I think Ricken’s books are very successful

I see a lot of supposition that Ricken writes those dopey books ( and he does) but he and Devon live in a beautiful home which is clearly very expensive. In real life it’s a Frank Lloyd Wright home in a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed community.

I think his books sell big-time. The decades of this show range from ‘80s computers to late-model smart phones. His books have very ‘90s wellness/self help vibes when those were very popular no matter how stupid they were.

When Devon is laboring Ricken nearly melts down over Mark having missed the gift of the book, and points out that it’s an advance copy. That means he has an actual publisher. It’s his fifth book, according to Cobel.

I think Rebec and the other acolytes who come to his readings and non-food dinners are local fans or personal friends.

We only see their car from the side at Mark’s, but the silhouette looks like a Range Rover. I don’t see any indication that Devon works outside of the home, and there’s no visible anxiety about the costs of a child. Mrs. Solveg charges for her services. There is costly art throughout their home (which actually belongs to the home IRL).

It’s astonishing that anything Ricken would write would sell to real readers, but it clearly does.