Watch Todd Margaret

Todd Margaret is an American/British television sitcom that ran between 2009 and 2016. The show revolves around Todd Margaret (David Cross), a hapless American office temp and liar, who is sent to London to run the newly acquired sales department of an obscure energy drink. The show features an ensemble cast, including Sharon Horgan as Alice Bell, Todd's alcoholic and misanthropic boss, and Will Arnett as Brent Wilts, Todd's equally self-absorbed and egotistical co-worker.

Throughout the show, Todd finds himself in increasingly absurd and hilarious situations, as he tries to navigate the cultural differences between the US and the UK, and struggles to understand British customs and slang. He repeatedly finds himself in trouble with his boss, Alice, and his colleagues, as his lies and incompetence lead to disastrous consequences. Along the way, he also falls in love with Alice, who is initially repulsed by him but eventually warms to his odd charm.

The show is known for its surreal humor, which often borders on the absurd, and for its constantly shifting tone, which can veer from bleak to uplifting to downright bizarre. Despite its wacky sensibility, however, there is a consistent thread of melancholy and regret that runs through the show. Todd is a tragic figure, a man trapped in his own lies and unable to escape the consequences of his actions. Despite his best intentions, he always seems to be digging himself deeper into a hole.

One of the most distinctive elements of Todd Margaret is its use of flashback sequences, which often provide crucial backstory and explain how Todd ended up in his current predicament. These sequences are often edited in a frenzied, almost nonsensical style, with repeated shots of a young Todd (played by Blake Harrison) looking bewildered and confused. The show's creators have described these sequences as a way of showing Todd's subjective memory, and the way in which he represses or embellishes certain details.

Another recurring feature of the show is its use of absurdly intricate schemes and machinations, which often involve multiple characters conspiring against one another. These schemes can be convoluted and confusing, but they are always satisfyingly resolved in the end. There are also numerous running gags and catchphrases throughout the show, such as Alice's repeated refrain of "Just do it!", and Todd's tendency to end statements with the phrase, "I learned it from you."

Overall, Todd Margaret is a unique and off-the-wall sitcom that is not for everyone. Its humor is often dark and absurdist, and its characters are frequently unlikeable and unsympathetic. However, for those who appreciate its eccentricities, it offers a rich and rewarding viewing experience, full of surprising twists and turns. It is a show that rewards careful attention and multiple viewings, as its intricate plotting and character arcs become more apparent over time.

Todd Margaret is a series that ran for 3 seasons (18 episodes) between and on Channel 4