The fate of So Help Me Todd hangs in the balance. With rumors swirling about a potential cancellation or renewal, fans are on edge, desperately hoping for more episodes of the quirky legal dramedy. As the show’s second season draws to a close, many are wondering: will the series continue into a third season? And if it does, will it live up to the standards set by the first two?
But here’s the kicker: some fans and critics argue that a Season 3 of So Help Me Todd might not do justice to one of the show’s most essential characters. The twist? It’s not Todd (Skylar Astin) or his tough-as-nails mother Margaret (Marcia Gay Harden) we’re talking about—it’s the often-overlooked character that many believe has yet to fully realize their potential.
Let’s dive into why a potential third season might actually hurt the narrative arc of one of So Help Me Todd’s most important players, and why we might be better off leaving things where they stand.
The Problem With Overextending Characters in TV Shows
In television, it’s not uncommon for shows to go on longer than they should. While some series thrive with multiple seasons and evolve into cultural landmarks (think Breaking Bad or The Office), others lose their magic as they stretch too far. The problem often lies in the way characters are handled, especially when they start out with a strong, well-defined arc and get lost in filler content or unnecessary plot twists in subsequent seasons.
When it comes to So Help Me Todd, one of the major risks of continuing into a third season is that some of its core characters may start to feel stagnant or become caricatures of their original selves. As the show has explored, there are characters with immense potential—ones whose storylines could be stretched in meaningful ways, or who could be sidelined if not handled carefully. So what happens when a character is pushed too far? Do they lose their depth? Do they become a mere plot device rather than a fully fleshed-out individual?
This concern is particularly true for Todd’s assistant, Olivia, a character who holds a lot of untapped potential. Though she has had some great moments in the first two seasons, many fans believe that her development has been underwhelming. In a potential third season, Olivia’s arc could either be expanded upon in a meaningful way or completely ruined by unnecessary narrative choices.
Why Olivia Deserves Better Than a Season 3 Reboot
Olivia, played by Kelly McCreary, is one of the standout supporting characters in So Help Me Todd. She’s sharp, compassionate, and plays a crucial role in Todd’s investigations—often providing the grounded, no-nonsense counterbalance to his impulsive behavior. But while Olivia’s character is undoubtedly essential, her storyline feels underdeveloped at times, especially when compared to the rich emotional and personal arcs of Todd and Margaret. If So Help Me Todd were to continue into a third season, here’s why Olivia might be better left where she is now—rather than forced into a storyline that doesn’t do her justice.
1. Olivia’s Underdeveloped Arc Deserves More Than a One-Note Role
As it stands, Olivia is a loyal assistant and a helpful character, but she hasn’t yet been given the opportunity to evolve beyond that role. She’s shown flashes of complexity—like when she challenges Todd’s methods or when her personal life is briefly explored—but these moments are rare. Given how compelling McCreary is in the role, there’s clearly a desire to see her go deeper. However, a third season could easily derail this development.
Why? Because often in shows like So Help Me Todd, the further you go into the series, the more characters get flattened out. Olivia might end up as just the “assistant” character who pops in to help Todd crack cases, without ever getting the chance to be fully realized as an individual outside of her job. With the show already heavily focused on Todd and Margaret’s relationship, there’s a real danger that Olivia could be relegated to the background in the next season, essentially becoming a plot device rather than a well-rounded character.
Instead of letting Olivia continue to grow and add depth to the show, a third season might lean into her being little more than the “helpful sidekick”—a role she’s far too interesting to remain in. That would do a disservice not only to her character but to the show as a whole.
2. The Risk of Forced Romantic Subplots
Another potential danger of a Season 3 for Olivia? Forced romantic subplots. TV shows, especially ones with strong lead characters, often feel the need to pair off every character with someone—especially the ones who haven’t yet been romantically involved. Olivia, a confident, career-driven woman, might easily be swept into a love story that feels unnecessary or distracting from her actual role on the show.
In many cases, a character like Olivia could be written into a romantic relationship purely to generate drama or “spice things up.” But what if this relationship doesn’t align with Olivia’s character or growth? What if it feels contrived or doesn’t serve her arc in any meaningful way? Forcing a romantic subplot just for the sake of keeping the audience engaged could actually diminish Olivia’s importance to the show.
Fans want to see Olivia develop her professional identity and build her personal life in ways that are meaningful to her as a character. A romance should come naturally, if it happens at all—and not as a narrative trick to keep the audience interested. Given that Olivia’s character has such strong potential, it would be a disservice to sideline her personal growth in favor of a superficial love story.
3. Olivia’s Relationship With Todd Needs More Time
One of the most interesting dynamics on So Help Me Todd is the evolving relationship between Olivia and Todd. While they clearly share a deep respect for each other, their friendship hasn’t been fully explored. If the show were to continue, this is the kind of relationship that deserves more attention. Instead of rushing to create new dramatic or romantic plotlines, a potential third season should focus on exploring the friendship between these two characters, letting it evolve organically.
A third season could squander this opportunity by introducing new characters or subplots that overshadow the importance of their bond. Rather than adding more external drama, the show could benefit from slowing down and deepening the existing relationships, including Todd and Olivia’s. This would allow for greater emotional payoff and a richer overall narrative.
The Case for Leaving ‘So Help Me Todd’ at Its Peak
There’s a compelling case to be made for letting So Help Me Todd bow out gracefully after its second season. While there’s always a desire for more content, sometimes the best decision for a show is to leave audiences wanting more—rather than stretching it too thin and risking a decline in quality.
With the show’s core characters already well-developed, a third season might feel like an unnecessary extension that risks diluting the original magic. By staying true to the essence of the show—quirky, heartfelt, and cleverly written—So Help Me Todd has the potential to remain a standout series without overstaying its welcome.
For Olivia, a third season might derail the careful, slow-building arc that could make her one of the most powerful characters in the show. Rather than forcing Olivia into an underwhelming subplot, the writers should focus on continuing to build on the relationships and character growth already established in the first two seasons.
Conclusion: Let’s Not Ruin a Good Thing
The question of whether So Help Me Todd should continue into a third season is a tough one. While fans are passionate about the show and want to see more of the characters they’ve come to love, there’s a real danger in overextending the series. For a character like Olivia, continuing the show might actually do more harm than good. If the show isn’t careful, it could reduce her to a secondary character or, worse yet, force her into a romance or plotline that doesn’t serve her at all.
Rather than pushing for an unnecessary third season, it might be better to let So Help Me Todd remain as a two-season gem—a unique show that balances humor, heart, and intrigue without overstaying its welcome. Sometimes, leaving things on a high note is the best way to preserve a show’s legacy.
