From Zap2It:

That has to be one of my all-time favorite tv dialogues: "Hi Mom. Where's Wanda?" "I had her commited." BWAH!!

I love Joey, he's easily my favorite character. I hope they further explore his opposition to The Principle.

I'm not understanding why Sarah is helping Rhonda. I'd turn her out at a moment's notice.

Poor Margene, I just wanted to cry for her when she saw Bill flirting with the waitress. I know that there should be an aspect of "well, now she knows how Barb and Nikki felt" but it's just wrong for any pregnant wife to have to experience that.

Yikes! How dare Nikki slap Margene like that? Is Margene ever going to stand up to that? I don't really like the idea of "tattling" to Barb or Bill, but geez, I hate seeing her victimized like that.

"Well I'm going over to Beach Court..... to LIE!"

Edited because apostrophes don't equal plurals.

LOL. Rhonda = Worst. Surprise. Ever.



Um, someone please tell Don to never wink again.

And on the subject, I'm not sure how much more I can take of Rhonda eyefucking Heather.



Hmmm. Barb has been my fave from the start, but Margene is catching up. I like that she's up to something!

AS should stick with the wavy hair she had while in bed. It really suits her features more than the bone straight deal.

Joy and Wanda's baby is unbelievably, freakishly cute.

Lychee and gin? Is that a band?

Bill is a putz.

Team Sicko Love!

Okay, let me get this out of the way first:

Bill is a fucking asshole. Bill is a huge raging fucking asshole. Why the crap does any woman want this man?

Now that I've gotten that out of the way, I'll be back later when I have some cogent thoughts about the content of the episode.

haha Im right there with you!!!

WTF is Bills problem? Is three wives not enough for you dumbass?! Also Bill said he never took his ring off before, but how did he pick up the other two without doing that?

Also what do you guys think Margene's motives are?

Yeah, Wanda was taken of quickly. Wanda's sane enough to know she's crazy. She states so baldly "I could be in and out of places like this for the rest of my life." That blew me away.

Seems like Bill's business ventures get him het up in other ways - wheelin' and dealin' and flirtin', oh my! And I love Maggie Gyllenhaal being on the show.

I don't think Rhonda actually slept on the streets for a week, but at least her look of perpetual arrogance is slipping a bit. And Scott may be creepy, but I don't make him as a rapist.

Those moments on the phone between Joey and Barb--I thought last season (Barb and Joey in the backyard) that Joey had a crush on Barb.

And OMG, Margene snores (like a tractor-trailer?)

Every week, I'm having more and more Margene Girl-Love.


I swear Grace Zabriskie is the best thing about this show. She ROCKS.


I don't know. By the end of the show, I thought it looked like she approved of his choice.

That isn't Maggie Gyllenhaal, but she sure does look a lot like her!

Favorite moment of the episode was definitely, definitely, when Lois came driving up and casually told Joey that she'd had Wanda committed. Wow. Hilarious! Lois rocks. And good for her not giving her brother money. Obviously eddie and Bill both come by their opportunism honestly!

There is something seriously skeezy going on with that gambling company (I do NOT think Ellsworth (what's his name on this show again?) has another offer...I think he has creditors. Or trouble with the law. Or possibly a three-headed monster chasing after him, the way he was panicking in Bill's office. Trust bill to see dread/panic as scheming.

I loved Nicki's storyline - CS is just so good, I constantly find myself rooting for Nicki despite her ridiculousness. She was just so painfully vulnerable when she went to the school all dressed up in her non-compound clothes - of course her son's education would be all about her (what else, with Nicki?) but it is impressive that she could make me sympathize with her in spite of all that.

Ok, and now I realize there's a nice platonic way to interpret Heather's jealousy, but she's definitely jealous (her expression when Sarah and Scott were kissing...the comment about being last resort ...) and I choose to believe that it's because she's in wuv (aw, so cute), but unable to express it because she's repressing. (so there.)

Rhonda tonight was totally obnoxious. Only moment I liked with her was when she was trying to convince sarah that Scott had tried to rape her and Sarah wasn't buying it, and then Rhonda just dropped the bullshit and said exactly what she wanted...she is a cold calculating little shit, isn't she? I wonder at what point she stops getting to use "damaged by the compound" as an excuse?

