Our beloved Ted Danson is back! The dashing detective—sorry, private investigator (in training)—Charles takes on a new case, this time at the local Wheeler College. A laptop has been stolen from the college president (Max Greenfield), which contains details of a multi-million dollar deal with a particularly egocentric billionaire (Gary Cole). There’s a touch of blackmail, the threat of a college closing down, and all the staff are suspects. Charles has a lot of connections to the institution, so when he’s tasked with posing as a visiting professor, he’s a cinch. At least, that’s what he and (with some trepidation) Julie (Lilah Richcreek Estrada) think. Hijinks ensue!
Season 1 of A Man on the Inside charmed me; The Good Place’s Michael Schur and Ted Danson are a creative team-up I’m always eager to see. The series captured the gentle heart and sparkling comedic timing Danson is known for, supported by an oddball cast of wholly endearing characters. And so, with the S2 renewal came the dilemma: Once the case was solved at S1’s retirement home setting…how does a second season take on a new case without half of the original characters?
Well, S2 does its best to walk in both worlds, bringing back some of the key cast—including Didi (Stephanie Beatriz), Calbert (Stephen McKinley Henderson), and Charles’ family—while adding in some equally eccentric newcomers. They include the nicotine-swallowing, highly stressed college provost, Holly Bodgemark (Jill Talley), the prickly professor and resident James Joyce expert, Dr Benjamin Cole (David Strathairn), and the free-spirited music theory prof, Mona Margadoff (Mary Steenburgen). Oh, and there’s even an appearance from The Good Place alum, Jason Mantzoukas, who’s having a ball playing a lovable loose cannon.
The S2 additions all bring their own quirks and foibles to the table, with some acting flourish and flair to play up their idiosyncrasies. Steenburgen, in particular, has solid chemistry with Danson, and her character helps to bring out a different side to Charles and challenges him in new ways. Overall, I think the show handles the transition of a different case and cast well enough, striking the balance between new and old through some nice cameos and extra B-plotlines, even if at times it feels a little shoehorned in.
A Man on the Inside S2 is not quite as fetching as the first season, but it is more of the same—and sometimes that’s all you need. The series has found a formula that works, and while the case is easily untangled for fellow wannabe P.I.s, it’s the interpersonal relationships that keep you entertained. And what you’ll once again find is a season that tackles more poignant themes about growing older and moving on, all wrapped up in gentle comedy. It’s the knowing nod that accompanies us all through life’s ups and downs, the feeling that we’re not alone, nor are we incapable of surviving.
It’s a cozy mystery that’s more about the friendships made along the way than the big reveal—so if you’re looking for something comfy and familiar to curl up to this winter season, head back undercover with A Man on the Inside.
Rating: C+
Level of Enthusiasm: 95%