Episode 17 of So Help Me Todd, titled “The First Date is the Deepest,” takes us on a rollercoaster ride of legal drama and personal relationships. As Todd Wright (Skylar Astin) navigates a complex situation involving his mother, Margaret (Marcia Gay Harden), and a slew of candidates vying for a position at the law firm, the episode delivers a blend of tension, humor, and heartfelt moments.
A New Challenge for Todd
The Candidate Vetting Dilemma
Todd is pulled into a whirlwind of intrigue when Beverly Crest approaches him to help vet five candidates looking to replace Alex Song as a named partner at the firm. Among them is Gus Easton, who happens to be Margaret’s current romantic interest. This adds a layer of complexity for Todd, who is torn between his loyalty to his mother and his budding relationship with Beverly. Things heat up when Susan, a past love of Todd’s, expresses that she can’t talk to him “for a very long time.” Talk about messy dynamics!
A Case of Suspicion
As if Todd didn’t have enough on his plate, he gets sidetracked when Ryan Fox comes to Margaret with troubling news. His mother, Kathy, recently passed away during surgery, and Ryan presents documents related to a settlement offer from the hospital. Intrigued by the suspicious circumstances surrounding Kathy’s death, Margaret takes on the case, determined to dig deeper. This sets off a chain of events that intertwines personal and professional challenges in dramatic fashion.
Uncovering the Truth
The Hospital Cover-Up
Margaret quickly suspects that something is amiss at the hospital where Kathy was treated. Enter Dr. Ross Woods, the surgeon responsible for Kathy’s operation, who seems to be hiding something. Todd and Margaret begin their investigation by questioning hospital staff, which leads them to Dr. Diane Young, another hospital employee who becomes pivotal in unraveling the mystery.
Diane’s ethical stance is called into question, and it’s evident that the hospital is protective of its reputation, particularly concerning a controversial surgical robot that has been in the spotlight for its failures. Todd and Margaret’s determination to uncover the truth pits them against powerful interests that are willing to go to great lengths to keep their secrets safe.
Breaking into the Surgical Suite
The plot thickens as Todd convinces Margaret to break into the surgical suite to access the robot’s records. This risky move pays off when they discover evidence that the surgeon, not the robot, is at fault for the complications that led to Kathy’s death. The duo’s dynamic shines here; their combination of cleverness and tenacity makes for captivating viewing.
Tension on the Home Front
Personal Relationships Unravel
Meanwhile, the personal relationships in the episode are just as intense as the legal drama. Todd’s friendship with Gus takes a hit when he inadvertently exposes the vetting process to Margaret during a dinner date. Gus feels betrayed, leading to a confrontation between him and Margaret. This subplot serves as a reminder of how intertwined their professional lives are with their personal relationships, especially in a family-run law firm.
The Shifting Sands of Romance
The episode also hints at a budding romance between Allison and Dr. Ross Woods, complicating matters even further. Their connection appears genuine, but Allison’s loyalty to Margaret creates friction. The writers effectively showcase the complexities of modern relationships, leaving viewers invested in their outcomes.
The Climactic Courtroom Showdown
Turning the Tables
As the episode reaches its climax, Margaret takes the fight to the courtroom, but not without a twist. She calls upon Todd’s technical know-how to remotely operate the surgical robot, exposing the negligence of Dr. Ross Woods in the process. This innovative thinking showcases Margaret’s growth as a lawyer and a character who refuses to back down in the face of adversity.
A Shocking Revelation
The big reveal comes when it’s discovered that Dr. Diane Young has been manipulating the situation to sabotage Dr. Ross and elevate her own career. The shock of her betrayal sends ripples through the storyline, emphasizing the moral complexities that run throughout the series. Diane’s arrest at the end of the episode serves as a satisfying conclusion to a tangled web of deceit.
Conclusion: Character Growth and Future Prospects
In the end, Episode 17 of So Help Me Todd delivers on multiple fronts. The complex relationships between characters are explored with nuance, showcasing their growth. Todd and Margaret’s bond strengthens as they navigate both professional and personal hurdles together. Meanwhile, other characters like Allison start asserting their independence, hinting at positive character development.
The cliffhanger ending leaves viewers eager for more, especially with Margaret’s potential promotion looming. It’s a thrilling episode that not only advances the plot but also deepens the emotional connections between characters.
