I don’t know what it is about the show, but I find myself watching Men of a Certain Age with a huge smile on my face. It’s just so enjoyable. There’s nothing fake, no manufactured drama or controversy. And even though I certainly can’t relate to these three guys — each closing in on 50 and thinking about what comes next in life — their stories are certainly accessible.
Which might have to do with the tremendous actors playing the three main roles, but I think it goes beyond a laudable casting job. Namely, MOCA is just good TV. How many shows can you say that about nowadays?
Terry frustrated me a bit this week. Owen likes to joke about it, but Terry’s life really is one of luxury. I think everyone, Terry included, forgets that he’s failed to realize his dream, but the day-to-day is pretty sweet. For him … I wouldn’t want to manage an apartment building, even if it is as small as that one. Although the fact that a lot of the problems seem to be handed off to professionals certainly makes it easier.
Anyway, I was a little disappointed in just how allergic to any effort Terry seems to be. That is, until something — be it common sense, the prospect of moving, or the thought of having to go back to the accounting temp job to pay the rent — motivated him to realize just how sweet a gig he landed. And Terry’s a great people person, so it could be fun to see him interacting with all of his varied neighbors. Although I wouldn’t mind seeing him do some acting.
I also love how Annie has been present the last two episodes, and I’m really glad that she’s become a permanent in Terry’s life. I wouldn’t mind seeing her role expanded, but one step at a time.
Owen keeps getting the fuzzy end of the lollipop. I had read in the episode summary that his family worried about his weight this week, and I imagined a very boring plot. Not that it was ripe with adventure, but the truth is that what he’s experiencing is real, and MOCA manages to play it just that way. Plus there’s always plenty of variety with Owen’s family and co-workers getting involved in this or that. Unlike Terry, Owen has to slug it out every day, and he does a damn good job of it each and every week.
And just when I was wondering if Joe was being forgotten, we got not one but two sides of him last night. First of all, I’m happy that Dory (Sarah Clarke) reappeared, since nothing would be weaker than Joe and Dory, who totally clicked a few weeks ago, never seeing one another again because her story was one and done. If she makes him happy, I hope she sticks around and pops up more often. Maybe a triple date?
The second was something that has the potential to be really interesting for Joe. Thus far he’s seemed resigned to his lot in life, divorced with two kids, living in a residential hotel, with a store that doesn’t exactly challenge him. But just the prospect of his chasing a spot on the PGA Senior Tour would finally give him something to strive for, something to give him a new purpose in life. And man did Ray look good out there on the golf course — it looks like he’s been practicing since Making the Cut: The Road to Pebble Beach.
The only bad thing about this show is that its being on TNT means we won’t get a 22-24 episode season.
Like I said, just a great big smile.
Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Feb 02, 2010 @ 17:32 EST5EDT
I really liked Joe in this episode. Best part for me. Could be the golf connection though. Can’t wait until the weather warms back up so I can get back out there. I think I’d like to play a round with Joe. He’d of course have a lower score than me, but he seems like the kind of golfer that would be willing to provide tips and advice without sounding like a ‘prick’.
Something I find odd, I’m on the cusp of 30s and really feel I can relate to these characters. I think a lot of what the male characters are going through are something that many men go through regardless of age. I hope so anyhow. Either that or I’m getting older too fast.
Again, another move by Owen’s father away from being the stereotypical mean dad. I liked that as well.
I think this may be one of the rare shows where when it comes out on DVD I will buy it and watch it immediately.
*POST AUTHOR*
Oh, I’ll be right there with you buying it. :)
I guess I could see all three guys as being relatable, depending on whether or not you’re considering the baggage they’re approaching new situations with. For instance, anyone can struggle with weight and willpower, but Owen is doing so with all the other control struggles in his life. Joe’s considering a new career, but for him it would be new life after a failed marriage, etc. But if you don’t consider the specific circumstances as being significant (which they aren’t, necessarily), you’re right.
Or you’re getting old fast. ;)