THE FIRST TV Series for Sean Penn

Article first published as TV Review: THE FIRST on Seat42F.

Warning: The following contains slight spoilers. THE FIRST is a new drama series coming soon to Hulu. From Beau Willimon (the creator of House of Cards), the show is set in the near future and chronicles mankind’s first attempts to get to Mars. With some very recognizable faces, including the lead, it’s a familiar human drama that also fires up the soul. The spirit of the human race is explored in some interesting ways, and the mission itself takes backseat to the characters, even as it drives the plot forward.

Sean Penn (Milk) stars as Tom Hagerty, a man who is watching the launch with much personal investment. Viewers may wonder why he’s so affected, as Tom isn’t working at the space agency nor among the crew, but you’ll soon find out. Tom is also a widower who would like nothing more than to rebuild his family. However, he can’t help but be drawn to events, even if they begin to interfere with what he says he wants. (I apologize if that sounds a bit obtuse; I’m trying not to give away anything, and it’s particularly hard to do with this series because of its elongated beginning.)

Penn is joined by an ensemble cast that includes Natascha McElhone (Designated Survivor) as the head of the space agency, LisaGay Hamilton (Men of a Certain Age) as an astronaut not assigned to the first crew, Anna Jacoby-Heron (Finding Carter) as a recovering drug addict, Oded Fehr (24: Legacy), Melissa George (Heartbeat), and Annie Parisse (The Looming Tower), among others. It’s a pretty sprawling group, but the story stays focused on just a few players, with others only coming in when they’re needed to serve those leads. This is an effective way to keep the story where it needs to be.

The pilot starts a little hokey, much of what happens in the first half being pretty predictable. Some different casting or direction, a bit less foreshadowing, could have made it very surprising. As it is, most regular television viewers will likely see what’s coming before it happens. THE FIRST boasts one of the most heavy-handed versions of this that I’ve seen in awhile.

However, once you get past that, the story deepens and becomes much more interesting very quickly. While it would be preferable to start strong, even if it’s not a path the show is choosing to pursue, the central threads aren’t much hurt by the missteps, coming through strongly in spite of it. And once the initial set up is over with, THE FIRST is a grounded, complex tale that isn’t just repetition of other stories.

The familiar part of the series is its spirit. For anyone who enjoys rooting for the underdog, or films where a hero overcomes obstacles because of deep-seated beliefs that make them better than the average person, THE FIRST has this in spades. It’s uplifting, inspirational, and feels very good to watch. Yet, Penn’s performance and some very good writing keeps it away from cheesy, instead delivering a powerful, no-frills story.

I’ve watched beyond the first episode, and I’m very pleased with what I’ve seen. I can imagine why Penn agreed to go to the small screen when given material this good. Hulu has been upping its game in the quality department, and this drama is no different, feeling akin to The Looming Tower and other recent triumphs. While not as socially conscious as The Handmaid’s Tale, it does have something to say that reflects part of our humanity, and that’s a great starting point for a show.

THE FIRST premieres September 14^th on Hulu.

Give It a CHANCE

Article first published as CHANCE Review on Seat42F.

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Hugh Laurie stars as the troubled titular doctor in a series where he struggles to help people others cannot. No, House is not back, although I miss that show. This is a new Hulu series called CHANCE, premiering this week, and it’s actually nothing like Laurie’s previous program (other than that it gives the actor a chance to show just how good he is).

As CHANCE begins, Dr. Eldon Chance (Laurie) is going through a divorce with his wife, Christina (Diane Farr, Numb3rs), not getting along with his daughter, Nicole (Stefania LaVie Owen, The Carrie Diaries), and facing financial ruin to the point where he’s considering selling antique furniture that he loves. If that wasn’t enough, he also feels like he’s failing his patients, who we see in a series of flashbacks, especially Jaclyn (Gretchen Mol, Boardwalk Empire).

To be fair, it’s not like Dr. Chance has much time to help the ailing sent to him. He’s merely an evaluator, someone who meets with a person once, and then refers them to another doctor for help. He doesn’t personally treat them. But he can’t stop himself from following up to find out what happens to them, and he takes to heart some of the tragedies that befall.

