Men of a Certain Age

In a very saturated market place there are few TV shows that can really stand out like this one has for me. It is so refreshing to see a show scripted like this one that isn't afraid to be just a bunch of average joe's with very average problems. The true beauty of this show lies much deeper than the simple characters we are first introduced too, i.e. 1. car salesman 2. out of work actor 3. party store owner. It's about the bold undertaking of how a bond of three friends who may no longer have much in common can still stand by each other. They clearly are not happy in both personal and professional life and it is here where I look most forward to watching these characters grow and take that first bold honest step forward into admitting such.

I understand a lot of the mixed and negative reviews with the show being sort of mundane about these '3 average joe's' that we otherwise shouldn't really care about, but I strongly feel this is what separates this show from the crowd.

Kudos to everyone involved in this show, I truly hope we can watch these characters continue to develop into what I think will be a great story.

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.

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.

I have to admit, I did not think Ray Romano can pull this off. 3 middle aged men on the brink of 50, HS pals going thru life's trials and tribulations. This is a most creative offering and refreshing. The casting is great. Ray Romano is himself a divorced man with 2 kids , rounding off this clique , you had Andre Baugher , happily married, and eternally young skirt chaser Scott Bakula of Quantum Leap fame. This was realistic with none of the added silliness of some TV for shock effect.There was no laugh track,which only adds to the realism. Certainly this program was more drama than comedy. Ray Romano, though not a great comedian, is elevated by the rest of this cast as he was in ELR. Ray Romano is the Bob Newhart of today, and thats not a bad thing. This is a tasteful program that truly does delve into everyday situations. If I have one criticism , I would like to see a little more comedy . Overall , This is still a wonderful effort and worth watching. Just make sure , you are optimally alert or the show can pass you by.