Pop Culture Buzz

GRADE: A

As I first watched HBO’s series “Big Love” last year I started to feel something familiar, something that had been missing since “Six Feet Under” went off the air. It was that incredible sense of empathy and compassion felt when you watch a t.v. show with excellent adult writing. I am aware that this is just a t.v. series, but some how HBO has once again crafted a series that touches it’s viewers to their core. The Henrickson’s in “Big Love” are just as flawed and strong as the “Fisher’s” were in “Six Feet Under”. I think this show is the perfect successor to that show. It is a mature program that is gorgeous to look at.

I am not Mormon, I don’t understand the devout faith these people have, but somehow I am sucked into their world and feel as if I am a part of their spiritual journey with each episode. When “Big Love” first aired I felt I needed to watch a few shows back to back to get a real feel for where the story was going. I also wanted to see how the actors would flesh out their characters. But now I am 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 two years ago. “Six Feet Under’s” finale is still the best ending of a t.v. show EVER.

I have to say I fell in love with this new clan of odd balls right off the bat. The show has a wealth of material provided by it’s controversial subject matter. Plural marriage (polygamy) is one thing, but to show a side of this practice/theory in such a real and human way has a great pay off. This show depicts the different topics of the Mormon and polygamy debate, it actually shows how it could possibly work for some people and how it does not for most. Now, no religion or moral code of life is easy to follow or maintain and live by example completely….but this family really strives for the healthy ideal of polygamous 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 it 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 and the wives are happy, I just want one husband, but oh well.

Of course for every positive hero in a Primetime drama you need to have an evil side to things. The “Prophet” in this show “Roman Grant” is the most deplorable bad guy character since Tony Soprano, but without the sensitive qualities that make Tony so easy to relate to. We see a side of polygamous life that is gut wrenching, sick, perverse and down right sad. Chloe Sevigny who plays the Prophets daughter deserved Emmy/Golden Globe recognition this past year. All at once Chloe’s character is repugnant, hypocritical, pathetic and is someone you like with a sense of humor. But there are glimmers of genuinely redeeming qualities in her character. Jeanne Tripplehorn and Bill Paxton give sensitive and moving performances as well.

The best sub-plot or storyline is about the daughter (played by “Mean Girl’s” Amanda Seyfried) who’s confused over her status in life and the Mormon faith. Her struggle will be the true test to see if this family unit will work, she is the only character showing dissension about faith and marriage. All in all, the abundance of material, witty writing and great acting. The controversy of the topic at hand will make this a fun ride and a compelling series! This show is just as addictive as most of HBO’s adult series. I look forward to season two of “Big Love” this summer. Check out the series one DVD on Netflix, on HBO On Demand or for sale at your local retailer to catch up!