‘A Man on the Inside’ Season 1 Review: Charming and Sad

Retirement homes are typically associated with bingo games, not elderly espionage, but Netflix’s new sitcom aims to change that. “A Man on the Inside,” created by Michael Schur, follows a recently widowed and retired professor on an unlikely adventure: infiltrating Pacific View Retirement Home to find a stolen family heirloom.

Released on Nov. 21, “A Man on the Inside” features famous comedian and actor Ted Danson as he brings to life Charles Nieuwendyk, a funny and intelligent grandfather. One year after the passing of his wife Victoria, Charles is encouraged by his daughter Emily (played by Mary Ellis) to find a new hobby to fill his days. Although Emily didn’t quite expect that new activity to be spying on his fellow retirees, Charles sees an ad in the papers and is quickly hired as a mole in a lively whodunit.

Working in tandem with Private Investigator Julie (Lilah Estrada), Charles’s job is to observe suspects in a stolen necklace case at Pacific View Retirement Home. The case becomes complicated as he befriends the residents, confronts difficult memories about his late wife, and is suspiciously observed by the all-knowing manager Didi (Stephanie Beatriz).

With plenty of adorable and funny moments, the comedy in “A Man on the Inside” is carried by Danson and Beatriz. The show is enjoyable and silly, though it does not completely succeed in bringing together the comedic storyline with the more serious elements of the plot, such as aging and death.

Renowned for his roles in “Cheers” and “The Good Place,” Danson is no stranger to successful comedy. It is clear throughout the series that Charles is having fun with his new role as a spy, and Danson adds a consistent air of wit and playfulness to his role. From making up little code signals to recording ridiculous messages on his new recorder, the viewer can tell he’s having a great time. There’s a tangible joy in watching lead actors simply enjoying themselves.

Beatriz, known for her role as Rosa Diaz in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” brings dry humor and assertiveness to the role which compliments Danson’s adorable goofiness. As Didi, she makes each encounter with a resident hilarious while her facial expressions perfectly reveal her thoughts and emotions. She is kind but stern with Charles — Emily and Charles have a similar dynamic on the show, but Didi has a down-to-earth quality that’s needed for the comedy to work as well as it does. This pair is a great partnership and the performance of both actors is the highlight of “A Man on the Inside.”

The Northern California setting of the sitcom also draws attention, between Pacific View’s location in the heart of San Francisco and Emily living near the city. Charles knows and loves the city, adding sentimentality to the show’s setting. In episode seven, Charles spontaneously takes his new friend Calbert (played by Stephen Henderson) touring around San Francisco. A lovely turning point in both characters’ arcs, the episode honors the city and connects the story to its surroundings. Together they walk along the Golden Gate Bridge and stop by an Orioles game, painting a nostalgic and charming image of San Francisco.

“A Man on the Inside” contains two main storylines: the mystery of the stolen necklace, and the grieving processes of Charles and Emily. The duality of the plot adds some nice depth to the story and dimension to the characters, however, the two focuses could be more balanced.

Throughout the season, the lighthearted mystery is starkly juxtaposed with some serious tragic events. A beloved member of the community, Florence (Margaret Avery), passes away in the middle of the season, dying unexpectedly and leaving the whole retirement home grieving. Another key character, Gladys (Susan Ruttan), begins having memory issues and loses her support system at Pacific View toward the final episodes. These events rattle Charles and spark his unresolved grief about his wife. Between trying to work through his memories and save his relationship with his daughter, these areas of the show can get heavy at times. The subject matter holds weight, and as a viewer, the quick transitions of the show’s sitcom-esque style make it difficult to enjoy the comedy and process the underscoring themes in tandem.

However, on the whole, “A Man on the Inside” manages to bring some spark into an environment many wouldn’t think of as cheery or exciting. The high-school-like drama, quippy residents, and fun mystery all bring a lightness to the retirement home that is entertaining and refreshing. The more serious aspects are also valuable, providing the show with a valuable emotional backbone.

While both sides of the plot are necessary, it would have been a smoother watch if the two had been integrated with more nuance and attention to balance. After all, the show is advertised as a comedy. One’s expectations upon entering the show aren’t quite in line with the show that they see.

“A Man on the Inside” is funny, sweet, and easy to relax into. The show’s fun premise and successful comedy leave the viewer chuckling, although the more serious scenes leave something to be desired in their function as a secondary narrative supporting the main plot line.

While a second season is yet to be confirmed, season one finishes with a cliffhanger, as Charles is called in for an ambiguous new mission. Viewers can finish season one feeling confident new cases and characters will bring about the shift the show needs. With Shur behind the screen and Danson in front of it, “A Man on the Inside” is set up for a strong run.