Show Review: Man on the Inside

January 3, 2025

This show tugged on my heartstrings in every possible way. It was simply beautifully done. It was funny and heartwarming and deeply necessary.

We follow the story of a man named Charles who, just a year prior, lost his wife to complications with dementia. Since her passing, his life has been much less full than when she was in it. Their daughter lives a few hours away, and he calls her and sends her newspaper clippings, rather often, but other than that, he doesn’t do a whole lot. Charles’ daughter, Emily, tells him that he needs to get out more and try new things and make new friends. He agrees to make an effort, and in doing so, happened upon a job opening in the paper. The job opening leads him to a private investigator's office who is on a case for a woman, who is in a retirement community, and has had a highly valuable necklace stolen. The investigator needs someone on the inside to look deeper onto the lives of those living in this community, and Charles agrees to take on the role. Much to his surprise, he falls head over heels in love with the people and the staff and has a hard time not getting attached to everyone there.

Charles deals with grief, a changing relationship with his daughter and grandsons, his deep need for friendship, and drive to help those around him. I cannot suggest this beautiful show enough, and I feel like nothing I can say about it will do it justice. You just need to watch it.