A Man on the Inside - Well Worth the Watch

I watched with interest the hype about "A Man on the Inside". This new series released on Netflix starring Ted Danson, was being touted as a celebration of aging. The series was based on a true story of an older man who gets a job as a spy for a private investigator and goes undercover in a retirement residence to discover who is committing theft.

Given my interest in aging and longevity, I started watching the series with great anticipation. To be honest, the first three episodes left me feeling a little lack luster. I felt that there were some old stereotypes that were starting to be embraced. Charles (played by Ted Danson) seemed a bit awkward and as he questioned his ability to work, struggled with technology and his character seemed a bit silly. I thought "oh no, more hype than substance". I put the series on hold and thought I would get back to it some other time.

But then something happened. Three people asked me if I had watched the series as all three of them had binge watched it and couldn't stop raving about it.

So back I went to my TV and started watching episode four. That's when I got hooked and binge watched the rest of the series.

By the fourth episode, the themes of the series started to form, the characters started to take hold and my emotions started to be pulled in multiple directions.

Here's where I think they got the series right. A word or warning, I'll try my best but there may be a couple of spoilers;

Older People and Technology

Initially, I felt that the series started out insulting older people and their ability to understand and accept technology. But what I didn't appreciate until further into the series was they were actually demonstrating that even though an older person may be new to a particular technology, they still can learn. As Charles began to use his phone to take pictures, his eye glasses to record video and a recording device to record and send his updates to the agency his capabilities increased and by the end of the series was fully competent in the technologies.

Adult Children / Parent Relationships

This series does an excellent job of highlighting the challenges and complexities between adult children and their parents. They share how both sides desperately want connection, feel the need to care for each other, respect time and boundaries and often have difficulties communicating how to effectively do this. As a result, often there are assumptions made on "what is best" which can often be wrong.

The Value of Friendship as We Age

One of the best aspects of this series is demonstrating the necessity for connection as we age. As loneliness is the biggest threat to our health as we age, the series started by showing the loneliness that someone can feel when they lose a partner and the void that it leaves. As Charles moves into the residence, he sees and experiences first hand the value of forming relationships and how it elevates and sustains people and their enjoyment of life. A lesson for us all.

Our Need for Purpose and Fun

Another aspect that this series highlights is how we all have a need for purpose. Whether it's through working (as Charles did) or desire to learn something new (as demonstrated by Flo), we all need a reason to get out of bed in the morning at any age. As well, we need to also enjoy life and not put off the things that brings us enjoyment. As Charles took Calbert on his tour of the city, he shared with him all the things that brought him joy and to see this through Calbert's eyes for the first time brought him even more happiness as they shared this experience together.

Later Life Love is Real

What I also appreciated about this series is that it busted the idea that love (and sex) is only for the young. Virginia (played by Sally Struthers) was excellently cast as a woman who was not without desire. I'll leave it at that so I don't ruin any plot for you.

Life is Fleeting and Our Time is Not Endless

The thing I think I admired most about this series is how it tackled health issues and mortality as we age. Whether it was dealing with dementia, or the sudden loss of a friend, it highlighted that life is not without pain. Charles was continually reminded of his wife's demise and the pain he experienced while he supported another residence with her dementia. We also witnessed the impact of losing a resident to the community in which they lived. It reminded them that this was likely their final stop in their lives while also serving to remind the viewer of our own mortality.

As I watched the series come to an end, I was left wanting more - which is probably the biggest compliment to the series. They managed to capture some of the significant challenges and opportunities that come with aging. It left me wanting to embrace everyday with gratitude and to ensure that I stay connected with family and friends.

A Man on the Inside - well worth the watch.

Here is the series trailer: