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For those intrigued by the world of professional wrestling and the quirks of prosthetic enhancements, this episode of Margo’s Got Money Troubles is a must-watch. In the second chapter of the show’s three-part opener, viewers are treated to the debut of Nick Offerman as James “Jinx” Millet, a former wrestler who channels the flamboyant style of “Macho Man” Randy Savage. Additionally, Elle Fanning’s character showcases some impressive faux assets reminiscent of her role in The Substance. These prosthetics take center stage during breastfeeding scenes, highlighting the demanding nature of single motherhood.
At this juncture, Margo’s life is a chaotic whirlwind. After bringing her newborn son, Bodhi (a nod to Patrick Swayze’s character in Point Break), home, she finds herself ensnared in a repetitive cycle of virtual pediatric appointments, endless diaper purchases from Amazon, and the physical toll of breastfeeding. The challenges are compounded by a colicky infant who struggles with feeding and cries incessantly. While there are joyful aspects to motherhood, Margo’s description of her baby’s disdain for her nipples underscores the relentless exhaustion she faces.
Margo’s troubles escalate quickly. She loses her job at a restaurant when her mother unexpectedly appears with the baby during her first shift back, questioning her ability to be a grandmother. Additionally, two of her roommates decide to move out with just a week’s notice, unwilling to endure another night disturbed by Bodhi’s cries. Frustrated, Margo demands $3,000 from Bodhi’s father, Mark, only to receive a menacing phone call from his mother, portrayed by Marcia Gay Harden, who labels the request as “extortion.”
There is a glimmer of hope as the episode wraps up. Kenny, Shyanne’s boyfriend, seeks Margo’s approval before proposing to her mom during a meal at Applebee’s. Her roommate, Susie, steps in to babysit and even suggests introducing Margo to cosplay, acknowledging that parents need outlets too. The most surprising development is Jinx’s arrival at Margo’s doorstep. After months of silence, his explanation—a stint in a phone-free rehab—sheds light on his absence.
The charm of Margo’s Got Money Troubles lies largely in its stellar cast. Whether it’s Michelle Pfeiffer’s Shyanne offering encouragement with a smile and a spirited drive away to “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” Offerman’s expressive portrayal of Jinx, or Fanning’s heartfelt depiction of Margo overwhelmed by her baby’s constant needs, the actors bring genuine warmth and authenticity to the narrative.
Mostly, however, Margo mistakes obnoxiousness for comedy; so many characters say most insensitive or clueless possible thing about the baby that by the end of the episode you could set your watch to it. Margo’s ghastly roommate Kathryn (Annalise Basso) wants her to take the baby outside at 2am because he’s interrupting her rest prior to a biochem midterm — you know, something important. “Do you have any idea how clueless you sound?” she yells at Margo, cluelessly. Haha, yes, very droll.
It’s like this across the board. Margo’s boss fires her “as your friend.” Kenny the youth minister gives practically an entire monologue that’s nothing but condescension and backhanded compliments about Margo’s decision to allow “the chickens to come home to roost” or some shit, instead of just getting an abortion like most “girls” her age. The telehealth pediatrician suggests that to combat Bodhi’s colic, she do deep squats while holding him, something all first-time moms are dying to do. Shyanne gets mad at the baby for “judging” her like an I Think You Should Leave bit.
Even other characters have to put up with this: As soon as Jinx tell a diner waitress he used to wrestle, she calls it stupid. (“No offense.”) None of this rises to a level I’d call “funny,” and until that happens, Margo’s got more troubles than just money.
Sean T. Collins (@seantcollins.com on Bluesky and theseantcollins on Patreon) has written about television for The New York Times, Vulture, Rolling Stone, and elsewhere. He is the author of Pain Don’t Hurt: Meditations on Road House. He lives with his family on Long Island.