David Strathairn also has a supporting role as Benjamin Cole, a withering English Literature professor who can’t stop being dismissive about Charles and his specialism. “Have you noticed that I don’t like you very much?” he asks. Charles replies in the affirmative. “Oh, good. I worried that perhaps you were too busy thinking about rivets,” says Cole.
Charles meets this rudeness from Cole as he does everyone and everything: with politeness and good humour. This is what makes the show – created by Michael Schur, who has brought us the similarly upbeat Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Good Place (also starring Danson) – so enjoyably wholesome.
It has, though, lost the poignant moments that lifted series one to another level. Back then, Charles’s loneliness as a widower whose life had shrunk to a small routine was affecting, as were his thoughts about his late wife’s slide into dementia. But now he’s open to romance again, even if the thought leaves him slightly terrified: “I haven’t dated anyone new since the Carter administration.”
So, not as good as the last series. But still a lovely watch.
A Man on the Inside season 2 is on Netflix
