"Paul Levinson's It's Real Life is a page-turning exploration into that multiverse known as rock and roll. But it is much more than a marvelous adventure narrated by a master storyteller...it is also an exquisite meditation on the very nature of alternate history." -- Jack Dann, The Fiction Writer's Guide to Alternate History

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Big Love 2 Episode 7: Margene's Mama

Margene continues to the shining star of this year's Big Love, and last night didn't disappoint. Margene's mother, a real piece of work played by Bonnie Bedelia, pays an unexpected visit.

There was something especially hilarious and satirical about this - how many times have moms made unexpected visits in sit-coms, soap operas, and what have you since the 1950s. It was nice to see Big Love's unique take on this, since, of course, Margene's mom doesn't know about the polygamy.

Nikki played an especially interesting role in this. Disowned just a few weeks ago by her own mother - Roman's wife - Nikki is needy of mothering, and is glad to have her sister-wife's mother around. She sees Bill kissing Barb, gets drunk, makes a pass at Bill, and passes out. Ozzie and Harriet this show is not, and that's of course its charm.

Meanwhile, Bill's way of dealing with the hideous Hollis - setting Hollis and Roman on a collision courses - may not be the best move, after all. Bill's mother and brother and sister-in-law, after all, are still in residence on Roman's compound. (So was Barb for a while, don't ask.)

So, too, again, is Bill's father, played by Bruce Dern. He's frightening to just about everyone - though Bill's mother Lois takes no guff from him.

Hmmm ... would be interesting to see a confrontation of Hollis versus Roman, with Frank (Bill's father) tipping the balance ...

See also reviews of other episodes: 1. Big Love Resumes ... 2: Oh, Happy Day, and Not ... 3: Sons and Mothers ... 4. Help Me, Rhonda ... 5. The Waitress and More... 6. Just Lust ... 8. Polygamy and Misgivings ... 9. Swing Vote Margene ... 10. Polygamy as the Ultimate Cool/Bad ... 11. Family in Crisis ... 12. Polygamy and Great Performances Confirmed

7 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

What the hell is up with the Selma character?

You know, the woman dressed up as a man at Greene's side.

dawn said...

Hey Paul Hope all is well, The Cape sounds heavenly. I am definetly going to have to start watching this show. I can't catch the first season but on demand must have some old ones. Will I catch on? I'm waiting for your Meadowlands review, the show got really good this week and we got some answers. Have a great day!!

Paul Levinson said...

anon - I don't know - she's even worse than Hollis ... she's creepier than even most of the characters on Meadowlands ...

speaking of which - hey, Dawn - all's great - I'll be watching Meadowlands in a few mins, and then posting my review ... you whetted my appetite ...

Anonymous said...

what is the song playing during the ending credits?

Anonymous said...

that was a great song...anyone know
sounded like eurythmics or just annie maybe

Anonymous said...

it is annie ...little bird...hbo site has all the music from al the shows!!!

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