The Riches

I now have something to look forward to on the most dreaded day of the week. I love every single character on this show, I love every line, every look, every scene, EVERYTHING.

When I first watched The Riches I was a little confused. It was funny and touching but at the same time rather dark (much like Director Peter O'Fallon's first feature "Suicide Kings")  Upon further examination I have realized that it is this contrast that makes the show so incredible. Hollywood does an amazing job at painting the perfect portrait of "the American dream" while simultaneously ignoring its dark corners and stark realities. The Riches takes the shiny and manufactured concept of the American dream and strips it down to reveal the reckless and desperate nature of those aiming to achieve it. Though Wayne and Dahila Malloy initially seem like terrible parents, they are the perfect (albeit extreme) representation of American society's obsession with materialism and are, therefore, much like the rest of us. Though it is hard to picture yourself stealing the lives of a dead couple, I'll bet it is not as hard to picture yourself sacrificing everything for the well being of your children. I love this show because it forces me to think about my own borders and limitations. Right now there is no way I could carry on like the Malloy's but if push comes to shove, I could be singing another tune.

Long live The Riches!

As a general fan of Eddie Izzard, I was surprised to see that both he and Minnie Driver were taking on a television show. While most TV pilots seem hackneyed and forced, this had the quality of a feature film. Pilots are out there to bait the audience and this one did so with a pace that, if they can keep it up, will have the viewer exhausted by the end of every hour. My surprise turned to sheer joy by the end of this first episode. Both Izzard and Driver are amazing in their respective roles, flowing effortlessly through their very complex characters. The writing is intense and raw and the dialogue is both natural and on point. I had no idea what I was getting into when the show opened and the thread of the drama pulled me right through to the end. I'm not one to watch many TV shows on a weekly basis but for this show, I'll make the time. Definitely the best TV I've seen in years.

Before I begin, I must say I understand those of you who have said you dislike this program. It is sometimes difficult in the touchy feely world of crime investigation and counter-terrorism dramas to understand the wild notion of anti-heroes serving as a story's protagonist.

But that is exactly what has come together here. Make no mistake, the "heroes" of this television program are low down, dirty criminals. Criminals without regard for anything or one except themselves. Criminals who off their own grandmothers to profit on the sale of a gently used pacemaker.

In my experience, there is one other television show that this combination character malice and despair come together to make a wholly entertaining program. That show is Six Feet Under.

With the sublime dark and almost tragic comedy underlying and fantastic character performances (I know the accents are a little off), this show promises something on television to those of us still grieving from the loss of Six Feet Under.

If you were a fan of Six Feet Under, or if you appreciate the intricacies of dark comedy; where the goal is not entirely a plot to make you laugh, I believe you will very much enjoy this show.

Give it a look see.

I missed the first airing of the pilot but caught an encore Saturday night, and I am glad I did. The plot was challenging, characters engaging, dialog tight and raw, atmosphere gritty.

I have an inexplicable soft spot in my heart for Gypsies, and I am usually disappointed in how cold and inaccessible modern nomads are in film and T.V. The Riches family are portrayed with enough warmth and pathos (and unexpected poetry!) to let the viewer in, while in no way slipping into the criminals-with-a-heart-of-gold cliché. This ain't no Hallmark channel program!

I was particularly impressed with Eddie Izzard's rich use of language which really did touch on the poetic at times. Minnie Driver was especially compelling and complex. And their marriage was one of the few believable mature relationships I've seen on television in a long time.

With the absurd premise and the comedy-background casting, I expected a few laughs, but didn't find them. Instead, I had the strange yet familiar feeling reminiscent of picking up a Frank Miller comic book the first time, expecting superheroes and finding horror in its place.

The Riches is simply one of the best shows on television. If you are a fan of drama, comedy, and action – this is the show for you. The Riches stars Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver as a family of con-artists who steal the American Dream. The dialogue is witty and the acting is superb. If you haven't seen the pilot yet, don't wait another minute! Once you watch the first 5 minutes, you'll be hooked. There's a magic to the show, one that steals your heart and leaves you wanting more. It's compelling television in a sea of banal programs. I can't wait until the next episode!!! Eddie and Minnie make a dynamic tandem; the soundtrack is eloquent and inspired. Kudos to FX for bringing America a show with complexity, character, and spirit.