Ep 1. Pilot

The Riches Season 1 Episode 1, titled "Pilot," introduces us to a family of Travellers (also known as Gypsies) - the Malloys. For years the Malloys have been living a nomadic life, traveling from place to place, and living in a caravan. However, after an accident involving their mother, the family found themselves in desperate need of help. That's when they meet a wealthy couple - Doug and Cherien Rich. The Riches are on their way to their new home in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when they stop at a roadside restaurant. There, they meet the Malloys and offer to help them out.

Doug Rich, played by Eddie Izzard, is a successful lawyer who has always been impressed by the Travellers' customs and way of life. At the same time, Doug is struggling with his own moral compass. He is tired of living in a world where success is measured by the amount of money one makes and the status that comes with it. He is looking for something more, something that will give his life meaning. Cherien Rich, portrayed by Minnie Driver, is a former drug addict who has recently come out of rehab. Like her husband, she is looking for a new start, a chance to do something meaningful with her life.

The Malloys - Dahlia, Wayne, and their three children - are hesitant to accept the Riches' kind offer. They have been living on the edge of society for so long that they are wary of people who seem too good to be true. However, when Cherien is involved in a car accident on the way to Baton Rouge, the Malloys see an opportunity to start a new life. They take the Riches' car and belongings and set off to Baton Rouge, pretending to be the Riches.

Once in Baton Rouge, the Malloys quickly realize that they have entered a world that is vastly different from anything they have ever known. They are living in a fancy mansion, surrounded by rich neighbors and their spoiled children. Wayne Malloy, played by J.B. Smoove, is struggling to fit into this new world. He is used to being the alpha male, the one who makes all the decisions in his family. However, in this new environment, he is not the one in charge. Dahlia Malloy, portrayed by Minnie Driver, on the other hand, sees this new life as an opportunity to shed her past and become a new person.

As the episode progresses, we see the Malloys' struggle to fit into their new life. There are moments of genuine humor, as the family tries to navigate the world of the rich and famous. However, there are also moments of tension, as the Malloys realize that they are living a lie and that their new life could come crashing down at any moment. The family is constantly on edge, with the fear of being discovered hanging over their heads.

Overall, "Pilot" is a strong introduction to the world of The Riches. It sets up the central conflict of the series, which is the Malloys' attempt to maintain their lies in the face of overwhelming pressure. The performances are excellent, with both Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver delivering nuanced, believable performances. The show has a unique premise and a fresh take on the traditional family drama genre. It's a promising start to what turns out to be an entertaining and thought-provoking series.