Ted Danson Delights in Netflix’s Brilliant Mystery Comedy ‘A Man on the Inside’: TV Review
Due to modern medicine, people are living longer and more fruitful lives, but television depictions of those enjoying their golden years certainly haven’t caught up. There are anomalies, of course, like Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie,” Max’s “Hacks,” and the new CBS drama “Matlock,” but for the most part, ageism has pushed older adults to the outskirts of popular culture. But in his delightful new comedy, “A Man on the Inside,” “The Good Place” creator Michael Schur has reteamed with Ted Danson for a charming and hilarious whodunit that examines grief, love and the excitement of new beginnings from the perspective of seniors.
Based on Maite Alberdi’s Academy Award-nominated documentary “The Mole Agent,” “A Man on the Inside” follows Charles (Danson), a retired widower living a monotonous life in San Francisco. Concerned with her father’s well-being, his adult daughter Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) urges him to take on a hobby or project to fill his days. After answering a help wanted ad in the local newspaper, Charles begins working for Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada), a private detective investigating the theft of an expensive necklace at a local retirement community. Julie tasks Charles with going undercover at the swanky Pacific View Retirement Home to help her solve the crime. However, the retired engineer stumbles upon things he could have never expected.
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With eight 30-minute episodes, “A Man on the Inside” is perfect television. With his pressed suits, pocket squares and constant drivel about the Bay Area’s architecture, Danson is entirely endearing as Charles. The moment he walks through Pacific View’s doors, he becomes the object of affection for several ladies, including Virginia (a flawless Sally Struthers), who decides she wants a piece of him and boldly embarks on the task. As Charles settles into his new home, armed with spy glasses, a cell phone and a tape recorder, he scrambles to follow up on leads without outing himself. Though he’s is motivated to solve the crime, his lack of training leads to several mishaps.
Using time and date stamps, the core of “A Man on the Inside” centers on uncovering the culprit behind the stolen necklace, especially as other items turn up missing. Things do become increasingly complicated when Emily discovers what her father is up to and becomes concerned for his safety, and as Charles grows closer to some of the residents, he finds it more challenging to remain objective, further complicating the case and irritating Julie. The banter between the pair, her as a non-nonsense professional determined to do her job and him as a well-meaning retiree who is in over his head, is one of the series highlights.
Though Charles moves into Pacific View to smoke out the thief, Schur presents an ecosystem of distinct characters who have made fulfilling lives for themselves in this building. With the patient and problem-solving managing director Didi (Stephanie Beatriz) leading the charge, the audience is introduced to an array of new friends and foes. Virginia’s best friend Florence (Margaret Avery) is a ray of sunshine and an avid Warriors fan. Susan (Lori Tan Chinn), a blue ribbon curmudgeon, has never found something she couldn’t complain about. Elliot (John Getz) is as old-school as they come and immediately sees Charles as his “sexual rival.” Finally, there’s Calbert (Stephen Mckinley Henderson), who spends most of his days sequestered at the backgammon table but knows and sees much more than he lets on.
Not only is “A Man on the Inside” stuffed full of feel-good and laugh-out-loud bits, including a fist fight, several very eventful happy hours and some truly chaotic moments involving Charles’ nonchalant grandsons, but the show actually works as a true mystery. There is an array of potential suspects among the staff and residents of Pacific View, and just when Charles and Julie think they’ve uncovered a lead, things shift, taking the case in a brand new direction.
While the clues behind the mystery continue to take shape, the conversations between Charles and Emily and his new Pacific View neighbors keep the comedy elevated. “A Man on the Inside” reminds viewers how important human connection is for all of us, especially for those in their later years. Life doesn’t end because it may look differently than it did before. Sometimes, it takes audaciousness and curiosity to embark on a brand-new, beautifully unexpected path.
“A Man on the Inside” premieres on Netflix Nov. 21.
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