Men of a Certain Age, the Ray Romano-Andre-Braugher-Scott Bakula series you saw advertised non-stop on TNT over the past few weeks, premiered last night.
I liked it quite a lot. The intertwined tales of three guys who are getting hit hard by middle-age, Men was neither a baleful pity-party nor an arrested-development frat-boy-party. Romano showed he can use his hangdog expression for some dramatic moments; Bakula — seen most recently by EW readers, perhaps, as Chuck’s dad on Chuck — was well-cast as an L.A. actor reduced to auditioning for lousy Lifetime-network tv-movies; and Braugher is perfect as a guy stuck working for his father at a car dealership, grinding his teeth in humiliation while hoping the old man retires and gives him the dealership.
You can read my full review of Men of a Certain Age here. If you thought the first episode was just okay, I urge you to watch next week’s second edition. Last night’s opening hour spent a lot of time establishing who these characters are; next week, we see some real action and plot development.
But I’d like to know what you thought. Did you hang around after The Closer and watch these Men? Would you watch them again? Comment away, below; thanks.
Yes, I will watch again, I think the guys are fun and sad and endearing.
I’ll watch it again, I like all the men on this show.. grew up watching them..
I did not realize it was on and was watching the Closer late off Tivo, saw the cute commercial with the Closer characters for the show so I tivo’ed the later showing b/c I’ve always liked Bakula and Braugher.
I watched. Thought it was a well thought out episode. Was nice to see three actors stretching their boundaries. I’ll be watching again.
Yes, will definitely watch again. I agree with the term endearing to describe them and look forward to seeing how they develop and progress.
I really liked the show. The pace of the show was more like that of a movie than of a TV show. They didn’t rush to conclude things or to end the episode with a major event. It isn’t an hour of laughing, crying, or thinking, rather it is an hour of feeling. The feelings of all of the characters were believable and you felt for them…no matter how trivial the problem.
I agree completely with you comment! I watched it last night with my dad because he seems to believe that he may be at that “depressing age” and that this show was meant for him
but it was a touching show. These guys did a great job getting to us. I will be watching the show next week.
I couldn’t wait to watch “Men” and it didn’t disappoint. These are 3 top notch actors and they play their roles perfectly. I loved how their lives intertwined as well as seeing their personal battles. Cannot wait to see how everything unfolds. I will def be watching again (and again).
MY HUSBAND AND I LOVE THIS SHOW. EACH WEEK, WE DON’T WANT TO SEE IT END AND CAN’T WAIT TO SEE THE NEXT EPISODE.
I love Scott Bakula which is why I watched it. I can’t stand Ray Romano, who is apparently going to be the star. Unless it really improves, it’s not worth staying up that late to watch.
Really? I thought Romano was excellent, and I wasnt expecting that, because I really didnt care for his sitcom. But I was pleasantly surprised at his range. I’ll be checking out the next episode.
I agree, Luna. I never watched Romano’s show, but thought he was excellent last night, as were the other actors. This one’s a keeper.
i agree – i don’t particularly care for romano, but thought he did a good job last night. i missed the first 15ish minutes but the ending was very strong.
I would watch Andre Braugher read the phone book. He’s amazing. I’ll stand by these men any day.
Can I invite myself to that reading? I love him too. I didn’t know Ray Romano had that in him. Scott Bakula was good also. I’ll def. watch again.
I’m with you — if it’s got Andre Braugher in it, I’m there. Have watched & enjoyed “Homicide,” “Gideon’s Crossing,”Thief,” his guest spot on “House” and, now, “M of a CA.”
Ditto on the phone book reading! LOVE LOVE LOVE Andre!!
I was surprised at just how good the is! Ray Romano was surprisingly good, Andre excellent as always,and Scott hit a perfect note. The situations with all 3 characters resonate strongly for this over 40 viewer, and it’s now on my must see list. Bravo Ray and TNT!
I actually thought it was very well written. I love Ray and I have ALWAYS thought Andre Braugher has been underated since Homicide: Life on the Streets and Scotta Bakula – I have loved him since Quantum Leap – I am 31 and my hubby is 54 and he made me watch and I am glad he did. I will def tune in next week.
I would watch anything Andre Braugher attaches his wagon to. The show looks promising and my wife and I can’t wait for the next episode.
I liked it. And kudos to Andre Braugher for being comfortable enough in his own skin to show off his moobs and let his great acting speak for itself. Now if only there was a TV show that let “women of a certain age” do the same thing………..
Hear hear for Moobs!
I watched and loved it!! Nice to see Ray in a more serious role.
i will try it again. but must admit I turned it after the possum bit..it started wayyy to slow
My wife and I were both quiet for the first half of the show (waiting for something to happen) when at a commercial break we both said; “this is BORING” and we turned it off!
We won’t be watching again.
Agreed, I lasted 15 more minutes. Wondering if Ray Romano is a one-hit wonder.
Yeah, I was ready to bale about then, too, but stayed to the end. The show was OK but I think Jerry Seinfeld was right – once you have a big hit like Ray did it’s hard to top it and have the audience accept the new character. I kept thinking that Doris Roberts would appear any moment and tell him to snap out of it.
You made a big mistake by not watching again. One of the best acted series I’ve ever seen.