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

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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 - "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.

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