For the Wives, "Big Love" Falls Short on Love & Respect

Now we are beyond the second episode into the premier season of HBO's new family drama "Big Love"--and I am disgusted. I blogged earlier about my concerns for what looked to be "Big Love's" attempt to "normalize" a polygamous relationship--and after Episode 2, my fears have been confirmed.

Poor, poor Bill Hendrickson! He's popping the Viagra to keep up with all three of his wives, who are just dying to bed him as he makes his nightly rounds. And though Barb, Nicki, and Margey bicker and fight over who gets him when and how much, they still submit to what Bill calls "the principle" (polygamy within their breakaway version of Mormon faith) and his God-like rule over the family finances, home life, and sex schedule.

Whether it's Carmela's staying in a seriously problematic home life on "The Sopranos" or the three "Big Love" wives who negotiate whatever power they can grasp, TV's message about women and religion lately seems to be: Just do the best you can with what you got! Grin, bear, and work with it.

I find that seriously depressing and unsatisfying. While I cringe at times watching Carmela's sacrifices, Barb, Nicki, and Margey just take the cake on "Big Love."