It's the pregnancy doing it to her, although I generally thought that started in the later stages.

Wait, are you saying that really was Maggie Gyllenhall or are you kidding? Because I was just coming to post how much that waitress looked like her.

And one of the first lines of the show had me rolling: "If I gave you some pie, would you eat it?" "Sure would!" Like Bill would ever turn down "pie" from a pretty face.

And poor Sarah...talk about a rock and a hard place! Hateful as Rhonda is, Sarah's conscience is still too great to just send her back to the compound. She shouldn't have the responsibility of trying to fix that mess.

That's definitely not Maggie Gyllenhall. Although I've seen that actress before....where?? What's her name again?

OK, I actually like the waitress. Hopefully she doesn't end up being some sort of weirdo. Bill trying to flirt was a little creepy but cute at the same time. I think I found it a little creepy cause, you know, he's already married (X3).

I didn't like Sarah all that much in this episode. She sort of annoyed me. Her and Scott still give off a weird vibe. I just find them void of chemistry. I gotta say that I totally agree with Heather's "I'm tired of being your last choice" or whatever she said. Sarah just seems annoyed with Heather all the time. Why are they friends again? Heather seems to always initiate hanging out and offering to help Sarah. But it seems like Sarah just tolerates Heather and uses her as a last resort.

Heather might end the friendship by the end of the season (total spec).

Barb married the wrong brother. Joey is everything Barb needs and they understand each other. I don't want an affair or anything, but it's just sad to know that Barb would have been happier with Joey.

Lois!!! Cash in cans of peas!! I love her.

Margene was awesome!! She really is growing a backbone this season. I hope it's her growing emotionally and not hormones.


BWAH! and eww.

I felt for Nicki in this episode. Watching her waver back and forth was heartbreaking. The effort it must have taken to try and dress in a more normal manner was obviously agonizing for her, and the fact that she couldn't make it work was sad.

This show delivers like freakin' Dominoes:


NotCher and NotDionne: “It’s so cute hugging granny!” I love Sarah’s co-workers staging a downscale re-make of Clueless in the ebay room.

Lois: “I had her committed….It was very hard on me.” When it’s all about Bill, I’m disgusted; when it’s all about Lois, I’m delighted.

Nicki: “(The women) and they’re superior hairdos.” Seeing you all dressed up in your Anti—Praire gear only to get dissed by the PinkLadyMoms broke my heart; but pulling your kid out of school because you don’t fit in wasn’t the best move in the playbook. I’m glad it all worked out in the end, though.

Sarah’s Loser Boyfriend: “I can not have a 16 year old runaway in my apartment!” But you can make out on your couch with a high schooler?

Joey: “I think any man who lives the Principle is selfish.” I love you for saying that, chico.

Rhonda: “What’s your house like? Is it carpeted?” Hold out for central air, girl!

Bill: Memorizing the Serbian minx’s schedule, then ditching your wedding ring while fetching pie for your pregnant wife? I’m not FDLS, but I suspect lust doesn’t count as receiving testimony. At least Margene seems excited to get a new (hopefully less slappy) playmate.

Barb: The Beehive Mother of the Year people will never want you and, even if FDLS cannonized saints, I bet none of them would have a vagina. I know you want to rehabilitate your image, but maybe it's time to take a break from the rescue missions.

Serbian waitress: "If I brought you a piece of pie would you eat it?" I'm so glad we didn't have to hear her offer him any whipped cream with that.

Random thoughts:

-- I was raised Catholic, but I was never all that into the religion, I don't practice it now and I haven't been to church in a looooooong time, but I got a little pissed at Nikki tonight. That being said, CS continues to rock the house.

-- All I kept thinking whenever Bill was talking to the waitress was, "Oh, you seem so sweet! Run! Run like the wind!" The last thing I want to see is Bill bringing his douchebaggy bullshit upon a fourth wife.

-- I continue to be in love with Joey and Wanda.

-- I think AS if fucking fantastic on this show and I'm glad the writers are giving her more to do this season.

-- Oh, and yay for a minimal amount of CreepyBen.

-- Yay for Heather and "Hee" for her not knowing IRON MAIDEN.

-- If there's a Big Love drinking game, a new rule should be added: Everytime Rhonda pathologically lies you should do a shot. You'd blackout about 15 minutes in, though.

