By Michelle Lerner

I must confess: I am addicted to BIG LOVE. I’m not sure why, but for the purposes of this review, I am going to try to work it out. This episode, which was particularly good, is probably a good place to start.

REASON #1: The show gives me a lot of bang for my buck. So many things were going on in this episode, I had no idea what was going to happen next. And, like life, some of those things were interesting, some were disturbing, some were boring and some were funny.

Lois’s announcement that she had Wanda committed was funny. Joey’s reaction — and subsequent running to Barb — was boring. Barb’s reaction when Joey tells her she is such a great person exemplified what is completely annoying about Barb — her constant sanctity. I liked her so much better last season when she and Bill were sneaking around having an “affair.”

Rhonda’s attempt to convince Sarah that her boyfriend raped her was funny and disturbing. Rhonda wearing eyeliner was just plain funny. Bill’s obsession with the waitress was interesting and also disturbing. The more I watch this show, the less I care for Bill or his “principle.” But, the last shot of Margene sitting at the pie counter, smiling beatifically at the waitress, was both funny and interesting. If there was ever an actress who could make someone smile just by smiling herself, it is Ginnifer Goodwin.

REASON #2: Lessons in religion — as demonstrated by Chloë Sevigny. Nicki’s true belief is mesmerizing, and her reaction to the Catholic Church in this episode was fascinating. She treats the Rosary as if it was made of poison. Her distaste for all things Catholic is so palpable; she might as well nail the Juniper Creek theses to a church door. And, the way she overcomes her revulsion is truly touching when it happens, because you can see her struggling with herself. Nicki’s religion is the furthest thing from a ritual to her; it defines her, and sending her kid, dressed like a pagan angel, into a Catholic church requires a leap of faith that the other characters simply don’t have to make.

REASON #3: Sometimes, I get addicted to a show to see if the writers can remedy the flaws. I am very patient this way, and I have stuck through many shows — like LOST — through thick and thin. The kink I am waiting for BIG LOVE to work out is Bill’s relationship with his wives and kids. It is the part of the show that feels missing of late. He’s physically present in certain scenes, but like a dad in some sort of 1950s throwback, he seems to be elsewhere mentally, even when deciding family policy.

Bill has so much going on, he doesn’t feel like part of any of the households at all. He’s like a distant god all the women invoke, and I can’t remember the last time he spoke to Sarah or Teeny. His business dealings are somewhat interesting, but to tell you the truth, I am glad all the Juniper Creek nonsense has died down. Maybe this new crush of his will put him back in the push and pull of the family drama.