Season 1 of this show has just been released on DVD this week. Now is the time to catch up before season two comes this winter. I reccomend you buy or rent the DVD’s! It is that good!
When this show came out last year I felt I needed to watch a few shows back to back to get a real feel for where the story is going and how the actors flesh out their characters. At that time I was still mourning the loss of my favorite tv drama of all time, “Six Feet Under”. I am now in love with this show in the same way I loved “Six Feet Under”. Which is great, the void was huge when that show left the air last year.
So now I get my drama fix with this new clan of odd balls. And what a wealth of material and possible plot spins it has. Plural marriage (polygamy) is one thing, but to show a side of this practice/theory in this way is great! It shows that there are sects of Christians, Mormons, Catholics, Jews etc. that have been derived from the original meaning/intent of the religion, but work under more present terms and are adapted to modern needs. This show depicts the different topics of the debate…how it could possibly work and how it does not. Now, no religion or moral code of life is easy to follow, maintain and live by example completely….but this family really strives for the healthy ideal of polygomous love and unity. Of course it is in the most male driven, faith inspired fashion. But I believe what this family is trying to do is revolutionary in terms of what they try to accomplish. It is antiquated but is also a practical option for how they envision their life being. In real life it doesn’t effect me if a guy wants 4 wives, well maybe…I just want ONE husband and to be recognized legally…but I digress.
This show has changed my views on the subject of marriage. Maybe love, marriage and the definition of marriage can be changed to suite those it effects. In the end these are adults choosing their way to live life and express love. I wanted to hate the premise of this show and have this family fail before even watching it, based on my prejudices. Now I question if Polygamy can or cannot work for some people. This show raises these questions in a fair way.
Of course for every positive, there is the evil side. The “Prophet” in this show is the most deplorable character this side of Tony Soprano, with out the sensitive qualities that make him so relatable. We see a side of polygamous life that is gut wrenching, sick, perverse and down right sad. This is the image of organized religion that I am used to. It is deplorable and I think pretty accurate.
Chloe Sevigny, Bill Paxton and Jeane Tripplehorn all deserve Emmy/Golden Globe recognition, All at once Chloe’s character is repugnant, hypocritical and sympathetic. But there are glimmers of niceness and genuine redeeming qualities in her character. She has an authentic vulnerability about her that steals your breath sometimes. Her love for her family is true, but her delivery is mean and manipulative, which is heartbreaking. It is hard to like her at all.
One thing I can do with out though, can we please stop with the Bill Paxton ass shots? Also, the sub-plots regarding the son Ben are a true waste of time. I love the story of the oldest daughter, she has confusion about her status in life and her own spirtual place in the family. Her doubts will be the true test if this family unit, and if it will work. She is the only character showing dissension.
All in all, the abundance of material, witty writing and the controversy of the topic at hand make this a fun ride and a compelling series! It has so many human moments, funny lines and shocking visuals it is hard not to get hooked. I am so excited for season 2!
