What to say about the fifth episode? My problem is, I always say too much, so am going to try and condense this analysis down a bit. Again, I find the political storyline a little dry, but it’s so infused into the family’s storyline now, that it’s completely unavoidable.
So more or less, Bill is running for senate. His political opponent has some insight to his past – although he has made it public that he grew up on the compound. But with the recent new headlines involving ‘lost boys’ who have been exiled and have had to turn to crime in order to be able to simple eat, the campaign turns a little ugly. A photo gets dug up of Bill’s mugshot from when he too was outcast from the compound – which is a revelation to his children.
And while everybody thinks this is essentially a death sentence to his campaign, we find out the end of the episode that he has in fact won the nomination.
And of course, this ties in nicely with the Ben storyline. We saw last week that Bill thought it was a good idea if Ben left the house for awhile. And maybe there is a bit of a difference between that and getting dropped off somewhere and told to fend for yourself – there are some similarities between the two. Ben was essentially left behind by his dad, just as Bill was with Frank. The only difference in this instance is that people are speaking out against it. It is made clear that women on the compound can’t do much about this sort of behavior for fear of the ramifications. But all three of his wives are openly against this move when they eventually find out, as if Bill’s mother and brother – as they have seen the first hand effects that it had on Bill. And although Bill does extend an offer for him to come back home, Ben declines. Sarah explains that he has gone off with Lois.
I think it’s easy to see why, Bill can be like a dictator at times – and has never really had that much time for his son. But if he’s not careful, he may have to go through something similar that Frank did in the previous episode. Listen to Bill’s speech where he essentially credited his mother for his upbringing, and didn’t even mention Frank. Although the audience knows Frank to be a pretty ordinary person at the best of times, you can hear the lament in his voice.
It was good to see Margene stand up for herself in this episode, another reminder of just how much the character has grown. Barb is angry, and blames her for Bill sending Ben away. Margene’s later confrontation of both Nikki and Barb was quite a comedic moment, where she almost shouts at them she is just more sexual than they are, and may in fact need one of their nights. She’s earning enough, she can buy one off them. Toward the end though, after Bill’s impassioned speech where he reveals his errors of his past and how he got through it by finding love, he tells her that they will work through their problems. He doesn’t want to lose Margene. And although she looks satisfied with this statement, it’s still hard to say which direction this character is heading in.
There’s an underlying storyline with Nikki in this episode that isn’t as obvious. We have seen previously that she has been struggling with her faith, and with her marriage. Her and Bill are trying to get their relationship back on track so to speak, and have committed to trying to have another child together. But Nikki is still questioning certain aspects of their relationship. She wonders why she is always the one that has to essentially do Bill’s dirty work. Is it a respect thing? I actually really felt for Nikki’s dilemma in this episode.
Another important relationship storyline, was between Barb and Tommy. They have had some sort of chemistry on screen since they first shared a scene together. And it is unclear (to me at least) just where this is going. Although they do fight, she really does seem to respect him. And we also got an insight into his personal life – losing his wife and two children to a drunk driver two years. Although the circumstances are no way near the same, there are parallels. I believe that Barb may be starting to feel that she is losing Bill (not only to the other two wives but also the political campaign), she lost Sarah as it is clear she is never going to truly accept their way of life (particularly as she is leaving at the end of the season) and now she’s losing Ben.....
Are there romantic intentions here? She has been through a massive transition in her life from being in a loving monogamous relationship, and the idea of polygamy came up when she was ill with cancer. Has she truly accepted sharing her husband?
FURTHER THOUGHTS
- I think there may be an arc for a flirtation and possible relationship between Ben and Nikki’s daughter, CaraLynn. She brought him his clothes over and they got to talking, and it seems as though they genuinely seem to enjoy each others company. It probably helped matters when Ben told her she looks nice.
- There’s going to be a massive fallout between Marilyn and Bill as she found out the meeting with Tommy was a set up. She has a lot more power and influence than he does, so it will be interesting to see what trouble she can stir up for him
- Still keeping an eye out for any sort of sabotage coming from Joey. It’s clear that he’s being forced into bed with Jay Jay, and it seems as though Bill is Jay Jay’s target – so keep your eyes peeled.
- While Bill made it clear that he and Margene will make it work, it will be interesting to see the interactions between her and the other wives (particularly Barb). This is probably the most irrational we’ve seen Barb – when she expressed her anger and knocked down her jewellery stand.
- I don’t know why they even bothered putting Sarah in this episode. She seemed a little wasted really. She barely even spoke.
- Also keeping an eye on future Tommy/Barb interaction. I actually really like it when these two share the screen.
- No word on the fallout between Bill and Don. Was actually looking forward to seeing Bill show some sort of remorse for selling out his friend....
QUOTABLE QUOTES
“Bill and I are aggressively pursuing another baby, and yes, I am an active participant in the endeavour.” Nikki
“You’re a flirt Margene. And that’s the polite way of putting it.” Barb
“Maybe I have more needs than you.” Margene
“I ask a lot of my whole family. I should be held to the same standards.” Bill
“No, I’m Daphne. No, I’m Roman Grant’s daughter. No, I’m Bill Henrickson’s wife .. sort’ve, sometimes but not in public. Now I’m Colburn for senate. Where’s Nikki?” Nikki
“You’re on the wrong path, brother. What more do you need to see that?” Joey
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