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?

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.

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?

2010 also looks like it will be a banner year for the pay cable network with True Blood, Big Love, Entourage, Eastbound and Down, and Bored to Death all returning.  As far as new shows go, I’m really looking forward to Treme, How to Make It In America, and of course what will be (for me at least) the TV event of the year, The Pacific.

The promo was a great look at the past and whats to come.  Here it is.

I for one really liked the whole new montage, not that there was anything wrong with the old one. I didn’t like the new song, “Untitled” by Interpol as much as I like “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys, but other than that I thought the falling effect was really cool.

It seems like the whole idea of opening credits has really fallen by the wayside.  I mean look at the history of TV, and the theme song that was played over opening credits was a huge part of successful shows.  What person do you know that was born before 1982 that can’t sing at least a few bars of the theme from Facts of Life, Diff’rnt Strokes, The Love Boat or hum along to “Suicide is Painless” from M.A.S.H.?  Now it seems like the opening credits only really take place on cable (I know there are a few exceptions).  I’m glad shows like Sons of Anarchy, Mad Men, and Big Love are keeping this tradition alive.

One quick side note, remember when Weeds used to have the song “Little Boxes” sung by different people in different styles in seasons two and three?  Yeah, that was awesome.

By the way, or review of the first episode of season 4 of Big Love will be up tomorrow from the lovely SylHeartsTV.

Last year I wrote a post about the hottest women on TV. It was one of our most popular post if all time, and many readers have suggested that we should update in on a yearly basis.  I think it’s a great idea, but the only issue is that it hadn’t changed that much.  I’ve asked my fellow male writers to help to contribute to this list, and boy did they come through.  The only rules were that in order for one of the women to be included again on the list they must be on a different show that is currently on the air right now or have just ended it’s season.  So without further adieu, bring on the ladies!

• Eva Amurri- Californication (Showtime)

• Allison Brie-Community (NBC)

• Kristen Bell- Gossip Girl (CW)

• Abigal Spencer- Mad Men (AMC)

• Emmanuelle Chriqui- Entourage (HBO)

• January Jones- Mad Men (AMC)

• Lizzy Caplan- Party Down (Starz)

• Eliza Dushku- Dollhouse (FOX)

• Natalie White- Survivor (CBS)

• Mary Louise Parker- Weeds (Showtime)

• Katie Aselton- The League (FX)

• Kaley Cuoco- The Big Bang Theory (CBS)

• Sofia Verga- Modern Family (ABC)

• Katy Mixon- Eastbound and Down (HBO)
• Erin Andrews- ESPN
• Stana Katic- Castle (ABC)

• Cat Deeley- So You Think You Can Dance (FOX)

• Krysten Ritter- Breaking Bad (AMC)

• Nadine Velazquez- The League (FX)

• Anna Camp- True Blood (HBO)

• Audrina Partridge- The Hills (MTV)

• Andrea Anders- Better Off Ted (ABC)

• Maggie Siff- Sons of Anarchy (FX)

• Lea Michelle- Glee (FOX)

• Christina Hendricks- Mad Men (AMC)

I’d love to have another list of the hottest guys on TV, but my wife isn’t up for updating her list from last year.  drop us a line if you have some suggestions on who should be on it.

January

• The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love premieres (ABC), 8 PM Monday, January 4th
• The Biggest Loser premieres (NBC), 8 PM Tuesday, January 5th
• Nip/Tuck Final season premieres (FX), 10 PM Wednesday, January 6th
• Chuck premieres (NBC), 9 PM Sunday, January 10th (moves to Monday’s after this)
• Big Love premieres (HBO), 10 PM Sunday, January 10th
• American Idol premieres (FOX), 8 PM Tuesday, January 12
• Project Runway premieres (Lifetime), 10 PM Thursday, January 14th
• 24 four-hour, two-night premiere part 1 (FOX), 9 PM Sunday, January 17th
• 24 four-hour, two-night premiere part 2 (FOX), 8 PM Monday, January 18th

February

• Lost Final Season premieres (ABC), 9 PM Tuesday, February 2nd
• Winter Olympics (NBC), February 12-28

March

• Parenthood premieres (NBC), 9 PM Monday, March 1st
• Nurse Jackie premieres (Showtime), 10 PM Monday, March 22
• United States of Tara premieres (Showtime), 10:30 PM Monday, March 22nd

April

• The Tudors Final Season premieres (Showtime), 9 PM

No dates yet on Breaking Bad, True Blood, Rescue Me and a few others that aren’t coming to mind right now.  As soon as we have dates for them we will let you know!

Alan Ball has gone with One Tree Hill actor Joe Manganiello who was also briefly on How I Met Your Mother.  As quickly as these casting announcments are coming it is safe to assume that shooting is going to start soon on the third season.  I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait!

Theo Alexander, an up and coming Greek actor will play Russell, while Grant Bowler who most recently was on Ugly Betty will play Coot.  Here’s the whole story from The Hollywood Reporter:

“True Blood” is adding two more hunks to the fold for next season.

Up-and-coming actor Theo Alexander and “Ugly Betty” heartthrob Grant Bowler have landed recurring roles on Alan Ball’s vampire drama.

Alexander will play Talbot, an “intensely beautiful” vampire, the boyfriend of Russell Edgington (Denis O’Hare), the vampire king of Mississippi.

Talbot has an acerbic sense of humor and loves to cook despite vampires’ inherent lack of cooking talents.

Bowler will play Coot, a werewolf, the menacing ringleader of a biker gang.

Greece-born Alexander, repped by Global Artists amd McKeon/Myones, has several guest shots on his resume — appearances on “Chuck,” “CSI: NY” and “Pushing Daisies” — and recently booked the feature “Losing Control.”

New Zealander Bowler, repped by Don Buchwald, has recurred on ABC’s “Ugly Betty” as the scheming Wilhelmina (Vanessa Williams) squeeze and current fugitive Connor Owens.

Alexander and Bowler join “Prison Break” alum Marshall Allman, who was recently cast as a regular, playing Sam’s (Sam Trammell) long-lost younger brother.

It is shaping up to be a busy casting week for “Blood,” which started production on its third season Wednesday in Los Angeles.

Several key new roles are yet to be filled, including white trash Debbie, hot Latino orderly Jesus, handsome vampire Franklin, alpha male werewolf Alcid and hot but trashy Chrystal.