Netflix Sitcom Delights by Ted Danson

Thanks to modern medicine, people are living longer and more fertile lives, but television images of those enjoying their golden years have certainly not caught up. There are deviations, 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 fringes of popular culture. But in his delightful new comedy, “A Man on the Inside,” “The Good Place” creator Michael Schur has teamed up again with Ted Danson for a charming and hilarious whodunit that explores 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 about her father’s well-being, his adult daughter Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) urges him to take up a hobby or project to fill his days. After answering an ad for help in the local newspaper, Charles goes to work for Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada), a private detective investigating the theft of an expensive necklace at a local retirement community. Julie assigns Charles to go undercover at the posh Pacific View retirement home to help her solve the crime. However, the retired engineer encounters things he could never have expected.

With eight 30-minute episodes, ‘A Man on the Inside’ is perfect television. With his pressed suits, pocket squares and constant harping about Bay Area architecture, Danson is completely endearing as Charles. The moment he walks through the doors of Pacific View, he becomes the object of affection for several ladies, including Virginia (an impeccable Sally Struthers), who decides she wants a piece of him and bravely begins the task. As Charles settles into his new home, armed with spy glasses, a cell phone and a tape recorder, he rushes to follow directions without setting out himself. Although he is motivated to solve the crime, his lack of training leads to several accidents.

Using time and date stamps, the core of “A Man on the Inside” focuses on uncovering the culprit behind the stolen necklace, especially when other items are missing. Things become increasingly complicated when Emily discovers what her father is up to and worries for his safety. As Charles gets closer to some of the residents, he finds it increasingly difficult to remain objective, further complicating the case and irritating Julie. The banter between the pair, her as a no-nonsense professional determined to do her job and him as a well-meaning retiree who is in over his head, is one of the highlights of the series.

Although Charles moves to Pacific View to smoke out the thief, Schur presents an ecosystem of diverse characters who have built a fulfilling life for themselves in this building. Led by the patient and problem-solving director Didi (Stephanie Beatriz), the audience is introduced to a series of new friends and enemies. Virginia’s best friend Florence (Margaret Avery) is a ray of sunshine and an avid Warriors fan. Susan (Lori Tan Chinn), a blue-ribbon miser, has never found anything she couldn’t complain about. Elliot (John Getz) is as old-fashioned as they come and immediately sees Charles as his ‘sexual rival’. Finally, there is Calbert (Stephen Mckinley Henderson), who spends most of his days at the backgammon table, but knows and sees much more than he lets on.

Not only is ‘A Man on the Inside’ packed with feel-good and laugh-out-loud bits, including a fist fight, some very eventful happy hours and some truly chaotic moments involving Charles’ nonchalant grandsons, but the show actually works. like 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 have found a lead, things change and the case is taken in a whole new direction.

As the clues behind the mystery continue to take shape, the conversations between Charles and Emily and his new Pacific View neighbors keep the comedy on a higher level. “A Man on the Inside” reminds viewers how important human connection is for all of us, especially those in their later years. Life doesn’t end because it may look different than before. Sometimes it takes courage and curiosity to walk a completely new, beautifully unexpected path.

“A Man on the Inside” premieres on Netflix on November 21.