The Riches - TV-MA

Edgy FX drama offers a wealth of laughs, too.

TV Rating: TV-MA Network: FX Cast: Minnie Driver, Eddie Izzard, Shannon Marie Woodward Genre: Drama

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that the main characters (including the children) in this darkly comic cable drama are professional con artists and thieves. The show's premise relies on the fact that they deceive those around them. Husband and wife argue frequently, sometimes in front of their kids, and conflicts often include throwing objects. One character recently left prison and fights drug addiction. Viewers see her holding a needle to her arm, about to inject herself with drugs; she also drinks cough syrup and takes prescription drugs frequently. The oldest teenage boy smokes cigarettes and is a master computer hacker, while the youngest son prefers to wear girls' clothing (this is handled sensitively). Language is explicit, and occasional sex scenes are realistic, with a little bit of nudity.

Families can discuss the show's underlying themes. The Malloys are thieves, but are they bad people? What are they seeking by living this alternate life? How are they different from and similar to your family? What commentary does the show make about the Riches' lifestyle? Would you ever consider living a traveling lifestyle? What would be the benefits and drawbacks of that kind of world?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Sierra Filucci

In this mature, darkly comic cable series, a family of traveling con artists steals the identity of a wealthy family and lives in their home. With expert actors Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver at the helm, THE RICHES is a fun, edgy take on an unusual family drama.

After a car accident claims the lives of the titular Riches while they're on their way to their new home in suburban Baton Rouge, husband and wife grifters Wayne (Izzard) and Dahlia Malloy (Driver) and their three kids move into the deceased couple's home and take over their lives. Wayne talks his way into a job at a law firm while Dahlia tries to act the part of rich suburban housewife, a role sharply different from her freewheeling, carnivalesque lifestyle.

The fish-out-of-water theme makes for some funny moments -- like when Dahlia microwaves some store-bought cookies and places them on a silver platter to bring to the neighbor in hopes of procuring some Valium. The ever-present tension surrounding the charade -- will the Malloys ever be found out? -- creates some great moments as well. For example, when the next-door neighbor invites Wayne to play golf after spotting the real Mr. Rich's clubs, the ruse seems about to burst. But when Wayne hits a soaring hole-in-one, the tension breaks.

Though viewers might sometimes forget that The Riches isn't a mainstream network primetime drama, scenes of Dahlia trying to kick her heroin addiction and glimpses of Izzard's bare bottom during a sex scene will remind folks that they're in cable-land.

It's definitely not for younger kids, but this unique take on the family drama might lure mature teens -- though parents may want to preview episodes to see just how much edge they want their kids exposed to. With the underlying deception involved in the plot, as well as drug use and cursing galore, The Riches don't make the best role models. But deep down the characters have heart, and their quest for love, stability, and acceptance for who they are make them just like the rest of us.

Mature fans might also enjoy Alias or films like The Grifters, Bound, and Requiem for a Dream.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Realistic, brief, loving sex scene between husband and wife, with brief glimpse of male bottom. Bad guy talks graphically about having sex with a woman while making thrusting motions.
Violence Several fighting scenes, including punching and kicking until bloody. One scene of a pregnant woman being pushed violently. Very graphic car crash scene (though the blood looks fake).
Language Everything you can think of: "f--k," "p---y," "bitch," "a--hole," and more.
Message
	Social Behavior Complex -- the family is unconventional and practices gross deception and thievery. But despite these aspects, they love and respect one another and work together well. Some definite jabs at mainstream society.
	Commercialism Some expensive car brands are mentioned. General issues of lifestyle materialism.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco One character struggles with addictions since leaving prison, including heroin, cough syrup, and prescription pills. Scenes include needles and track marks. While there are some comic moments surrounding the drug use, most depictions are clearly negative. A teen boy smokes cigarettes with impunity.