Filthy Rich Review: John 3:3 (Season 1 Episode 2)
The theme of each episode is best revealed via the Bible passage it’s named after, so here are the words that inspire Filthy Rich Season 1 Episode 2, “John 3:3:”
“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”- John 3:3
On the episode, that most directly refers to three storylines: Ginger’s baptism, Eugene beginning his journey back home, and Mark/Jason getting forgiveness from Rose and a blessing to live as Jason in front of Margaret in order to get his brother’s rightful inheritance.
It’s been a guess of mine that Mark isn’t a biological Monreaux from Filthy Rich Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot,” so it’s not the most innovative “twist.” But I support it because incest or dating siblings have no place on TV.
The only unique path to take this storyline down is for Rose to keep Mark’s secret; otherwise, there is barely an arc for TV. We don’t yet ship Mark and Rose, but Mark’s secret is a good one, if not surprising, so we are rooting for them.
The most intriguing character on Filthy Rich is on the edge of the Monreaux family. He’s closer than the inner circle and technically related to them through his sister Becky’s marriage to Eric.
But if Reverand Paul makes the wrong move in Margaret’s eyes, he’s likely to be tossed out of the Sunshine Network family as fast as she wants Eugene’s illegitimate children tossed.
It’s unlikely that Paul will be discovered soon, and his ability to manipulate almost everyone around him is fascinating to watch.
Eric and Becky are easy to control, but it’s unclear whether Margaret knows how much she’s being manipulated by him.
Margaret doesn’t like Paul, but I don’t think she’s as wise to his manipulation as she will be when and if he makes a move that hurts her (aka negatively impacts The Sunshine Network’s profits).
Paul is walking a tightrope held up by Margaret and Eric Monreaux while he preaches God’s word — and he knows it. But he’s so good at everything he does it’s fascinating to watch.
He needs to keep Eric and Becky on good terms with Margaret. They have absolutely no ability to make him any money if not attached to The Sunshine Network.
It would’ve been wonderful for Reverand Paul if Margaret decides to honor Eugene’s wishes and make Eric head of the network. Eric would’ve been the Reverend’s favorite puppet to control because he is the easiest to manipulate and could have had the most power.
Margaret is far too smart for that. So the best he can do is to calm Eric’s anger by convincing Margaret to make him head of philanthropy.
Baptizing Ginger on-air is similarly brilliant — no matter what she’s trying to use the narrative to her own advantage by promoting her webcam business.
That’s just as smart, and it’s so much more captivating to watch people manipulate each other out in the open. Paul and Margaret are as wise to Ginger’s motives as she is to theirs.
So, the tug of war will be even until we least expect it. That’s fun to watch on TV, especially on a blatant soap opera as proud of its genre as Filthy Rich is.
One war that might begin that the Reverend has no control over is one between Becky and Eric. Eric seems to be actually catching real feelings for a webcam girl, if not falling in love with her.
Paul doesn’t care about his sister more than he cares about money. But we’ll just have to see how strong Becky Monreaux actually is when the truth comes out.
It’s hard to be sure right now. She is content to act as arm candy as long as she is benefiting from the Monreaux family’s riches.
“Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” is a sexist phrase. But it’s true that we all — men and women alike — show our strengths and true colors when we are betrayed.
Becky is pregnant and she has a lot to lose by leaving Eric. We know Paul will make that clear enough. But perhaps cheating is a moral line Becky absolutely will not accept.
We’ll only know when we know. But it’s quite fascinating to realize that one of the most “insignificant” members of the Monreaux family actually has the most power over everything — she just doesn’t know it yet.
Perhaps the correct phrase to describe Becky and actually many other women on Filthy Rich is “Human hath no power like a woman enlightened.”
Becky isn’t exactly likeable, but we are rooting for her anyway.
Prayer Notes:
- Antonio’s story is a bit confusing. I think I’d prefer if his mother didn’t exist and he was just doing what he had to do for his son.
- Having Becky do the recap via prayer is brilliant.
What did you think of this episode of Filthy Rich? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Filthy Rich airs Mondays at 9/8c on Fox.
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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.