The Greater Good (Big Love)
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Episode 2
| "The Greater Good" | |
|---|---|
| Big Love episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | David Knoller |
| Written by | Paul Redford |
| Cinematography by | Alex Nepomniaschy |
| Editing by | Chris Figler |
| Original release date | January 17, 2010 |
| Running time | 56 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Greater Good" is the second episode of the fourth season of the American drama television series Big Love. It is the 36th overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producer Paul Redford, and directed by executive producer David Knoller. It originally aired on HBO on January 17, 2010.
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. In the episode, Bill surprises his family with a big announcement, while Sarah and Scott decide to get married immediately.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.54 million household viewers and gained a 0.8/2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received very positive reviews from critics, with Chloë Sevigny receiving praise for her performance.
Bill (Bill Paxton) and Dale (Ben Koldyke) attend a hearing by State Representative Roy Coburn (Tom Amandes), who sets out to eliminate polygamy and plans to go after Juniper Creek. During a family lunch, Bill surprises the family by announcing that he will run against Coburn for the Utah State Senate. Barbara (Jeanne Tripplehorn) and Margie (Ginnifer Goodwin) oppose to his plans, as they fear this could expose their polygamy status.
As she tries to convince Bill in becoming the new Prophet, Nicki (Chloë Sevigny) discovers that Ray (Charles Esten) has decided to drop the investigation into their family and has given the files to Bill. She visits him to thank him, but is heartbroken to find that he chose to move out of Utah. To get a good image for the Senate run, Bill and Barbara ask the Church to support by claiming they dissolved their relationships. Sarah (Amanda Seyfried) and Scott (Aaron Paul) decide to get married through a justice of the peace. They ask Heather (Tina Majorino) and Ben (Douglas Smith) to serve as their witnesses, but decide not to inform Sarah's family.
Bill invites J.J. (Željko Ivanek) and his wife Malinda (Melinda Page Hamilton) to dine, where Nicki expresses disgust for J.J.'s treatment of his wife. She then surprises her family by revealing she does not plan to attend Roman's memorial. She is scolded by Adaleen (Mary Kay Place), but Nicki reaffirms that Roman was a false prophet. Joey (Shawn Doyle) surprises Bill with his return, and they reconcile after their previous arguments. Joey also tries to convince Bill into becoming the prophet, but Bill is not interested in the position. J.J. also visits Wanda (Melora Walters), revealing that he knows Joey killed Roman and asking for cooperation.
As Sarah and Heather leave for the civil ceremony, Barbara arrives early and is surprised by their plans. Sarah finally admits her marriage, and subsequently tells Bill later on. Bill is upset, but comes to understand that he got his daughter in following his lifestyle by taking this route. That night, Bill tells Barbara, Nicki and Margie that he will still run for Senate, and makes a big announcement: when elected, he will finally reveal their polygamy status, which will allow them to be more content with their lives. Bill then surprises them by revealing that Sarah and Scott will get married at their backyard. As Sarah and Scott are officially married, the family celebrates.
Production
Development
The episode was written by co-executive producer Paul Redford, and directed by executive producer David Knoller. This was Redford's first writing credit, and Knoller's second directing credit.[1]