Let’s be real—Ted Lasso is a powerhouse of a show, and it’s hard to compete with its massive success. But after binge-watching every single episode of So Help Me Todd, I’ve found myself thinking: this mother-son legal drama might just be the hidden gem of TV, and in some ways, I think it’s better than Ted Lasso. Yes, I said it.
Now, before you stop reading and call me crazy, hear me out. Both shows offer a blend of heart, humor, and strong character development, but So Help Me Todd takes a unique approach that I think resonates on a different level. In this article, I’ll dive into why So Help Me Todd is worth watching and why, for me, it outshines Ted Lasso in certain key areas.
What So Help Me Todd Does Right (That Ted Lasso Doesn’t)
Let’s break it down. Both So Help Me Todd and Ted Lasso have their charm, but in terms of emotional depth, character development, and relatability, So Help Me Todd nails it in a way that is both fresh and original.
The Mother-Son Dynamic: So Help Me Todd Hits Different
While Ted Lasso centers on the relationships between the lovable coach and his soccer team, So Help Me Todd dives deep into the complexities of a mother-son relationship. The central bond between Margaret (played by Marcia Gay Harden) and Todd (Skylar Astin) is so richly layered and provides a unique narrative in the legal drama space.
Margaret is a no-nonsense lawyer who has built a successful career through sheer grit and determination, while Todd is the rebellious, free-spirited son who often finds himself at odds with his mother’s structured world. The tension between them is palpable—yet, as the episodes unfold, you can’t help but root for their growth as individuals and as a family unit. Watching their ups and downs, their disagreements, and ultimately their personal evolution is incredibly rewarding.
In comparison, Ted Lasso revolves around the camaraderie between a coach and his players. While the show does offer a variety of meaningful relationships (particularly with Coach Beard and Roy Kent), the dynamic between Ted and his team is not as consistently emotional or personal. Sure, the team comes together in powerful ways, but it lacks that deep, familial connection that So Help Me Todd offers week after week.
Stronger Legal Drama with a Personal Touch
Another major point in So Help Me Todd’s favor is its ability to mix courtroom drama with heartfelt personal stories. Each episode centers around a legal case, often involving high stakes and moral dilemmas, but it’s the characters’ personal lives that bring real depth to the storylines. The show balances both aspects really well, giving us the suspense of the courtroom while allowing us to become emotionally invested in the characters’ journeys.
In contrast, Ted Lasso is more focused on Ted’s personal growth and his relationship with his soccer team. While there are definitely emotional moments in the show, the legal drama in So Help Me Todd offers a more intricate, episodic storytelling style. The cases that Todd and Margaret tackle are often just as compelling as their family struggles, and they create a balance that feels both fresh and satisfying.
Humor with Heart: So Help Me Todd Is Witty and Real
Don’t get me wrong, Ted Lasso is hilarious—Ted’s quirky sense of humor, his love for biscuits, and the team’s colorful personalities keep things light and fun. But So Help Me Todd hits a different kind of funny. It blends humor and wit with the complexities of the characters’ relationships. Todd’s comedic timing as a “misfit” working with his mother in the legal field often leads to moments that are equally funny and heartfelt.
For example, Todd’s interactions with his mother can range from playful banter to moments of deep emotional connection, and it’s this nuanced portrayal of humor that stands out. His self-deprecating humor adds another layer to the show, making it easy for viewers to relate to his character’s struggles and growth. The humor isn’t just about one-liners; it’s about the moments of levity that offer a refreshing break from the more serious, dramatic themes.
Meanwhile, Ted Lasso often leans into a more feel-good type of humor, which, while endearing, can sometimes lack the emotional depth that So Help Me Todd so effectively delivers.
The Character Development in So Help Me Todd vs. Ted Lasso
Both So Help Me Todd and Ted Lasso are strong in terms of character development, but So Help Me Todd does something different by focusing heavily on the growth of its main characters while weaving in their complicated personal lives. While Ted Lasso’s character arc focuses mainly on his optimism and his relationships with his team, So Help Me Todd explores more than just the professional aspect of its characters.
