The Cracking Facade: So Help Me Todd Needs to Re-Think its Approach to Allison
"So Help Me Todd" thrives on its chaotic blend of legal drama and dysfunctional family dynamics. The show's success hinges on the push-and-pull between Margaret Wright, the meticulous and driven lawyer, and her equally brilliant but perpetually impulsive son, Todd. However, a recurring point of contention, and arguably a weakness in the show's narrative, lies in its treatment of Allison, Margaret's daughter and Todd's older sister. To truly elevate the show and develop richer, more compelling storylines, "So Help Me Todd" needs to adopt a new, more nuanced approach to the character of Allison.
Currently, Allison operates primarily as a foil, a static character used to highlight the perceived flaws of both Margaret and Todd. She embodies the "perfect" daughter – a dedicated surgeon, seemingly well-adjusted, and generally disapproving of her family's chaotic tendencies. This characterization, however, lacks depth and feels jarringly one-dimensional against the backdrop of the show's complex, morally grey characters. Allison is often portrayed as judgmental and inflexible, readily criticizing Todd's life choices and Margaret's enabling behavior. This portrayal reduces her to a nagging voice of reason, a foil meant to make Todd's antics appear even more outlandish and Margaret's maternal anxieties even more palpable. The show utilizes her as a convenient plot device, a source of predictable tension that rarely contributes anything meaningful to the overall narrative arc.
This one-dimensional approach not only shortchanges the character of Allison, but it also limits the potential for richer storytelling. Consider the unexplored depths of her "perfect" facade. Is she truly content with her life, or is she struggling to maintain a curated image for her family? The show hints at glimpses of vulnerability – a longing for connection, a quiet desperation for approval – but these moments are often brushed aside, sacrificed for the sake of maintaining the status quo. Imagine exploring the pressures Allison faces in her demanding career, the sacrifices she has made to achieve her professional success, and the unspoken resentments she might harbor towards her family for not understanding the sacrifices she has made to live up to their expectations.
Furthermore, the show could benefit from exploring the complexities of Allison's relationship with Todd. While their dynamic is currently built on sibling rivalry and disapproving stares, there's untapped potential for genuine connection. What shared childhood experiences might they draw upon to build a stronger bond? Could Todd, with his innate empathy and ability to connect with people from all walks of life, help Allison break free from her self-imposed rigidity? Exploring their shared history, the vulnerabilities they hide from each other, and the potential for growth through mutual understanding could add a layer of emotional resonance to the show that is currently lacking.
Shifting the narrative lens to allow for a more empathetic understanding of Allison could also create interesting conflict with Margaret. Instead of simply portraying Allison as Margaret's "perfect" daughter, the show could delve into the anxieties Margaret might harbor regarding her relationship with Allison. Perhaps Margaret secretly fears she hasn't been a good mother to Allison, that her focus on her career and on Todd's struggles has left Allison feeling overlooked and unloved. This could lead to compelling storylines exploring Margaret's own insecurities and her attempts to bridge the gap between herself and her daughter.
Ultimately, "So Help Me Todd" needs to move beyond treating Allison as a mere plot device and embrace her potential as a fully realized character with her own unique motivations, vulnerabilities, and desires. By giving her agency, exploring her hidden depths, and allowing her to evolve beyond the "perfect" daughter archetype, the show can create a more nuanced, engaging, and ultimately more rewarding viewing experience for its audience. Only then can "So Help Me Todd" truly live up to its potential, transforming a stock character into a vital and compelling part of its already vibrant family dynamic. Instead of simply being a voice of reason, Allison could become a powerful force for change, challenging the established dynamics and adding a new layer of depth and complexity to the show's already engaging narrative.
