MovieChat Forums > Big Love (2006) Discussion > 'Oh Come Ye Saints'

'Oh Come Ye Saints'

posted 10 years ago by chas437
9 replies | jump to latest

This is an amazing and touching episode. No compound interlopers, this is all about the Bill Henrickson clan.

Years and years of hypocrisy come to a head during the pilgrimage to New York. Sarah's story is just heartbreaking and tragic. I see her as the most sympathetic character in the Henrickson compound. Amanda Seyfried establishes herself as an actress worthy of this incredible cast

Other hypocrisies, Margene can be a 'pill' for Bill, but she's off limits for Ben. Barb has compromised all her values, yet she expects Sarah and Ben to take her seriously.

The prize winner is Bill, and his indignation at Nicki taking birth control. He takes Viagra so he can have sex with Nicki. Also, he says to Nicki "You've done a lot of bad the things, but this takes the cake".

So taking birth control is worse than running up 60,000$ in debt, and all of Nicki's other transgressions?

I'm a civilian, I'm not a trout

[–] Ithilfaen 10 years ago

Definitely a strong episode but its biggest flaw is that we are supposed to feel bad for Bill. I can't. He's acting like his priorities are the only important ones, essential even, as always and as if him being happy meant everyone's problems had to disappear to make room for his happy time.

Ironically, Sarah's become the most interesting character at this point in the season (and I'm really not interested in teenage characters usually) because of her struggle with the way of life that was imposed on her.
I know we are supposed to root for the rest of the family but they are just too self-centered for me to give a *beep* about what happens to them.

Bill's outrage over Nicki's birth control is just typical Bill. He's so focused on himself, his needs, his business decisions, his crusade against the Grants, he's completely ignoring the children who are so important to his "path" apparently.
He treats everyone else like a child (including his business partner) but he's surprised when they are immature. Duh.

For every lie I unlearn I learn something new - Ani Difranco

[–] chas437 10 years ago

I must admit, I did sympathize more with Bill 6-7 years ago, when the series was new. But watching the series for a second time, its seems clear that Bill is the source of most of his problems. He's a deeply flawed character, and he gets what he deserves in the end.

I agree, Sarah, wonderfully portrayed by Amanda Seyfried, carries the season. Finally, we get a character who isn't all smooth and rough edges, one we can root for.

As evil as Albie is, he sometimes has a way with words- "My my, is there any pie Bill Henrickson doesn't have his finger in?"

I'm a civilian, I'm not a trout

[–] GMonhey 10 years ago

Probably the most dramatic and touching part of this episode is when Barb flips out at Sarah for supposedly taking birth control pills. You really feel for Sarah. There's no way she can tell her mom she's pregnant after that event.

[–] OnMyHonorAsAStark 10 years ago

I just got done crying from that episode. Sarahs story had me in tears.

[–] cdon 10 years ago

The thing that bothered me was that they show her taking the birth control in the first episode, and yet no one finds out about it till 2 years later?

[–] chas437 10 years ago

Its easy to birth control pills without being noticed, as long as she keeps them well hidden. Many women, especially those in their 30's, have trouble conceiving.

I'll take Punctuality

[–] 10 years ago

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[–] chas437 10 years ago

You're funny. Are you from Juniper Creek? All the nuances of this series seem to have flown right over your head.

I don't follow you at all. Bill and Margene consider themselves to be married. She is off limits, sexually, to anyone outside their marriage, as is he (though he did transgress with Ana).

Bill and Margene may consider themselves to be married, but the viewer is meant to judge the validity of their marriage, given the woes of plural marriage we are shown in every episode, and the fact that Margene was Ben's age when she married Bill.

Yes, of course. Money is a concern for time. Family is a concern for eternity.

You may be factious here, and if so, good one.
I'll take Punctuality

[–] 10 years ago

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