After a long hiatus, So Help Me Todd returned tonight with an enthralling episode, filled with drama for the main characters, both professionally and personally. Tension hit a high note at an opera event that twisted into a murder mystery, showcasing the clever blend of humour and drama that this show does so well. The episode kicked off with a chilling scene as someone sneakily switched out a prop knife, setting the stage for disaster amidst the glitz and glamour of the opera.
The Wright family’s drama initially took centre stage at the opera, where tensions ran high even before the curtain lifted. Margaret was distraught, shedding tears over the firm's financial turmoil that forced her to let go of three more employees. Adding to the tension, Allison, still stuck in her rut, arrived at the opera clad in casual jeans and an “I hate Mondays” T-shirt, leaving Margaret horrified. Todd quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation, always the peacemaker.
"End on a High Note” – SO HELP ME TODD. Pictured: Skylar Astin as Todd Wright and Marcia Gay Harden as Margaret Wright. Photo: Michael Courtney/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The episode deepened with another twist- the autopsy revealed that the victim did not die from the stabbing, but from poison administered through the knife, implicating Jacqueline further. Yet, the plot thickened with the constant appearance of Timothy, the weather man from a previous episode, who became a suspect due to his suspiciously timed presence. After some clever thinking by Todd, suggesting they relive the night through the perspective of those in attendance, the real murderer is discovered and Jacqueline is exonerated.
"End on a High Note” – SO HELP ME TODD. Pictured: Madeline Wise as Allison Grant. Photo: Michael Courtney/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
"End on a High Note” – SO HELP ME TODD. Pictured: Jenifer Lewis as Jacqueline Burton and Tristen J. Winger as Lyle Burton. Photo: Michael Courtney/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Todd’s relationship with Allison was also a focus throughout the episode. Now established on his own, Todd is tired of Allison staying at his apartment, seemingly forgetting the years he spent living in her garage during his own tough times. Their dinner table argument, simultaneous with Lyle’s clash with his mother, underscored the deep-rooted issues within both families. By the episode's end, Allison opened up to Todd about her fear of moving forward. She expressed a willingness to gradually work through her apprehension with his support, and he agreed to be there for her.
"End on a High Note” – SO HELP ME TODD. Pictured: Inga Schlingmann as Susan and Leslie Silva as Beverly Crest. Photo: Michael Courtney/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Overall, tonight’s episode masterfully balanced suspense with emotional depth, all while sprinkling in the right amount of humour. After such a long break since the last episode aired, the show came back with a bang, hopefully reigning in the strong viewership it had, prior to the hiatus. Your turn, Todd fans! What did you think of tonight’s episode? Were you happy to learn more about Lyle? What do you think Beverly’s endgame is with Susan? Comment your thoughts below and engage with me on X at @middleofcanada.