Bill Paxton's "Big Love" Story Times Three

(CBS)  Bill Paxton has been working in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. He has directed, produced and acted in over thirty projects. His latest acting role is as Bill Henrickson, a spiritual, troubled, ambitious family man, married to three wives on the HBO hit "Big Love."

In the show, which is in its third season, Paxton and his three wives live together in a cluster of homes in Utah.

Paxton sat down with The Early Show Saturday Edition co-anchor Chris Wragge to discuss his complex role.

"When they first came to you with this project, was it a tough sell considering it's a polygamist, a guy with three wives? It's a little different, not something you'd see in the mainstream." Wragge said.

"When I heard it was HBO and I heard that Playtone, Tom Hanks' company, were producing it, I thought, there must be something to this. When I read the script, the creators, Mark Olsen, Will Scheffer, had written an amazing pilot. I thought, 'Where do I sign up?'

"You know, I've never really gotten to mix it up with the ladies too much. I always wanted to do kind of romantic parts. You know, usually I'm trying to survive a twister or some natural disaster of some kind. To have an opportunity to do kind of a love story times three, I kind of jumped at the chance," Paxton said.

Paxton also commented on a recent controversial episode (in which he doesn't appear) where the show ended up butting heads with the Mormon Church by portraying the endowment ceremony, a very secretive ritual of the LDS (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

For more of the interview, click the Play button below:

[dnvigerjr]

This show sadly misrepresents the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in every way possible. The show really stepped up the pace after Prop 8 passed in California and raised the ire of Tom Hanks for the Church support for the definition of marriage as between a man and woman. The African American community and other Churches actually put the vote over the top.

Anyone who is active in the Church, has a temple recommend, has served in positions of responsibility and leadership could easily draw attention to blatant misrepresentations and an obviously keen intent on warping an unsuspecting or curious audience on the actual beliefs and sacred temple ordinances and procedures followed in the Church.

They portray LDS as narrow, mean spirited, selfish, self-serving and greedy, sinister, and very cultish and strange. Such is not the case across the board. No wife of a General Authority of the Church would condone lying and using a stolen temple recommend to enter the temple. There is no way such a temple recommend would allow someone to take out their endowments. No one would be issued a temple recommend who is inactive and living in plural marriage. Church Courts known as Courts of Love are not conducted as depicted. The show's depiction of the excommunication was totally inconsistent with any disciplinary actions by the Church which are very sacred and conducted to protect the Church and hopefully help and bless those for which the action is taken, with the sole purpose of helping the person who is summoned to get their spiritual life and heart back whole. We are instructed to love those very few who are excommunicated even more afterwards.

So the most recent episode was far from reality, and whoever was coaching the writers was obviously far removed from such ordinances and current policies of the Church. In a world which needs to be lifted up and filled with optimism, it is sad that HBO and Tom Hanks would pander to negative themes that really have no uplifting effect at all. To try to tear apart those things which people hold sacred, to discourage and lead people astray or attack people's faith is so negative. The producers of the show told the Church initially that they would not resort to such distortions and negative depictions of Latter-Day Saints. So much for promises!

There is nothing in the temple ordinances where people are married and families sealed together forever to be ashamed of, and when one fully understands the blessings from the covenants that are made there, and the symbolism, all that tell of Christ and show our love and worship of Him and Our Father in Heaven, there is nothing to hide or be ashamed of.

The bad news for Hanks and crew and ex-Mormons who no doubt lavished in this opportunity to distort and try to discourage is that statistically where there is greater persecution there is greater missionary activity and success and an increase in conversions and baptisms. It creates questions which lead people to where Hanks would least want them. What an irony. When they crucified Jesus, assassinated Joseph Smith, their enemies thought, good riddance, we sure finished them off, and quite the opposite happened! Hate to break the bad news to you, Tom!

[emg2776]

This is a great show, no.. this is a great drama. I've watched this series from the beginning and I love the evolution of the this show.

However, I do see how people may feel sensitive about the show exploring religion, faith. This means they are just passionate about their beliefs. People have to realize, it's not what you see on television, it's not what you read in the paper, It's what you believe in your heart.

It's what you believe to be true.

Now with that said. This is a interesting show. Well written, great actors.
Since they cancelled Carnival, Deadwood, and countless other dramas, I'm glad I still have this to watch.

[Warbright]

HBO?s ?Big Love? rears its ugly, un-American, head with their deliberate, disrespectful, and distorted TV show?s agenda to undermine, mock, disregard, and insult members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and their most sacred religious practices. Tom Hanks, ?Big Love? Executive Producer, has come up with his own twisted version of ?jumping the shark? by his not-so-subtle vendetta-driven affront on the Mormon faith (see article http://www.lonsberry.com/writings.cfm?story=2585&go=4), a shallow and hate-filled approach to gain attention for the TV show by insolence.

Even as the bigoted views of Tom Hanks? team try their ?Big Lie? by blurring the distinction between their non-Mormon polygamist characters and pseudo-Mormon stereotypes in their storylines, real Americans understand the standard of accountability associated with the rights of freedom of religion and the real responsibility to exhibit respect and regard for other citizens beliefs and practices.

