BETRAYAL a Betrayal of Viewers With Taste

Article first published as BETRAYAL Review on Seat42F.

ABC continues its run of soapy dramas with one-word titles, the newest, following in the footsteps of Scandal, Revenge, and Deception, is BETRAYAL. The tale of cheating spouses, murderous sons, and backstabbing business deals, BETRAYAL attempts to cash in on what has become an ABC brand, developing a serial story of intrigue and salaciousness. Sadly, it seems destined to be among the lesser efforts, soon canceled.

The “Pilot” begins by showing us Sara Hanley (Hannah Ware, Boss) bleeding on the floor and being loaded into an ambulance. It’s the same trick Revenge likes to use, revealing a later disaster early in the year, and Sara is one of the two most primary characters, so this sequence not only feels stale, but without tension. Sure, we want to know how Sara has been hurt and who did it, but there’s little danger that she’s going to die.

After dispensing with that bit of nonsense, which the plot won’t catch up to until at least mid-season, the real episode begins. At a party, Sara meets Jack McAllister (Stuart Townsend, XIII: The Series) and falls in love. These two are definitely soul mates, as every bit of their electric chemistry hints at, and even though Jack professes not to be interested in art, he even buys one of Sara’s works. Yes, Sara is an artist, and one who has kept her last name, perpetuating the idea that this is a common lifestyle one can aspire to, and that she’s not one of the lucky few.

There is just one little snag with Jack and Sara being together: both are married with a kid or two at home.

Sara’s husband, Drew Stafford (Chris Johnson, Against the Wall), is a bit preoccupied with work, trying to turn a legal career into political office. But he’s not a bad guy. He loves his wife, is supportive of her work, and seeks to celebrate his victories with her. Still, for some reason, Sara isn’t satisfied.

Jack is in a similar situation, happily working for Thatcher Karsten (James Cromwell, American Horror Story: Asylum), his father-in-law. His wife, Elaine (Wendy Moniz, Damages), is shown to be less joyful, not really approving of her daddy, and seemingly a bit jealous of Jack’s relationship with their twin teenagers (Men of a Certain Age’s Braeden Lemasters and First Day’s Elizabeth McLaughlin). But again, no obvious tension that would lead either spouse to stray.

Which is why Sara and Jack’s tryst doesn’t make any sense. Maybe they do have a magnetism that they can’t ignore. But they know it’s wrong, both saying so out loud, and both have a lot to lose. Why would they risk the entire lives they’ve built for themselves on a bit of sex with a near-stranger?

Of course, BETRAYAL isn’t satisfied with just infidelity. Tossing all realism out the window, the death of Thatcher’s brother-in-law not only has this family scrambling to protect Thatcher’s mentally challenged son T.J. (Henry Thomas, Gangs of New York), who is suspected, but also ends up putting Sara in a compromising position. I won’t get into the details, in case you plan on watching the show and don’t want spoiled, but it all feels extremely staged and forced.

Now, it’s true that a show such as this can’t just have a single arc, and with a limited number of characters, lots of drama must be built in to give it legs. However, other series have managed to balance a lot of twists, developments, and players with ease, so when it’s done this clumsily, it doesn’t feel right. Plus, there’s not a single character that really resonates and makes viewers want to get behind them. BETRAYAL may not be the worst show out there, but it puts itself up automatically against its peers on the same network, and it falters by comparison.

By the way, I don’t think Thomas does a convincing performance of a character with his condition. I know there is a spectrum, and not every person with mental disabilities acts the same, but this one just doesn’t feel authentic to me.

Overall, I could be wrong, and BETRAYAL may find a way to capture viewers. But I don’t see anything worth championing from it in the “Pilot.”

BETRAYAL premieres Sunday, September 29^th at 10 p.m. ET.

