the Flutes (grounds for slander)-looks like Marilyn has a hold over Bill now.

The episode wraps up with us learning that Benny has gone off with Lois (it’s a matter of episodes before Benny and/or Lois gets pinched).  Barb consumed with worry cries in her bathroom set up as a steam room.

Interesting thoughts:

• Teenie dancing at the Totally 80s party.  Yes, there was a cast change.
• Nachos-big in the 80s!
• Barb knocking over Margene’s display-FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT-I loved it when Nicki tried to get Barb to slap Marg.
• Will Congressman Paley and Margene cross paths again?
• Bill not aware of why he should apologize to Ben-so sad.  Power is consuming Bill-losing focus on his values.
• Bill’s new church is on hold.
• Marg demanding extra nights with Bill-she is willing to pay for it!
• Jodean telling Joey that she feels at peace with the Prophet’s death.  It was like she was thanking him.
• Cara Lynn telling Ben she misses him at school.  Crush?
• Build with Bill!

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.

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?

Bill Henrickson is the path of the righteousness-he has received a calling, but it is not what you think?  Now that the Prophet is dead, is Bill the new leader?

Bill has been following the hearing on the new trial regarding Juniper Creek, State Rep Coburn, wants the compound demolished.  He compares the UEB as a front for organized crime, but the Trustee states that the law permits him to seize any assets.  Later, Bill receives a box filled with files on him and his family.  The notes state that the case is closed-the FBI investigation is over.  At a family lunch, Bill reveals his plan to run for the vacant State Rep position-this is a revelation he has received from the Heavenly Father.  Of course this causes worry for Barb and the other sister wives, this will expose them!  That’s the plan-Bill reveals that he wants to run and win, defend the principle.

Nicki thinks he has a calling, but she wants him to be the next Prophet.  Barb tries to wrangle the situation, but Margene calls the whole effort as crazy.  She is concerned with exposure; she also thinks they are over-extended.  Bill storms off, he wasn’t looking for an argument, but Margene retorts, he wasn’t asking for their opinion.  She hit the nail on the head-Bill does whatever he wants…another wife, political office, new church…his way or no way.

The story of the recovered body of Roman Grant is that he died in Mexico and his body was returned in refrigerator truck.  Thousands have come in from all over the area to pay respect.  The news report states that there is a mystery surrounding his return.  I am really going to miss Roman-what a great character actor to have Harry Dean Stanton on this cast.

Meanwhile, Sarah and Scott are in love, she tells Scott, “another day, another revelation.”  As an outsider, those Henricksons are a strange crew.  I love Scott’s response, “What is in the water over there?”  They make plans to elope downtown and the JOP.  Later Sarah approaches Heather at the drive in window at their old stomping grounds.  She asks her to be a witness at city hall, after some convincing, Heather is in.  I am glad to see her on the show again-she was a huge support for Sarah.  Barb tries to convince Sarah to get sealed by Bill and also offers her wedding dress, but Sarah tells that is not the direction they are going.  The happy couple invites Ben in on their plan.  Ben is campaigning for the family to be invited, but Sarah doesn’t think it is right to have them there since she doesn’t believe in what they believe in.  Sarah is changing, she is drinking wine-she is a courageous one for trying to find her voice. 

Nicki and JJ are at it again.  Bill invites JJ to dinner.  Everyone share small talk, JJ offers to share Juniper Creek news with Bill.  He also inquires if anyone is going to the memorial service for Roman.  Bill says no, and Nicki is refusing as well.  What is going on in Kansas?  Does JJ run the Kansas compound?  Cara Lynn calls Nicki on why she isn’t mourning and she answers she is struggling with her faith.

The ladies meet for their weekly household management meeting.  Barb rattles on Costco paper supply costs, but Margene is ready to discuss the biggest decision in their family.  Nicki agrees that this is a terrible idea, but she wants him to be Prophet.  Apparently Nicki has always wanted Bill to be Prophet.  Why?  I am sure it her lust for power and attention.  She would be Queen Bee, especially since Barb is the first wife in the Real World.  Margene is worried about her business going kaput.  Barb tries to smooth it over, but to no avail.  So what’s up?   Nicki has displaced grief, Marg is greedy and Barb is a chicken with her head cut off.