Loving Margene...Barb needs to worry about her own children and not Joey.

I think Sarah seeing Ben & Brynn getting it on has unleased some carnal desire in that girl. I'm surprised her boyfriend isn't all over that. Speaking of which...Rhonda is a fucking little liar who I believe was jealous that Sarah has a boyfriend that's 52 years younger than Roman.

I felt so sorry for Nicki when she was trying to help Wayne. The girl had to check the calculator to make sure 1 + 1 = 2. I can't help but think that the girls at Juniper Creek receive NO education.

ETA ~ Lois canning money...hi-larious. Lois' brother said something about making more money once "the place actually opens". I know Lois has a laundrymat now but was there something more I missed?

Wayne's little voice continues to break my heart. If they were still making Peanuts cartoons, he'd be a perfect Linus. And I love that he wore his school uniform all the time - the trampoline scene was great.

Well, Nicki obviously wouldn't see a problem with it, being raised on the compound. And he knew Margene as an employee & babysitter before he started a-wooing her, so while polygamy was definitely more of an adjustment for her, it's not like Bill could have hidden his marriage(s) from her once he started considering her as a third wife.

I finally figured out who Ana the waitress is! She's played by Branka Katic. She also played the the crazy bazillionaire's wife in Entourage - the one who failed in her attempt to sleep with Adrian Grenier.

Several things I wondered about.

I thought Margene was sort of trailer trash. How did she ever go to Catholic school? And she can recite the rosary. I know nuns who can't do that!! LOL

If Wayne's school is so far away they don't know who Bill is how in the world do they drive him everyday? And do the people at the school never go to town and see billboards?

The waitress would be a fool to get involved with Bill. Can't she see thru him. When I watched the Meet the babysitter teaser his flirting with Margene was much more believable. How in the world will he explain wives 1,2 and 3? to a woman from Eastern Europe?

I think the guy selling the gambling machines is up to no good.

I need 5 cans of peas that and the commitment comments were the best!

And Wanda in the nut house. I used to work with people committed to institutions and no one got to do oil paintings. Perhaps in fancy private hospitals but not in state run ones. And she is not a danger to herself or others (unless she confessed to the poisoning- and then she would be in jail) as far as the hospital knows so she would be out in less then 3 days. At least in my experience.

Didn't think this episode was as good as last week but it is probably building to next week.

Bill didn't hide his marriage from Nicki or Margene when he met them - Margene knew he was married from when she was working for him, and Nicki of course wouldn't be overly concerned. I bet for him it's a distraction from all the crap happening in his 'real life'.

I think Rhonda and Heather are going to be really good friends - and I don't mean that in a lesbian type of way (the way everyone seems to think Heather is of that persuasion). Other than being the same age and working at the same place Sarah and Heather don't have all that much in common. And Heather's comment of why Sarah would rather have put Rhonda in with her boyfriend or whatever he is instead of calling her - being a last resort, especially when it was glaringly apparent that Heather would have been more than happy to assist. Attempting to hide Rhonda with a 28 yo single guy vs. with heather and family? and did you see that look that Heather and Rhonda gave each other when they saw Sarah sucking face with whatshisname - you could tell they shared the same opinion, that Sarah was sinning. Its apparent that the reason Rhonda ran away to begin with was to have a better life, with a mom who didn't ask her to marry some old geezer and with air conditioning and carpeting and being able to go to school and be with people her own age and so forth.

I LOVED Margene but Bill is still a total assahola! I think Margene is starting to feel that Bill isn't 'all that'. If she had witnessed that same scene with the waitress LAST season my guess is that she would have had a much different reaction rather than going to get acquainted with the lady. She had the oddest look on her face...

And Bill...pissed me off the way he said Joey had ruined him - um not exactly - it's the opposite IMO. I doubt if that whole thing with Alby being poisioned would have even occurred had it not been for Bill refusing to pay Roman and THEN getting Joey involved in all of his half-baked schemes.

I think that Bill's uncle is somehow in cahootz with the Weber gaming guy. Why does he just NOW show up all of a sudden? Don's radar is way up and I admired him for standing up against Bill's 'revenge' deal.


Great, great episode!

I, too, found it fascinating that Bill gets a testimony about a new wife after seeing what a cute ass she has.

