HOLLYWOOD—On Sunday night, the latest episode of “Big Love” titled “The Oath” was not only exciting but there was a shocking twist that no one expected. Bill’s safety is of paramount concern to him and his staff after he mentions to Barb, Nicki and Margene on several occasions that he’s carrying a gun and wants them to do the same. It seems it’s just a sign of the times in political and public life to feel threatened by stalkers. No one expected one of his sister wives, Margene in particular, to be the one who actually caused him bodily harm. Yes, it was totally an accident. In a parking garage during an argument, she backed up and didn’t realize until it was too late that Bill was behind her SUV. The accident sent Bill to the hospital with a concussion but he’s fine, at least for now.

With his swearing-in ceremony only days away, Bill (Bill Paxton) searched for ways to overcome the anti-polygamist sentiment swelling among state officials. However, what Bill did not count on was an intern on staff with an anti-polygamy agenda who tried his best to derail Bill’s swearing in ceremony.

Meanwhile, Barb’s (Jeanne Tripplehorn) strategic attendance at a First Ladies’ fashion show triggered lingering resentment between Nicki (Chloë Sevigny) and Margene (Ginnifer Goodwin) ”“ and between Barb and Nicki. Rhonda (Daveigh Chase) became alarmed when Barb showed up in order to get away from her sister wives. Rhonda accused Barb of trying to promote polygamy at the fashion show. Exiled polygamist Verlan (Kevin Rankin) tried unsuccessfully to shake down Alby (Matt Ross), but Verlan seemed tempted by Alby’s offer to be used to bring down Bill.

Margene and Pam (Audrey Wasilewski) found their niche with Goji Blast and Michael Sainte (Grant Show). Nicki pushed for Cara Lynn’s (Cassi Thomson) adoption, even though Cara Lynn is still grieving over the loss of her father. Her acceptance into her new family is about to take a different turn on Sunday night’s episode, and not for the best.

Lois (Grace Zabriskie) learned the source of her ailment, and was devastated to learn that her form of dementia was not caused by Alzheimer’s, but by her husband giving her herpes years ago without ever telling her. The scenes where her son Bill and his wife Barb sat her down to give her the bad news was shocking, educational, and most of all heartbreaking.

Ben (Douglas Smith) rewarded Heather (Tina Majorino) for her sensitivity. The episode was written by Melanie Marnich and directed by Omar Madha. With so many plots going in every direction, it’s difficult to believe the series only has a few more episodes left before it becomes history. On Sunday night watch “The Special Relationship,” which sends the Henrickson household even further into disrepair and heartbreak.

“Big Love” is produced by HBO Entertainment in association with Playtone and Anima Sola Productions; created by Mark V. Olsen & Will Scheffer; executive producers, Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, David Knoller, Bernadette Caulfield and Mark V. Olsen & Will Scheffer; supervising producer, Patricia Breen; producers, Seth Greenland and Peter Friedlander; co-producers, Dauri Chase, Don Bensko, Melanie Marnich and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa; executive story editor, Julia Cho; story editor, Jami O’Brien; staff writer, Aaron Allen; casting, Junie Lowry Johnson, C.S.A., Libby Goldstein and Lisa Soltau.

Photograph is Courtesy: Isabella Vosmikova/HBO