Review: ‘A Man on the Inside,’ starring Ted Danson, is sweet, serious but always funny

As a long-time fan of both heartwarming stories and masterfully crafted television, I must say that “A Man on the Inside” has truly captured my attention. The show’s unique blend of humor, emotion, and insight into the human condition is nothing short of remarkable.

My initial recollection of Ted Danson is vividly etched as he danced alone under a spotlight on a pier, performing to Frank Sinatra’s music, in the film “Body Heat”. This scene is the only part of the movie that I can recall.

His style of acting, marked by gracefulness, has remained consistent across various roles over the years. From the gentle tones of “Cheers” and “Bored to Death,” to the more serious demeanor in “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where he portrays a version of himself, his acting range is vast. Although primarily known for comedy roles due to his charming persona, he can effectively break away from typecasting, as demonstrated by his role as a corrupt billionaire in “Damages.

In the season finale of “The Good Place,” it was a surprising twist when Danson, initially thought to be an angel, was revealed to be a devil instead. This plot turn relied on defying our assumptions not just about his character but also the actor portraying him. It felt as though his transformation into a force for good was almost expected given the show’s brand. Despite working constantly, we always look forward to seeing him return, as if he had been gone for a long time.

The latest Danson series is “A Man on the Inside,” premiering Thursday on Netflix, but it is in most every other respect a classic NBC Thursday night comedy. It comes from Michael Schur, who created “The Good Place” (a classic NBC Thursday night comedy), with which it shares a philosophical bent, playing with questions of mortality and morality and the meaning of life, explicitly but not pedantically. It’s sweet and serious, and as the series goes on, knockabout comedy makes room for poignancy. But it never stops being funny.

In this reimagined narrative:

It’s in the newspaper that he comes across a classified ad, reading: “Wanted, Investigative Assistant, Male 75-85, Must have phone.” This brings him to the office of Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada), a private investigator whose client (Marc Evan Jackson, also from “The Good Place”) has hired her to look into the theft of his mother’s ruby necklace from her room in a posh San Francisco retirement home. Julie needs a senior citizen to go undercover in that “closed ecosystem” — that is, closed to her — to collect information, identify suspects and report back.

Despite appearing unlikely, the storyline stems from a 2020 Chilean documentary named “The Mole Agent.” Initially, Charles appears as Julie’s top choice in a pool of less desirable options, and this serves as our starting point. The comical spy character is familiar to us, and Charles, by telling implausible untruths with even more absurd ones, might seem peculiar if not for Danson’s face presenting him.

In the Pacific View retirement community, Julie disguises herself as Charles’ daughter, and when Emily unexpectedly shows up, he presents her to the director, Didi (Stephanie Beatriz), as his “niece…Julie.” This adds another dimension to the comic situation. When asked about their relationship, Charles will awkwardly explain, “Well, you see, my brother had a child and it turned out to be her,” later on. Emily questions the whole setup, commenting, “You know, just because you’ve read a lot of Sue Grafton novels doesn’t make you a detective,” to her father. Despite her doubts, this deception will eventually bring them closer together. The series is known for such complex and humorous situations.

In his mid-70s, Charles seems more at ease in water than out, given his poised demeanor and striking features that set him apart from others of his age group. However, they are not a lazy bunch – Charles ends up tipsy and high by the end of his first night (happy hour starts at 3 p.m.), only to find two slices of pizza stuck to his back when he wakes up the next morning. Upon being awakened from his hungover slumber by Julie, he expresses gratitude, stating, “Thank God, I’m starving.

In simpler terms, Sally Struthers, who often finds herself in less prominent roles, portrays Virginia, a flirtatious and bold character who quickly approaches Charles with a comment about his height. Elliott, played by John Getz, views Charles as a rival. Susan Ruttan delivers a touching performance as Gladys, a gentle, retired costume designer struggling with memory loss. Stephen McKinley Henderson’s Calbert provides an unpredictable dynamic with Charles. Margaret Avery tempts Charles into reading Shakespeare, but he struggles to understand it. Notably, he is given the “Seven Ages of Man” speech from “As You Like It,” where the final age is described as a state of being childish, blind, and forgetful. Lastly, it was pleasant to see Veronica Cartwright making an appearance in the cast, even though her role was minor.

From the outset, Charles aggressively dives into his learning process, combining professional zeal, youthful excitement, and meticulous scientific approach. He perceives the environment as brimming with secrets, animosities, and personal conflicts. Instead of just amassing extensive files on everyone, he also questions his own suitability for the job. Despite mastering the work, Charles develops a growing fascination with the people rather than the case. He builds connections and forms friendships, which Julie cautions him about. “Being a spy means being solitary,” she advises, unaware that her statement contradicts the essence of the show she’s part of.

As a cinema enthusiast, I can confidently say that “A Man on the Inside” might not reach the eccentric heights of “The Good Place,” but it’s still a delight in nearly every aspect. Mike Schur, much like before, aims for more than just to tickle our funny bones. The sentimental parts of this series are thoughtfully crafted, authentic, and intellectually sound – a rare combination that truly resonates.

For numerous individuals, the responsibility of caring for aging parents has been encountered or attempted by many. As we speak, some of us have also reached this life stage ourselves. Yet, death lingers subtly nearby, visible yet concealed. These septuagenarian performers continue to excel in their craft, boasting decades of expertise and numerous accolades on their shelves – even as they portray characters who are not at the same age. In essence, they’re merely enacting old age rather than truly being it.

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2024-11-21 11:31