"Hold Your Finish" Men of a Certain Age

     TNT's Men of a Certain Age brings its second, far too short, season to a close with "Hold Your Finish." The men all face new challenges. Joe (Ray Romano) competes in the Senior Golf Tour, and after a bit of luck, makes it to the next round. Terry (Scott Bakula) quits his job as a car salesmen to pursue directing as a new career path. Owen (Andre Braugher) is disturbed to learn Owen Sr. (Richard Gant) has decided to sell the dealership, after Owen has been working so hard to dig it out of the debt his father left it in. What is next for these guys?


     Poor Owen keeps getting set back over and over again. He tries to do things his own way when taking over the business, but the nasty surprise of deep debt that his father leaves him prevents him from doing much. Then Owen embarks on a new marketing strategy of cheesy commercials and free car washes to lure potential customers onto the lot. He even comes clean with the staff, letting them know exactly what is going on with the company. Owen Sr. doesn't approve, but Owen knows he has to be his own man and do something, or it's not likely Thoreau will survive. It is too early to tell if it's working from a business stand point, but Owen has certainly made a positive difference to the people working for him.

     Then Owen Sr. decides to sell to their biggest competitors. It's a huge blow. A personal insult to Owen, a sign that his father does not approve of what his son is doing, and wants to protect his name from any further mistakes. It's a vote of no confidence against Owen's business strategies. It ignores how hard Owen is trying; the long hours put in apart from his family. It's a genuine slap in the face, pulling the rug out from under Owen's career. And Owen Sr. telling his son he will make sure he is taken care of financially is even worse, an extra insult implying that Owen cannot provide for his wife and children. Owen may choose a different path than his dad, but his decisions are just as valid.

     It's not fair. The growth Owen has shown as a man and a professional over the two seasons of Men of a Certain Age is phenomenal. Owen once didn't care about selling cars, but now he does. He proves to his father that he is worthy of taking over the business, and now that he has, he gives his all to keep it going. Even the final confrontation of "Hold Your Finish," when Owen calmly goes to his father and lets him know how much he wants to keep working on the business is an improvement over the earlier, hot tempered fights the duo enganged in. Owen has matured, even if Owen Sr. has not. It's unclear whether it's enough for Owen Sr. to allow his son to keep the business, but signs are hopeful as the episode comes to an end.

     There is Emmy talk for Braugher, and how can there not be? His performance is nuanced, with much depth, and plenty of growth over the series. It isn't a showy part, but it does allow for some heavy drama and deep pathos. It's easy to forget that Owen is not a real person, with the level of art and realism Braugher commits to him. It's worthy of any awards anyone would like to give. There are others doing as well on television today, but few, if any, who are better.

     Terry has undergone just as dramatic a shift, himself. When introduced, Terry is lazy and has trouble holding a job. He says he is an actor, but he rarely gets any work in that field. He sleeps with a variety of women, mostly far too young for him, but that works, because he's looking for sex, not love. This season, that all changes.

     Terry reconnects with Erin (Melinda McGraw), a woman he did a series of commercials with many years ago, who is now a school teacher. Terry feels all kinds of feelings for a girl that he never has allowed himself to have before. It's a bit of a rocky adjustment, and they take a break, but soon enough Terry is asking her to move in, and she accepts. They have a really nice emotional bond, and she makes Terry want to be a better person. Suddenly he sees the value of hard work, and what pay offs it can bring. He fully, sincerely commits to her.

     This change in Terry extends to his professional life, as well. He works very hard for Owen, and becomes a top car salesman. He is the one that suggests that cheesy commercials that are soon bringing people to the lot. Which is why when Terry suddenly quits to become a director, it is possible to believe him when, as he tells Erin, this time it's different. He wants to be a director, something he finds himself good at while doing the commercials. It's a creative outlet that actually has paying work he may be able to get, and uses his talents. It's something he really wants to do, instead of just bring home a pay check.

     Erin is hesitant, as she should be, to believe Terry. But Terry says he will only give it a year, and he has also begged for his landlord job back to help support the couple financially. These are things the old Terry would never do when chasing a dream, and show that the maturity he is gaining is sticking. He wants to do something he loves, but he is also willing to sacrifice to get it. It's a new leaf, and one welcome.

