The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Rude, crude comedy pushes boundaries on language and more.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this adult-targeted comedy is full of boundary-pushing material that may be offensive to some viewers. The main character's lies are the source of much of the show's humor, as are extreme comic scenarios that involve sadomasochism, rape jokes, feces, and much more. Language is extreme, including "f--k," "s--t," and many racial, sexual, and gender-oriented slurs.

  • The entire series and its humor hinges on the main character's complex web of poorly reasoned lies. The more elaborate and ridiculous the lie (i.e., he lives in an apartment in the House of Parliament), the more ridiculous the set-up for the lie becomes. While the main character is eventually caught in these lies and brought to court for his crimes, the story depends on the lies for laughs and plot progression.
  • The main characters are unsavory at best. Todd Margaret is a chronic liar; his boss Brent Wilts is a foul-mouthed, womanizing bully; and his assistant Dave is a devious, trick-playing layabout. Side characters who live a more upstanding, honest lifestyle are drawn into Todd's web of lies when they should be more astute, and quickly become his unknowing accomplices or duped sidekicks.
  • Many episodes of comic violence with some extreme examples meant to push the limits of acceptability. A man is shown hung from the neck; blood and feces cover the room after a woman has given birth; a box has "Alice's Rape Kit" written on it; fist fights occur; people fall from heights, and much more.
  • Sex and masturbation is shown in various positions, including sadomasochistic scenes, though no genitalia is shown. 
  • Nearly every possible manifestation and variation of swear word is used, as are racial, sexual, and gender-oriented slurs. Words like "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," and other similar variations are common in dialogue.
  • Not applicable.
  • A pregnant woman is shown drinking and smoking. Other characters drink socially and to the point of inebriation. Cigarette smoking is often seen.

What's the story?

Milquetoast office temp and pathological liar Todd Margaret (David Cross) is mistaken for a go-getter sales executive and sent to London to spearhead the campaign for energy drink Thunder Muscle. Along the way, he accumulates charges ranging from terrorism to counterfeiting to murder, thanks to his mix of naivete and blatant lying.


Is it any good?

 

Anything created, written, and starring David Cross can't be all bad, and that is definitely the case with THE INCREASINGLY POOR DECISIONS OF TODD MARGARET. There are genuinely funny moments within each episode. Unfortunately, these moments are surrounded by ridiculous situations and disgusting gags.

David Cross plays a self-involved naif that many will recognize as a close cousin to Tobias Funke, his character on Arrested Development. While Tobias was amusing, Todd is often simply exasperating. Many times, co-star Will Arnett steals the scene in this series. While this isn't David Cross's best work, those who love Cross and can stomach scenes involving fecal matter, smoking pregnant women, and other low-hanging comedic fruit may just have a new favorite series.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about lying. Under what circumstances, if any, is it OK to lie? What are your family's rules about lying? What message about lying do you think this show is expressing?

  • Why is there such over-the-top swearing in the series? Who uses the swear words? What do you think this says about the characters?

  • Todd Margaret works in sales. Do you think the series' creators respect the profession? Why or why not? Does the series have an anti-consumerism message?


This review was written by Elka Karl

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This review was written by Elka Karl
TV rating:TV-MA
Network:IFC
Cast:David Cross, Spike Jonze, Will Arnett
Genre:Comedy

This review was written by Elka Karl
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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