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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great stereotype busting show...serious and funny and lots of "loving" to go round, June 2, 2008
This review is from: Big Love - The Complete First Two Seasons (DVD)
I love TV series that deliver great entertainment and social commentary in a non-preachy, stereotype busting way, that really make you think and laugh, and sit on edge of your seat, all at the same time. This series is close to the top of my list of such. (Dexter, the HBO series--switched to network CBS in 2008 is another) Dexter.
After reading Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith I inevitably acquired a most negative view of Mormon fundamentalism, especially polygamy. This series made me reconsider my verdicts on Mormonism, and even (never dreamed I'd say this) on polygamy itself. I still believe polygamy is a landmine with the odds against its success pretty high. But the series shows how it has some novel advantages over monogamy, if the husband and wives have love, a sense of humor, and lots of grit and flexibility....and--absolutely a key--if hubby truly loves all wives "THE SAME" (I know, this is Solomonic long shot! Bill pulls it off here though, in quite an endearing way!).
Be ready to chuckle endlessly (e.g. at Bill;s 'heroic' attempt to satisfy all three high-sex-appetite wives, and at Bill's parents' over the top schemes) but also to be serious, thoughtful and root for Bill's kids' realistic and poignant struggles with life in Mormon Utah, and his brother's almost heroic sbility to remain a good man in the nest of a Mormon fundamentalist "prophet" Roman (Bill's wife #2 Nicky's father).
Season 2 manages to cast ALL the characters in an even more morally ambiguous, and yet simultaneously more likable, way than Season 1. Although some scenes are almost slapstick but hilarious, others are totally 3 D, melancholy, and believable. Be prepared to LOVE BIG LOVE!
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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Big Love has the Wow Factor!, May 21, 2008
This review is from: Big Love - The Complete First Two Seasons (DVD)
Wow! This has to be one of the best television drama series since Six Feet Under and Brothers and Sisters. It's deep, it's complex, it's a little weird, but then, i guess, polygamy is all these things. The series explores what life is like in a polygamist mormom family living in Sandy, Utah, with sensitivity and in a non-judgemental way, while not fearing to delve into the more diffcult issues, like sex, kids, and religious issues. Bill Paxton plays the role of the husband, and is exciting to watch in this role that is the pinnacle of his career to date. He is supported by the amazing Chloe Sevigny, Jeanne Triplehorn, and Ginnifer Goodwin. The wives have a very complex, very deep relationship, yet although they are close, each one has secrets they cant reveal to their sister wives. This series is a must see for anyone who loves quality drama, credible acting, great storylines, and is fascinated by the secret life of polygamists. Big Love is a drama with a lot of tension, a lot of humour and warmth, and above all, a lot of heart!
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tip of Advice, August 18, 2008
This review is from: Big Love - The Complete First Two Seasons (DVD)
I just purchased these on Amazon.com and I wanted to let consumers know, if you buy seasons 1 and 2 separately, it totals out around $10 LESS than buying them together. Not sure why, youd think itd be the opposite!! I have Amazon Prime, and I ordered this one days shipping too - which means if you used the free shipping, it would be $18.00 less to purchase them separately :)
I've heard good things about this show, so I thought Id try and catch up and watch the first 2 seasons before the 3rd premieres in January!!
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