Bill meets with Dale, the Trustee, to discuss Juniper Creek’s future.  Bill wants to see it as a community, but Dale isn’t sure about that.  The camera pans to Alby walking up the stairs to Dale’s office, but when he sees Bill, he turns around and walks away, all while Dale watches.  Why is Alby going by-business or pleasure?

In the throes of passion, Margene tries to lobby her argument, but Bill is interested in hearing her pleas.  I love Margene!  Although she is the youngest, she sometimes has the most insight.

Who is the greedy one?  Nicki rummages through the recycling and finds some sort of profit statement of Margene’s.  Barb comes across her and Nicki accuses Margene of holding out.  Really Nicki you don’t have anything to do, but snoop?  Barb sheds some light on Bill’s decision to run for office.  Apparently the files arrived from Ray Henry, the prosecutor from last year that Nicki had feelings for, and he is leaving town and the prosecution is over.  Nicki stands there solemn.  Later we see Nicki approach Ray Henry as he is packing up his car.  She tries to thank him for closing the files on her and her family and tells him how she struggled with her feelings for him.  Ray is not convinced-Nicki ruined his life-career, reputation, broken heart.  She argues it was because she was following her Prophet, but Ray tells her “to find a new beacon in the night.”  Poor Nicki pours her heart out to him, but to no avail.  What was up with that comment that she has never had these feelings before?  Later, Bill confronts her on if she saw him- after he finds her despondent.  Bill thinks it is JJ, not Ray.

Barb and Tommy Flute sort of get into it at the casino, Barb is trying to communicate via memo and it is not being well received.  She is really trying to find her place, just relax Barb.

Bill and Barb meet with Barb’s sister, Cindy and her brother, to bounce ideas on Bill’s quest for office.  It might be a bumpy road-Barb’s excommunication, old political ties-special election.  Plus, state politics tied with Mormonism, they don’t belong to a ward and can only claim 3 children makes this effort hopeless.

Nicki tries to convince Bill to be the next Prophet, reminding him he was the rightful heir.  I knew this would come out, recall that Bill was thrown off the compound when he was young because Roman felt threatened by him (or that he wanted to keep the young wives).  Lois has always stated that her family had the true Prophet.  What’s with Nicky?  I thought it was greed, but maybe she is truly conflicted in her faith and her marriage.

Joey and Wanda are back!  Joey is calm and tells Wanda that there is work to be done.  He is back with a new sense of renewal (probably since he eliminated Roman) and peace.  Bill shares his calling with Joey-state senate, but Joey has received one as well, Bill should be Prophet.   Joey gives him their grandfather’s Laws and Doctrine.  Bill refuses it, but Joey tries to convince him that 10,000 souls need his guidance.  I agree with Joey…what is Bill doing?  He doesn’t want to be Prophet, but instead builds his own church.

Adaleen comes to see Nicki along with her sister, Evie, to inquire why Nicki isn’t going to the funeral.  Nicki explains she doesn’ t believe he is a true Prophet, but I love that Adaleen retorts that she should mourn her father, not the Prophet.  They accuse of her being heartless.

Margene and Bill are travelling in the car when he asks about how much she made last month.  She tries to deflect it and explains how she has a new lease on life, but also that she made $9400 last month.  Not too shabby!  Bill is shocked and tells her to sign over her money to the common fund.  This is where it gets a little complicated-Margene projects to earn $145,000 by the end of the year and wants to meet with accountants and money managers.  This had to come out eventually-remember Anna didn’t want to share her money either.

Dale is attending a meeting on homosexual rehabilitation when he sees Alby again.  Dale is trying to move past his slip up with Alby and concentrate on his wife and son, but Alby kisses him.  Dale runs off.

Like any politician, Bill and Barb, work with the church to seek their guidance (vote), but Barb isn’t sure she has the strength to lie.  How many lives are they living?  How can they keep them straight?

Later Wanda is approached by JJ (her brother) and he informs her that he saw Joey leave Roman’s house.  Wanda is a bit rattled, but JJ tells her he has something of hers, what could be?  I guess we will learn more this season.

