Thomas Storai 
Ted Danson as Charles in A Man on the Inside. Cr. Colleen E. Hayes/Netflix © 2024
“A Man on the Inside is a comedy that is more heartwarming than humorous. Nevertheless, Michael Schur doesn’t fail to deliver another pretty good series with endearing characters. Ted Danson shines as a retired man turned spy.”
Ted Danson reunites with Michael Schur, the creator of The Good Place for a new comedy series – A Man on the Inside. It’s based on the 2021 documentary The Mole Agent. The 8-episode series is now streaming on Netflix.
THE PREMISE
A Man on the Inside tells the story of Charles (Ted Danson), a retired professor who is stuck in his routine. His life takes an exciting turn when he is hired by private investigator Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada). His mission is to infiltrate the Pacific View Retirement Home and find out who has stolen the precious jewel of one of the residents.
A NEW MICHAEL SCHUR SERIES
Michael Schur needs no introduction. He worked on and created some of the funniest American sitcoms of the past decade – The Office, The Good Place, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine. When watching a Michael Schur series, you know you’re going to have a good time. That’s what I expected from A Man on the Inside, and it’s exactly what I got.
A retired man turning into a spy makes for plenty of funny situations. A lot of what Charles says and how he behaves will make you laugh. But the other residents of Pacific View Retirement Home also have their own charm. On top of that, the series follows Charles’ family too. There are several scenes with Charles’ daughter Emily with her husband and their children. The point is to show today’s youth and how obsessed they are with their phones. Plus, it’s a commentary on the challenges of parenting. It mirrors the relationship between Charles and his daughter. However, that part doesn’t exactly stick the landing. It’s the execution of it that doesn’t work. There are several jokes with the kids that fall flat.
MORE HEARTWARMING THAN FUNNY
Overall, this series is funny and sweet but as episodes go on, it becomes more heartwarming than funny. That’s often the problem with comedies featuring a group of elderly people. It’s a shame because the elders can be just as hilarious as anyone else. The beginning of the series shows that. Undoubtedly, this is Schur’s least comical series.
Furthermore, there is even an episode that made me cry, quite literally. It’s so touching, but it really takes you by surprise. You don’t expect a comedy to make you cry like that. Or when that happens it’s usually during the series finale when you have to say goodbye. Though, it speaks volume about the writing of the characters. With just a few episodes, you end up loving them. Schur is truly a talented writer. Even though, it’s not as humorous as I thought it would be, it still is a pretty good series and a must-watch for fans of Schur’s work. This series is a reminder to treat our elders better and to show them our love while they’re still here. Once they’re gone, it’s too late. Loneliness is the worst thing that can happen to them.
CAST
As always with Schur, the characters are built around the talent of his cast. It’s his winning recipe. A Man on the Inside is no exception. Charles was clearly written around Ted Danson’s personality. Ted owns the role. It’s a real joy to see him play this character. The final episode concludes the story started this season, but it opens the door for more. I hope there will be another season because I just need to see Ted Danson play the spy again. Lilah Richcreek Estrada is also great in her role; Her line delivery and her facial reactions are priceless.
VERDICT
A Man on the Inside is a comedy that is more heartwarming than humorous. Nevertheless, Michael Schur doesn’t fail to deliver another pretty good series with endearing characters. Ted Danson shines as a retired man turned spy.
A Man on the Inside is now streaming on Netflix.
Collectables and Anime Editor for Future Of The Force.
Star Wars expert and Japan connoisseur.
