Ep 2. Empire

Bill continues to juggle his responsibilities as a polygamist, a businessman and a politician as he faces new challenges in this episode of Big Love. In "Empire," viewers are taken on a journey through Bill's world of secrets, lies and deceit as he gains new allies and enemies along the way.

The episode starts off with Bill and his wives, Barb, Nicki and Margene, attempting to put on a united front in front of their new neighbors Brian and Pam. However, things quickly veer off course when Brian notices that Margene isn't wearing her wedding ring. Despite Nicki's best efforts to cover up the situation, Brian is suspicious and it's clear that he knows that something is off.

Meanwhile, Bill's political ambitions are starting to take shape. He's running for a seat in the Utah state senate, but his past as a polygamist threatens to derail his plans. He soon finds out that a local radio host, "The Bloodhound," is investigating his past and is looking for dirt to use against him. In order to stay ahead of the game, Bill hires a private investigator to make sure that there are no skeletons in his closet.

As Bill becomes more immersed in the world of politics, he begins to spend more time with his campaign manager Marilyn. Despite their professional relationship, there is a clear sexual tension between them. It is not long before they give in to their desires and start an affair.

Throughout the episode, there are hints that something is brewing between Nicki and one of her daughter's high school teachers, Ray. Nicki's daughter is suffering from a mental breakdown and Ray seems to be the only one who is able to reach her. However, the relationship takes a dark turn when Nicki crosses a line that should not be crossed.

With all of the drama going on, it's easy to forget about the other persons in Bill's life. However, Barb is dealing with her own issues. She is conflicted about her role as a polygamist wife and her desire to live a life of her own. She meets with her therapist and struggles with the realization that she may never be able to have a traditional marriage.

As the episode comes to a close, it becomes clear that Bill's relationships with his family, friends and political allies are all fragile and vulnerable. The consequences of his actions are starting to pile up and it is only a matter of time before everything comes crashing down. Despite this, Bill continues to cling on to his vision of a perfect life and the power that comes with it.

Overall, "Empire" is a great episode of Big Love that showcases the complicated world of a polygamist family. The drama is intense and the relationships are complex. The characters are flawed and multifaceted, making them relatable and engaging. The combination of a compelling storyline and strong performances from the cast make this episode a must-see for fans of the show.