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Easy Money
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this series centers on a family of loan sharks whose business breeds lots of negative behavior -- including beating up debtors, fighting with thugs, and bribing police officers. That said, they're actually a loving, close-knit group. Expect strong sexual innuendo, including visits to a strip bar, where skimpy underwear and suggestive dancing are visible. There's also some strong language ("bitch," "ass") and drinking (beer, mixed drinks), and the logos/brands of many businesses, cars, and other products are visible.
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What's the story?
EASY MONEY centers on the Buffkins, an eccentric family of loan sharks who run a quick cash business in the Southwest. The family is led by matriarch Bobette Buffkin (Laurie Metcalf), who's also the brains behind Prestige Payday Loans. Bobette's right-hand man is her favorite son, Morgan (Jeff Jephner), whose thirst for education and personal values doesn't really fit in with the rest of the gang -- including dad Roy (Nick Searcy), clueless brother Cooper (Jay Ferguson), and lively younger sister Brandy (Katie Lowes). As the Buffkins work to keep their business going despite the efforts of a corrupt local police officer (Chris Browning) and turf wars with local thugs, Morgan questions both his relationship with his family and the ethics of loan sharking, especially when British grad student Julia Miller (Marsha Thomason) discovers a secret about his past.
Is it any good?
The dark comedy offers a unique blend of humor and drama as it combines a behind-the- scenes look at the seedy world of loan sharking with the story of a close-knit, supportive family. As a result, even though Morgan and other family members resort to bribing and occasional physical violence to conduct their business, it's hard not to like them -- or at least root for them when somebody goes after them.
But while the show affirms the importance of family, the Buffkins' efforts to profit from people in need doesn't make Easy Money an ideal pick for young viewers. There's also some strong sexual innuendo, fist fights, drinking, and occasional drug references. That said, older teens and adults may appreciate the show's solid writing and may find the characters and plotlines entertaining enough to while away an evening.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about whether the family in this show seems at all realistic. Is it believable that people who do what the Buffkins do for a living would be as loving and close as they are? How about the rest of their world -- does it seem authentic? Families can also discuss the show's tone, which is a mix of drama and comedy. How do shows and movies that focus on serious or dark themes get laughs? Is it jarring to switch from one tone to the other?
TV details
- Premiere date: October 5, 2008
- Cast: Jeff Hephner, Laurie Metcalf, Marsha Thomason
- Network: CW
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-14
- Available on: Streaming
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