In the latest episode of “So Help Me Todd,” titled “Margaret Tracks a Killer,” we dive into a whirlwind of suspense and family dynamics as Margaret (played by Marcia Gay Harden) juggles a potential murder case while trying to secure the Lee sisters as clients. With Todd (played by Skylar Astin) recovering from surgery and getting tangled in a mystery of his own, this episode is packed with twists, turns, and plenty of dark humor.
Margaret’s Challenge: Convincing the Lee Sisters
A Tough Sell
The episode kicks off with Margaret receiving a call about the Lee sisters—Mildred and Tillie, two seemingly sweet elderly women on the hunt for a new attorney. However, these ladies are tough cookies, and Margaret realizes she has her work cut out for her. As she prepares a presentation to win them over, she can’t shake the feeling that this might be a challenge.
Margaret’s assistant, Francey (Rosa Arredondo), isn’t thrilled about the late-night work and is clearly feeling the strain. But Margaret, ever the optimist, invites her to a family dinner as a bribe to lighten the mood. Who knew a home-cooked meal could be the key to productivity?
Todd’s Medical Emergency
Meanwhile, dinner takes an unexpected turn when Todd experiences sharp pains in his side. His sister Allison (Madeline Wise) jumps into action, diagnosing him with appendicitis and rushing him to the ER. After surgery, Todd wakes up in a hospital room to find himself sharing space with a moaning man in the corner. Little does he know, this groaning stranger holds the key to a shocking plot.
As Todd drifts in and out of consciousness, he overhears the stranger mentioning words like “murder,” “Pelican,” and “judge.” Intrigued and alarmed, Todd becomes convinced he’s stumbled onto a sinister plot to kill a judge. But will anyone believe him?
No One Believes Todd: A Quest for Validation
The Struggle for Credibility
Back at the law firm, Margaret is trying to charm the Lee sisters but struggling to keep their attention. They’re critical of everything—from the coffee to Margaret’s pitch. Meanwhile, Todd is left in the hospital, desperate for someone to take his concerns seriously. He calls Margaret to inform her about his alarming discovery, but she’s too busy with her presentation to listen.
Allison drops by to check on Todd, but she’s skeptical about his claims. The tension builds as Todd attempts to convince her, while the audience can’t help but feel the mounting frustration.
Enter Dick Franks
Just when Todd needs a friend, he gets one in the form of Dick Franks (Dean Winters), a famous private detective. Dick is brash and a bit eccentric, quickly bonding with Todd. Their dynamic adds a fun twist to the episode, as Dick encourages Todd to dig deeper into the mystery surrounding his roommate.
The humor in their interactions lightens the mood, making it clear that even amidst chaos, there’s room for laughter.
Margaret’s Investigation: Unraveling the Mystery
A Fortuitous Encounter
While driving the Lee sisters home after a less-than-successful meeting, Margaret spots the mystery woman in the red dress—the same one Todd had mentioned. Intrigued, she follows the woman into a venue hosting a cat show, and the trio of women find themselves embroiled in an unexpected investigation.
At first, they suspect the woman is up to no good at the cat show, but soon they realize she’s actually after Judge Ortiz, who is showcasing his cat. This realization leads to a race against time to prevent a potential murder.
Trouble with the FBI
Margaret’s sleuthing leads her into a confrontation with FBI agents, who dismiss her concerns about the murder plot. They throw her into a “Karen” room with other disgruntled women, but the Lee sisters aren’t about to let Margaret stay trapped. Their efforts to create a ruckus get them all released, showcasing their feisty spirit and determination.
The Investigation Deepens
Connecting the Dots
While the Lee sisters take matters into their own hands, Todd continues to piece together clues from his hospital room. Allison, intrigued by the mystery, looks into the background of Todd’s deceased roommate, Stephan Dobson. As they dig deeper, they discover that Stephan had a serious allergy to penicillin, which leads them to suspect foul play surrounding his death.
Following the Trail
Margaret, alongside the Lee sisters, follows the mystery woman to her home, where they stumble upon a memorial for Stephan. Here, tensions rise as they confront Tobias Dobson, Stephan’s brother, who appears to be involved in the dark dealings surrounding his brother’s death.
Through clever sleuthing, Margaret learns that Tobias had been picking up penicillin for his wife, Felicia—who is the mystery woman. This revelation sets the stage for a dramatic showdown as they race against time to prevent a murder.
The Climax: A Race Against Time
The Trap is Set
As Todd, Allison, and Dick set a trap for Tobias, Margaret works to gather evidence. Their plans collide when Tobias discovers Todd in the hospital, leading to a nail-biting moment where he intends to silence Todd for good.
The episode reaches a thrilling peak as the police arrive just in time to apprehend Tobias, thanks to Margaret’s relentless pursuit of justice. The Lee sisters, who have transformed from potential clients to key players in the investigation, finally decide to hire Margaret’s firm, expressing how much they enjoyed being part of the action.
Conclusion: Another Successful Case Closed
In Season 2, Episode 4 of “So Help Me Todd,” viewers were treated to a fantastic blend of humor, suspense, and heartwarming moments. Margaret’s determination to protect her family and clients shines through, while Todd’s comedic misadventures provide a refreshing counterbalance. The chemistry between the characters, particularly the Lee sisters and Dick Franks, adds a delightful layer to the series.
With this episode, we see the importance of family, teamwork, and the occasional dose of chaos that makes the world of “So Help Me Todd” so engaging.