This sympathetic man is soft-spoken, but not weak. He cares deeply, yet has trouble making relationships work. He is professional, except when he isn’t, and even then, usually with noble intentions. He is complex, but enjoys simple pleasures. He is cultured, but is all right with going to places most men like him would avoid, and doesn’t automatically judge or dismiss criminals. A lot more is going on in his mind than what plays across his face.

All of this makes Laurie an excellent candidate for this vehicle. Don’t get me wrong; the entire cast, which also includes Lisa Gay Hamilton (The Practice), Greta Lee (Inside Amy Schumer), Paul Adelstein (Private Practice), Ethan Suplee (My Name Is Earl), and Clarke Peters (Treme, The Wire), is great. But CHANCE is Laurie, and his superb performance drives the series forward.

I’ve set up the premise, but I haven’t really gotten into what the show is about. In the first episode, Dr. Chance runs into Jaclyn, and learns her husband (Adelstein) is beating up on her. Unconnected, the good physician attempts to sell an antique desk to Carl (Peters), who encourages Dr. Chance to have D (Suplee) fix some metal work on it first. Accidentally hanging with D, Chance is impressed by the other man’s presence, and soon learns how useful that kind of intimidation can be. I can’t say with one hundred percent certainty how these two threads connect, as the show certainly takes its time getting anywhere, but I think anyone can see where this is going.

I didn’t mention the slow-moving pace as a bad thing. I love how CHANCE dwells on moments, really letting us look into Chance’s eyes and try to determine what swirling emotions and warring motivations are happening in his mind. He isn’t one to rush into anything, and so that needs to be shown. It also allows a tone to permeate that is gripping, so we’re pulled more fully into the story prior to when we need to be invested. It’s a pretty masterful work.

In case you couldn’t tell, I loved CHANCE. I think it’s a great vehicle for Laurie, who deserves to work with quality, and very interesting overall. Even though I think I know the path the story is on, I am equally confident there will be things happening that I don’t see coming because this is a realistic world, and thus, unpredictable. I look forward to catching the whole run.

The first season of CHANCE premieres Wednesday, October 19^th on Hulu.

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.

Men of a Certain Age attempts "The Great Escape"

     TNT's Men of a Certain Age is back. Although the first season is uneven, the second is solid, including the mid-season premiere tonight, "The Great Escape." In the episode, Owen (Andre Braugher) considers an offer to sell the dealership. His wife, Melissa (Lisa Gay Hamilton), is totally on board when she realizes Owen will be home with the kids, so she can pursue her writing career. Joe (Ray Romano) comforts his sick friend, Manfro (Jon Manfrellotti), on the eve of his chemo. He also offers solace to his ex-wife, Sonia (Penelope Ann Miller), who has just broken up with the guy she left Joe for. Terry (Scott Bakula) is ready to get serious with Erin (Melinda McGraw), just as she decides to go back to her ex.


     While much of the series is not about the three central men's love life, this episode very much is. And why not? Two of them are single, one by divorce, one because he's a habitual bachelor. At this point in their lives, it's time to settle down, not sow the wild oats. As such, it is perfectly reasonable that both Terry and Joe are interested in long-term relationships.

     Joe should not go back to Sonia, no matter how much he wants to. His wife cheated on him, and he is far too willing to forgive her mistakes. She trades a stable married life to Joe for a mid-life crisis that is now falling apart. Joe is a nice guy, and he deserves better. While both feel it would be awkward to act on their rekindled feelings now, Joe is certainly planning on letting things build, and trying again. If he does so, Owen and Terry should stage an intervention and stop it.

     Very touching is Manfro's story. It is nice that the bookie is back in Joe's life, despite Joe's gambling problems, because Manfro is a good, non-judgmental friend. Unlike Terry and Owen, he has not known Joe his entire life, so his judgment is not clouded by history. He, more than the other two, could possibly talk Joe out of a reconciliation with Sonia. Or at least keep an open mind about it, if that's what Joe needs.

     Even better, Manfro gets his own love interest this week. On the eve of receiving chemo treatment, he meets a kind stripper with a heart of gold. While she does keep relating Manfro's situation to her father's, at least she knows what she is getting into, so there will be no surprises. She won't leave him halfway through treatment. It's just what Manfro needs, and hopefully more of the happy couple is on docket for later this season.

