The episode started with Todd’s quirky business promotion—offering legal services at a discount with a side of breakfast tacos. While amusing, it set the tone for the financial desperation at the firm, especially for Margaret, who is grappling with the harsh realities of her desired position as a named partner. The introduction of a man mistakenly declared dead added a bizarre yet intriguing case of the week, giving Margaret a chance to shine in her role, despite being at her breaking point with trying to keep the firm afloat.
"Faux-Bituary” – SO HELP ME TODD. Pictured: Caitlin McCarthy as Ellen, Bernie Yao as Lewis, Kelly Metzger as Jean and Marcia Gay Harden as Margaret Wright. Photo: Michael Courtney/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Todd and Margaret visited a funeral home to investigate the mysterious case of Leo, who was mistakenly declared dead. The funeral director revealed he didn’t author Leo's obituary, hinting at a hacker's involvement. This discovery set off a comical chain of events, involving mistaken identities, that entangled all the key players at the firm. Adding to the chaos, Lyle returned to work high on nitrous oxide after a dental procedure, leading to hilarious antics with Todd. In his dazed state, Lyle accidentally revealed that Merritt Folding, the firm's elusive third partner, possesses a private server capable of accessing the dark web. Using Lyle’s uniquely arched fingerprint, which is rare among the population, they accessed the server.
Amidst this, a Scottish visitor, who happened to be Susan’s client, mistakenly identified Todd as Folding, prompting Todd to adopt a Scottish accent in a humorous improvisation. This misunderstanding spread, causing Margaret to think Susan has included Folding in her big client meeting instead of her. Meanwhile, Susan confused Margaret's client for her own. The mix-ups peaked when Margaret inadvertently struck a deal with a quirky salesperson, thinking he was Susan’s a major client, only to be informed she had agreed to sponsor disenfranchised lizards. The episode culminated as Todd and Lyle traced the hacker to Piper Harlow, who, in a twist, had hired someone to serve her prison sentence, deepening the mystery and showcasing the episode’s brilliant blend of humor and intrigue.
"Faux-Bituary” – SO HELP ME TODD. Pictured: Skylar Astin as Todd Wright, James Martinez as Leo Hart and Marcia Gay Harden as Margaret Wright. Photo: Michael Courtney/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The comedic element was plentiful in this episode, but the highlight was Todd impersonating Merritt Folding in a Scottish accent—a testament to the show’s creative humor and Todd’s quick thinking. This scene was not only hilarious but pivotal, leading to further developments in their investigation.
As the plot unfolded with the twist of the real Piper Harlow hiring someone to serve her jail time, the show continued to balance its comedic and dramatic elements skillfully. The resolution of the case, revealing a tangled web of family secrets involving Ethan, provided a satisfactory conclusion to the mystery while touching on deeper themes of identity and the cost of keeping secrets. The narrative also paved the way for the return of Veronica, as it was discovered that the crooked prison guard who assisted Piper, was the same guard who also helped Veronica.
The personal dynamics between the Wright family were also part of the narrative. Margaret’s attempt to mend her relationship with Allison after catching her in bed with Dick Franks, added an emotional layer to the episode, as Allison revealed that she feels as though she is stuck in a state of flux. Margaret’s typical way of handling situations like this with Allison would be to shame and begrudge her, but this time she softened. She realized that Allison just needed her to be there and allow her time to come to her when needed. Margaret has shown tremendous character growth this season, and this is a prime example of that.
"Faux-Bituary” – 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
Overall, this episode was a solid reminder of the show’s strengths—its ability to seamlessly blend humor with heartfelt drama and weave complex, engaging stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a shame CBS didn’t see the potential for longevity, as So Help Me Todd offers a refreshing take in a saturated market. Hopefully, another network will take notice and give this show the second life it deserves.
