If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if The Good Wife collided with Psych, then buckle up — So Help Me Todd tries to be just that. But does it land? Not exactly.
CBS’s attempt at a legal dramedy with a familial twist stars Marcia Gay Harden as a no-nonsense attorney and Skylar Astin as her chaotic, yet oddly charming son. It should be gold. Instead, it feels more like something you’d half-watch while folding laundry.
Let’s dive into what works, what doesn’t, and whether this series deserves your precious binge time.
🎬 Plot Summary — What’s the Premise?
Todd (Skylar Astin) is a once-promising private investigator who’s now kind of… a mess. He’s freelancing, floundering, and, well, kind of failing. Enter his mother, Margaret (Marcia Gay Harden), a powerhouse attorney with a black-and-white view of the world.
After a bit of blackmail (yes, really), Margaret forces Todd to work at her law firm. Hijinks ensue. So do some heartwarming moments. But mostly? It’s formulaic fun — heavy on the formula.
🌟 The Star Power — Do Harden and Astin Deliver?
💥Marcia Gay Harden as Margaret Wright
Let’s give credit where it’s due. Harden is phenomenal. She brings gravitas to a show that might otherwise feel completely hollow. Her stern yet secretly soft persona grounds the chaos.
😂Skylar Astin’s Lovable Loser Vibe
Astin, best known for Pitch Perfect, is charming enough. His Todd is a fast-talking, goofball PI who never quite gets it together — but you can’t help but root for him. He leans into the comedic beats hard, and when the writing gives him room, he shines.
🧩 The Chemistry — Can Mother-Son Banter Save the Day?
There’s an undeniable spark between Harden and Astin. Their dynamic carries the show. The tension, the love, the frustration — it’s all there. Think Gilmore Girls meets Law & Order, if that makes any sense.
Still, even the best chemistry can’t fully save clunky dialogue or recycled plots.
🛠️ Writing and Tone — Trying Too Hard or Just Right?
🎭Dramedy with Identity Issues
The show tries to juggle comedy and drama, but often fumbles the handoff. One minute, Todd is cracking wise about legal jargon, and the next, Margaret is in a heavy courtroom scene. The tone whiplash can be jarring.
✍️ Predictable Plotlines
If you’ve watched any procedural in the last 10 years, you’ll probably see every twist coming. It’s comfort TV — which isn’t always a bad thing, but it doesn’t break new ground either.
💡 What Works — The Show’s Strengths
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The Cast: Strong performances from the leads, and a solid supporting cast.
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Visual Style: It’s polished, bright, and very CBS-core.
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Feel-Good Factor: Lighthearted and easy to digest — like legal chicken soup.
⚠️ What Doesn’t Work — The Weak Links
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The Script: Occasionally witty, often cliché.
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The Stakes: Nothing ever feels truly urgent.
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Rewatchability: Low. Once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it.
📺 Comparisons — If You Like This, You Might Also Like…
📌 “The Good Wife” or “The Good Fight”
Want strong legal drama with razor-sharp writing? Look here.
📌 “Psych” or “Monk”
Love quirky investigators with family drama? These do it better.
💬 Audience Reactions — What Are Viewers Saying?
Some viewers are loving the low-stakes, character-driven drama. Others call it forgettable. It’s the kind of show that’s fine — rarely great, never awful. Background TV at its finest.
🧠 The Psychology of Why We Watch Shows Like This
Why do procedural dramedies persist? Simple: they’re safe. You know what you’re getting, and sometimes, that predictability is a comfort in a chaotic world.
📈 Ratings & Renewal Status — Will It Survive?
Early numbers are modest. It’s not blowing up the charts, but it’s not bombing either. Given CBS’s track record, it may squeak out a few seasons — especially if it builds a loyal (if quiet) fanbase.
📆 Weekly Format — A Blessing or a Curse?
For those tired of binge culture, the weekly format can feel refreshing. It gives you something to look forward to. But let’s be real — in the age of Netflix dumps, it can also feel like a drag.
🎯 Who Is This Show Actually For?
It’s made for folks who like Bones, Castle, or Blue Bloods. It’s for moms, mystery lovers, and anyone who just wants to unwind without thinking too hard.
🤔 Is It Binge-Worthy?
If you’re looking for groundbreaking TV, skip it. If you want something breezy to play in the background while you meal prep? Go for it.
✅ Final Verdict — Watch or Skip?
🥱 Skip, Unless You’re Really Into Procedurals
There’s nothing wrong with So Help Me Todd — it’s just not special. The cast tries. The writing almost works. But in the end, it’s filler TV. Harmless, pleasant, and totally skippable if your queue is already packed.
📝 Conclusion
So Help Me Todd had the ingredients for something great: a talented cast, an interesting premise, and the potential for heartfelt storytelling. But it ends up feeling more like a sitcom-procedural hybrid that doesn’t quite know what it wants to be.
That said, if you’re into cozy, light-hearted dramas with family flair and don’t mind a few predictable tropes, it might just be your next casual watch.
