In So Help Me Todd, Skylar Astin has always brought a sharp wit and humor to his character, Todd. But Season 2’s premiere took things in a much darker direction, and Astin himself was a driving force behind this shift. The show’s usual blend of quirky legal cases and family dynamics took a serious turn in the opening episode, leaving fans wondering: What exactly is going on with Todd?
Astin recently revealed that he lobbied for this darker path for his character. In an interview, he admitted that Todd’s story arc this season would be more intense, and he’s pushing for his character to embrace a darker side—one that’s less about humor and more about confronting the heavier realities of his job. Astin’s comments suggest that Todd is evolving, and perhaps, he’s no longer the charming, somewhat naive investigator we’ve come to know. Instead, he’s facing the morally complex and often grim side of his work.
Let’s dive into the evolution of Todd’s character, Astin’s motivations behind the change, and how this dark turn could impact the future of So Help Me Todd.
Todd’s Dark Turn: A New Direction for the Character
Season 1 of So Help Me Todd presented the character of Todd as a charming but somewhat directionless private investigator. While he was undeniably skilled, he often relied on humor and wit to navigate both his personal and professional life. His relationship with his mother, Margaret (played by Marcia Gay Harden), added emotional depth, but there was always an undercurrent of lightheartedness.
But that all changed with the premiere of Season 2. In the first episode, we witness Todd taking on cases that don’t just involve solving petty problems or investigating corporate scandals. Instead, he’s thrust into far more sinister situations, some bordering on criminal activities that make us question Todd’s moral compass.
Astin, in his interview, made it clear that this was a conscious choice. He wanted to explore a side of Todd that wasn’t just about cracking jokes and solving easy cases. The shift to darker material could indicate that Todd is evolving, becoming a more serious and, possibly, troubled character. As Astin puts it, Todd is “looking for murder”—and it’s no longer about comedic twists.
This darker direction comes as part of a natural progression in the show. As the stakes rise, so does the intensity of the cases Todd takes on. The stakes in Todd’s world are no longer just about solving crimes—they’re about facing the consequences of those crimes and the emotional toll it takes.
Why Skylar Astin Pushed for the Change
Astin’s desire to push Todd into darker territory stems from his desire to add depth and complexity to the character. In the early stages of So Help Me Todd, Todd was likable, charming, and humorous, but there was a lingering question: What happens when that charm isn’t enough?
For Astin, the answer is simple—he wanted to explore how Todd reacts when the easy answers aren’t available, when the cases he works on require more than just intellectual skill and humor to solve. He noted that this turn was not meant to be a gimmick, but rather a way to explore the deeper, often darker parts of his character.
This shift is not just for shock value. Astin believes that the transition into darker material is important for Todd’s character growth. “Todd is looking for murder,” Astin said, underscoring that these new storylines are not played for laughs. In fact, this “murder” is a reflection of the emotional weight Todd will now have to carry—something the show has barely scratched the surface of until now.
By introducing darker, more intense cases, So Help Me Todd is moving away from its comedic roots into more mature, psychological territory. And as much as fans love Todd’s snarky humor, they might soon have to embrace a more conflicted, morally ambiguous version of the character.
The Impact of This Shift on Todd’s Relationship with His Family
One of the most intriguing aspects of So Help Me Todd has always been the relationship between Todd and his mother, Margaret. Their dynamic is both comedic and touching, as Margaret tries to keep her son in line while also trying to understand the unconventional way he approaches life. But with Todd taking a darker turn, how will this affect their interactions?
In previous seasons, Todd’s humor often served as a coping mechanism for dealing with personal struggles and tensions with his family. His relationship with Margaret, although loving, was often marked by conflict and comedic misunderstandings. However, if Todd starts to face more serious cases, and perhaps darker emotional struggles, this could put a strain on their relationship.
Margaret has always been portrayed as the voice of reason in Todd’s life, the grounding force that keeps him from veering off into reckless decisions. But if Todd is drawn into morally gray areas and starts embracing a more troubled, serious side of his work, there’s a good chance that the dynamic between them will shift.
This darker path could lead to more intense confrontations between Todd and Margaret, as she might not understand why Todd is seeking out such dangerous, high-stakes cases. She may feel conflicted—she wants to protect him, but she also knows that Todd has a natural talent for solving complex problems. However, with that talent comes responsibility, and Margaret may start questioning whether Todd is overstepping boundaries.
Todd’s personal growth, then, will likely intertwine with his relationship with his mother. Margaret could be forced to confront her own fears about her son’s choices, and in doing so, she may begin to understand Todd’s need for darker, more challenging cases.
Is This Darker Tone a Sustainable Shift for the Show?
As fans of So Help Me Todd eagerly watch the show unfold, one burning question lingers: Can the darker turn actually sustain the charm of the show?
The key to sustaining this new direction lies in the balance between the dark, serious material and the show’s trademark humor. The premise of So Help Me Todd has always been about combining lighthearted legal drama with genuine family moments. If the show leans too heavily into grim, suspenseful cases, it could lose what made it unique in the first place.
However, if the darker cases are used as a tool for character development, rather than just shock value, the show could come out stronger. In essence, the tone needs to shift, but the heart of the show—the family dynamics, the legal cases, and the character-driven humor—must remain intact.
Skylar Astin’s vision for Todd isn’t just about moving the character into darker territory. It’s about giving him room to grow and evolve. Todd has always been portrayed as a character searching for meaning in his life, and this shift could represent him grappling with deeper existential questions. His darker path could eventually lead to moments of redemption, which would add a layer of complexity to his character.
If the writers can successfully balance the show’s humor with the darker storylines, they may find a way to keep Todd grounded while exploring more serious and mature themes. That, ultimately, will decide whether this darker tone is sustainable.
Conclusion: A Bold New Direction for Todd, But What’s Next?
Skylar Astin’s push for a darker turn in So Help Me Todd has certainly set the stage for some major character growth for Todd. While Season 2’s premiere might have shocked some fans, it’s clear that this shift wasn’t just for shock value. Astin’s desire to see Todd confront more serious and morally complex cases is an effort to add depth and emotional weight to the character.
While the darker tone might alienate some viewers who loved the quirky charm of Season 1, it’s an intriguing development that opens the door for more mature storylines. The real test for So Help Me Todd will be whether it can balance the dark with the light, using the new material to deepen Todd’s character without losing the humor and family dynamics that made the show special in the first place.
For now, we can only wait and see how the rest of the season unfolds. But one thing is clear: Todd is no longer just cracking jokes—he’s stepping into much darker territory.
