The 'Big Love' Thread ~ Warning: Season finale spoilers!!

[bexx09]

Ok, so I'm totally fascinated with polygamy!! Or rather... a TV show about polygamy. ;)

I happened to notice that season 1 was on On Demand, so one Saturday I sat down and watched an episode... and totally got hooked!

If you haven't seen it - just imagine Desperate Housewives meets mormons in suburbia. One man, three wives, seven kids and a whole lotta drama. ;)

On the last episode of season 1, Barb (wife #1) was outed as a polygamist at a Mother of the Year ceremony that was being held at the governor's mansion -- all this after they'd gone to great lengths to keep their lifestyle out of the public. I can't wait to see how season 2 starts next Monday.

[bexx09]

So nobody else watches this? You don't know what you're missing! ;)

[Macaela25]

Originally Posted by bexx09 If you haven't seen it - just imagine Desperate Housewives meets mormons in suburbia. One man, three wives, seven kids and a whole lotta drama. ;) .

Can I just kick in here that, contrary to popular belief, Mormons don't practice polygamy. It was outlawed years ago. Some splinter groups still do (Warren Jeffs) and possibly a handful of others in secret, but the overwhelming majority of mainstream Mormons do not and have not for over a century.

Just wanted to clarify. I haven't seen the show, so I can't comment...but three women, seven kids and one man sounds like purgatory.

[bexx09]

Originally Posted by Macaela25 Can I just kick in here that, contrary to popular belief, Mormons don't practice polygamy. It was outlawed years ago. Some splinter groups still do (Warren Jeffs) and possibly a handful of others in secret, but the overwhelming majority of mainstream Mormons do not and have not for over a century. Just wanted to clarify. I haven't seen the show, so I can't comment...but three women, seven kids and one man sounds like purgatory.

Woops, I should probably clarify too. The characters on the show come from a group much like Warren Jeffs group. But since it takes place in Utah, Mormons are mentioned quite a bit. The husband was kicked out of his home (he lived on a compound) at a very young age, but then went on to become a successful business man. In fact, the first episode had a disclaimer that said pretty much just what you said in your post too. :)

They haven't explained yet how it is that he and his first wife decided to start living the principle (practicing polygamy)... but hopefully that's something they touch on this next season.

[adoptiondream]

DH and I watch this - or rather watch the seasons as they come out on Netflix. We love it!

[berlinsmommy]

I love it too! Several parts are also filmed around here (I'm in SLC). Early on in the season when Bill is driving to work, he drove right past my office!

Anyway, they do sort of explain how they stumbled into polygamy. They refer to it here and there. Apparently Barb was deathly ill, going to die, etc. Roman gave money for treatments and such in exchange for the piece of the business. Nicky nursed Barb back to health. I guess they all assumed Barb would die and Bill would marry Nicky and take care of her in exchange for Nicky's assistance with Barb. Well, Barb lived but is unable to have more kids. I think the fact that Barb and Bill always wanted a big family played in somehow. Anyway, some of this is what I've picked up from the show and some is me trying to read between the lines.

I was talking about it with some of my neighbors. I thought the intro to the show was just some sort of metaphorical thing with them looking through the sheets and such, but I guess this is part of a ritual of a Mormon temple wedding. I had no idea.

[bexx09]

He drove past your office? Ok, I'm officially jealous!

Yeah, I remember Nicky's brother (can't for the life of me remember his name) said that Nicky was just "collateral". But Bill and Barb really seem to love her... so... of course, maybe that came AFTER they were married. Who knows?

There's a few short clips on On Demand right now about their life BEFORE Season 1 that are interesting. One of them is when Bill brings Marjene home for the first time (as the baby-sitter) and Nicky flips out. :P

I didn't know that about the sheets either... I always though they represented the bedroom or something, lol.

But I'm so excited... new episodes start tonight!

[berlinsmommy]

Dang it, I don't have On Demand here!! Is there a way to view those online, I'd love to see them, I'm an addict!!!

My neighbors were all excited, remember when Bill and Barb's oldest daughter went to the party where they were drinking cough syrup? They were all excited because the guys from West Jordan High were going to be there? We live in West Jordan and several of the neighbors went to West Jordan. I didn't go there (I'm from KS), but I've dumpster dived there, LOL!!!

[bexx09]

I do remember that episode! That's so cool! Do a lot of people from SLC watch the show?

I haven't looked to see if the clips are online. But if you can't find them, I can always record them for you. =)

I'm kind of hoping they'll add some more. I need more background on these characters! LOL

[berlinsmommy]

Originally Posted by bexx09 There's a few short clips on On Demand right now about their life BEFORE Season 1 that are interesting. One of them is when Bill brings Marjene home for the first time (as the baby-sitter) and Nicky flips out. :P

For those of us who do not have On Demand, these are going to be on tonight, before Big Love. In my area thats 6:45 on east and 9:45 on west, I think. It does not show on my guide (Dish) so I'm taping "Ice Age" to make sure I get it!!

Link to when the "In the Beginning" clips will be shown on HBO.