A remake of El Agent Topo (2020)
Story
Charles, a retired man, finds new life when he answers a private investigator’s ad and becomes the mole in an undercover investigation into a nursing home. Michael Schur was inspired to make “A Man On the Inside” after watching the Chilean documentary “The Mole Agent.” He says, “The documentary “The Mole Agent” is powerful because it makes people feel something very similar, regardless of age, ethnicity, or gender, and I would describe that feeling very reductively as “I need to call my mother.” In our show, we tried to do something similar with the tone: does our show encourage that feeling of wanting to call our mothers?
Assigned to solve a jewelry heist, Charles goes undercover, eventually discovering unexpected connections to the eccentric residents who surround him
Ted Danson’s enduring charisma shines in “A Man on the Inside,” a heartfelt mix of comedy and mystery from “The Good Place” creator Michael Schur. The series follows Charles (Danson), a lonely widower who brightens up his dreary life by taking on the role of private investigator in a luxurious retirement community.
It’s a celebration of second chances and human connection, delicately tackling themes of aging, grief, and reinvention without losing its comedic charm
The show deftly balances humor and wit, using Danson’s impeccable timing and veterans like Sally Struthers and Stephen McKinley Henderson to craft a dynamic, multi-layered narrative. Based on the Oscar-nominated documentary The Mole Agent, Schur’s latest effort reflects the philosophical warmth of his previous work while also highlighting his own identity.
The series delights with its complex mystery, but its true treasure lies in the relationships that develop
From Charles’s growing bond with his daughter Emily (Mary Elizabeth Ellis) to his reluctant friendships with the other residents, the characters are endearing and nuanced. While it lacks the surreal humor of The Good Place, A Man on the Inside captivates with its sincerity, offering both laughs and heartfelt moments.