Certainly Mormons are offended when their most sacred practices are misrepresented or presented without context or understanding. Clearly, members of the church will continue to speak out (by way of legal, social and economical means) and request actions of all Americans against such blatant bigotry in the name of mock-entertainment.

Perhaps, one day, the intolerant practices of Tom Hanks, and his team of exploiters will see the error of their un-American ways and take the advice that George Washington gave to Benedict Arnold, ?Avoid all disrespect to or contempt of the religion of the country and its ceremonies.? (George Washington?s letter to Benedict Arnold, Sep. 14, 1775)

Some LDS Temple Resources: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tGuM_P1_7I&feature=PlayList&p=8DF84EB9BE8345BD&index=0&playnext=1
http://www.mormon.org/
http://www.fairlds.org/
http://www.lonsberry.com/writings.cfm?story=2585&go=4

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[kaitlynjo]

I would like to share my feelings with you. I know that God the Father and Jesus Christ live and I know that they love all of us no matter what religious we are. They are aware of each of our lives, our struggles, our needs, and the desires of our hearts. I know that Jesus Christ died for each of us on the cross and suffered for each of our sins in Gethsemane all so we could return back and live with him someday- to live as God's and Goddesses, just as He does with our families forever- forever in happiness. The LDS temples make all this possible and I am so grateful for the sacred ceremonies held within that seal the ones we love most to us for eternity.
I am not perfect and I do not know everything- especially about my church and the temple, but one thing that I do know is that they are true and everything that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saits does within the walls of our temples and churches is what Jesus Christ would do if he were here on this earth. Our gospel has been around since Adam and Eve, we learn this in the temple and through the Bible and through the Book of Mormon. Jesus Christ taught while he was on this earth "Come unto me, ALL ye that are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and loley in heart and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is ligth" He wishes everyone- HBO producers, ex-mormons, Catholics, Jews, Orthodox, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to come unto Him. It doesn't matter what you think about each other's religion and their beliefs, who is right and who is wrong, He just wants ALL to come unto Him. Pray. Read the scriptures- the Bible, the New Testament, The Book of Mormon- whatever you can find, and learn of him. Let him give you his yoke that is light and easy and give him your burdens. Ask him to guide you in your life and you will find rest unto your souls because through his sacrifice and atonement, he is able to give you that rest because he knows what you are going through and he wants to help lift your burdens.
He knows what all of us are going through- all people throughout the world. He doesn't care what religion you belong to, all he cares about is YOU. He cares about each of his children and wants us to return back to him safely home in his presence- to not get entangled in the world and it's fashions and arguments- he wants us to come unto him. It's easy. Get on your knees and ask him if he cares. Ask him if he is there. Ask him to lead you to the right church and as you study the scriptures and live your life by keeping the commandments and following what Jesus would do, he will lead you to where you need to be. Let us come unto Christ because He is the perfect one and He knows everything. I testify that this is true will all of my heart because I have knelt down and asked these same questions and I have received an answer through a burning in my bosom and soft words that whispered that He lives. I have found happiness because of it and even though I am LDS and I have been through the beautiful temple and have been sealed to my wonderful husband, I do not know everything, but I do know that the temple ordinances are beautiful and sacred and can only be that way while in the walls of the temple and I know that through the sacred temple ordinances, I am able to become perfect someday and be sealed forever to the ones that I love in never ending happiness. I know that Joseph Smith restored Jesus Christ's gospel here upon the earth in this last dispensation- he restored the same gospel that was on the earth while Jesus was here, and the same gospel that was in the beginning with Adam and Eve. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it's writings of the ancient American prophets and people are true and they testify of Jesus Christ. I have found Jesus Christ and he has blessed me for coming unto him, however, I do fall short everyday because I am not perfect, but he is there to pick me back up again. And for all of this, I am eternally grateful for my Savior and owe him everything I have. I have received ultimate happiness because of Him...and isn't that all that really matters? I believe that you can find that happiness in whatever religion you belong to and wherever you live, and I know that Jesus Christ will answer your prayers if you get on your knees and talk to him. It may take a while but don't give up. Come unto Him. I say all this and testify in His holy name- Jesus Christ that I know it is true.

[canoc2]

nice job. NOT!

[fmladineo]

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I'm upset and disappointed that the show Big Love continues its attacks on members of my church (aka Mormons). It continues to *try* to make links between Momrmons and polygamy, even though the practice ended more than a century ago.

It's pathetic attempt to apologize for satirizing something held sacred by a group of religious people shows how little regard and respect they hold for religion. As has been previously mentioned, if the show were to mock Islam and its prophet, Mohammed, there would be outrage around the world.

CBS also falls into the same boat due to their showing some clips from the episode portraying the temple endowment. It has a total disregard and lack of respect for the people of the Mormon faith. Sadly, respectful journalism died long ago.

