TVSquad

(S01E04) At last, a Blair Underwood sighting! That mysterious "techno-philanthropist," Simon Elder, finally made a flesh and blood appearance on Dirty Sexy Money. Simon didn't do or say very much, but his limo's license plate put him right at the center of the Darling drama. This week's episode also had plenty of fun, soapy moments. I'm glad that the show hasn't shifted to either a straight-up drama or soapy comedy since the pilot--at the moment, both elements are being balanced well.

Lisa George just became relatively more interesting. Thank goodness, because I was getting pretty sick of her weekly "Are you sure this is what you want?" lectures to Nick. Lisa realized that, in order to minimize the Darlings' hold on Nick, she had to stand up to the Darlings. OK, just Karen, but it's a start. The grappa-soaked flirt battle between Lisa and Karen was another perfect Dirty Sexy Money moment. Even Freddy had a few funny remarks!

Jeremy and Juliet had better not be fighting for too long. Their scenes together are always good for a bizarre quote or two. Juliet believed that Natalie was using Jeremy to get back at her, and I can definitely see that happening. Natalie has already stolen Juliet's signature perfume and her bangs. Stealing the most important person in Juliet's life would be the cruelest way to hurt her. I'm guessing that the baby isn't Jeremy's; at least I hope it isn't his. This show has enough baby drama at the moment. The results of the DNA test that Tripp ordered are far more interesting to me right now.

Did Brian Jr.'s bully remind anyone else of Lisa's bully, Francine (voiced by Kathy Griffin), from that Simpsons episode? I could not stop thinking about it. So far, we've learned that Brian and his son are similar in several ways. Both over-pepper their food, both were beaten up by girls, and both like to get others to do their dirty work. I was proud of Brian Jr. when he acted like a true Darling and blackmailed his dad into helping him with Chora. How adorable was that scream on the playground?

I really hope that the Darling family dinners become a regular part of the show. It's probably easier to break all of the Darlings up and have separate storylines, but watching them all interact together is amazing. Tripp's offhand comment about not knowing where the children came from was a brutal way to punish Letitia. Brian earned some sympathy from me with his speech about why he joined the church. I still want to hear the story behind his marriage to Mei Ling Hwa. If Brian never felt like a part of the human family, how did he manage to fall in love?

Nick uncovered another layer from the mystery surrounding Dutch's death. I still don't entirely trust the leads that Tripp is giving Nick. He could have used Templeton to make Nick doubt Dutch's loyalty to the Darlings. We saw more evidence of Tripp's skills at manipulation in his scene with Letitia's doctor. He claims to despise anything sordid, but he is awfully at ease when going behind others' backs. Donald Sutherland is incredibly hard to read, but so much fun to watch.

I am full of questions after this episode. What does Simon Elder want with Nick? Was Nick's father really working for Elder behind Tripp's back? Tripp mentioned to Nick that his brother, Kenneth (last mentioned in "The Lions"), was assassinated. Was Kenneth a political figure like Patrick? Is that why Tripp put so much pressure on Patrick to get into politics? Finally, which of the Darlings is related to Nick? Those heartless writers teased us with the DNA test results, and I'm going crazy with theories.

Jill Clayburgh and Donald Sutherland took this drama to another level again this week. Those two had better get some recognition come awards season. Also, how awesome is Clark the Driver/Pilot? If anyone on this show deserves an Addison-type spinoff, it's Clark. Can you imagine what an episode shot from his perspective would look like?

Best lines of the episode:

• "I'm Pluto. I'm cold, distant, and alone." --Jeremy, on his single status.
• "It's like they're made out of George Clooney." --Saleswoman, on the $1,200 shoes.
• Brian Jr.: "Jesus says 'Don't hit back'." Brian: "Says who?"
• "No pesky rules about cocktails before takeoff." --Clark, on the benefits of flying a private jet.
• "Wow. You guys look freshly laid." --Karen, interrupting Nick and Lisa's afterglow.
• "Loosen up, baby. We're in India." --Lisa (in Italy).
• "Eighteen years of being beaten up by girls, and what's his revenge? The ministry." --Patrick, on Brian's path to God.

Next week, the twins' trust funds kick in, dueling parties are thrown, and Nick gets an intriguing job offer.