     Of course, Bakula, a veteran of screen, knocks the part out of the water. It's funny to see him play an out of work actor, when Bakula himself has had a pretty good career. Yet, he is able to play the cheesiness and sincerity in unexpected ways that really sell the part. This is a series he will be remembered for, with good reason.

     Finally, there's Joe. He has some struggles in season two, as his attempts to be a good friend to Manfo (Jon Manfrellotti), who is dealing with cancer. But that connection drags Joe back into the world of gambling. Joe successfully pulls himself out once more, but not before angering Manfro, and losing his friendship. Overcoming that particular obstacle, again, is good, because it clears Joe's head up to do what he really wants to do: golf.

     As Joe begins the Senior Tournament qualifier, the focus is on the game itself. He has an early stumble with a penalty, which shakes him. But then he comes back in spectacular fashion, and only falters again on the final hole. Luckily, a well timed rain shower causes others to screw up more, and Joe ends up, albeit backwardly, making it through to the next round.

     And that's when it's clear that Joe's golf story is no longer about golf. Not only does Terry show up to offer his support, but both of Joe's children, Albert (Braeden Lemasters) serving as caddy, and Lucy (Brittany Curran), following as a spectator, are ecstatic to see their father do well. The plot is really about how Joe realizes his kids still love him, and what that does for his self image, which desperately needs help at this point. The sweet victory as the kids cheer as another man misses a hole, and dance around Joe with excitement, is worth for more to him than any trophy or big finish. Joe is a family man, which he sometimes finds difficult to perform as, but his kids mean the world to him. Seeing they care about him the same is the real victory.

     This is why, at the end of the episode, Joe is able to bring himself to call Dory (Sarah Clarke). Despite messing up his relationship with her, Joe is ready to try for another chance. He may deserve it, considering how far he has come, and the correct choices he keeps making, and she seems to see that. Joe is proving he is not a bad guy, but like everyone, has some things he must overcome. It will be a constant battle throughout the rest of his life to stay on the straight and narrow, but as "Hold Your Finish" ends, Joe is doing well.

     Who would have thought that sitcom star Romano had such gravitas in his repertoire? Yet, after a mere two years, Romano has permanently destroyed any pigeon hole the comedian may have been stuck in. He holds his own against two dramatic heavyweights, and makes it look easy. It's enough to spark regret for ever doubting him. With creator credit to his name, too, Romano has made something wonderful in Men of a Certain Age. Hopefully, it will run for years to come.


     Men of a Certain Age has not yet been ordered for a third season, but if the universe is fair at all, it will get one.

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     To order Men of a Certain Age on DVD, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Men of a Certain Age - "Hold Your Finish" on Blogcritics.

Men of a Certain Age "The Pickup"

     TNT's Men of a Certain Age takes a very depressing turn in "The Pickup," with two of the three guys' lives heading in the wrong direction. Terry (Scott Bakula) is letting work slip as he looks for women to sleep with to help take his mind off of Erin (Melinda McGraw) dumping him. Even his surprise 50th birthday party is a miserable affair for him. Things come to a head when Terry finally pushes Marcus (Brian J. White) too far, and Marcus slugs Terry before quitting the dealership. Owen (Andre Braugher) refuses to let Terry quit, too, telling him he needs to grow up and clean up the mess he causes Owen by prompting Marcus to leave. Meanwhile, Joe's (Ray Romano) golf game is suffering, and he allows himself to get pulled back into the gambling world.


     A gambling addiction has long plagued Joe, and while addiction is something that must be battled long after the habits stop, and relapse frequently occurs, it is sad that it is happening to Joe again. He works so hard to avoid anything that might tempt him, which is not easy for him. But by being a good friend to Manfro (Jon Manfrellotti) and helping him out while Manfro undergoes chemo, Joe is drawn back in. It's a tough call to make, because to remove temptation, something right for his life, Joe must abandon a friend in his hour of need, which is not a very nice thing to do. Is staying clean more important than the care one has for a close friend?

