Filthy Rich Review: Romans 8:30 (Season 1 Episode 4)

The Monreaux hunting camp is a lot of things on Filthy Rich Season 1 Episode 4, “Romans 8:30,” but a place to find safety and solitude isn’t one of them. 

It’s named for Romans 8:30 which states: 

“Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” 

The concept that stands out the most from this verse as it relates to the episode is “pre-destiny.” The good ol’ boys in the “18:20 Club” sure do think they’re predestined for power or greatness. 

As a bunch of white or white-passing men in the south, they’re basically right whether we like it or not. But that doesn’t mean The Ladies Table is fighting a losing battle. 

Filthy Rich is simultaneously frustrating and enthralling because it’s hard to tell who has the upper hand in any battle at any given moment.

Margaret knows more about the 18:20 than they’d like, but as Franklin points out to her, she plays right into their hands by making them independent contractors of The Sunshine Network.

But I’m really upset that Franklin sleeps with one of the good ol’ boys’ wives because Filthy Rich needs LBGTQIA representation and I thought he’s it. 

He could still be — the wife in question has a reputation for being… easy. But if that’s so, I’m still disappointed in him. He deserves better. 

Also, it’s completely unbelievable that he’s so “preoccupied” all weekend that he can’t come out of his bedroom for a few minutes to check in on the trouble Margaret is stirring up. 

It’s difficult to decide what’s harder to believe — Franklin’s exploits or the fact that a sewing room is meant to be a good hiding place for Tina and Ginger while they’re trying to dodge assassins. 

Filthy Rich is satire, but that doesn’t mean we have to suspend disbelief in every single circumstance. If Rose’s uncles are truly out for Tina, they’ll find her.

This doesn’t mean they’re going to kill her in the middle of the kitchen. But a scene where one of the men sees her out of the corner of his eye would definitely raise the stakes for viewers.

How much distress are you really in if you’re isolated from the threat and someone’s making sure you eat three meals a day? Tina and Ginger even have time to form an alliance with Margaret.

Their lives are technically on the line, and the 18:20 does have real power to do bad things. But one or two scenes could’ve been sacrificed so that we really sense danger.  

For example, it’s completely unnecessary to make viewers believe that the flirty wife (forgive me, her name doesn’t matter that much) is coming on to the man she believes is her son. 

He’s not, and only Mark/Jason and Rose know that. But it’s gross and a really misguided choice to play that for laughs.

However, it’s more befuddling that Eugene would make it into his house and only make himself known to Tina before leaving.

The moment is sweet, though it’s weird to see Tina drunkenly gliding around the house in a wedding dress for no reason. 

Eugene’s storyline has impact no matter what because we’re almost halfway through the season and I’m not one hundred percent sure if it’s really happening or not. 

No matter what Margaret is praying about when he sees her on the grounds, he’s presumed dead and makes a journey home. He should run into the kitchen for some fried chicken. 

I’ll only believe he’s alive when a member of the Monreaux family slaps him in the face. 

Prayer Notes: 

• Becky’s interactions with everyone are both enraging and hysterical. 
• I want to know more about Becky and Eric’s relationship. She’s obviously only married for money, but how did this arrangement happen?
• I have cousins who aren’t related by blood and… shared DNA or not, it’s really weird that Rose was engaged to someone she called her cousin. 
• It’s refreshing that Margaret and Rose believe that Tina has been blackmailed into seducing Eugene (the first time) right away. 
• Forgive me, I think it’s really funny (and probably true) that women hide their real fur coats at their hunting properties. 

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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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