Big Love: The Baptism
(S01E10) "Acceptance" and "love" were two major themes of this latest episode. Margene, feeling a bit unwanted and unappreciated, is having thoughts of leaving the Henrickson home(s) and heading out on her own, mostly due to the fact that she was accepted into the family by a 2-1 vote and not unanimously, with Nicki casting the dissenting vote. One definitely gets the feeling that she is still maturing and married Bill and had two babies before she knew it, and at 23 years of age and a polygamist, it could be that she still needs time to grow and find herself.
We are introduced to Barb's sister Cindy, who is obviously disapproving of Barb's situation and is doing all she can to ingratiate herself into the family so she can "educate" the kids about "choosing the right path" and not becoming like their parents. Her involvement leads to a huge scene when she enters into Barb's home and Nicki angrily confronting Cindy and throwing her out. It'll be interesting to see if Cindy continues trying to influence Ben, Sarah, and Teenie away from acceptance of their parents' lifestyle.
Roman Grant wasn't to be seen in this episode, but his influence was felt everywhere. Bill continues to scheme against him, and has gotten his brother Joey involved by stealing genealogical records from the compound. In addition, Bill visits Ernest Holloway, an elder in the compound, and solicits his help. At first, Holloway rejects Bill, but later on, in front of Bill's house, he offers to help. This alliance could turn explosive judging from the coming attractions when Roman is seen looking at surveillance pictures.
Bill's oldest son Ben finally loses his virginity, but he is wracked with guilt over it. It's hard to tell if he's following his father's footsteps because although Bill claims to be a religious and moral man, he IS a polygamist, and that is the conundrum that Ben and his sisters have to wrestle with.
But the key figure in this episode was Margene, who although having a tough time dealing with crayon stains on Bill's whites and damage to her dryer, seemed to be much more assertive. She broke off her friendship with her way-too-curious neighbor Pam because she wanted to protect her family, and then, right after Teenie's baptism in the family pool, she asks to be baptized because she loves the family and wants to be part of it forever. Nicki and Barb seem thrilled that Margene has come to accept her place in the family and gains love from them.
As the season enters its final two episodes, we'll have to keep an eye out for Bill in his dealings with "Brother" Holloway and whether this relationship will force Roman to act, and if Bill's family stays united or if Ben and Sarah continue to hear others speak disparingly of their parents' situation.

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