As everyone probably knows, this is Big Love’s final season. There’s a time when things are going to start turning towards a resolution, but for now, it’s all bad news piled on more bad news. With Alby, Margene, the casino, senate, Barb, Cara Lynn, Adaleen, Lois each spawning more problems, half of which I don’t mind for, Big Love is heading in dangerous territory. Let’s hope this doesn’t turn in the wrong direction.
Because “Certain Poor Shepherds” features plenty of legitimate grief, the women shine again as they manage to stomach what’s going on without going off the walls (although the breaking point is near). Bill isn’t too awful in the episode, praying to God for lenience for his family and reaching out to people. But we also have to wonder how much is a political act and how much isn’t, and the writers giving him the “separate but equal” line puts him out to be a bad guy regarding gender relations.
Margene’s underage bombshell is no doubt shocking and adds another layer onto the existing problems, but there’s also a ridiculous feeling about it that hearkens back to the fourth season. First of all, 16? Wow, it sure makes Bill look scummier than he already is. Maybe Bill didn’t know her real age back then, but how about how she looked? Considering last week’s episode where Margene is crying over what she gave up for the family, this situation just gets stickier and creepier, approaching Roman Grant level. Also, I’m surprised no one has dug up the proper dirt on Margene since all the politicians are gunning for Bill. I don’t like this extra wrinkle coming out of nowhere, but the writers may have a plan.
Lois’s aha moment comes when the doctor tells Bill she has dementia–so THAT explains why she always been crazy and unlikable. She’s always been a problematic character and this provides an easy and logical way out.
It wasn’t all bad news, however. Heather and Ben get plenty of screen time, and Sarah and Teeny are briefly on the phone! It’s not much, but I’ll take it.
Score: 8.8/10
