Netflix dropped all eight episodes of their new original series “A Man on the Inside,” starring Ted Danson, on Nov. 21. The show follows Charles, played by Danson, a year after the death of his wife. Now a retired engineering professor with a grown daughter, Charles spends most of his time alone. However, when he finds an ad from a private investigator looking for a spy, he soon finds himself undercover at the Pacific View Retirement Community home looking to expose a thief among the staff and residents.
Created by TV legend Michael Schur, “A Man on the Inside” does a lot in its short season. We are quickly introduced to a complex cast of characters including the private investigator, Julie, played by Lilah Richcreek Estrada, Charles’ daughter, Emily, played by Mary Elizabeth Ellis, the Pacific View manager, Didi, played by Stephanie Beatriz and several Pacific View residents. Every character has their own unique backstory and each resident is a fully-fleshed out character.
Though a spy sitcom, “A Man on the Inside” manages to hit every emotional beat in a natural form. Between the charming cast and back-to-back gags, the series touches on several personal and potent messages of life and community. Throughout the series, Charles is seeking a community; first to infiltrate it for his mission, then because he needs it to continue on. By the end, Charles is a changed man. His newfound community of friends, and even enemies, is a significant part of his life.
The second half of the season in particular is episode after episode of hard-hitting stories exploring aging later in life. The show poses interesting questions on what it means to fade later in life, how it impacts those around you and the hurt that comes with saying goodbye. Throughout the season, residents experience memory failure and sudden deaths, but as Elliott, played by John Getz, explains, after watching countless people fade away in their lifetime, you eventually start to ignore it. But this begs the question: Why should we be so quick to accept the fading of our family and friends? Why, when we see the signs of aging, do we pull away instead of hold tighter?
The older cast members are the soul of the show, a viewpoint not often explored in TV. While Elliot may seem to be made of stone, he feels strongly for those he cares for. He is not the most likable character, but his human nature is captivating and reminds us of his own fear of the end.
A few episodes later when Virginia, played by Sally Struthers, and the entire Pacific View community experiences a heartbreaking loss, Didi tells Elliot that all people want is five more minutes with those they love. The community celebrates the life of the one they lost, remembering them for the friendship and connection they created no matter how long they had to revel in it. With her heartbreak leaking through the screen, Struthers is a stand out in this episode. While Charles finds comfort in time spent with his grandsons after the loss, Virginia moves to honor her friend and Didi keeps the home running as smoothly as possible. In this episode, we also see how the job of running a retirement home takes a toll on the workers and Didi as the manager. Episode six is a testament to the communities formed at all points in life and how losing a friend never hurts any less.
A tight eight episodes, “A Man on the Inside” does a lot in very little time. From start to end, the characters give life to the show. Calbert, played by Stephen McKinley Henderson acts as Charles’ best friend in the home and is easily one of the funniest additions to the cast. His impeccable timing and joking nature with Charles is endearing and heart-melting. Despite his easy going nature, Calbert struggles to connect with his businessman son but finds solidarity in Charles.
Additionally, Danson, as always, is a stand out. From his infectious eagerness to work the spy mission to his fearful realization of the implications of a memory care unit to the absolute heartbreak in his tears as he comes to terms with loss, Danson nails every moment.
As with every Schur project, the “Schurverse” theory continues to grow. For anyone familiar with his previous project, “The Good Place,” the parallels are outstanding. Both series are reflections of life beyond the younger and adult years that are often explored by film and television. Instead, the audience gets to revel in how life continues to grow and change even toward its end. Charles and the greater characters of the show grow and change from start to finish, making each other better. The community they build is not perfect, but it makes them happy.
“A Man on the Inside” is a reflection that life doesn’t and shouldn’t end with aging. As you grow older, and maybe particular nouns leave your mind or your knees fail, you should not burrow inside. As Didi explained, loneliness is the biggest factor impacting the retirement community. The most important part of older age is maintaining community, even when the goodbyes get tough. The ability to be with others and remember those gone is a reminder that there continues to be something to live for.
