The Riches (2007-2008)

A family of crooks assume the identity of an upper-middle-class suburban clan in the Deep South.

This show was cancelled too soon. It's no secret that I love a good story about con-artists ripping people off and this show fed right into that slight obsession.

The Riches are a well-to-do family who meet an unfortunate end by way of the Malloys, a family of travelers (nomadic con-artists). The timing couldn't be better because the Malloys just happen to need a place to stay and where better than a big, fancy mansion free of charge? They decide to stay just long enough to get their act together but of course they get 'discovered' before high-tailing it out of there. They decide to stay and live the cushy lifestyle most people can only dream of, but of course, nothing is as easy as it seems.

I'm not entirely sure what the genre of this show is - it checks off every box on my list: it's funny, dramatic, dark and exciting. The first few episodes consisted of a family used to living off the grid in an RV trying to assimilate into a white picket fence household. It was hilarious! Minnie Driver plays the very definition of southern housewife but with enough sass to carry the initial episodes. Once the season arc sets in the show carries itself easily though.

I don't have many complaints other than it feels like the second season was forced. Wikipedia says season 2 was around the time of the writers' strike and I feel like that played a large role in the less-than-stellar quality of the story arc. As a viewer watching most episodes back-to-back this is hardly noticeable, but I know I would have been confused and frustrated with only watching one episode a week. It took way too long to get each episode going and old problems were just shoved aside to be forgotten.

Which brings me to the biggest flaw in the show...the finale. Instead of wrapping up the show even more questions were left unanswered and then the screen faded to black. I literally shouted when it ended because I couldn't believe that's what actually happened. I guess the writers thought they were getting a season 3 because we STILL don't know:

1. What's up with Dale (where was he? why is he all beat up? is he still a threat?)
2. If Hugh wins the election
3. How Hugh and Gigi got back together, if they actually did or if it's just for show
4. What's up with Cal and that Irish guy
5. The explanation behind Dahlia and her parole officer (literally that came out of nowhere)
6. If the Malloys get the $13 million or was this all for nothing???

Although the finale wasn't the best way to end the show, the acting is great in every episode and the characters are one-of-a-kind. This show will hold a special place in my heart because it was witty and different from just about every other show I've watched. I recommend The Riches to anyone with an Amazon Prime account, it's free, only 20 episodes, and worth the watch.