[irish_draco]

They need to research and study the facts before their putting into scripts/action.. People know do not respect the rights of others regardless of race, creed, religion, or even disabilities. They are only in for the Money $$ and they will not be able to take that with them... Only the tre Saints that live it, will have that knowledge.

[Pinion-Pine]

It is Mormon legend that polygamists try to sneak into LDS temples to get their ordinances. Anyone that has been to the temple as LDS or a visitor knows that ordinances are sacred covenants or promises. It is not just the promise that is required on this earth, rather the life you live to keep your covenant.
Another note; modern polygamists are not Mormon fundamentalists. The LDS Church did not allow open polygamy in the 19th century American west. It was only approved in certain arrangements. Polygamist sects broke from the LDS church and were excommunicated long before the proclamation from the church to abolish polygamy. Rebellious groups from the mainstream LDS church, but not fundamentalist.
Plus, it was not statehood that changed the LDS position as much as the railroad that stabilized the population and made polygamy unnecessary.

[irish_draco]

You are swo true, and 100% correct. modern polygamists are not LDS FUNDEMENTALS, so the bases which they are using is in accuarate, and the Producers, directors are not in touch with real values in the covenants made in the temples of the Lord.

[tsim23]

Just disappointed that when Harry Smith, whom I admire, interviewed the man this morning, there was no distinction made between Mormons and the person he plays who is a polygamist...clearly NOT of the "Mormon" faith...they haven't parcticed that for over 100 years and this clearly is a blatant attempt to discredit some people's beliefs. I was so shocked to see someone portray, in a disgusting attempt to make Mormons look other than what they are, my most sacred and holy belief!...and on TV in front of millions who don't know or care to understand the point. It was, as I said, disappointing to see this re-broadcast on CBS...what they knew to be the objectional material in the show. Shame on you Harry and the others!!! By the way, I knew nothing of this HBO show until I saw it on CBS this morning so my opinion is solely based on what I saw on the ES.

[epanike]

I was surprised to hear Bill Paxton parade Big Love as a show about "Faith and Family Values." If it's really a show about faith and family values, why does it repeatedly and blatantly outrage and offend those people who hold those values? Why don't they pay a single moment of heed to the people they are depicting? If the producers of Big Love had any concern about promoting faith, they might take the time and effort to actually consult with those who practice the things they're portraying, and listen when there is an overwhelming outcry against it. Actions speak far louder than words. HBO showed this episode knowing full well how incredibly offensive it was. If they had really made any effort to research accurately the ceremonies of the temple, they would have known how offensive it was from the time they began drawing up the storyboards. The statement that "we didn't intend any offense" is empty and hollow.

[BillKilpatrick]

CBS, like so many other outlets, has managed to glibly botch the story, not so much out of any malice toward "the Mormons" as simple sloppiness. The network of Edward R. Murrow simply doesn't care enough about the story to get it right.

HBO has a First Amendment right to air just about anything it wants - which it often does. When the same network that gave us Real Sex decided to run a story depicting the most sacred ceremonies of the LDS Church, its apology "if anyone was offended" missed the issue by a mile. Those whose sacred ceremonies were depicted - for the entertainment of milliions of others - were less concerned about "accuracy" or "fairness." The insult was the depiction itself. If HBO doesn't get it, let the network show a depiction of the prophet Muhammad and then proffer the same glib corporatespeak as a mea culpa. I suspect it wouldn't think of doing as much, because it already knows what the reaction might be - and why.

This was not a faceoff "between the Mormon Church and HBO." The LDS Church issued a statement, explaining why Latter-day Saints would take offense. It also called on its members to not give the matter undue attention through Moral-Majority-style boycotts. Those most offended were rank-and-file members of the LDS Church who felt that the producers of Big Love had acted callously. It was never about how well Big Love had worked up its depiction. Latter-day Saints consider these ceremonies so sacred, they don't discuss the details outside of the temple, let alone depict the ceremonies, let alone broadcast such depictions. And if they don't, why would they consider it okay for HBO to do it, based on advice given from people who had left the LDS Church?

There ought to be more of a sense of fair play out there, a sense of tolerance and mutual respect. If you know something irritates and offends your neighbor, how can it be right to do it when you don't have to? The temple ceremonies of the LDS Church belong to the Church and its faithful. If people don't consider them sacred, they are free to not engage in them, but to reenact them - against the will of those who actually value them - is exploitative, no matter how you slice or dice it.

CBS's handling of the story was to interview Bill Paxton, the star of the show, who wasn't in the scenes at issue. Paxton predictably gave his spin, defending the show as one about faith (even though the character he plays would have objected to the depiction in the first place). Did CBS interview any of those offended? Of course not. They have no voice except as cranks to be dismissed by those who know better.

In the meantime, what CBS failed to disclose was its relationship with HBO. CBS and HBO are content-and-distribution partners, making the success of HBO's series - including Big Love - a significant (and undisclosed) interest to CBS. Ah, journalism, where has your spirit gone? Perhaps Dan Rather took it with him into exile.