Finally, however, persistence paid off when I drove back onto the main highway and pulled into a place with a motel sign on top that is now a mortgage business.

"Anybody here watch that show "Big Love?" I asked after I entered.

And every arm in the room went up.

These were polygamists but of a more liberal bent. Members of an FLDS offshoot church called The Work of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, they don't live in church-owned property and instead of the wrist-to-ankle fashion that prevails in inner Hildale and Colorado City, they were wearing mainstream clothing.

They freely admitted to owning satellite dishes and knowing how to use them.

And they were not a bit surprised at the reaction I'd received "in town."

"I'm sure they've already cursed that show to hell," said Elaine.

But these people hadn't. Not yet. They'd willingly watched the first two episodes and said they might watch all 12 scheduled for the season, although they admitted a bit of apprehension that the sex — this being an HBO production and all — might get even more out of hand than it did in episode two.

"The sex. That's the first thing everyone asks about," said a practicing polygamist named Sue, rolling her eyes.

John, a loan officer, said, "There's a bunch of stuff they don't get right. And they haven't established a strong enough religious basis for why anyone would live this way."

But overall, no one was outraged by the Tom Hanks-produced series.

"I can see where there's some value in it," said Elaine. "People can see how it's not that abnormal. In the end, who knows, maybe it will open some eyes."

With the possible exception of downtown Hildale.

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Lee Benson's column runs Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Please send e-mail to benson@desnews.com and faxes to 801-237-2527.