The Special Relationship (Big Love)

"**The Special Relationship**"
"The Special Relationship"
Big Love episode
Episode no.	Season 5; Episode 5
Directed by	David Petrarca
Written by	Patricia Breen
Cinematography by	Rob Sweeney
Editing by	Chris Figler
Original release date	February 13, 2011
Running time	59 minutes
Guest appearances
	Bruce Dern as Frank Harlow; Daveigh Chase as Rhonda Volmer; Gregory Itzin as Senator Barn; Joel McKinnon Miller as Don Embry; Christian Campbell as Greg Ivey; Robert Clotworthy as Elder McCrackle; Christopher Hanke as Stuart; Cody Klop as Gary Embry; Kevin Rankin as Verlan Walker; Grant Show as Michael Sainte; Audrey Wasilewski as Pam Martin;

"The Special Relationship" is the fifth episode of the fifth season of the American drama television series Big Love. It is the 48th overall episode of the series and was written by supervising producer Patricia Breen, and directed by David Petrarca. It originally aired on HBO on February 13, 2011.

The series is set in Salt Lake City and follows Bill Henrickson, a fundamentalist Mormon. He practices polygamy, having Barbara, Nicki and Margie as his wives. The series charts the family's life in and out of the public sphere in their suburb, as well as their associations with a fundamentalist compound in the area. In the episode, Bill realizes that adopting Cara Lynn will require him to divorce Barbara, while Verlan acts as an enforcer for Alby.

According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.99 million household viewers and gained a 0.4/1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised the storylines and performances.