"So Help Me Todd" Season 2: A Chance to Redeem Susan
The latest comedy-drama series on CBS, "So Help Me Todd," has earned a loyal following with its witty humor and heartwarming portrayal of family relationships. However, amidst all the laughter and tears, one character stands out for her underdeveloped arc: Susan Warren Todd (played by Selena Aduardo).
In season 1, Susan is introduced as a successful event planner who suddenly finds herself in the middle of a family crisis. Her lawyer husband, Jake, goes missing, leaving her and their three daughters to deal with the consequences of his disappearance. As the search for Jake continues, the family is forced to work together to cope with their new reality. Susan is initially portrayed as a caring and devoted mother, struggling to keep everything together in the face of uncertainty. However, as the series progresses, she becomes less of a main character, relegated to secondary storylines and underwritten moments of emotional turmoil.
This needs to change in season 2. With a few tweaks to the writing and character development, Susan deserves more screen time and backstory to make her a compelling and relatable protagonist in her own right. Here are a few ways season 2 could improve her character:
Give us more backstory
Throughout the first season, we glimpse Susan’s vulnerable side as she struggles to cope with Jake’s disappearance. While these moments are impactful, we hardly learn anything substantial about her before meeting her husband. Delving into her pre-marriage life, her parents, her childhood – any of these could make Susan a richer, more multidimensional character.
Show us more of her wit and personality
Susan often gets shortchanged when it comes to humor, stuck in sidekick mode or relegated to reactions to others’ snappy dialogue. However, in those fleeting moments when she gets her own stand-alone jokes, she proves to be hilarious and feisty. Amplifying this aspect of her personality would make her more likable and engaging, allowing fans to root for her.
Explore her inner world
Susan is often lost in the whirlwind of her family’s drama. While it’s understandable to prioritize the storylines revolving around Jake, we lose sight of her inner thoughts and emotions. A focus on her emotional journey would make her struggles more tangible and her ultimate triumph more satisfying.
Integrate her into main storylines
As much as "So Help Me Todd" excels in exploring different characters’ backstories and relationships, Susan is increasingly relegated to afterthought territory. Giving her a vital role in primary story arcs would create opportunities for surprising character growth, new connections, and intriguing conflicts that would make the show richer and more satisfying.
Lastly, the series could make Susan’s storylines feel more authentic and personal to her experiences. Avoid cheap plot devices, like artificially manufactured drama, and stick to authentic situations that let her character shine. Fans have already demonstrated their interest in Susan by cheering on her quiet strength and warmth; now, it’s time to return the spotlight to her remarkable character.
By revamping Susan’s character development in season 2, "So Help Me Todd" can evolve into a true ensemble cast, with a well-rounded and compelling Susan at the forefront. Let’s raise our glasses (of lattes) to that possibility – Susan Warren Todd deserves nothing but the best!