The Riches on FX: Interesting or Just Confusing???

As I was just talking with a friend about original programming on FX Network, she mentioned that her favorite FX show was The Riches. I have to admit, I'm not really a fan.

So, here's the deal. I really really wanted to love this show, but it's not happening. The promos for the show were fabulous, so I was front and center for the premiere and Eddie Izzard is always a draw. I watched a few episodes and I was not remotely in love with this show, even though I was desperate to call it "genius" or "excellent" or something similar because it appeared to me that all the ingredients for that sort of caliber were here. One big problem I have is how they haven't really explained the whole travelers thing, like it's common and we wouldn't need an explanation. I find it a bit disjointed because of this because they talk about some things and I don't get it or don't see it's relevance. I mentioned this one time on one of the TV message boards I frequent and someone directed me to a site with info about travelers. The site was quite informative, but I shouldn't have to do background research to understand a show, you know?

So basically, I just really wish the show did more to explain them, travelers and the family's background in particular, because I feel a bit of a disconnect when they do more than just impersonate or steal. Like, when they say things such as"by rights you don't have to marry him" or "she was already promised", what in the world does this mean? I also would like to know whether these people back at the traveler's main camp ground (where Dale is) are blood relatives or the group themselves consider each other family regardless of blood relation. I mean, it's pretty hard to figure out if we are dealing with just arranged marriage or also with incest. Because, for instance, it definitely seems like some of these "family" members have had relations with one another. Is this odd or is this common to the history of travelers? A good example of how to do a show like this right, one where the viewers do not necessarily understand the history or the culture and yet, you don't feel lost while watching, is Big Love.

I love Eddie Izzard and the daughter on The Riches. To me, they make the show. With as talented as Eddie is, this isn't surprising. I think Minnie Driver is doing a good job, but I don't love her character, barely like her, in fact. Definitely consider her rough around the edges, and that's being kind, and don't think it has all that much to do with her time in prison. The youngest son, who likes dressing as a girl, is interesting, but a confusing character without more attention to his storyline. I think this may have been probed in the latter part of the season (let's hope so), but by then, my excitement and interest for the show had waned.


Although I didn't watch the second part of the season, I understand that many are questioning what sort of longevity this show will have, and I agree. How many impersonations and cons can they do without getting caught. Maybe a better thing to do would have been to have them traveling around from place to place, certainly this would be the best way for the family to continue on without getting caught. I also think the quality of the show would improve if they sort of discontinued the traveler connection as related to the additional family members back at the campground. Since that is the main part that provides confusion, if it was lessened, it wouldn't pose as much of a problem. I mean, there is plenty going on in their new invented life to keep it very entertaining and on the verge of getting exposed.

Just my thoughts, but I don't think I'm the only one who thinks this because there was a good deal of talk about the show originally and not nearly as much as the season progressed and ended. Although yet to air and be completely shot, Season 2 of The Riches is already a done deal but I think some changes are in order if they want to make it to a Season 3.