All in the Family
Families are…complicated, with complex dynamics that can be hard to navigate. The seventh episode of So Help Me Todd highlights the conflicting dynamics of the Wright family. Because the truth is, not only do the Wright siblings – Todd (Skylar Astin), Allison (Madeline Wise), and newcomer to the show Lawrence (Matthew Wilkas) – have different relationships with each other, but they also have different relationships with their mom, Margaret (Marcia Gay Harden). Sibling rivalries are real, and apparently, one never grows too old to fight to be mom’s favorite.
To be honest, with someone with a family that could be called “complicated” in the best of times, the strained dynamics in “Long Lost Lawrence” were hard to watch at times. As the eldest sibling (and valued employee of the governor), Lawrence has had an almost mythical role off-screen so far. He has been mentioned but not seen. And, as far as one could tell from how Margaret describes him, he’s the Golden Child That Can Do No Wrong.
In part, that’s undoubtedly because he hasn’t been around. It’s always easier to glorify someone who isn’t present enough to highlight their flaws. But the series didn’t take long to make it clear that Lawrence doesn’t entirely live up to the hype. In fact, in his first appearance, as the show really showed the different sibling dynamics in stark relief, he hardly began with his best foot forward. In fact, I’ll be honest, if we didn’t know better, I’d think he was the youngest child. But perhaps there’s just something about siblings that can make you regress to the petulant child you once were. No matter your age.
For a lot of viewers, the push-pull between the siblings (and “mom loved you best!” competition) probably hit a little close to home. Seeing three grown adults enter a room and suddenly revert to their inner 12 year old certainly rang true. Or am I the only one who saw one too many Ghosts of Thanksgiving Past in these all-too-familiar dynamics?
Luckily, it wasn’t just the tension and rivalry that inspired the the all-too-real feeling. After an entire episode of butting heads, trading insults, and arguing about the various family dynamics, everyone came together at the end. In one way or another. They couldn’t all be together in person, of course. Allison and Lawrence are adults with families of their own, and navigating conflicting schedules with in-laws is no easy feat, believe me.
They love each other, they drive each other up a wall, but at the end of the day, they’re there for each other. Isn’t that what the holidays are all about? And if you’re not arguing with your siblings over a Thanksgiving turkey, what are you doing? Having a grown-up conversation? Please. That’s what the other 364 days in the year are for.
Cameo Appearances
I’ve previously noted the general underutilization of supporting characters in this series, and it remains a recurring theme in my reviews. In *So Help Me Todd* 1×07, “Long Lost Lawrence,” the non-family supporting characters were present but only briefly. Given that the episode focuses on family dynamics, it’s understandable that Allison and Lawrence took center stage, and I’ve been eager to see more of Allison despite her recent HIPAA slip-ups.
The episode’s focus on Allison and Lawrence, along with Lawrence’s own family, was warranted, though it highlights a broader theme: family can be as much about the relationships you build as the ones you’re born into. Margaret’s struggle with loneliness and “empty nest syndrome” after her separation from her husband was poignant, but it was disheartening to see her undervalue Todd’s presence during Thanksgiving. This moment of regression, while small, is a reminder of the complexities of family.
Looking ahead, there’s potential to further explore the “family-team” dynamics involving characters like Margaret, Lyle (Tristen J. Winger), Susan (Inga Schlingmann), and Francie (Rosa Arredondo), which could add depth to the series. For now, though, it would be great to see Lawrence finally interact with his husband Chet (Thomas Cadrot) and daughter Clem (Artemis Litsiadis) in a more meaningful way. One step at a time.
