Confession time: I’m a bit of a TV snob. Over the past decade, I’ve gravitated towards streaming and premium cable shows, leaving network TV in the dust. So, when I first heard about So Help Me Todd, a CBS drama about a brilliant defense attorney and her somewhat hapless son who works as her investigator, I wasn’t overly interested. However, with its second season joining the 2024 TV lineup, my perspective has completely changed.
I was bombarded with ads for So Help Me Todd while catching up on Star Trek on Paramount+, and I was surprised by how funny the ads were. Curious, I decided to give it a shot, and to my surprise, I ended up binge-watching the entire series in one marathon session. Now, I believe So Help Me Todd might actually be better than Ted Lasso. Here’s why:
Margaret Wright: A Superior Version of Ted Lasso
One of the reasons we loved Ted Lasso was his remarkable transition from coaching American football to leading a British soccer team with no prior experience. Similarly, Margaret Wright, portrayed by Marcia Gay Harden, made a dramatic career shift. After becoming a mother and losing her first husband, she returned to school to study law, just as her youngest son was starting high school.
Margaret, like Ted, has layers beneath her surface. Initially, she might seem like a high-handed attorney looking down on those like Todd who don’t have their lives figured out. But beneath her privileged exterior, she uses her wealth and skills to help those neglected by the legal system. She values others’ opinions, regardless of their appearance, and has a deep understanding of her profession. Unlike Ted, who was learning on the job, Margaret is already an expert, employing all her legal prowess to ensure justice for her clients.
Todd Wright: A Funnier, Lovable Goof
While Ted Lasso is celebrated for his humor, mustache, and endearing biscuits, Todd Wright, played by Skylar Astin, brings his own brand of comedy. Todd’s quick wit and outrageous antics, like his reactions to eating corn smut or his bumbling attempts to avoid attention while stealing an evidence-filled vehicle, are a riot.
Todd’s charm lies in his relatability; he’s a lovable mess who struggles with life’s challenges and has complex relationships with his family, often being seen as the “black sheep.” Despite his personal chaos, he excels at sleuthing, making him an entertaining and effective investigator. His humor and unique quirks offer a fresh take on the lovable goof archetype.
In conclusion, So Help Me Todd delivers a blend of humor, heart, and intriguing characters that, in my view, surpasses even the charm of Ted Lasso. If you haven’t tuned in yet, it’s definitely worth a watch.