Barb comes home to find Heather and Sarah taking off to the Justice of the Peace, Barb is a bit hurt.  She wants Sarah and Scott to have a religious wedding.  This meeting with Barb had a profound impact on Sarah, she starts to doubt.

Nicki and Margene share a moment  when Marg asks if she is still in love with Bill.  Nicki isn’t sure.

Don surprises Bill with a mock campaign hat.  Don tells him that you know it is right when you are at peace with it, but Bill isn’t.

Bill is at home with his grandfather’s Laws and Doctrine.  Sarah tells her dad that she was getting married today, but wasn’t sure.  She found the strength in Bill, who took the family into polygamy because of his strong convictions.

Bill calls a meeting with Marg, Barb and Nicki, he is running and when he wins they are coming out as a polygamous family.  Since it is only a misdemeanor, he proposes that they serve as their true selves.

Sarah finally marries Scott in the family backyard with her  all her loved ones.  I am so glad they were all there.  Pan to Nicki who starts crying—grieving her lost love or lack of?

So the family is going on the campaign trail…but will Joey lobby for being the Prophet?

Interesting comments:

• Adaleen  is worried that there is no one to lead. Alby senses his Papa’s spirit is nearby
• Margene notices that JJ doesn’t have any fingernails on his hands.
• The memorial service for Roman Grant is beautiful, plus Nicki came.

Congratulations to Chloe Sevigny

on her Golden Globe win for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series!

I love this show and look forward to its return each season.  I was not diappointed…all my favorite characters returned, including a couple of new ones.  What’s in store for Bill and his gang?  Will Nicki still be up to her old ways?  Where’s Joey and Wanda?

The Henricksons have started their own church.  Last season we saw Barb get excommunicated and Bill rally with a proposal of a new church.  The opening scene we have Bill and his brood along with Don’s abbreviated family (recall that two of his wives left him last year) in a strip mall singing hymns with Bill on the pulpit.  I guess Nicki is still in-she apologizes during the testimony, but Bill doesn’t seem convinced.  The collective focus is on the success of the new business venture-casino!

With any new business venture there are challenges, Bill has the FBI.  The FBI is investigating the disappearance of The Prophet-Roman Grant.  He has been missing since the trial and the FBI is checking all leads.  Jerry Flute and his son, Tommy (played by Adam Beach, yummy!), are a bit irked, nobody wants the Feds in their business.  Bill even tries to work with Ray from the DA’s office to clear his name, but is met with no sympathy-“Nothing ends until Roman Grant is arrested.”  The FBI has also confronted Nicki-apparently Roman has been depositing checks in a bank account in Nicki’s name.

Poor Barb!  She is really struggling with the demands of setting up the casino-catering, uniforms.  She is also worried about where Sarah and Scott will get married-really Barb the new church?  Barb is also distracted when Ben tells her that his band auditioned and got a paying gig at the Singles Board Social.

Alby is bird watching/cruising in the park when he meets a businessman.  This man reappears in his life as the attorney/state appointed trustee because of Roman’s fugitive status which renders him unable to oversee the $200 million trust.  Talk about awkward!  Alby is opposed to the trust and compares it to an illegal Gestapo like invasion.  He even accuses Bill of being a Judas and that he will never be Prophet.  Bill responds that he has no taste for prophets and that Roman is tougher than Alby.  I am bit confused, Bill has no desire to be The Prophet, but manages to set up his own church?

Margene is having a hard time juggling her jewelry business and the casino.  She is resolved to make her business a success.  She tries to move her casino responsibilities to Barb-in an effort to improve Barb’s self esteem.

Lois and Ben are also in a new business venture-exotic birds smuggling.  I love Lois-she is so rowdy!  In an effort to smooth things over with Frank after her “attempting to hasten your demise.”  Slick Frank tries get a kiss from her, but it is all a set up when two cowhands with rope drive up.  Lois is no fool and is packing heat.  Her plan is to be civil and reacquaint themselves and salvage their marriage.  Later Frank shows up at Lois’ apartment, he tells her, “I don’t want to hurt you; I just want to kill you.”  They fight in the apartment, but Lois proposes that if they can get past this, she will give him a percentage. That scene with them wrestling around was a sight-Lois complaining about her hip and Frank screaming in agony over his back.  These veteran actors really add something to the cast!