Todd’s Journey: A Redemption Arc Done Right
Todd starts off as a bit of a wildcard. He’s charming but unreliable, and his personal life is in shambles. Yet, as the show progresses, you can see Todd begin to grow—both in his career and as a person. His complicated relationship with his mother, along with his struggles to find his place in the world, is both relatable and inspiring. His character arc isn’t just about professional success, but about finding his own worth and learning how to navigate the world on his terms.
What I love about Todd’s journey is how messy and real it feels. Unlike the more straightforward path Ted Lasso takes in his personal journey, Todd’s growth is far less predictable. He makes mistakes, he learns from them, and he grows—just like real people do. The show gives Todd the space to fail and succeed, making his evolution much more impactful.
Margaret’s Transformation: More Than Just a Tough Lawyer
Then there’s Margaret, who’s an interesting mix of tough-as-nails lawyer and deeply vulnerable mother. Throughout the series, she’s forced to confront her own shortcomings, particularly in her relationship with Todd. What makes Margaret’s arc so intriguing is that it’s not just about her professional success; it’s also about her need for personal growth. Her evolution in terms of letting go of control and learning to connect with her son on a deeper level is beautiful to watch.
Margaret’s story shows a complexity that’s often overlooked in female characters, particularly in the genre of legal dramas. She’s not just a professional woman excelling in a man’s world—she’s also a mother trying to reconcile the emotional gaps that have formed over the years with her son. This type of multi-layered character development isn’t something we see often, and So Help Me Todd nails it.
In Ted Lasso, Ted’s Character Arc: Optimism in the Face of Adversity
Ted Lasso’s journey is powerful, but his character arc is more about staying upbeat and guiding his team through their struggles. It’s a more “heroic” arc that centers on Ted’s unshakable optimism in the face of personal challenges. While Ted’s personal life does get explored, the show leans more into his role as the team’s emotional center rather than his own growth. The show does a great job of depicting Ted’s vulnerability, but the focus is more on his impact on others rather than his own evolution.
The Unique Appeal of So Help Me Todd
So, what is it about So Help Me Todd that stands out compared to Ted Lasso? It’s the show’s ability to blend drama, humor, and character-driven storytelling in a way that feels fresh. It’s not just a legal drama; it’s a family drama, a comedy, and a personal growth story all wrapped up into one. The relationships between the characters feel organic, and every episode brings something new—whether it’s a legal case that forces the characters to rethink their values or a personal moment that gives them deeper insight into themselves and each other.
In addition, the show takes its time with its characters. It doesn’t rush through plot points or character arcs. Instead, it allows its protagonists to grow at a realistic pace, making their journey all the more rewarding.
Conclusion: Why So Help Me Todd Deserves More Love
After binge-watching So Help Me Todd, I’ve come to realize that it’s a show that deserves more recognition. Sure, Ted Lasso has a huge following and is adored by many, but So Help Me Todd offers something different—something that’s both emotionally resonant and full of sharp humor. The mother-son dynamic at its core is compelling, the legal drama is engaging, and the character development is genuinely touching.
In many ways, So Help Me Todd feels like a well-kept secret in the world of television, and I can’t help but feel it’s a show that will continue to gain recognition for its nuanced characters and thoughtful storytelling. So, if you’re looking for something that strikes the perfect balance of drama, comedy, and emotional depth, give So Help Me Todd a chance. It might just surprise you—and maybe even make you rethink your favorite shows.
FAQ:
Q: Is So Help Me Todd worth watching if I’m a Ted Lasso fan?
Absolutely! If you enjoy heartfelt moments, witty humor, and strong character development, So Help Me Todd will appeal to you. The show blends drama and humor in a way that’s similar to Ted Lasso but with a unique mother-son dynamic at its core.
