For me, the most interesting part of Big Love is the way Mormons and ex-Mormons respond to the show. I’ve seen all sorts of reactions, from “it’s filth” to “it’s accurate” to “there’s no way a polygamist family could live openly in LDS” to “yes there is, and yes they do.”

Admirably, I think, the show takes pains to portray the members of the Henrickson family - and their friends - with 100% realist accuracy. Their flaws are there, but so are their strengths. Their strong sense of family and community keeps them grounded, even though at times it seems to cripple them in pursuing their own happiness.

This highly recognizable face plays Nicki’s first husband in “Rough Edges.”

a. John Turturro
b. Gary Cole
c. Zeljko Ivanek
d. Jeffrey Jones

The star of “Rough Edges” was Nicki, of course, as her web of deception finally tangled her up. Chloë Sevigny’s performance is captivating and wonderful: though we hate what the character does, we find it impossible to hate the woman herself. We watch, slack-jawed, as she gets herself into spectacular messes and somehow finds forgiveness afterward.

Her split loyalties embody what is so precarious about the Henrickson’s lifestyle. Though they’re attempting to live out principles rooted in fundamentalist compounds like Juniper Creek, they also want to exist as a part of a world that either disdains them as Mormons or disdains them as polygamists. Ironically, the Henricksons would find the most support for their lifestyle in liberal circles where polyamory is just another dating lifestyle.

Despite her lack of direct involvement, Joey makes it very clear that he holds this character responsible for Kathy’s death.

a. Nicki
b. Wanda
c. Rhonda
d. Barb

There’s something very satisfying about the comeuppance that Nicki finally gets in this episode, as the district attorney finally untangles her lies. He blames Bill, of course: as the patriarch of a plural family, Bill is always learning the hard way that he’s the ultimate scapegoat. But Bill is devilshly clever and there’s little doubt he will find a way to keep his hands clean. As for the family’s future with Nicki? Who knows. But she always seems to find a way to burrow back into the center of their hearts.

Submit your answers to this week’s trivia challenge HERE! Please DO NOT submit answers in the comments. All correct answerers will earn a mention at the top of next week’s Big Love recaplet, along with a link to your website(s) of choice - remember to include a URL with your answers.

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