“The Riches” — X Spots the Mark
I never got around to posting about last week’s episode of The Riches, which is a shame since the Malloys left the reservation to return for a “Travelor Funeral” which kinda-sorta wrapped things up on that front (the big cliffhanger from last week was completely absent in yesterday’s episode). It was also, dramatically, quite good if light on laughs. MagneticMediaFed does not dwell, (yeah, right) and will take this time to reflect on this most recent entry from Mr. Izzard and company.
A few weeks back I predicted that the Malloys/Riches were on the downfall. There are only so many cards you can play before the deck runs out, and with a premise as shaky is The Riches, we have to wonder about second season renewals. At this stage in the game, the writers are basically floating checks. Last week Wayne stole money from Hugh to pay off the money he stole from the family. This week they conned an ex-ballplayer out of a cool quarter-million in order to pay back Hugh (and get him off their back a bit). I suspect this trend will continue, but for how long?
Not that I’m not enjoying the ride. Izzard is still fantastic in the role and Minnie Driver’s performance is simultaneously manic and mannered. Dahlia is undoubtedly crazy, but when she’s required to “play the part” (whatever part that may be) she does so as well as anyone. I can only imagine that playing a character who is in turn playing a character and doing so well must be something of a challenge. It isn’t an Edie Falco tour-de-force, but it is clearly something we aren’t use to seeing on television.
Elsewhere, I absolutely love the kids. Each one is completely distinct and seems to have their own motivations for continuing this suburbia act — a position that has changed over these eight episodes. Right now, the Malloys have embraced the Riches entirely. It can only be a matter of time before it all falls apart.
