David Bianculli

Which I mention only because in a single courtroom scene playing an eccentric judge, actor Paul McCrane almost steals the show from all these other powerful players.

As a judge in a David Kelly drama, he's as much fun as Ray Walston was in Picket Fences.

Even the characters you expect to be peripheral or one-dimensional end up surprising you in this miniseries.

And the dynamics of friends and family are equally complicated.

Margot and Cheyenne yell at each other a lot, but they also demonstrate a delightful mother-daughter bond.

During a road trip to Vegas in a convertible, they sing along with Abandon as the car stereo blares a vintage song.

A song that somewhat poignantly describes them both.

Margot's Got Money Troubles includes instances of casual nudity, but they never seem gratuitous.

Fanning throws herself into this role in a way that's both vulnerable and empowering, and it's an enthralling performance to witness.

Nicole Kidman doesn't show up until halfway through, but wow, is she worth the wait.

And when she and Pfeiffer finally get to share the screen, Margot's Got Money Troubles is pure gold.

There are so many strong performances here and so many rich characters that it's riveting from start to finish.

And in between those two points is one wild and brazen emotional ride.

This is Fresh Air.

I'm David Bianculli.

St.

Vincent is a singer, songwriter, guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and a multi-Grammy Award winner.

Her guitar playing can be shredding, and her songs often can be dark, but her lyrics typically read like poetry.

She's been making music as a solo artist for 17 years across seven albums.

New York Times music critic John Pirellis described her as, quote, a grown-up fascinated by personas, gender roles, connections, obligations, self-destructive behavior, and looming mortality.