This review contains spoilers for the series.

In our lives, it is crucial to find a job or hobby that makes us the happiest we can be, because that’s what gives all of us purpose. Many young teens are wanting to find what makes them whole and content, and what will solve this problem is pursuing our interests even when it seems uncomfortable at first. When we find purpose, we meet people and try new activities that make us happy.

In the first season of director Michael Schur’s “A Man on the Inside,” Ted Danson, who plays Charles in the series, learns the hard way why being alone may not be the best thing for him. 

Danson plays a widowed and retired man who prides himself on doing numerous activities solo. Unfortunately, he is so stuck in his ways that his sole hobbies are drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. This is problematic for Charles because social interactions are what make us have a sense of belonging and happiness, something he lacks.

One day, his daughter decides that he needs to do something with his alarming amount of spare time because she is worried about his mental health. 

After some deliberation, he decides to become a spy at a private investigation firm, based on his daughter’s advice, with his first mission taking place in a nursing home.

As soon as Danson’s character became a spy for the firm, he completely transformed into a joyful person that communicates with others and makes friends. His daughter noticed such a big switch in his attitude and she knew that her plan of finding her dad an activity worked.

This sudden attitude adjustment is directly correlated with the fact that he was involved in gatherings, games, and tried to get to know people. Had Danson’s character not taken the job, he would still be at home, reading the newspaper, and far less content than his mission at the nursing home.

“A Man On The Inside” is a great TV show for viewers that enjoy mystery shows mixed in with comedy aspects. This show was enjoyable for me to watch because any particular viewer is able to enjoy the plot at surface level or consider the show deeply and think of it as a message from the director.

Danson’s character is easy to get to know and you will feel like you are there at the nursing home, viewing and sometimes even feeling his emotions as he experiences new activities and meets new people.

Additionally, this TV series takes place in San Francisco, featuring famous landmarks such as Pier 39 and Cal Tech, while also including that recognizable San Francisco backdrop, immersing you in the story. 

As a community here at La Salle, we should follow in Charles’ steps.

It is crucial that we take advantage of the numerous opportunities to meet new people and experience new things at our school because they won’t be available forever. Activities such as sports, clubs, and even eating lunch with the people that make you feel content is a great way to be involved in your community.

When one is immersed in something that is uncomfortable or unfamiliar, we learn how to deal with hard things and broaden our interests. Doing uncomfortable things will prepare us for the harder things to come later on.

After all, the cost of success is failure. 

Humans shouldn’t spend more time at home than connecting with each other.

Because if human contact keeps declining, we’ll be left with nothing but our thoughts and the constant feeling that we should be doing more. 

We need to be more like Charles. We need to be okay with being uncomfortable. We need to be okay with being vulnerable with others. 

Getting involved will not only help you feel fulfilled, but along the way you meet friends and pursue hobbies that will stick with you for the rest of your life.