As the legal dramedy So Help Me Todd gears up for its third season, fans are eager to see where the show will take its quirky characters and unpredictable storylines. While the mother-son dynamic between Margaret (Marcia Gay Harden) and Todd (Skylar Astin) has proven to be a winning formula, there’s one aspect of the show that could use some serious improvement: the character of Susan.
In this article, we’ll explore why Susan, one of the supporting characters, feels underdeveloped, and how So Help Me Todd Season 3 has an opportunity to right this wrong. We’ll dive into what the show could do better with Susan’s character, and how improving her storyline could elevate the series as a whole.
The Missed Potential of Susan
Susan (played by Inga Schlingmann) has been a significant yet underexplored part of the show’s ensemble cast. Introduced early on as one of the lawyers at Margaret’s firm, Susan is intelligent, capable, and competent, but there’s one glaring issue: her character often feels like a background figure rather than a fully fleshed-out presence. This isn’t necessarily a reflection of the actress’s performance—it’s more about how the show has chosen to handle her role in the larger narrative.
Who is Susan, Really?
At first glance, Susan seems to be an important part of the team. She works at the law firm alongside Margaret and Todd, contributing to legal cases and often acting as the rational voice when things get too chaotic. But beyond her professional skills, there’s very little known about her personal life or backstory. She exists primarily as a foil to the main characters—often used to provide a moment of contrast or to react to Todd’s antics—but the show has missed opportunities to dive deeper into who Susan really is.
As a viewer, it’s hard not to wonder: What motivates Susan? Does she have a family? What are her hopes, dreams, and challenges? In short, why should we care about Susan’s storyline?
The issue is that Susan hasn’t been given the same development that other supporting characters, like Todd’s brother or the various legal staff members, receive. While Todd’s quirks, Margaret’s professional dilemmas, and the interactions between the leads get plenty of screen time, Susan remains relegated to a secondary role. Her potential as a character feels untapped, and this lack of exploration leaves her feeling a bit one-dimensional.
Why This Matters for Season 3
So Help Me Todd is a show that thrives on the strength of its characters. While the case-of-the-week format offers plenty of intrigue and drama, it’s the relationships that really drive the show’s emotional core. Characters like Margaret, Todd, and even the supporting cast members are given enough room to evolve and grow, making them feel authentic and relatable. But Susan hasn’t yet had that opportunity.
In a legal drama where teamwork and collaboration are key to solving cases, Susan could play a pivotal role—if she were given the development she deserves. Without fleshing her out more, the show risks losing a valuable dynamic that could deepen the narrative.
How ‘So Help Me Todd’ Can Improve Susan’s Storyline
So, what can So Help Me Todd do to improve Susan’s character in Season 3? Here are some concrete ideas that would not only make her character more compelling but also enrich the overall storyline.
1. Give Susan a Strong Personal Arc
One of the easiest ways to make Susan feel more like a fully-realized character is by introducing a strong personal storyline. As it stands, Susan’s life outside of work is barely touched upon, but Season 3 could change that by providing glimpses into her personal life. Does she have a romantic partner? Is she dealing with family issues? Maybe she’s grappling with the stress of balancing a demanding job and personal life. Exploring her vulnerabilities would make her more relatable to viewers, giving us a reason to care about her beyond just her legal prowess.
A personal arc could also deepen her relationship with Todd and Margaret. Imagine if Susan was dealing with a difficult situation at home that Todd accidentally gets involved with. It would not only create room for humor and conflict, but it would also offer an opportunity for growth—for both Susan and her relationships with other characters.
2. Explore Susan’s Past
If the show truly wants to make Susan an integral part of the series, Season 3 should explore her backstory. What brought her to Margaret’s law firm? Did she have any major career or life-changing decisions that shaped who she is today? By giving Susan a past, the show could open up new layers to her character, allowing her to interact with the rest of the cast in a more dynamic way.
Imagine a flashback episode or an opportunity for Susan to share her past with Margaret or Todd. It could reveal some of her core motivations—whether she’s driven by ambition, a need for stability, or something more personal like a desire for redemption or to prove herself. Knowing more about Susan’s history would allow viewers to connect with her on a deeper level.
3. Develop Her Relationship With Todd and Margaret
Susan’s interactions with Todd and Margaret are, at best, functional. While she plays a supportive role in the firm, there’s rarely any emotional connection or deeper conversation between her and the main characters. Season 3 should focus on developing Susan’s relationships with both Margaret and Todd.
A few potential ideas:
- Margaret and Susan could have moments of mentorship, where Margaret opens up about her own struggles and challenges, offering Susan advice or guidance.
- Todd and Susan could develop a more comedic and unexpected dynamic. After all, Todd is an outsider in the firm, and his chaotic nature could spark interesting contrasts with Susan’s more grounded personality. A few episodes exploring their evolving relationship could add humor and heart to the show.
Additionally, Susan could become a more active participant in solving cases, allowing her interactions with the other characters to evolve naturally and organically.
Why It’s Important to Invest in Susan’s Character
The absence of a strong, fully developed character like Susan leaves a void in So Help Me Todd that Season 3 could easily fill. For a show that is all about family dynamics, teamwork, and personal growth, Susan’s lack of development feels like an oversight. By fleshing out her character more deeply, the show could expand its emotional depth and give viewers even more to care about.
Characters like Todd and Margaret have grown and evolved over the course of the show, making their personal journeys feel rich and meaningful. But a strong ensemble cast depends on the strength of all its members, not just the leads. Investing in Susan’s development would only enhance the overall quality of the show, making it even more relatable and engaging.
Conclusion: A Fresh Opportunity for ‘So Help Me Todd’ in Season 3
In conclusion, So Help Me Todd Season 3 has a real opportunity to elevate the series by giving Susan the storyline she deserves. As the show continues to explore legal cases, family conflicts, and workplace dynamics, deepening Susan’s character could bring a new layer of richness to the narrative. Whether it’s through personal arcs, exploring her past, or fostering stronger relationships with Todd and Margaret, there are many ways to make Susan an integral part of the show’s emotional core.
By giving her more screen time, backstory, and room to grow, So Help Me Todd can ensure that its third season is not only entertaining but also emotionally resonant for viewers. After all, great ensemble shows are made when every character has a chance to shine.
FAQ: Why Does Susan Feel Underdeveloped in ‘So Help Me Todd’?
Q: Why is Susan underdeveloped in So Help Me Todd?
A: The character of Susan is often relegated to a secondary role, serving more as a background figure to the main leads, Todd and Margaret. While she is competent in her legal work, the show hasn’t given her a personal arc, backstory, or deeper relationships with the other characters. This lack of development means viewers don’t connect with her as strongly, and she hasn’t become a fully realized part of the story. Giving Susan more depth in Season 3 could improve her role and make the show even stronger.
