In the episode, Bill summons the polygamist leaders to form a project, while Barbara convinces her mother in accompanying her to an event.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.12 million household viewers and gained a 0.5/1 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
Worried that Ana (Branka Katić) and Goran (Steve Bacic) are becoming a bad influence on Margie (Ginnifer Goodwin), Bill decides to help their transition easier by buying them plane tickets.
Cara Lynn (Cassi Thomson) wins a local math competition, and Nicki (Chloë Sevigny) decides to have her spend more time studying with her teacher, Greg Ivey (Christian Campbell), hoping she stops seeing Gary (Luke Klop).
Bill is disappointed to learn that his only interested colleague in the Capitol chose to pass the polygamy legislation, angering his supporters even more.
"[4] Alan Sepinwall of HitFix wrote, "I'll note is that this is the second episode in a row to climax with Bill seeming to accept that his decisions in life may not have been the wisest.
"[6] Megan Angelo of The Wall Street Journal wrote, "Just two episodes in, it's clear that unhappy faces are the official theme of the show's final season.
"[7] Aileen Gallagher of Vulture wrote, "The writers of Big Love dipped deep into their anguish well to craft last night's crushing episode.
"[8] Allyssa Lee of Los Angeles Times wrote, "So everyone's growing, and it's like all the members of the family, as they evolve and change, need to re-learn how to deal and be with one another.
"[10] Mark Blankenship of HuffPost wrote, "This week's episode, "A Seat At The Table," rivals "Come, Ye Saints" from Season Three as the most elegant and satisfying in the series.