Am I the only one who thinks that Joey and Barb belong together? If Barb truly "rescued Bill from the streets," imagine what she could have done with Joey, who is realistic about his strengths and weaknesses and lacks Bill's delusions of grandeur.

Speaking of which, the way Bill handles his business -both personal and professional - I'm amazed he can even tie his shoes. I'm serious. He's an idiot.

I've been rewatching Sopranos DVDs, and had just finished watching "Whitecaps" the Season 4 finale. David Chase did the commentary, and he noted every time a character told a lie - needless to say, he was busy. So with that in mind, it amazed me how many lies are told in this show as well. I'm talking to you, Eddie. There's a lot of backstory there.

Speaking of backstory, I sure would like to know how Bill and Don Embry met and decided to go into business together. They are so different in approach and temperament, it's hard to see how they've made it this far together. I thought Don was going to resign when Bill told him they were going ahead with Weber Gaming.

And I actually got the impression that Nicki was attracted to Catholicism - at least as she saw it in the beautiful church. Maybe I mis-interpreted Chloe Sevigny's facial expressions. Or maybe her reaction was because she was attracted, and it frightened her. Fascinating that Margene, who I thought had no religious upbringing, attended Catholic school and still respects the Rosary - and remembers the prayers.

That Daveigh Chase sure has a taste for scenery. She has made Rhonda someone you love to hate. I wonder if the producers always intended for Rhonda to be so pivotal - or if Chase's performance gave them ideas.

Poor Wanda. She knows she's crazy and accepts it.

I felt sorry for Wayne. He obviously loves the school and probably loves being around kids other than siblings. I really got my Nicky-hate thing going tonight when she started teaching Wayne at home. (and I usually love Nicky).

I love Sarah's co-workers. They are biatches but very realistic teen girls. I'm so glad they came back.

"Your so racist".

This whole ep was LMAO funny. But prob was not suppose to be. The first being the way Amanda delivered the line "No they won't" after Rhonda said she would be impregnated.

I did feel bad for Bill for a mili second when he said he just wanted to be able to be public with Wayne at least once.

Though I hated that both Nikki and Bill made Wayne's education about them. Very in character though.

I love love Wanda. Poor thing knows she is crazy, embraces it, and allows people to try and help her.


The little actors that play Wayne and Ray are so good. They seem so natural like when Ray said "I wasn't" after Nikki said not to play with the Rosery.

The waitress was Branka Katic, most recently the billionaire's wife who lusted after Vincent Chase in Entourage earlier this season.

I'm still torn whether Margene was heartbroken or willing to check this woman out as a potential 4th wife. There's probably a part of her that thinks SHE'S ready for the responsibility of being "senior" to another wife in the home. I cannot wait for next week!

And what's up with the laundromat? It must be a front for something. I'll have to re-watch the Tivo, but Lois definitely said something to the effect of, "Think how much money we'd make if we actually opened the doors," or somesuch.

Not every Catholic school is pricey or exclusive.

No wonder she got into so much debt!

though it somehow seems more realistic that she wouldn't know how to use a calcultor, and would instead be counting it out on an abacus (ok, now I'm just being mean).



I didn't get that impression from either of them (tho...granted...I could have been looking a little too hard for the lesyay). I felt like both were jealous, though for different reasons. Rhonda, because she wants the kind of life where she could do that...even if she sees it as a sin (which...I kind of doubt. Even her weird compound comments to Teeny last episode seemed put on for the sake of the Henricksons adults - she's following the company line to please them the way she learned how), she still wants it. And heather, at the very least, seemed jealous that Sarah would go to Scott before she'd go to her for help.

No wonder she got so far in debt!! Poor Nicki


If Rhonda truly wants to leave the compound why does she continue to embrace the teachings? I know I know she is programmed and knows nothing else.

She could have been there on scholarship. I went to Catholic High School and there were a lot of kids there on scholarships. It was kind of weird because 1/3 of the kids were on scholarship, 1/3 were upper-middle class and 1/3 were wealthy. Gallo Winery donated the land and the Gallo grandkids all went through the school.

Exactly. In fact, many of them are known for catering to blue collar and lower. Most also give fairly generous scholarships to those who need them.

And I could probably recite the rosary right now and I am not very devout. Haven't been to church in ages. Its something that really sticks with you.

ETA: Sorry, lanter, posted at the same time.

