Welcome back, boys! Looking back it’s hard to believe that Men of a Certain Age managed to pack as much action as it did into its last run of six episodes … at the same time, the idea that we’re only set to get six new hours — now down to five — right now is just depressing. Man that’s an awesome show.
Picking up pretty much where things left off in January when the boys went to Palm Springs for colonoscopies (how amazing was that episode?), Terry’s swimming in new waters as he finds himself in love with Erin (Melinda McGraw), Joe has plans to spend a night with Manfro before he starts his chemo therapy, and Owen’s dealing with the wounded bird he’s discovered the dealership to be. As before, my only complaint with the show is how tough it’s getting to ensure that all three wonderful characters get time to spend together as a unit. But I loved the missed connections at the diner!
After getting locked out of his apartment by the landlord, Terry found himself “spending the night” over at Erin’s … something I imagine he’s done before, right? I realize the toothbrush thing was probably meant to be symbolic, but it’s not as if they were taking a swing at living together. It was really nice watching Terry finally at peace — he started the series as a struggling actor who had no earthly ties; with a job he’s good at and a woman he loves, Terry was finally starting to feel like he should be about to turn fifty and hike Mount Whitney to celebrate.
So I totally did not see Erin’s breakdown coming. I didn’t even remember that her previous relationship wasn’t completely over. But as painful as it was to see Terry clearly hurting, I wonder if his obvious readiness to love, combined with a fortuitous (albeit embarrassing at the time) run-in with Annie (Carla Gallo), spells a second chance for Terry and Annie (who I said from the beginning belonged together). I hope so.
Owen got paid a visit by Kevin Scarpoola (Todd Stashwick), who came armed with an offer to buy out the dealership’s inventory so that Scarpoola could have room to expand. Owen and Melissa’s drunken night of dreaming was a little sad, but a part of me wishes that Owen would take the money and run off to live his own dreams. Short of that, I loved how he took the energy from the offer — and the whiff of freedom — to confront Owen Senior. One thought, though: Owen would sound a lot more forceful if he didn’t keep on calling his father “Daddy.” Just something to consider.
And then there was Joe. Ray Romano is the king of this show, and episode after episode he just keeps getting better. Romano’s perfected using his natural awkwardness to his advantage, and I can’t get enough of watching him weave his way through life. Rekindling things with Sonia would be an oh so big mistake, but then I think Michelle’s (Alanna Ubach) a wee bit too aggressive for timid Joe. Maybe Dory (Sarah Clarke) can come back, or one of the single moms from school?
I like Joe and Manfro together. Manfro can come on too strong at times, but I’m always reminded of how much fun I had watching them have fun at Joe’s live-in hotel back in season one. I absolutely love that Manfro managed to convince someone that Joe’s his muscle. And I’m rather curious as to why the show’s choosing to expand Manfro’s role so much … how will his illness affect Joe’s drive to make the Senior Tour?
A strip club? Do we really need to see two fifty year-olds at a strip club? But how about Manfro getting the stripper to come with him to the hospital the next morning? Smooth!
It’s great to have the boys back!
Clacked by Aryeh S.
on Jun 02, 2011 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
