Ted Danson’s Netflix Sitcom Delights

Thanks to modern medicine, people are living longer and more fruitful lives, but television depictions of them enjoying their golden years certainly haven’t caught up. There are, of course, anomalies 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 with Ted Danson for a charming and funny whodunit that explores grief, love and the thrill of new beginnings from the seniors’ perspective. .

Based on Maite Alberdi’s Oscar-nominated documentary “The Mole Agent,” “A Man on the Inside” follows Charles (Danson), a retired widower living a monotonous life in San Francisco. Concerned for her father’s welfare, his grown daughter Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) encourages him to take on a hobby or project to fill his days. After answering a wanted ad in the local paper, Charles begins working for Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada), a private investigator investigating the theft of an expensive necklace at a local retirement community. Julie orders Charles to go undercover at the fancy Pacific View Retirement Home to help her solve the crime. However, the retired engineer stumbles upon things he could never have expected.

With eight 30-minute episodes, “A Man on the Inside” is perfect television. With his pressed suits, pockets and constant banter about Bay Area architecture, Danson is absolutely delightful 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 sets about the task. When Charles settles into his new home, armed with spy glasses, a cell phone and a tape recorder, he tries to follow up on leads without going out himself. Although he is motivated to solve the crime, his lack of training leads to several accidents.

Using time and date stamps, the crux of “A Man on the Inside” centers on uncovering the culprit behind the stolen necklace, especially as other items turn up missing. Things get more and more complicated as 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 matters and exasperating Julie. The banter between the pair, her as a no-nonsense professional determined to do her job and him as a well-intentioned pensioner in charge, is one of the show’s highlights.

Although 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. Led by the patient and problem-solving CEO 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, 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 sequestered at the backgammon table, but knows and sees a lot more than he lets on.

Not only is “A Man on the Inside” filled with feel-good and laugh-out-loud bits, including a fistfight, several very eventful happy hours and some truly chaotic moments involving Charles’ nonchalant grandchildren, but the show actually works. like a true mystery. There are a number of potential suspects among the staff and residents of Pacific View, and just when Charles and Julie think they’ve uncovered a clue, things take a turn and take the case 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 high. “A Man on the Inside” reminds viewers how important human connection is to all of us, especially those in their later years. Life does not end because it may look different than it did before. Sometimes it takes boldness and curiosity to set out on a completely new, beautifully unexpected path.

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