Polygamy TV

HBO's Big Love is the best show on television. (Note: Showtime's Weeds is also pretty freakin' good).

The 2007 season just ended last week, and I'm already suffering withdrawal.

HBO only makes 12 episodes per year. Luckily, HBO programmers never skimp on placement of reruns. I'll have ample opportunity to view all of this year's episodes again and again.

Big Love benefits from great writing and good acting (too things rare on television serials). I'm particularly fond of Jeanne Tripplehorn ... because her character is believable as a reluctant polygamist ... and, also because Jeanne is a native of Tulsa OK. It's always good to see an Okie do well. Bill Paxon is a Texan ... and, unfortunately, his Texas bravado shows. He's not quite believable as a Mormon fundamentalist. The FLDS-types aren't chest-thumpers. They're usually squirrelly and reticent ... traits of those on the fringes of society. Second sister wife Chloë Sevigny is dead-on as a true believer in "The Principle." Third sister wife Ginnifer Goodwin isn't as convincing, but she's infinitely likable. There would be more tolerance for polygamy if more women like Ginnifer were available for multiple marriage.

Big Love is loosely based on the polygamy subculture of Colorado City AZ. I doubt that actual polygamist integrate as easily into suburban life. It's still fascinating to take a look at a taboo like multiple marriage from a different angle.