Common Sense Media Review
By Elka Karl
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rude, crude comedy pushes boundaries on language and more.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 1, 2010
- Cast : David Cross , Spike Jonze , Will Arnett
- Network : IFC
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 21, 2022
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