Fans of So Help Me Todd were left heartbroken when CBS announced the show’s cancellation. However, star Skylar Astin has found a silver lining in reminiscing about his previous role on Grey’s Anatomy. Specifically, he dove into the memorable and cringe-worthy storyline of Todd Eames—the infamous “sex bear” incident that had viewers both laughing and cringing. Let’s unpack this quirky chapter of his career and what it means for his character’s legacy.
A Quick Recap of Todd Eames’ Journey
Entering the Grey’s Anatomy Universe
Skylar Astin joined the iconic medical drama in Season 18, portraying Todd Eames, a character who quickly made an impression on Jo Wilson (played by Camilla Luddington). Their chemistry was undeniable, and the two seemed to be headed for a blossoming romance. However, as is often the case in Grey’s Anatomy, things took a sharp turn, and Todd’s time in the series was short-lived.
Astin’s Todd had a sweet demeanor, often showering Jo with affection and gifts—like cookies and stroller rides into the hospital. Unfortunately, things escalated to a point where Jo found him “clingy,” leading to the swift conclusion of their romance. Astin reflected on this rapid decline, saying, “I was kind of cast off in a swift way.”
The Infamous ‘Sex Bear’ Incident
The most unforgettable moment from Todd’s arc was undoubtedly the “sex bear” scene. Astin explained that while he always played the sweet guy, his character’s attempts to endear himself to Jo went a bit too far. He humorously recalled a scenario where, after they consummated their relationship, he shows up with an oversized stuffed bear, declaring, “I got you a bear, because we had sex. It’s a sex bear.”
Astin’s candid recollection about this scene not only showcases the humorous and sometimes absurd writing of Grey’s Anatomy but also highlights how memorable, albeit cringe-worthy, moments can create a lasting impression.
Behind the Scenes: Insights from the Podcast
A Reunion with Camilla Luddington
Astin recently joined Luddington on the Call It What It Is podcast, where they reminisced about their time together on the show. Sparks flew between their characters, but the abrupt ending of Todd’s storyline left fans wondering what could have been. Luddington had been advocating for a fun relationship for Jo, especially after her tumultuous past with characters like Paul and Alex Karev.
Reflecting on their roles, Luddington remarked, “We were both playing ‘love’ pretty hard.” However, the writers pulled the rug out from under them, leaving the audience with an unresolved relationship and a lot of questions.
The Missed Opportunities
Astin shared that there was a significant scene that was never filmed, where his character would sing in an operatic fashion during a particularly intimate moment. “I still think it’s a pretty fitting character detail for the Pitch Perfect actor,” he quipped. The humor behind this operatic detail adds depth to the character of Todd Eames, portraying him as endearingly awkward—something audiences can relate to.
The Future of Todd Eames
Leaving the Door Open for a Return
Though Todd Eames met an unceremonious end, Skylar Astin hinted that the door might still be open for his return to Grey’s Anatomy. During his chat with Luddington, he joked about how the writers could easily reverse his character’s departure by claiming he meant to say “bare” instead of “bear.”
Luddington chimed in, suggesting a scenario where her character could find out that Chris Carmack’s character, Link, sabotaged Todd’s relationship by encouraging him to buy the infamous sex bear. This playful banter highlights the ongoing potential for storylines to evolve in unexpected ways.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Laughter
Skylar Astin’s reflections on his time as Todd Eames remind us that even in serious shows like Grey’s Anatomy, humor and light-hearted moments can shine through. The “sex bear” incident may have been a quirky and somewhat cringe-worthy storyline, but it showcased the creativity and boldness of the writers.
While So Help Me Todd may have come to an end, Astin’s playful nostalgia about his earlier roles keeps the spirit of those characters alive. Who knows? With a little luck, we might just see Todd Eames make a comeback, complete with his oversized stuffed animal and all the hilarity that ensues.
