Man on the Inside Season 2 Review: Ted Danson’s Bland TV Show
“`html
A Man on the Inside: A Case Study in “Mid TV”
Table of Contents
What is “Mid TV”?
The term “Mid TV,” coined by New York Times critic James Poniewozik, describes the current landscape of streaming television dominated by ”well-cast, sleekly produced competence.” It’s not necessarily *bad* television, but it lacks the spark, innovation, and risk-taking that once defined the medium. It’s entertainment designed to be inoffensive and easily consumed, prioritizing quantity over quality and relying heavily on established names and familiar formulas.
The Plot of A Man on the Inside
A Man on the Inside centers around Charles (Ted Danson), a recently widowed retired professor who finds a new purpose by going undercover in a San Francisco retirement community.His mission? To solve a jewelry theft. However, the series quickly evolves into a heartwarming story about Charles rediscovering connection and friendship. The show is based on the 2020 documentary The Mole Agent, which followed a man infiltrating a care home to investigate potential abuse. Notably, the series substantially tones down the darker themes of the documentary, opting for a lighter, more comedic approach.
Why A Man on the Inside Embodies “Mid TV”
While not inherently a *poor* show, A Man on the Inside exemplifies manny of the cynical methods prevalent in modern streaming television. Several key factors contribute to this:
- leveraging Established Talent: The show prominently features Michael Schur (known for Parks and Recreation and The Good Place) and Ted Danson,capitalizing on their existing fan base and reputation.
- IP Groundwork: Adapting a pre-existing documentary provides a built-in premise and a degree of recognition, reducing the risk for the creators.
- Anodyne Storytelling: The series avoids tackling the serious issues present in the source material (elder