HOLLYWOOD—“Big Love” has learned the lesson every successful television series has learned in the past: imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Although there is a new TLC reality show based on a polygamist family in Utah, fans should not expect the high-end and titillating drama that the HBO series delivers to viewers. “I was stunned to hear that a cable station was trying to compete with such a first rate series,” said Ann, a Utah resident and reader of Canyon News. “Reality television really doesn’t cut it with me. I like real actors, great writing and that can’t be cloned by anyone who wants to remake ”˜Big Love,’ Tommy. I’ll stick it out and wait for the new season of ”˜Big Love’ to debut.”

“Big Love” makes its return to HBO’s Sunday night lineup during winter of 2010. Fans are very excited about the upcoming season. TLC’s reality show may find a niche audience, but fans of the very exciting HBO polygamous drama can’t get enough of stars like Bill Paxton, who makes the selfish but loving husband and father of the dysfunctional Henrickson clan exciting to watch. Last season, Emmy and Oscar-winning actress Sissy Spacek showed up on the scene and blew away critics with her dead-on performance as Marilyn, the scheming and diabolical political lobbyist, who was not above using blackmail to get her way.

Jeanne Tripplehorn as Barb Henrickson, and Ginnifer Goodwin as Margene Henrickson, are astonishing as two sister wives who vie for the attention of their husband Bill while running successful businesses outside of the family compound. Matt Ross as Alby Grant showed viewers the darker and also brighter sides of his character last season, when Alby finally admitted to himself that he was a homosexual and started an adulterous affair with a man outside of his marriage, which ended in disaster. Shawn Doyle and Mary Kay Place are also standouts in this intriguing drama. Not to mention, they have some of the best supporting acting players of any television series today.

Viewers should beware of shows trying to imitate this true drama. It’s always exciting when a series becomes such a huge cult classic, only to find that reality TV tries to invade the popular franchise. TLC’s new drama will be wonderful for the group of viewers who are into reality television; however, if what you want to see pulse-pounding drama, great acting, brilliant groundbreaking writing and production at its best, you’ll want to remain a little patient for a few months more, and know that “Big Love” returns this season with some of the best drama on air.

Here’s an opportunity to cast your vote for at least one hopeful upcoming guest appearance on the show we all love. Go to Facebook and join athttp://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=124766980886676

Photograph Courtesy: Lacey Terrell/HBO