A Man on the Inside (TV Series), A Heartfelt Comedy
The last episode of “A Man on the Inside” on Netflix surprised me. It managed to connect every loose end and showed the aftermath of events without leaving us guessing. Though it is a comedy, it went beyond the usual and delivered a deeply satisfying finale. Throughout most of the show, the writing impressed me, but the final episode stood out with each phrase feeling brilliant and meaningful. One scene, an exchange between a father and his daughter, moved me to tears. It was that touching. The eight-part run had a few dull moments, yet overall Mangoidiots unhesitatingly recommends this series.
The show was created by Michael Schur, a writer of The Office and co-creator of Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He also created The Good Place. With that track record, I expected something enjoyable, but I was still pleasantly surprised. Honestly, who wants to think about retirement homes until forced to? Using that setting as the backdrop, “A Man on the Inside” achieves something special.
The story revolves around Charles Nieuwendyk, a recent widower portrayed by Ted Danson, who excelled in the role after his success in The Good Place. Seeking a change, Charles takes a job as an undercover investigator at a private elderly facility. There, he befriends the residents, influences their lives, and transforms himself as well. Mary Elizabeth Ellis plays Emily Nieuwendyk, the daughter who struggles to connect with her father after her mother’s death. She delivers a performance that is heartfelt and relatable.
While the show is funny, it does more than just entertain. It sheds light on the real issues that the elderly face in such facilities. This is a topic we often avoid, but here it is presented with honesty and warmth. When we do have to face these realities in our own lives, this series might help us remember that understanding and empathy matter.
Originally published at https://venkatarangan.com on December 6, 2024.
