via IFC
Network: IFC
Episodes: 18 (half-hour)
Seasons: Three
TV show dates: October 1, 2010 — January 14, 2016
Series status: Cancelled
Performers include: David Cross, Sharon Horgan, Blake Harrison, Will Arnett, Spike Jonze, Amber Tamblyn, Russ Tamblyn, Steve Davis, Colin Salmon, Jon Hamm, Sara Pascoe, and Jack McBrayer.
TV show description:
This farcical black comedy follows perpetual loser Todd Margaret (David Cross). He lies quicker than he tells the truth.
It opens with Todd on trial in UK for a laundry list of despicable crimes. The first two seasons then tell the story of the choices that landed him in such dire straits.
As a result of a misunderstanding, and his own ensuing lies, this part-time temporary employee is promoted to Global National’s chief marketer.
Todd transfers to London, to market the Thunder Muscle energy drink. Thunder Muscle hails from North Korea and is quite possibly toxic.
Brent Wilts (Will Arnett) is the boss who promotes Todd after overhearing him talk particularly tough. Meek Todd was only practicing along with a self-help CD, meant to unleash “the warrior within.”
When Wilts asks if he is familiar with UK culture, Todd spots The Who’s Live at Leeds album, and lies that his “late” father was from Leeds.
The brash, profane Wilts swears like a trucker, raised by pirates. A gambler, he loses money in casinos across Europe, when he is not spending it on hookers.
Doug Whitney (Spike Jonze), Todd’s Oregon boss, was not only passed over for promotion, in favor of Todd — he was fired. Doug has his doubts about Wilts and resolves to uncover the real story.
Wilts wants to increase sales revenue, so he can blow the money on personal extravagances. He got his own promotion in much the same way Todd received his.
The Irish Alice Bell (Sharon Horgan) owns a cafe close to Todd’s flat. She would love to turn it into a restaurant featuring molecular gastronomy.
Alice is not attracted to the irritating Todd, but does what she can for him. He, of course, immediately falls for her. Will he prove her undoing?
Dave Mountford (Blake Harrison) is Todd’s only employee. He makes the most of Todd’s ignorance, by setting up him up to play the fool.
Eventually exposed as a British lord’s crazy son, Dave engineers promotions for both Todd and Brent, so he can enjoy watching them fail, spectacularly.
Steve Davis (Steve Davis) is hired as the “face of Thunder Muscle.” Sad-sack Todd believes Dave, when he says Steve is a bigger deal than David Beckham.
The handsome Canadian, Hudson (Colin Salmon), is Alice’s ex-lover. He makes no secret of his contempt for Todd.
Back in Oregon, Todd considered Stephanie Daley (Amber Tamblyn) his girlfriend. In truth, they had a pity-fueled one-night stand. She regrets it.
When Todd tries to break up with her before he leaves for London, Stephanie points out they were never a couple. Because she’s expecting her date, she makes Todd leave through a window.
Sharing the name of Todd’s so-called ex, Stephanie Daley (Amber Tamblyn) is a news reporter.
When accepting his promotion, Todd lied and said his father was dead. Dear old dad, Chuck Margaret (Russ Tamblyn), comes to England after news reports convince him Todd needs a firm hand.
Jon Hamm (Jon Hamm) is Dave’s personal assistant. Dave bought out Hamm’s Mad Men contract, and has the actor record the self-help audio lessons favored by Todd and Brent.
A chain-smoker, the pregnant, promiscuous Pam (Sara Pascoe) is Todd’s neighbor. His father, Chuck, has babysat Pam’s children.
The second season finale, “Conclusion,” was thought to be the series finale, as Todd destroys the world. After three years, the story continues.
Upon his return, Todd is greeted by an (or, another) employee named Doug Whitney, (Jack McBrayer). Doug is obsessed with replacing the office microwave.
When Todd notes he looks different, Doug quotes a line from The Who’s “Substitute,” saying, “I look pretty tall, but my heels are high.” What, exactly, is going on?
Series Finale:
Episode #18 — The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret
In an effort to save the world, Todd takes extreme measures to ensure the dream doesn’t come true.
First aired: January 14, 2016.
What do you think? Do you like The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret TV show? Do you think it should be cancelled or renewed for another season?
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