Margo’s Got Money Troubles has proven to be one of Apple TV’s biggest hits of the year so far. Based on Rufi Thorpe’s bestselling novel of the same name and created by Ubershowrunner David E. Kelley (Ally McBeal, Big Little Lies, over the past month, we’ve watched the definition of making ends meet in the 2020s. And alas, this Wednesday, all good things must come to an end.
Well, at least for this round in the ring.
On May 13, Apple announced that Margo’s Got Money Troubles would be returning for a second season, which is incredibly exciting news for fans of the family dramedy starring Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer and Nick Offerman. But that doesn’t take anything away from the upcoming finale, of which Parade has an exclusive sneak peek below. Because it appears we’re closing out Season 1 with a showdown in court.
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Two episodes ago, Margo (Fanning) was told that Mark (Michael Angarano), the college professor who got her pregnant and subsequently abandoned her, had filed for full custody of their child, Bodhi. It’s a slap in the face for her, as she turned to creating OnlyFans content to make money once it seemed like she was on her own. And that’s exactly what Mark hopes is Exhibit A for this custody hearing, eager to use her new form of employment as proof that she’s an “unfit mother.”
The preview of the finale opens in a bathroom, presumably in the courthouse. It focuses on two characters putting on their makeup, presumably preparing for the hearing. And it’s a delectable scene-chewer for two of the heaviest hitters in Margo’s Got Money Troubles: Pfeiffer as Margo’s mother, Shyanne, and Nicole Kidman as Lace, a former wrestler turned lawyer.
“All set?” Lace asks, sauntering into the restroom.
“Set,” Shyanne declares, nonchalantly not looking at her. “Locked and loaded! Is that the expression?”
“It is.”
Related: What Is ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ About? Cast, Release Date and How to Watch
After a pause, Shyanne finally looks at the other woman, insisting, “You need to win this for my little girl.”
“She needs to win it,” Lace replies. “But I’m gonna be right by her side.” The implication here is that Lace will be representing Margo in the hearing, an understandable connection given she’s a former associate of her father, Jinx (Offerman).
Despite Lace’s confidence, it’s clear Shyanne has something on her mind. Right now, all she can muster up is an apology, saying, “I’m sorry.”
“For what?” Lace responds coolly.
“I don’t know. Maybe all of it. Margo’s plight, Jinx.”
“Why would you be sorry for that?”
“Well, I probably shouldn’t be,” Shyanne says, coming to her senses with a laugh. But, as much as she’s shrugging it off, it’s clear Lace now has a new goal: To motivate this former Hooters waitress and get her head in the game.
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“I’ve come across a lot of people in life who need to apologize for themselves,” she says. “You would not be one of them.” Shaynne, clearly touched, musters out a quiet “thank you.”
As the music comes in, Lace suddenly turns her motivational speech physical, grabbing an alarmed Shyanne by the back of the head. Bringing her close, the Oscar winner whispers three simple words, the ones that greeted her less than a minute before: “Lock and load.”
It’s a fitting credo. Not only is it the finale episode title, but it’s a tactic that Lace, Shyanne, and most importantly, Margo will need to employ to win this day in court. Given the series has already been renewed for Season 2, we have a sense of how this story ends. But it would only be befitting of a show populated with former wrestlers to have something — or someone — come in from the top rope with a last-minute twist.
Check out the exclusive sneak peek clip above. The Margo’s Got Money Troubles finale drops Wednesday, May 20 on Apple TV.
Related: Inside Michelle Pfeiffer’s Marriage — And Why She Waited 30 Years to Work With Husband David E. Kelley