The original post: /r/television by /u/Gingersnap5322 on 2024-06-13 21:24:05.
I stumbled upon it on Max, 2 seasons, 22 episodes. Ray Ramano, Scott Bakula and Andre Braugher all All-Stars in acting (in my opinion). I remember trailers for it when I was a kid but I was never interested because it was on one of those adult channels that I never cared for at the time. Now that I am older I decided to give it a whirl will probably understand it better, and I have to say I haven’t stopped watching.
The show is one of those shows that’s just basic but important? If that makes any sense, the stakes are not super high, it’s just 3 guys surviving being middle aged. The only part that is the most intense is Joes gambling problem, but other than that it is just so grounded in reality. When they have issues it doesn’t go crazy with them the drama is relatable and the comedy is perfect and is drastically better in the second season, Manfro in the convienence store scene just death staring at Mahmood waiting for him to say “hello” was the funniest scene in the show.
Andre Braugher’s character Owen is sad but when he wins you just feel great for him, on top of that Richard Gant who plays his father really owns his role as Owen’s dad.
Scott Bakula’s character Terry I had a hard time watching. I loved Scott in Quantum Leap but I just found him a bit odd and I’d even go to say boring almost. Scott really does a good job playing the laid back surfer bro/struggling actor.
There isn’t an actor/actress that isn’t just doing an amazing job with the character as well, shouting out LisaGay Hamilton.
The topics are very real as well, I had to ask my girlfriend who’s been watching it with me when the last time she watched a show from the late 2000s where they talked about anxiety so calmly. I can’t remember one and I was just impressed how they handled the topic so well.
I have 4 episodes left and I’ll be sad when this show ends. I can only imagine the writers strike must’ve ended it because I absolutely love the show but at the same time I can’t see it going more than 4 seasons due to the fact it is just very realistic.
Pros and cons of it, if you’re wanting a show that isn’t the greatest television but also not terrible either, this show is easily for you.