Sunday, November 23, 2008

Big Love, Seasons 1 & 2 (2006-08)

The Big Lovelies 

This HBO series is about a polygamist and how he juggles the demands of three families, the business needed to sustain them and the issues that come up trying to keep his families satisfied while managing the endless issues that crop up. Bill (Bill Paxton) is well cast as the patriarch. First wife, Barb (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and second wife, Nicki (Chloë Sevigny) are often at odds. Carefree third wife, Margene (Ginnifer Goodwin) is the easiest for Bill to oblige. Polygamy can be a headache and Big Love delves into the constant trials faced by Bill, his ladies, his business partner, his extended family and all of their kids.

The show took a while to unravel and become compelling. Toward the end of the first season, it took a turn that I can only describe as Sopranos-light, but this made it just a little more interesting. It was more like the writers ratcheted up the conflicts. By the end, I wasn't sold on it but I was sure I was on board for season 2.

Season 2 was readily available at the library (a place that never fails). It held interest. Things have gotten much more sinister. I'd like to get into some plot details but they're all so sticky and tangled that it's hard to summarize in a few words. In conclusion, I'm looking forward to season 3, which happens to kick off on HBO (which I now have) in January (not long to wait). I wonder how long they can keep this going. It's no Sopranos or Six Feet Under, at least not yet. Will season 3 deliver? Stay tuned.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Brian acted like he didnt like it, but I think he has the hots for the youngest wife :)

Diana Mivelli said...

LOL, you crack me up. I bet you are right! How far did you guys get into it...just a few episodes or more?