BTW…Bill and Nicki are still struggling to reconnect on a personal and intimate level.

Nicki still manages to cause trouble.  When JJ comes to confront Nicki at the Henrickson compound, he accuses her of kidnapping Cara Lynn and hanging up on him when he tries to call.  Bill is left confused; Nicki assured him that she had made arrangements with JJ.  She is such a trip-she even accuses JJ of placing Cara Lynn in the Joy Book.  He denies and wishes to see his daughter.  Nicki informs him that she is starting school soon-wait a minute-when did she become the mother again?  JJ reminds her that she shouldn’t make decisions after twelve years of no input.  I love that Nicki turns this argument in that JJ still loves her and that they have to be vigilant against him.  She is so twisted!  Bill proposes that Cara Lynn visit her father during the weekends.  She doesn’t really like it there and promises that when JJ goes back to Kansas, she will follow, but in the meantime this an opportunity to get to know her mother.  It will interesting to follow this character, as you recall, she was a bit strange in last season’s finale.

Adaleen calls Nicki to get a generator, there is a blackout and their food reserves are in jeopardy.  Nicki initially refuses, but later shows up and demands answers.  Adaleen is so grateful and offers to make her a sandwich, but asks Nicki to go into the walk-in freezer.  What is going on?  I initially thought that Adaleen was planning on kidnapping her, but no!  Poor Roman Grant is on ice…Nicki screams and runs out.  Adaleen tells her she found him like that and was trying protect his image since he was supposed to live until 126.  Nicki races to Alby and tells him their dad is dead.  A smile emerges from him and Nick is appalled.  She demands that Alby announces his death so they can move forward.  Alby’s wife Lura is so kooky…she opens a can of Coors for celebration!  Alby feels his destiny has been filled.

Bill addresses the employees of the Blackfoot Magic Casino and tries to relate to their struggles.  As the caravan rolls out to the casino on opening day, Bill gets a phone call from a foreman.  Alby and Lura dumped him on the casino grounds and Nicki is so angry.  Why doesn’t Nicki just come clean?  Bill also learns that the FBI received an anonymous tip that Roman is on the casino grounds.  He tries to smooth things over with Jerry and Tommy.  Why didn’t they know that Roman Grant was his father-in-law?

Nicki tries to fix it…she wants to bury him in the dessert.  Bill gets her and they drive off, what’s the plan?  Nicki breaks down in tears in the realization that her father is dead.  They drive to Juniper Creek and Nicki goes inside to her childhood home-he reminds her stick with the story.  Bill has Roman’s body in the back of the van and in a tender moment, closes The Prophet’s eyes.  What’s the story?

Kenny Rogers is running late, the opening night entertainer’s flight is being delayed.  Barb is so nervous and Margene pushes her to represent the family.  Since Bill is not back yet, Barb addresses the audience and cues Ben’s band as the opening act.  I am proud of Barb-she is really having a hard time.

Bill and Nicki return to the casino and they all gather for a family meeting.  After seeing the take and feeling great, Bill walks over to Jerry and Tommy.  Tommy hands him Roman’s hat.  Uh-oh….

Interesting thoughts?

• Bill  reaching out to Joey and Wanda
• A Mormon friendly casino-Blackfoot Magic Casino and Family Fun Center.
• “Nobody in Utah eats salmon!”
• Barb thinks they don’t like her.  Barb feels she is drifting and Margene is blossoming.
• Nicki has yet to re-establish intimacy with Bill….Margene has been picking up her share
• Barb tries to confront Jerry and Tommy…not the time or the place?
• Crab legs…intentional?

The Season Finale had me on the edge of my seat!  I immediately re-watched the episode after my first viewing.  I wanted to make sure I caught everything.  Last week we left off with Betty telling Don she doesn’t love him anymore and Pete Campbell led by his wife, Trudy, to gather his clients. So what’s in store for them all…?

The episode starts with a shot of Don waking up on Grandpa Gene’s cot; the Draper family is in peril.  Later Don meets with Connie and learns that PPL is being sold to McCann Erickson, which includes SC.  Connie is ending his business with Don because of the sale.  Don grows angry because he signed a contract with SC, but Connie just tells him it is business.  I can see why Don is upset, it is not fair, but life isn’t fair.  He even tells him that he got his success all on his own.  That was the spark that got Don going….

