HOLLYWOOD—On Sunday night’s episode of “Big Love” Barb capitulated on Bill’s marital plans, but not on her hopes to attain the priesthood. To shore up her case, she enlisted ex-Mormon feminist Renee Clayton (Judith Ivey), much to her mother Nancy’s (Ellen Burstyn) chagrin. Renee came out as a lesbian during a very contentious therapy session for the Henrickson family. Ellen Burstyn deserves an Emmy Award® for the intense scenes that she shared with Bill Paxton. I simply love her character Nancy, and that’s a direct result of Burstyn’s spot on performance.

Meanwhile, Bill faced new impeachment pressures in the senate, and scrambled for new clients in the wake of LDS boycotts of his stores. He also figured out that Alby was behind much of his problems with the stores, and gave Alby a stern warning to not interfere with his business any further. Alby’s sexual dalliance with another male member of his polygamous compound is becoming apparent to viewers, but not to his sister wives.

With her eye on a new prize, Nicki chafed at the status quo. Feeling that Barb was being treated better than her, she confronted Barb and Bill when they asked her to sign a contract giving Barb control of the family’s funds. Margene eyed a sponsor for her pro-polygamy children’s rally; Cara Lynn put in extra hours with her tutor Greg (Christian Campbell), who admitted that he has been falling in love with her; Alby vowed to combat Safety Net with a purification program of his own; Bud Mayberry (Robert Patrick) warned Bill of an imminent threat.

Reunited by Bill, Frank and Lois struck a deal, to put each other out of their suffering when the time came. Lois is prepared to die, because she can no longer live with dementia. Heather made a decision that deflated a vulnerable Ben.

The episode was written by Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer. It was directed by Howard Deutch. This week’s upcoming episode is titled “Till Death Do Us Part,” which is very foreboding of what fans should expect. The question is will it be Bill, Alby or someone else who dies?

“Big Love” airs on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. on HBO.

Photograph is Courtesy: Isabella Vosmikova/HBO.