Nick Offerman Explains Jinx’s Heartbreaking Relapse in 'Margo’s Got Money Troubles' Episode 7

Note: This story contains spoilers from “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” Episode 7.

Nick Offerman’s character, Jinx, takes a devastating step backward in his sobriety journey in the penultimate episode of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” Season 1. In Episode 7, Thaddea Graham’s Susie finds Jinx in a state of severe distress, prompting concerns from both Susie and Margo (Elle Fanning). Their worst fears are confirmed when they discover Jinx passed out in a bathtub after relapsing.

Offerman Reflects on Jinx’s Relapse and the Emotional Weight

Offerman revealed that he drew from personal connections to fully grasp the gravity of Jinx’s relapse. He discussed the moment with friends who have experienced or are currently battling addiction and live in consistent recovery. “It’s an escapism,” Offerman told TheWrap. “It’s an inability to buck up and say, ‘Alright, I’m going to face these problems — I’m going to address them like a big boy or succumb to the chemical addiction and the emotional addiction, of that escape, of that euphoria, in his case, of painkillers and then heroin … it’s sort of everything.”

Jinx’s Journey: From Heroic to Broken

As Offerman retraced Jinx’s path to sobriety, he highlighted the character’s initial sense of purpose upon arriving at Margo’s doorstep. Meeting her baby enabled Jinx to feel “heroic” as he stepped in to help his daughter and grandson. However, reality quickly set in. “He’s like, ‘Oh, actually, I’m broke. I’m a loser — I can help out, but can I stay here with you, my daughter and your friend, in your college apartment?’” Offerman recalled. “Things are bleak, and I think it’s just it’s too easy to slip back into.”

The Script’s Evolution and the Vegas Trip Revelation

Offerman noted that the relapse was initially more overt in the original script, which was adapted from Rufi Thorpe’s novel. He revealed that the Vegas trip revealed Margo’s realization that Jinx had been sneaking more painkillers than she had been providing after his injury in the ring with Lace (Nicole Kidman). “It’s all of those story events that you know are sad but understandable,” he said. “We all face that at some point.”

Filming the Intense Bath Scene with Careful Precision

Offerman described the meticulous preparation that went into filming the scene where Margo and Susie discover Jinx passed out in the bathtub. “Every inch and second of that scene was given such thoughtful consideration,” he said. “I’ve never gone through something that extreme, but I’ve certainly been in situations where I employed escapism of some sort, using some kind of intoxicants. Thankfully, I’ve never gotten into that kind of trouble, but I could definitely tap into why you go there and then just turn it up.”

Offerman also revealed a unique detail about the set design: the tub Jinx is found in is a replica made from a half-inch thick foam rubber, with rubber tiles lining the walls to ensure safety during filming.