     Sadly for Terry, Erin is not going to happen. While she appears perfect for him, she's already taken. Perhaps he can go back and see Annie (Carla Gallo), who he runs into this week, at the coffee shop to help him get over Erin? As delightful as Gallo is, she is likely not poised to join the cast full time, and so a long-term relationship between the two probably won't happen. But in the meantime, any episodes Gallo wants to do will be welcome.

     Terry needs to find a girl like Erin, but one who is not in love with someone else. His potential mate will likely be divorced, as it is unrealistic to expect a nice, pretty girl good enough for Terry will still be single at fifty. Unless this woman is in the same boat as Terry, ready to settle down after a long time of playing the field. Her past may make Terry uncomfortable, and provide some growth. Honestly, the second option might be better in the long-term.

     Poor Owen cannot escape from his father's shadow. As much as he'd like to sell the dealership for his family, when the times comes for Owen to tell Owen Sr. (Richard Gant), he only says he is determined to bring a body shop into the mix. Is this the truth? Or he is avoiding a difficult situation? It appears Owen and Melissa have made up their minds, but then Owen chickens out when announcing the decision. It's hard to tell if he is serious with his father or not.

     If Owen does go through with selling, it will likely wound his father very deeply, and justly so. Owen Sr. only recently gives Own the dealership, and if Owen parts with it so quickly, it's kind of being rude with a gift. On the other hand, Owen Sr. springs a bad financial surprise on Owen post-deal, so it's understandable that Owen is tempted to get out from under the debt. It's a complex situation with no right answer. Unhappiness will follow either decision. Let's hope Owen and Owen Sr., who are finally getting along, can weather the storm and keep their relationship on firm ground.

     Melissa, of course, is also a part of the equation. She has given up her life to take care of the kids for many years, and she is right to expect Owen to take a turn when a good opportunity arises. As his wife, Owen should likely put more weight on hurting Melissa than his father. She deserves the chance to do something she is passionate about, and not selling will deeply disappoint her.


     Men of a Certain Age is off to a great start! Tune in 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 Great Escape" 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.

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional tv news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

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

Men certainly age

     TNT will present a new drama created by Ray Romano and Mike Royce (Everybody Loves Raymond) this coming Monday, December 7th called Men of a Certain Age.  It stars Romano, Scott Bakula (Star Trek: Enterprise, Quantum Leap), and Andre Braugher (Homicide: Life on the Street) as three best friends facing different challenges as they get older.  Joe (Romano) is a recently divorced man with two kids who runs his own business and fights a gambling addiction.  Owen (Braugher) is a happily married man who hates his job working at a car dealership his father owns, competing with a young salesman for leadership of the company.  Terry (Bakula) is an out of work actor, temping, and bedding as many women as possible.  But is it any good?

     TNT has failed to catch me with a good series yet.  They have some critically acclaimed shows (The Closer, Saving Grace), and a number of new shows that are doing pretty well (Dark Blue, Raising the Bar, Leverage).  My favorite show that they've done recently was Trust Me, but sadly it was canned after only one season.  This one wasn't instant attraction, but it has potential.

     Honestly, I was a bit bored by the first two episodes.  My mother, however, who only likes sitcoms and was a big fan of Everybody Loves Raymond, was delighted by it.  To me, it was interesting and well acted, but it just didn't go anywhere.  She prefers those types of shows.  I was, however, sent five episodes, and I can tell you, it does get much better.  Plus, the interaction between Owen and his wife, played by the fantastic Lisa Gay Hamilton (The Practice) is enough to keep you watching.  Here are the two upcoming episodes that you shouldn't miss (after you watch the pilot to find out what's going on, of course):

     "Mind's Eye" gave Bakula and Braugher their best plots yet.  Braugher attempted to enjoy his job, but discovered that happiness came with a steep cost.  How he will cope with his career, and the problems he currently has with it, should prove compelling.  Even better is Bakula's story, where he is suddenly confronted with the fact that he is missing out on a family, and how it affects him.  Those ramifications carry into other episodes, and really gave him a meaty arc that will hopefully pay off in the end.

     "Go With the Flow" was Romano's best.  The entire thing was told in flashback and centered on his first date in two decades.  The girl was played by Sarah Clarke (Trust Me, 24), and the chemistry was wonderful.  We got to see vulnerability and real emotion from them both, and I hope she sticks around for the rest of the season.

     Give the show a chance.  I am certainly interested in seeing how it ages.