HBO Big Love Wives Growing in Dimension

The HBO Series Big Love, which airs every Sunday Night with the drama of Polygamy, has earned its notoriety. It likely isn't the Polygamist theme that attracts viewers, though it is always interesting to see how Bill Hendrickson (Bill Paxton) will respond as the torn head of 3 families. It is the depth of the female characters that is increasingly attractive.

Since its first season, the female characters have grown leaps and bounds. The complexity of these women is an on-screen treat almost as complex as the plot itself. Amazing writers have taken these ladies to the next level and it has been a thrill.

Looking back by character, to season one, the women conquered great 2D roles. Barb (Jeanne Tripplehorn), the first wife was the responsible saint. Nicki (Chloe Sevigny who recently won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in Supporting Role) , the second wife, was a sneaky, unlikable beast. And Margene (Gennifer Goodwin), the third wife, struck everyone as Bills midlife crisis - a young, dumb, sexy thing.

These days, they are hardly recognizable by those simple descriptions. Barb has lost her footing running around like an insecure failure. Nicki is still a conniving liar, but she is softening as more of her past comes out. Finally, its clear Margene is not stupid anymore. Except of course, for debatably falling in love with her sister-wife's son (pretty stupid.)

Yes, for Season 4 sister wives, in comes 3D; the third dimension. Away with childlike 2D characters: villains and heroes. Adult viewers need dimension and they are getting it. A character by this description, is believable, credible and flawed all at the same time. In addition, they are quirky, usually have a past and don't neatly fit a stereotype. By definition, this is an absolute portrayal of what the women of Big Love have become.

Again, the sides of these women reign and grow deeper season to season. As the viewer grows and fails, so does the character they love. Audience's hearts go out to the villainous, despite deed and the cheerleader rises in all watching the fallen saint. This season, the cry of the underdog and the turmoil in the struggle keep everyone sitting tight and TEVO prepped to record.

Polygamy is definitely its own drama, but the theme pales in comparison to the outstanding performances of the sister wives on Big Love and the writers that believed they could pull it off. They do.

P.S. Sarah (Amanda Seyfried) is no sham, either. But dear God, could someone please focus on growing Teeny!