Big Love – Season 5 (2011/HBO DVD Set)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C     Episodes: C+

 

 

The polygamist who would be in the Senate, from the end of the fourth Bill has just announced publicly after being elected that he believes in polygamy.  However, this coming out has bring no peace to the family, various senators now want him out, people are calling them liars and torturing them, even those who are polygamist fear to come out and stand by Bill, fearing they might receive the same treatment.  Can Bill fight for a better world for polygamists to live in?  In this series finale, secrets are finally revealed and lives are changed forever.
 
Big Love, a story of a polygamist family has them all struggle to live with their beliefs they are faced with many challenges.  Bill, the head of the family, lead and guides his wives.  Barb, his first wife, is the faithful wife but wants to give woman in polygamy more voice and power in the church.  Nicki is the traumatized wife, after a lifetime of growing up in a polygamist compound is a power hungry, control freak and she doesn't realize she has become the monster she hates.  Margie the youngest wife reveals they were married she was underage and become addicted to a pyramid scheme.
 
This series is a constant clash of drama and conflict, (asides from polygamy) the story is about a how a polygamist family can work, and still be loving and caring, but like so many other cultures there are both good and bad people within it's society, often the minority is bullied and mistreated unless they are willing to fight back.  The series also address problems within the polygamy community (jealousy included), it's power structure and how it's society is control, that men must be so called 'priest holders' and women were raised to please and obey their husband without question.  In the end, the whole series in a nutshell about how the family fails in all aspects of polygamy ideals but still has the grace, forgiveness and love that keeps the family together if in creepy ways.

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Episode 1: Winter
After Bill's coming out with their family being polygamist they face an uphill battle being criticized, bullied in public, work, school and everywhere they go.
 
Episode 2: A Seat at the Table
As Bill starts his first days in the Senate, it is not hard to see the other senators already want him out of the senate.
 
Episode 3: Certain Poor Shepherds
It's Christmas, can the holidays pull the family together? Does the spirit of understanding include polygamist with their neighbors?
 
Episode 4: The Oath
Bill is to be sworn in office, but his peers would like nothing better than for him to miss the ceremony.
 
Episode 5: The Special Relationship
Those in government try and cut an underhand deal with Bill, they'll back off on pressuring him to quit ...but only if he stops making public speeches.
 
Episode 6: D.I.V.O.R.C.E.
Barbara has a vision of woman in the priesthood, but Nicki wants Barb to step down as head wife so she can become Bill's legal wife to adopt Cara Lynn.

Episode 7: Til Death Do Us Part
Bill and Nikki get married legally, giving her the chance to be alpha female. Bill sees it as a chance to reseal his marriage with his wives.
 
Episode 8: The Noose Tightens
Alby plots his vengeance against Bill through Nicki, while Cara Lynn makes a startling announcement.
 
Episode 9: Exorcism
As Bill makes plans for his family's survival and his freedom; it is time to settle the score with Alby.
 
Episode 10: Where Men and Mountains Meet
Things come full circle, can the Hendersons survive with or without Bill's guidance?

 

 

For more on the show, its extras and the performance of this set, try these links:

 

Complete Collection DVD Set

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/11321/Big+Love:+The+Complete+Collection

 

Season Four DVD Set

http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/11395/Big+Love+%E2%80%93+The+Compl

 

 

-   Ricky Chiang