There is a flashback to when Don was young and sees his father at odds with his wheat coop.

Next meeting is with Cooper to inform him of the sale.  Cooper isn’t surprised and is open to what Don is proposing….buy SC from PPL.  The only it will work is with a big account-Lucky Strike, which means Roger Sterling needs to be involved. 

Since Don isn’t an ad man, they need Roger’s experience.   So, is Roger in?  He is after Don apologizes to him for not recognizing his contributions to SC.  Roger tells Don that he doesn’t value relationships.   The best part of this exchange is Cooper trying to convince him that retirement equals death.

At the Draper home, Betty tells Don that she wants divorce and is meeting with lawyer.  Don is clearly upset and tells her she should see a doctor (like last time).  Is she sick because she wants out of this marriage?  Is she the one that broke this family up?  Don tells her she has had a tough couple of weeks, but Betty remarks, she has had a tough year.  The next scene with Betty is her meeting with a divorce attorney along with Henry Francis.  What are her options?  Since she doesn’t have any evidence of adultery, the attorney assumes she is an adulterer; NY State has tough restrictions when coming to divorce.  He advises that she go to Reno and set up residency, quickie divorce.  Also, Henry Francis wants to take care of her and the children-not owe Don anything.

At SC, Don, Cooper and Roger invite Lane to a meeting.  They tell him to shut the door and have a seat…they confront him on knowing that PPL is being sold.  Lane replies, only SC is being sold, not PPL.  They pitch to Lane that they want to buy back SC for the purchase price plus 12%, Lane tells them it is worth more now.  Roger remarks, maybe next time.

Lane immediately calls Saint John on SC status.  He learns that PPL is indeed being sold.  Saint John tells Lane that he will put in a good word for him at McCann.  Lane is not happy being transferred back and worth working out transitions.

Don comes home to find Sally sleeping in his cot.  He flashes back to his father arguing with his wife on the crop that needs to be sold and financial woes.  Don (Dick) goes out to the barn to help his Dad when his father is kicked in the head by a horse. 

Next morning, Don arranges a meeting with Cooper, Sterling and Lane-why can’t they go to McCann directly, Lane tells them that it’s over and they were right about the PPL sale.  Don proposes that Lane fire them all, Cooper even offers a partnership.  What can Lane contribute?  What does he do?  If this is going to work, they need accounts ($$$), so far only Lucky Strike.  Lane will inform the London office Friday at noon which is after close of business there, so they will learn of the changes on Monday.  Lane tells them to gather (rather steal) materials, build skeleton staff and get accounts by the weekend.  This needs to be handled with the utmost discretion!  Immediately, my head was spinning…who will be invited to join the new SC and Pryce?

Don informs his secretary that the office is closed this weekend.  Peggy is called over-they are selling the company and Don is starting a new agency.  He tells her to join them on Sunday to help gather accounts; he assumes she is going to follow him.  Don replies that he isn’t going to beg her, but he didn’t even ask her.  Peggy retorts,” I don’t want to make a career out of being there so you can kick me when you fail.” Who does Don think he is?  I am conflicted, Peggy is lucky to be in her position because of Don, plus she should value that he came to her first and not Smitty or Kinsey.

Next up…Pete Campbell is approached by Sterling and Don.  He called in sick (interview with Ogilvie) and SC has been trying to contact him.  They tell him about the sale and they are starting to a new agency.  Pete becomes defensive when Roger tells them they need accounts-who does he have?  I love Trudy…she calls out to Pete when she hears him get fresh.  Roger tells Pete they need his accounts-what about Kenny?  They haven’t even approached him yet.  Pete wants Don to beg for him….Don is his super slick way compliments Pete on his eye for up and coming initiatives-aerospace, teenagers, African-Americans-they need him to keep them looking forward.  Pete wants to be partner and his name in the lobby-what lobby?  If he can deliver by Sunday he is in….no time to consider, name and title are a goal.  Pete springs into action!

