Inside Season 4 Episode 3 Inside Polygamy: Life in Bountiful
- February 10, 2010
Inside season 4 episode 3 gives viewers a peek into the secretive world of polygamy with Inside Polygamy: Life in Bountiful. The episode focuses on the community of Bountiful, British Columbia, a town made up of members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). The FLDS split from the mainstream Mormon church over a century ago and continue to practice polygamy, believing it to be a requirement for eternal salvation.
The episode is divided into several segments, each exploring a different aspect of life in Bountiful. The first segment introduces viewers to Winston Blackmore, one of the leaders of the community. Blackmore has been charged with polygamy, and the crew accompanies him to court as he defends himself against the charges. We hear from his many wives, some of whom have fled the community, as they discuss their relationships with Blackmore and what life is like in a polygamous family.
A second segment explores the role of women in Bountiful. Polygamy often results in a power dynamic that leaves women subservient to their husbands. We see how women in Bountiful are largely relegated to traditional gender roles, with the majority of them staying home to raise large families. We also hear from some women who have left Bountiful and discuss the challenges they faced when leaving their polygamous marriages.
A third segment focuses on the children of Bountiful. The community is notoriously insular and isolated, and many of the children who grow up there are woefully unprepared for life outside of its walls. We meet several teenagers who have left Bountiful and are struggling to adapt to a world that is completely foreign to them. We also see how the community's strict religious beliefs lead to a lack of education and opportunity for its young people.
The episode also delves into the legal challenges facing the FLDS. Polygamy is illegal in Canada, and members of the community have been charged with a variety of crimes related to their practice of the lifestyle. We see how the community reacts to these challenges, and how they continue to cling to their way of life in spite of the legal and social pressure that surrounds them.
Overall, Inside Polygamy: Life in Bountiful offers a fascinating glimpse into a unique and controversial way of life. The episode takes a nuanced approach to its subject matter, highlighting the challenges faced by those living in a polygamous community while also exploring the deeper religious and cultural beliefs that underpin their way of life. It's a thought-provoking and engaging look at a world that few outsiders ever get to see.