According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.36 million household viewers and gained a 0.6/2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49.
After seeing her with Greg (Christian Campbell) at the wedding reception, Margie (Ginnifer Goodwin) starts to suspect that Cara Lynn (Cassi Thomson) is on a secret relationship.
During one of their encounters, Margie manages to catch them preparing for sex, and angrily takes her home, but does not reveal it to Nicki (Chloë Sevigny).
When Don (Joel McKinnon Miller) reveals that Alby (Matt Ross) is offering to buy his share at Home Plus, Bill once again visits the UEB board, revealing that he contacted a sexual abuse victim of his to retrieve a check that Roman gave him to buy his silence.
After talking with Ben (Douglas Smith), Heather (Tina Majorino) reveals to Barbara that she was responsible for the police investigation, as she opened up about Margie's real age during a session with the bishop.
Alby informs Verlan that he will not be paid for his services, threatening him to comply anyway as he carries a tape about his involvement in Don's attack.
"[7] Aileen Gallagher of Vulture wrote, "Bill Henrickson began as Big Love's anchor, but writers long ago ceded the show to his wives.
"[8] Allyssa Lee of Los Angeles Times wrote, "“The Noose Tightens” on the Henrickson family in this excellent episode.
The third-to-last hour not only drew out the escalating stakes of each family member (the intensity has been ratcheted up to 11), it kept me on edge and wondering what will happen next as the show makes its inevitable course toward the season's (and series') end.
"[9] TV Fanatic gave the episode a perfect 5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "The writers of Big Love were able to cram over five different storylines into "The Noose Tightens" without it feeling too overwhelming.