Don and Roger share a drink; they can’t believe that Pete was going to leave.  Don asks for an attorney and Roger lets it slip about Henry Francis.  Don is surprised and Roger wishes he hadn’t said anything.  Later we see Don wake up Betty from her slumber.  He is drunk and angry and demands to know who the hell Henry Francis is?  Don accuses of her being soo good and brave and remarks that she never forgave him.  Betty is quick, she replies, “Forgave what? That I’ve never been enough?”  Don tells her she had everything she ever wanted, but now Don isn’t good enough.  Don threatens that she won’t get any money or the kids.  Betty retorts that she is going to Reno and that Don will consent and that’s it.  Don wants the kids because they are better off without her- I tend to agree, but how can Don raise them, plus build a new ad agency.  Don calls her a whore and Betty tells Don she wants him out.

Pete in the elevator with Harry Crane-Pete admits to being scared, but Crane doesn’t know anything.  Damn it Pete-shut up!  Harry was called in by Cooper-they invite him to join them in their new venture as Head of Media.  He wants to call his wife, but since this is time sensitive, Cooper scares him that they will have to lock him in the closet until morning.  Cooper, Lane, Sterling, Pete and Harry can’t make heads or tails out of invoices/charts or what not.  Sterling is going to make a call, you know to whom?  Where’s Don?

Betty and Don talk to the kids.  Don is moving out, at first he says it will be temporary, but Betty shakes her head.  Bobby thinks it is because he lost Don’s cuff links, but Sally grows upset.  She tells him that he says things and doesn’t mean them…Sally tries to blame Betty.  Sally walks away and Bobby clings to Don.  It was so hard to see the Draper family break-up. 

Don at Peggy’s door, she remarks that he looks awful.  Don apologizes to Peggy, “You were right.  I have taken you for granted and I have been hard on you.  But only because I see you as an extension of myself, but you’re not.”  Don tries to convince Peggy to join them-they need her and she is concerned that is she says no, he will never speak to her again.  Don replies that he will spend the rest of his life trying to hire you.  Commercial Break….is Peggy out?

Guess who is back…Joan!  They need help and Joan is back to work.  Don comes in with Peggy.  Pete has his accounts.  First step-Art Department, but no key…  Don to the rescue, he kicks the door down and everyone gets to work.  Earlier Roger states that he built the agency, but in reality he inherited it, it is nice to see him really working.  He tells Peggy to get him some coffee and she tells him no.  That whole exchange was so funny.  Everything is packed and being moved out, Don approaches Joan to help him get an apartment.  The last two to leave-Roger and Don, Roger wonders when they will be in a place like this again, but Don states he never saw himself in a place like that.  When it was time to lock up-Roger tells Don, why bother?

Next scene…Don’s secretary opens his office door and finds it in disarray.  She immediately yells they have been robbed.  Meanwhile, Lane is prompted by Mr. Hooker that Saint John has been trying to reach him all morning.  What in God’s name is going on over there?  Lane is fired-he directs Mr. Hooker to send his things to an address.

The new SC is assembled in a hotel room.  Joan has organized the staff, arranged for additional phone lines and furniture to be brought in.  She instructs the staff to have all meetings outside of the hotel.  The phone rings and Joan answers, “Sterling, Cooper, Draper, Pryce….how may I help you?”

Meanwhile at OG-SC, the staff is in shock over Don’s disappearance.  Kinsey inquires and marches over to Peggy’s empty office.  Kenny tells them Pete tried to poach John Deere.

Trudy brings lunch to SCDP and staff is elated.   I wonder if Trudy will be part of the new staff.  Don calls Betty to tell her that he isn’t going to fight her.    He also tells her that he hopes she gets what she always wanted with her remarking that Don will always be their father.  I guess it is over.  Don comes out to see his future.

Ending scene has Betty on a plane with Baby Gene and Henry Francis, Carla and the kids watching TV and Don getting dropped off by cab at his new apartment building.  The song lyrics in the background…the future is much better than the past…

So that’s it this season….Don and Betty are over, but SC lives on as SCDP.  I really enjoyed this fun episode.  I couldn’t wait to see who the new staff was going to be or if Don would completely crack over Betty’s infidelity.  Next season, 1964, will be a new start for all.