I would be hurt and offended too - if I was supposed to be someone's best friend and had already proven that I would be in that person's corner. I don't think it's 'jealousy' - it's totally hurt feelings because Heather had already OFFERED to take in Rhonda and instead Sarah foisted her onto a VERY reluctant Scott (I think that's his name...) whose main problem seems to be that he has a hard time saying no to Sarah or anyone else - witness the little Alby hair fondling scene last week.

Me too. I wondered if it might be a sting operation.



Good catch! There's a possibility. And Eddie does give off a sleazy vibe.

And yeah, Don's right, and Bill ought to respect his opinion-they've been in business for some years now.

DIE BILL DIE.

God what a selfish and annoying man. Too much focus on his "golly gee, pretty waitress in front of me" face tonight.

He is such a selfish POS.

You have the loving and wonderful Barb, the fiery and handywoman Nikki and the beautiful and sweet Margene at home and you're wagging your tongue at a waitress.

Joey.....oh Joey, the Hendrickson brother I love and adore. While I know he loves Wanda, I love his tenderness and adoration towards Barb. She deserves a man like that, not that tool Bill.

I also loved Joey calling the Principle selfish!

Sarah looked so pretty this week!

Speaking of pretty, Nikki looked so great when she got all dressed up, I know she wasn't comfortable but she was so beautiful.

Chloe Sevigny is so great.

Sorry I just don't buy Margene being such a pious Catholic and knowing the rosary like that. I did love her snoring though.

This show is so good even though it's main characte is so unlikeable!

Thank You! That's where I'd seen her.

Niki, I went back to hating in this episode. She and Bill are so selfish. Hey, can you think about your kid for just a minute? Niki is so desperate to belong that she risks her son's education? CS is fantastic in this part. Hopefully next week, my Niki like will come back.

She had her feelings hurt. Sarah takes Heather for granted and they have nothing in common. I always liked their scenes but this episode made me ask, "Why are the friends again?" I think we are going to see a Heather breaks off the friendship story.

And I didn't even notice Ben in this episode (until coming here). If he were to disappear a la Bruce Dern, I wouldn't even notice.

I agree. Sarah wants a boyfriend so bad that she's trying to turn Scott into one. After all, look at how much fun Ben is having. But Scott, like Bill her father, is not capable of helping Sarah navigate the confusing and stressful life she's living. Poor girl.

I hope we get to see a lot of Rhonda with Heather's family. As blunt and outspoken as Heather, you have to wonder if her parents are the same way. Could be very interesting.

The only thing wrong with this episode was no Adaleen.

Great episode, man, that was jam-packed with goodness. Agreed that Lois and her "I had your wife committed...it was very hard on me" scene was so funny. I'm going to get very mad again this year when the cast is overlooked for Emmy noms, esp. Grace Zabrieske, Harry Dean Stanton and CS. There isn't a weak player in the entire cast, but those 3 are standouts.

I'm glad they are exploring Joey's crush on Barb this year, it was touched on last year and I think it's interesting because it plays to Barb's weakness for fixing everything for everyone. If there ever was a guy in need of fixing, it's Joey.

I've watched every episode this season but I am confused about the laundro-mat. Lois said something to Eddie about "imagine how much money we could be making if it were actually open". I must have missed something. How are they making money there if it's not a legit business? They seem to be raking in the cans of peas. And Eddie's girlfriend mentioned something about the money he wanted to use "not being ready yet"...? Are he and Lois printing up money in the basement or something?

Loved Nicki's storyline with the Catholics, especially the bit about transubstantiation ("Why would you want to do that?").

Bill and the waitress, yuck. Just yuck.

On Heather and Sarah, I agree that Sarah takes Heather for granted by in terms of having Rhonda stay with Heather, I thought her reluctance had to do with Heather's dad being a state trooper and the home of a state trooper being a less than ideal place to stash an underaged runaway from a polygamist compound.

Anyone else think Sarah didn't want to send Rhonda home with Heather because her father is a State Trooper? I got the impression Rhonda wouldn't hesitate to tell someone about Sarah's family and their ties to JC and polygamy. If it servered her purposes of course.

Thank you DakotaJustice and Nich337 for clearing up the ring/marriage thing.

I assumed that Lois and Eddie were making counterfeit money.

