So Help Me Todd
So Help Me Todd
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that So Help Me Todd is a show about a mother-and-son duo who investigate criminal cases. The mother is a defense attorney who regularly takes cases involving murders and other crimes that are described in detail. There's a brief story of a man jumping off a bridge to end his life after a brain cancer diagnosis, as well as a mention of a woman being sexually assaulted. Todd regularly lies and acts in dishonest ways to solve his cases. There are romantic interest subplots, including married people having affairs. In an early episode, the mayor is embroiled in a sex scandal. Expect frequent use of words like "crappy," "hell," "bitch," "freak," and "idiot."
What's the Story?
In SO HELP ME TODD, a down-on-his luck private investigator (Skylar Astin) comes to work as the in-house investigator for his defense attorney mother (Marcia Gay Harden), who's rediscovering herself in the wake of her husband's recent disappearance. Each week the duo take on new cases while also finding new footing with one another.
Is It Any Good?
A TV show centering on a mother-son relationship is a rare find, especially one aiming for both laughs and intrigue, but this show falls short. So Help Me Todd has a familiar premise -- a male detective who appears to bumble through life but is actually quite proficient at his craft -- but here his relationship with his mom is at the heart of the show. It's just too bad it's not very interesting. Starring Marcia Gay Harden (The Morning Show) and Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect), the show clearly borrows heavily from the (much funnier) series Psych. But the lack of a likable sidekick like Psych's Gus leaves the character of Todd falling flat. Additionally, the cases he's asked to solve are dull, and the only special talent he actually seems to possess is a knack for stumbling across key pieces of evidence. The talents of both Astin and Harden are wasted here, and there are better options out there for viewers interested in either procedural dramas or comedy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how often Todd lies or manipulates to find out things. Is this OK because of his end goal of helping others? Why, or why not?
In what ways does Todd demonstrate integrity? Are there times when he does the opposite? Why is integrity an important character trait?
Can you think of any other shows or movies where a mother and son are the primary relationship featured? Why do you think this is so rare?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 27, 2022
- Cast: Marcia Gay Harden, Skylar Astin
- Network: CBS
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: January 29, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Psych
Smart detective series more funny than graphic.
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