Wayne: Uh, I just wanted to say something. It hasn't been easy for us wildcats. You know. Some have cried, some have died, some fought the battle, some the spike, broken promises, ungrateful children, a bypass surgery, and a bad dose of clap."
» The Riches: Pilot - Watch it on Fancast
Season 1: Episode 1
Air Date: March 12th, 2007
Episode Written By: Dmitry Lipkin
'The Riches' is the story of the Malloy family, lead by Wayne (Eddie Izzard) and Dahlia (Minnie Driver). The husband and wife, along with their three children are 'Travelers,' an underground community of Irish con-artists.
As the series kicks off, Dahlia has just been paroled after a two-year stint in prison. During that time, Wayne and the kids have struggled to keep it together, traveling the country pulling off short cons, biding their time.
Without ruining the story, after complications (to put it lightly) arise among the clan of 'Travelers,' the family is forced to flee. After a freak car accident, the Malloys end up taking over the identity of the Riches, a wealthy family from Louisiana.
Watching the family attempt to assimilate into a normal life as 'buffers' (the 'Traveler' term for 9 to 5ers) is fascinating. The premise allows the writers the forum to provide a smart and layered examination of how much of our own identity we're willing to sacrifice in pursuit of the 'American Dream.'
While 'Requiem for a 'Dream,' it ain't, with the tightly woven plot and tight dialogue, the stunning performance by Minnie Driver and the ability to stay grounded in the dynamic of family while exploring other themes, 'The Riches' is a series even even the most conservative 'buffer' can enjoy.
