The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret (David Cross' UK-based IFC series)

[McCrutchy]

Created, written by, and starring David Cross (Arrested Development, Mr. Show), THE INCREASINGLY POOR DECISIONS OF TODD MARGARET follows the awkward misadventures of an American office temp and convenient liar named Todd Margaret (David Cross). Margaret bluffs his way into a senior sales position heading up the London office for the new energy drink Thunder Muscle. This six-episode half hour original comedy series, co-written by Shaun Pye (Extras), premieres on IFC Friday, October 1 at 10:00 PM/ET.

Cross' out-of-control farce reaches epic proportions when his character's gaffes and misfortunes wreak havoc on the city of London. His antics are often fueled by Dave, played by Blake Harrison (The Inbetweeners), his mysteriously devious and sometimes useless assistant. Complicating matters is Todd's misplaced attempts to win the affection of Alice, played by Sharon Horgan (Pulling), his uninterested UK love interest. The series also features guest stars Will Arnett (Arrested Development, Running Wilde) as Todd's hard-ass, foul-mouthed boss, and Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) as Todd's American "girlfriend." Janeane Garofalo (24, Reality Bites) and Russ Tamblyn (West Side Story, Peyton Place) make special appearances.

The show's opening theme song "Life is Sweet" and incidental music throughout the series was written and recorded by Johnny Marr (The Smiths, Modest Mouse, The Cribs).

"The cool thing about Todd Margaret is that, while a straight ahead comedy show, it tells a story that has a beginning and an end. Every episode starts the next morning after the previous episode so that the sense of inescapable impending doom is heightened exponentially with each subsequent show," said David Cross. "There's no escape."

I'm surprised there isn't already a thread about this new show on IFC (and More4 in the UK). I've caught the first two episodes and so far, I think it's very good with moments of sheer brilliance. British ex-pats and Anglophiles will love the setting and humor--unlike most shows starring Americans, this is actually set and filmed in the UK--but otherwise sheltered Americans should find a lot to identify with in Cross' character, who in addition to having no clue about England (let alone the UK) is desperate to fit in, and constantly makes things worse for himself by pretending to know about the country and its people.

Has anybody else seen this so far?

Also, U.S. viewers should note, that, unlike much IFC programming, this show is shown in proper, OAR 1.78:1 1080i HD on IFC HD, even though my Program Guide at first claimed it isn't.

[WyldeMan45]

I watched the first episode because I'm a David Cross fan, but I just couldn't get into this. It might be because I have never liked british comedy and that's the main core of this show basically making fun of an American in a foreign land, not really that amusing to me. I was a huge Arrested Development fan but between this and Running Wilde I have been very disappointed this pilot season with David and Will's shows.

[McCrutchy]

In my opinion, the second episode was slightly better--the

[Show spoiler]Sainsbury's

gag, in particular, is something I can see myself pulling on an unsuspecting friend--but I do hope the show finds its feet soon, or at least is graced with another series. I'm sure writing for only six episodes is a new experience for Cross, and I think he's used to a slightly longer pace for character development.

I'm also curious to know how to show fares with British viewers so far, but the Digital Spy forums are lacking. I wonder if More4 has transmitted any episodes yet?

[Wyndam]

I checked this out yesterday and I absolutely love it! It's one of the funniest things I've seen in a long time. By episode three you can't help but just start cringing at everything Todd does, as you just know how horrible things will turn out for him.

Anyone else watching it? If you're is a fan of David Cross, I highly recommend it.

[ArrestedDevelopment]

Anyone else watching this show. The second season is firing on all cylinders. Absolutely hilarious. Hands down one of the funniest shows currently on television.

[sonicboom]

I didn't even realize the second season had started. Hopefully it's on demand.

[Clark Kent]

Funny show that veers a little too close to stupidity every so often. It reminds me of Arrested Development with a much smaller ensemble cast.

[Konfusion1230]

Second season better than first season? I had seen the first couple episodes of the first season as I am a David Cross fan, but I couldn't get into it.

[Clark Kent]

Originally Posted by Konfusion1230

Second season better than first season? I had seen the first couple episodes of the first season as I am a David Cross fan, but I couldn't get into it.

It's more of the same.

[Talzin78]

Just watched series 1 & 2 on Netflix. Thought it was pretty funny every episode had a great WTF moment! Alices Drapes for Kitchen was one of my favorite set ups, and Spike Jonze timid Sherlock obsessed Whitney is great. However the greater plot got a little too mucked up for my taste. Will watch series 3 when I come across it.