The Oath (Big Love)
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Episode 4
| "The Oath" | |
|---|---|
| Big Love episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 5 Episode 4 |
| Directed by | Omar Madha |
| Written by | Melanie Marnich |
| Cinematography by | Anette Haellmigk |
| Editing by | Byron Smith |
| Original release date | February 6, 2011 |
| Running time | 58 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Oath" is the fourth episode of the fifth season of the American drama television series Big Love. It is the 47th overall episode of the series and was written by co-producer Melanie Marnich, and directed by Omar Madha. It originally aired on HBO on February 6, 2011.
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 prepares to be sworn in, while Cara Lynn reunites with her cousin.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.77 million household viewers and gained a 0.4/1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics, although some criticized its pacing.
With a few days before being sworn in, Bill (Bill Paxton) makes some appearances to boost his image. After Margie (Ginnifer Goodwin) revealed her real age, Nicki (Chloë Sevigny) grants her a fake birth certificate to avoid more problems with the family.
Barbara (Jeanne Tripplehorn) decides to attend a First Ladies' fashion show, surprising Cindy (Judith Hoag). Bill is informed by Barn (Gregory Itzin) that he is losing support in the Capitol, and suggests that he might even be impeached on his inauguration. Nicki decides that Bill should adopt Cara Lynn (Cassi Thomson), who has been distracted over her father's fate during her sessions with Greg (Christian Campbell). Nicki also has to deal with Adaleen (Mary Kay Place) constantly surveilling the Safety Net reunions, with Alby (Matt Ross) supporting Adaleen's actions.
Bill tells Lois (Grace Zabriskie) that she has been diagnosed with dementia, and he blames Frank for her condition as he gave her herpes a few years ago. He and Don (Joel McKinnon Miller) manage to recoup their shares from the casino, but Don is infuriated upon learning about Margie's real age. Cara Lynn and Gary (Luke Klop) go to the mall with Ben (Douglas Smith) and Heather (Tina Majorino). There, Cara Lynn reunites with her cousin, Verlan (Kevin Rankin). However, Verlan introduces his wife, Rhonda (Daveigh Chase), surprising them. Rhonda claims she has changed and apologizes for her actions, but Ben and Heather remain skeptical.
Tensions continue arising between Margie and the rest of the family, with Barbara ignoring her and Nicki insulting her. Per Bill's insistence, Margie and Nicki go to meet Barbara at the fashion show, where Nicki says Barbara is to blame for Margie's seduction, something that Barbara confesses. Margie confronts Bill outside the Capitol, and demands an explanation. When Bill does not answer, Margie accidentally him with the car. At the hospital, Bill dreams that he interacts with Emma Smith (Rebecca Wisocky). Despite his condition, the Senate looks to move up the swearing to discredit Bill. Bill decides to leave the hospital, and with the help of his wives, makes it in time. The episode ends as Bill officially swears in.
Production
Development
The episode was written by co-producer Melanie Marnich, and directed by Omar Madha. This was Marnich's third writing credit, and Madha's first directing credit.[1]