This is a very interesting series that explores a side of America that I am not familiar with: Mormonism, in particular polygamy.
At first I was very confused about it, I didn’t know how things worked, and I didn’t know about their religion. But I figured it out as I watched it, as it’s the norm with HBO series. They don’t waste time explaining every little detail of the story, they just let you discover it at your own pace.
So I slowly figured out that they were polygamists, but had to lie to the world because they’re not accepted by the law. Also they left the compound, so they’re trying to have a normal life while at the same time keeping their tradition.
Polygamy is a choice that I don’t understand at all. I just don’t see the advantage of it, apart from having a large family (if that’s even something you’d want). But the problems that it brings compared to a normal family are more than threefold. I just don’t see the point.
That said I do enjoy the dynamic between Bill’s 3 wives. I think these characters are very well developed, each has their own personalities and conflicts. And also each have their own relationship with Bill. It’s a very interesting dynamic, something I’ve never seen on screen.
But apart from that, there’s the war against Roman. I have a hard time believing that they’re like that in the real world. Roman is basically just a mob boss, the only difference is that he uses religion as a way to get support from his people. Some people are not blinded by religion, so Roman uses force against those people.
Bill’s parents are also a weird couple, not in a funny way, but in a dark and annoying way. Especially his father. I can’t believe I felt sorry for him at the beginning. Joey is another strange man, but not as strange as his wife Wanda. That’s a crazy woman!!
Bill’s older kids also have their own subplots. I like that Ben and Sarah have a very different perspective on polygamy, and that’s mainly tied to their gender I think. I think their portrayal give another point of view on polygamy. A very interesting one.
But the main focus are still Bill and her wives. That’s the anchor of their family and the series. I just love their relationships.
Season Rating: 3.5 Stars