If there’s a single term that captures the spirit of any Mike Schur series, it’s “community.” Whether portrayed in workplaces such as *The Office*, *Parks and Recreation*, and *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*, or set in the afterlife as seen in *The Good Place*, Schur’s works center on groups that evolve from mere acquaintances to close-knit circles of friends.
A common motif in these series is how community aids in breaking down the barriers we create to keep others at a distance. For instance, consider Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) from *Parks and Recreation* and Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz) from *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*, both recognized for their tough personalities, who consistently support their coworkers. Or think about Michael (Ted Danson) in *The Good Place*, a literal demon, who finds himself collaborating with the very humans he originally wanted to punish.
### Schur’s Latest Series Delves into Community in a Senior Living Facility
Mike Schur’s newest endeavor, *A Man on the Inside*, continues to delve into the transformative nature of community. This time, the narrative takes place in a retirement home and revolves around Charles (portrayed by Ted Danson), a retired professor. The show marks a joyful reunion for Schur and Danson after their work on *The Good Place*. Similar to their earlier collaboration, *A Man on the Inside* blends heartfelt moments with delightful quirkiness.
### What Is *A Man on the Inside* About?
At the start of the series, Charles is a withdrawn widower, having lost his wife a year prior. He has become entrenched in a strict routine, pushing away even his caring daughter Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis). In an attempt to bring her father out of his shell, Emily encourages him to seek out something new that brings him joy. Charles’s decision? To serve as the assistant to private investigator Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada) and go undercover at Pacific View Retirement Home in a quest to recover stolen jewelry.
Although the premise may seem implausible, it draws inspiration from the 2020 documentary *The Mole Agent*, which follows a man who goes undercover in a retirement home to probe into elder abuse.
Charles’s foray into amateur sleuthing is anything but straightforward. Initially, he grapples with operating covert recording devices, resulting in a comically chaotic montage of blunders that exasperate the no-nonsense Julie. Once he steps into Pacific View, Charles is confronted with an even greater challenge: fitting into a new social atmosphere.
### High School Drama Meets Spy Comedy
Life at Pacific View starts out feeling akin to a high school comedy, with Charles clumsily maneuvering through cliques and having trouble finding a place to sit in the dining hall. He also captures the attentions of the upbeat Virginia (Sally Struthers), which stirs up conflict with her irritable ex, Elliot (John Getz). The blend of social dilemmas and the demands of his undercover task soon feels overwhelming.
The investigation itself proves to be equally tumultuous. Amid social distractions and looming threats, Charles finds himself in deep waters. Things get even more tangled when Emily encounters Julie, who is masquerading as Charles’s daughter for the mission. This meeting sparks a humorous identity crisis, pushing the show into screwball territory.
However, as the series advances, the investigation takes a backseat to what truly matters: how Charles’s undercover endeavor facilitates his reconnection with the world around him.
### A Heartening Reminder to Embrace Life
Charles is a warm-hearted, passionate man who shines when discussing his interests, such as the Golden Gate Bridge. Ted Danson brings him to life with a measured charm, embodying a man who continues to grieve while gradually rediscovering joy. By the conclusion of the first season, Charles experiences a quintessential Schur-style transformation. He ventures outside his comfort zone, forges meaningful bonds with fellow residents, and even gives heartfelt speeches emphasizing the significance of community.
This transformation also influences Charles’s relationship with his daughter, Emily. As a mother of three lively boys, Emily often finds it hard to connect with her father. However, her engagement in Charles’s investigation evolves into an unforeseen bonding moment, making the show a poignant father-daughter narrative.
### Addressing Aging with Humor and Empathy
One of *A Man on the Inside*’s remarkable traits is its thoughtful depiction of aging. The residents of Pacific View are lively and full of spirit, whether they’re sharing a joint, engaging in playful exchanges, or exploring romances later in life. In a particularly touching scene, Virginia encourages her friend Florence (Margaret Avery) to finally purchase the massage chair she has always desired but never dared to invest in.
Simultaneously, the show does not shy away from the hardships of aging. Charles’s friend Calbert (Stephen McKinley Henderson) struggles with the pain of his son visiting less often. Other characters face tough diagnoses or the loss of companions. Some residents even wrestle with dementia, leading to profoundly moving moments.