If a TV show honestly conveyed how most middle-aged men share their deepest feelings and fears with each other, it wouldn't be much of a TV show because the lead characters would be mimes.
Men don't talk about that stuff.
We just don't.
So co-creator and co-star Ray Romano faces tough challenges in "Men of a Certain Age," which is about the life crises of three middle-aged men, because it requires them to talk about these crises with each other.
Romano does realize that his three guys aren't going to be sharing the same way that, say, Carrie and her friends share in "Sex and the City." For these guys, intimate sharing means telling your buddies you prefer women with large chests.
Men don't talk about that stuff.
We just don't.
So co-creator and co-star Ray Romano faces tough challenges in "Men of a Certain Age," which is about the life crises of three middle-aged men, because it requires them to talk about these crises with each other.
Romano does realize that his three guys aren't going to be sharing the same way that, say, Carrie and her friends share in "Sex and the City." For these guys, intimate sharing means telling your buddies you prefer women with large chests.
So they dodge and shrug and mutter a lot, which may be true to life, but, unfortunately, doesn't always make for compelling television. Too much of "Men," despite Romano's skill at observational humor, feels slow and uncomfortably downbeat.
Romano plays Joe, the owner of a party-goods store in his late 40s who is trying to win back his estranged wife and stay close to their two children. Joe regrets not being good enough to become a pro golfer. He sometimes struggles with a serious gambling problem and he almost never struggles with his eye for other women, two things that may explain the impending divorce.
Scott Bakula plays Terry, a second-tier actor who in his best days made a living. His best days are history now, and he's mostly working temp gigs. Terry has never married, living the free life he says every guy secretly craves. His current girlfriend is 25, almost exactly half his age. Anyone want to bet Terry isn't as happy as he claims?
Romano plays Joe, the owner of a party-goods store in his late 40s who is trying to win back his estranged wife and stay close to their two children. Joe regrets not being good enough to become a pro golfer. He sometimes struggles with a serious gambling problem and he almost never struggles with his eye for other women, two things that may explain the impending divorce.
Scott Bakula plays Terry, a second-tier actor who in his best days made a living. His best days are history now, and he's mostly working temp gigs. Terry has never married, living the free life he says every guy secretly craves. His current girlfriend is 25, almost exactly half his age. Anyone want to bet Terry isn't as happy as he claims?
Andre Braugher plays Owen, who is married and adores his wife and three young children. He works at his father's Chevrolet dealership, which he expects to take over when his father retires, which he expects will be soon. But we quickly learn his father has decided Owen lacks the right stuff and has put another salesman on track to run the dealership.
Joe, Terry and Owen, friends since college, seem to meet almost daily, often over morning coffee, to discuss stuff like this.
Trouble is, while getting together over food and beverages may bring out the sharing in women, in men, it more often brings out "Pass the salt."
Romano and Braugher, and Bakula, too, are strong enough actors so they consume a lot of oxygen. But "Men of a Certain Age," at least upfront, doesn't feel very robust.
They say the Guy that Plays Romano Bookie, is pretty good.
I'll Be Watching......
Joe, Terry and Owen, friends since college, seem to meet almost daily, often over morning coffee, to discuss stuff like this.
Trouble is, while getting together over food and beverages may bring out the sharing in women, in men, it more often brings out "Pass the salt."
Romano and Braugher, and Bakula, too, are strong enough actors so they consume a lot of oxygen. But "Men of a Certain Age," at least upfront, doesn't feel very robust.
They say the Guy that Plays Romano Bookie, is pretty good.
I'll Be Watching......
