Pilot (Big Love)
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| "Pilot" | |
|---|---|
| Big Love episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 1 |
| Directed by | Rodrigo García |
| Written by | |
| Cinematography by | |
| Editing by |
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| Original release date | March 12, 2006 |
| Running time | 57 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
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"Pilot" is the series premiere of the American drama television series Big Love. The episode was written by series creators Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer, and directed by Rodrigo García. It originally aired on HBO on March 12, 2006.
The series is set in Salt Lake City and follows Bill Henrickson, a fundamentalist Mormon. He practices polygamy, having Barbara, Nicki and Margie as his wives. The series charts the family's life in and out of the public sphere in their suburb, as well as their associations with a fundamentalist compound in the area.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 4.56 million household viewers and gained a 2.2/5 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances and writing as highlights. For the episode, García received a nomination for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series at the 58th Primetime Emmy Awards.
In Salt Lake City, Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton), a fundamentalist Mormon, lives in a suburb with his three wives, Barbara (Jeanne Tripplehorn), Nicki (Chloë Sevigny) and Margie (Ginnifer Goodwin), staying with a different wife each day. Bill is the successful owner of a hardware superstore, and he is already in the process of opening a second location. Despite their quiet and peaceful life, Bill's wives have their struggles; Barbara is returning to teaching and asks for his help, Nicki needs money and Margie struggles in raising her two children.
The pressure of his second superstore and the needs of his wives cause Bill to suffer erectile dysfunction. One day he is called by his brother, Joey (Shawn Doyle), a former football star. Joey states that their father, Frank (Bruce Dern), is extremely sick. Bill is forced to visit the Juniper Creek compound to visit his father, bringing along a reluctant Nicki and Barbara. They reunite with Bill's mother, Lois (Grace Zabriskie). Bill is shocked to find his father lying on the floor, and secretly gets him into a hospital, despite Lois not wanting to visit hospitals as she fears they might uncover their activities.
Sarah (Amanda Seyfried), the daughter of Bill and Barbara, works at a fast food restaurant. During a shift, she befriends a new employee, Heather Tuttle (Tina Majorino), whose father works in the police force. Back at the compound, Lois discovers that Bill checked Frank into a hospital and angrily tries to take him out, but Bill makes her let Frank rest, as he has been diagnosed to have arsenic in his body. Barbara meets Roman Grant (Harry Dean Stanton), the leader of the compound and Nicki's father. However, Barbara is disgusted by Roman, as he is planning to marry a teenager named Rhonda Volmer (Daveigh Chase).
Bill, Barbara and Nicki return to Salt Lake City, having left Margie to babysit all their children. Margie breaks down while talking to Barbara, feeling that she is unable to keep up and help their families. Barbara, joined by Nicki, console her, telling her they are helping themselves in everything. Bill inaugurates the second superstore, with his wives in attendance. However, he is approached by Roman over sharing profits from the second superstore, which Bill refuses. As he joins Barbara to sleep, Bill wonders if Lois is responsible for his father's condition.
Production
Development
The episode was written by series creators Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer, and directed by Rodrigo García.[1]