Men of a Certain Age

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.

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.

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.

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).

This show has potential. The characters have personality and a certain reality about them, you feel like they could be people you know.

Ray Romano's character bring's out the best of him. I saw him on The Last Word recently which portrayed him as depressive and his sense of humour really blooms with this type of character.

The way the three friends interact with each other shows their familiarity and brings you into the bond they share. I like how the show doesn't concentrate on one demographic and the three friends have very different lives (which friends often do). I see this show relating to many people and bringing a broad audience.

I would like to see more of this show to see where they take the characters. Although I am younger than the guys I find I can still see them as real people in my community.