     Neither option is appealing, and Joe doesn't really make the choice, which is where he gets into trouble. By being a half-hearted friend to Manfro, Joe isn't really being there for him as he needs to be, nor is he avoiding the triggers of his condition. Manfro has to convince Joe to do the favors Joe is doing, and Joe only somewhat fights back. One could argue Manfro isn't being a very good friend by putting Joe in these situations in the first place, but Manfro is sick and suffering, so he likely isn't thinking things through all that clearly. He needs errands run, and he asks Joe to do it. Simple as that, to Manfro. Not so simple to Joe.

     This is probably why Joe's golf game isn't going too well. To play any sport focus is a primary component, or so I hear. Joe's focus is on Manfro and on his own gambling addiction, rather than the game. While it's too bad Roy (Damien Leake) isn't asking the right questions to figure out why Joe isn't doing so well, as he is the one really seeing the effects, it's not like Roy is really a friend, either. So it looks like Joe is losing his coach, his best chance at making it onto the Senior Tour. The addiction is costing Joe yet another thing he really cares about. He needs help badly.

     Too bad Joe isn't able to draw enough strength from Albert (Braeden Lemasters). Albert is inspired, with his father's help, to overcome his own anxieties and take the stage to perform with his band at school. The performance is a rousing success, and for a minute, it appears Joe will be inspired in turn by Albert. And he is, to a degree. But instead of taking Albert's lesson and applying it towards life, he only tries to use it for golf. He should take another look at his son and see that Albert uses Joe's advice, which is geared towards golf, in everything. If Joe brings the right attitude towards the gambling problem, maybe he stands a chance at escaping yet again. His determination kick the habit cannot be at half strength.

     Terry is nearing rock bottom. Hopefully, he will not need to hit it to clean things up. Sleeping with random, mostly younger, women will not help him forget about Erin. She is a very special person, who matured Terry romantically for awhile. For the first time in his life, Terry is ready to give up his playboy ways and commit to one person. Sadly, she is not in the same position as he is. But Terry needs to look for a woman that will make him happy for years, not just a few minutes in bed. Sleeping with his birthday party caterer is a big step in the wrong direction.

     Unfortunately, the maturity Terry finally finds in his romantic life does not extend at all to his professional one. He allows himself to let everything important slide while grieving over the loss of his relationship. Many teenagers have made a similar mistake, but not most fifty year olds. Perhaps because the experience of losing love is so new to Terry, he cannot help but act in this manner. Sadly, society does not allow such mistakes in the real world, and if Terry expects to have a decent life, he needs to get past it quickly.

     There is nothing mature at all about the way Terry feuds with Marcus. While Marcus is usually the biggest jerk in any episode, this time, Terry starts the trouble, and is much more in the wrong. A bigger man would let Terry slide, even though that's not what Terry needs. Marcus is far from a bigger man, and quits instead, causing a scene in the process. Most people would not act as Marcus does, but hopefully that will be the kick Terry needs to get things back on track. He is called on his crap.

     Also helping Terry is Owen. Owen is a good friend who is willing to sit silently and let Terry unload his problems. However, Owen also has a business to run, and Terry is messing up that business. Owen tasks Terry with making up for it, and blatantly tells him his behavior is not acceptable and cannot continue. This combination of sympathy and firmness may be what Terry needs. It's a calculated discipline designed to kick Terry's butt without being cruel about it.

     It also proves Owen is surely the most put together of the three main characters. Thanks goodness one of them is doing well.


     Men of a Certain Age airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on TNT.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     To order Men of a Certain Age on DVD, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Men of a Certain Age - "The Pickup" on Blogcritics.

Preview: Men of a Certain Age Season Two

     TNT's drama about three aging men, appropriately enough titled Men of a Certain Age, returns for a second season tomorrow (Monday) night. After a ten episode season last winter, many people may not remember the show, and I think that will probably hurt it. Unlike other dramas, it's not must-see TV, or exciting enough to warrant an event. Though that sounds like an insult, it's not meant to be. Instead, it's a really nice, tonally calm story of three men and how they deal with getting older. Which, unfortunately, is not something I would expect to do well after taking nine months off between seasons.

