Men of a Certain Age

Probably should come as no surprise that this smart, funny series about three likable guys from the outer reaches of LA only lasted for two seasons on TNT, a network that tends to go in more for sexy-but-damaged blond detectives, smart-mouthed lawyers and (more recently) the reanimated JR. Maybe the fact that an important theme of the series was coping with middle-aged disappointment and scaled-back expectations failed to endear it to fans of (no offense, Ted) formulaic, escapist basic cable. Ray Romano is clearly the perfect casting choice for a part written by and for Ray Romano, Andre Braugher is always welcome, but the big surprise for us was journeyman action hero Scott Bakula ("Quantum Leap," "Star Trek: Enterprise") in the role of Terry, an attractive, confident guy whose acting career seems to have petered out before other opportunities have petered in. Viewers who have experienced such midlife phenomena as sleep apnea and post-divorce dating jitters may find this series especially compelling; strong supporting cast includes Lisa Gay Hamilton as AB's sexy, beyond supportive wife, Jon Manfrellotti as RR's bookie and third-best friend and Emily Rios (who in her brief career has already been on three of the best shows in recent TV history).

As a 51 year-old man, I feel like I fit into the "certain age" that the show is based on. A lot of new things happen at this age. You begin to think more about what and how much you eat. You hope that your kids won't be cursed with the same quirks that you have. You wonder if women are still attracted to you. You wonder if you're still cool, or if you were ever cool. This show deals with these subjects and many others in a truthful and funny way. The writing is excellent, the acting is fantastic, and the cast is wonderful. Romano, Bakula, and Braugher are really good together. I really look forward to Monday evenings because of this show.

So far I have seen both episodes of "Men of a Certain Age" and I have to say I am impressed. Ray Romano, Andre Braugher, and Scott Bakula seem to fit very well together. Ray Romano plays a great role in this show, much better then any thing else I have seen him in. This series shows the lighter side of getting older. The only thing I don't like about this series is it seems each episode ends when it seems like there should be more, but that's just their way of keeping the audience wanting more.

All in all I found this new series to be very enjoyable and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone.

These are flawed, likable men. It is refreshing to watch three-dimensional characters on television without having to resort to "reality" shows. Drama is not a bad word - no really it isn't. There is drama in every life, and placed into perspective it can be compelling entertainment. Well scripted drama, as opposed to the emotional breakdown of a spoiled 25 year-old heiress, makes watching television a good use of time. The comedic aspect of the show is the touch that makes this show so rich. If you're expecting to see Ray Romano rehashing Everybody Loves Raymond, you'll be surprised. Braugher and Bakula turn in creditable performances as well with outstanding support from Lisa Gay Hamilton, Richard Gant, and Jon Manfrellotti. If there were anything negative, I'd say that they are overusing the cable advantage (the ability to swear) just a little. There are times when it seems that the word "shit" is in the script just because it can be. In a show about middle-aged, middle-class men, a little profanity is authentic. But, the term "mother-shit" is not authentic by any means. Men of a Certain Age validates the humanity of men nearing 50. It paints them as real people who have passions, fears, faults, desires, and a sense of humor to cope with it all.

I believe that this is something to keep on watching. The three leads Ray Romano, Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher work out great in their very different styles and characters and the supporting actors are also well cast. It's always great to see Richard Gant for example.

I like how comic scenes in this series are mixed with very serious and sad moments, which make it feel real to me. Of course that's also because of the hand-held camera.

Very interesting format with a kind of nice feeling to it. I really like the mood, the style of the series and how the characters are portrayed. Looking forward to see how this is working out.