That crossed my mind, but why didn't Sarah mention that to Heather? After Heather said she hated being the last resort, Sarah could have said it was because of her dad. Instead she starts almost crying.

Also, a big ewww to Scott grabbing his crotch after his make-out session with Sarah. Yes, perfectly natural physical reaction, but still eww. And I forgot to mention how glad I was to see the two bitchy co-workers from last season.

So very much! I love her... everything about her delivery is perfect and every word out of her mouth makes her even more awesome. I'm sorry, I gush!


I do believe it was about 5 minutes after she showed up on my screen. She's calculating, vindictive, and much smarter than she lets on. I don't believe the "poor me" act for a moment and neither does Nicki-- they are the same sort of woman, I think. There are those on the compound that kinda roll over and take it, those that outwardly cause trouble (like my favorite Lois), and those that seem to take it while actually plotting (Nicki, Rhonda). I'm not sure where Wanda falls-- between the poisoning, the gun-stealing, and the admitting she's crazy, she seems a category all her own.


Eddie is obviously up to no good and he's dragging Lois in, too. How many Henricksons will get in over their heads this season, and in how many independent schemes? Of course this doesn't preclude the ideas floated above that Eddie could be involved in Weber gaming already.

Did anyone get a vibe from Margene and the waitress like Don's junior wives? Maybe she's looking for a little "companionship." Ok, maybe not quite like that, but she did look a bit smitten in that final scene.

I had to stop the TiVo for a good 10 seconds and rewind that; I was laughing so hard I missed everything that followed. Brilliant, and Lois's deadpan delivery was just perfect.


I don't think she's pious so much as superstitious; I'm not Catholic, but I'd still feel like I was tempting fate if I threw a Rosary in the trash. Nicki would probably call it "idolatrous." Also, did Margene ever say the rosary? I thought she was saying a prayer to Saint Anthony (patron of finding lost things) while they were looking for Wayne.

Margene's reaction to the slap was hi-fucking-larious.

One of the best episodes yet; I almost liked it better than last week, except all the Don/Bill stuff was a little boring.

Dying to know what's up with Lois's "laundromat" and the cans full o' cash....

eta: Rhonda is pure evil. The lie she told about Scott trying to rape her, "and then I prayed to Jesus for the power to fend him off..." was just so over the top. I love how Sarah's reaction was just a stunned, "What do you WANT?

How sad was it when Nicki dialed Roman's number late at night and he's all "Rhonda...?" when she doesn't say hello. I guess she knows who's important to The Prophet now.

It occurred to me after watching the episode that perhaps it's a "metaphoric" laundromat, used for cleaning dirty money. Eddie could easily be involved in drugs or illegal gambling and need a way to clean his ill-gotten gains.

I'll probably have more to say after I re-watch.

I had a different take on it. I thought that Nicki saw (perhaps subconsciously) the school influence on Wayne as beng one more part of the life she has held so dearly being taken away from her. Last week, she found out her father exposed her & family and her mother disowned her. She's no longer welcome on the compound. Now, her son is embracing catholicism?! I think Nicki is feeling that her very foundation is cracking and panicked.

And that makes me love her even more......

I don’t know why everybody’s so worried about Rhonda. She may not have figured out that 24 dollars’ worth of food stamps isn’t going to buy her an iPod, but that girl is a survivor. She knows enough to play the little girl with Barb, the hard ass intimidator with Nicki, the giddy freshman year follower with Sarah, the lipstick Lolita with Roman. I guess when you have to stay sweet or risk being assigned to Alby, manipulation becomes the most powerful skill in your arsenal. The Rhonda character is a great microcosm for how patriarchy run amok perverts females, and has really fueled my compassion for Nicki this season.

I wondered that too. Maybe Catholics in Utah don't purchase discount hardware? It also made me wonder, what is Wayne and Raymond's actual last name? Are they Henrickson's or Grant's?

In some respects it would have been more "under the radar" to have the kids registered as Grant, and have Bill pretend to be "Bill Grant." All this hiding is giving me headaches.

This is a weird opinion, but I kind of like Scott. He listens to Lou Reed, what can I say. I keep hoping that he's been lying all along, and he's actually a disowned polygamist kid who's really just 20.

It's sad but when Bill said he and Barb had to live in a van, I actually said out loud "Was it down by a river?".