     As season two begins, all three of the main characters are dealing with the effects of decisions made at the end of season one. Owen (Andre Braugher) has taken over his father's car dealership, and as you might expect, he's having a rough time of it. Sales are down, which isn't surprising, considering our current economy, although that is never mentioned on screen as a reason for the down turn. In the first new episode, Owen's father, Owen Sr. (Richard Gant), tells Owen he must woo back old rival (and top seller) Marcus (Brian J. White). If you watched the show, you'll remember that Owen and Marcus don't have much affection for each other, and that's putting it nicely. As such, their meeting is not exactly warm, though I won't reveal the result. In episode two, Owen is dealing with Jesse (Patrick Gallagher, Glee), a new character who runs the repair shop at the dealership. Let's just say that the service guys and the sales guys don't play nicely with one another.

     Terry (Scott Bakula) took a job from Owen, and is now trying to make a go of it as a car salesman. As the first episode plays out, Terry has had not a single sale, and things aren't going too well. It's not from lack of effort; Terry is taking the work schedule seriously and really trying his best. He just can't get over the fact that he feels like he's taking advantage of people if he pushes a sale. While no easy solution to this issue is in sight, Owen Sr. is encouraging. Things aren't made any easier by the rest of the staff, who haze Terry pretty good, dredging up his past online. Owen stays out of it, thinking that the boss jumping in to defend his friend would probably only make things worse. He's likely right.

     What's nice about these plots is that Owen and Terry are in the same environment, going through some of the same things. While season one had three distinctly different threads, and that element is not totally gone, Terry's and Owen's threads now intertwine more often, making a more tightly connected show. Both Braugher and Bakula handle their characters with such depth and genuine feeling, that even though the story may be somewhat slow paced, I was riveted by both men.

     That does leave Joe (Ray Romano) by himself more, though, than the other guys. Which is fine, as Joe has quite a bit to work with. His divorce seems finalized, and he has moved from a hotel into what appears to be a condo. He has several different love interests in the first two episodes, including some familiar faces, though only one is developed much. Thankfully, as most TV dramas spend a lot of time on adult dating already, and it's nice to see this one doesn't need to every week. Joe's store still requires plenty of attention, and his children are going through their own issues. Add to that that he really needs some work to get back in shape for that golf tournament he began talking about last year, and his plate is plenty full.

     Sadly, Owen's wife, Melissa (Lisa Gay Hamilton), does not appear in the first week, but does get an interesting story in episode two. Her plot has just as much to do with her age as any of the guys' ever does. I consider her fairly essential to the show, too, as Hamilton holds her own in every scene she appears in. Perhaps the title should be less gender specific.

     Although the main men's children rarely get much meat in the stories, Joe's son, Albert (Braeden Lemasters), does get to work on his anti-social behavior in episode two, which will find him at a party. Yes, alcohol is involved, and no, his parents did not give him permission to attend. The way Joe deals with the situation is incredibly well done, but the writers have also painted a picture far from black and white. Should Joe be proud of the progress his son has made to even attend the party, or furious at his unacceptable actions? My guess is, the viewers who are parents will understand the mixed emotions, but side with Joe's reaction.

     The thing about Men of a Certain Age is that it feels so incredibly real. An extremely talented cast, who must surely allow real life to influence their performances, keeps this anti-drama drama going strong. Season one suffered a little as the show figured itself out. In fact, episodes were aired out of production order, and I doubt anyone noticed. But those growing pains are gone by now, leaving a confirmed serial. The first two episodes were tightly scripted, and set up some good arcs for the season.

     And someone gets glasses.

     Be sure to watch Men of a Certain Age, which airs Monday nights at 10pm on TNT.

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Article first published as TV Preview: Men of a Certain Age Season Two on Blogcritics.