Men of a Certain Age: "A League of Their Owen"

Season 2, Episode 9

America’s pastime, the guys’ futures

Backslides are theoretically easy. You take a character from the high point to the low point, and the only real concern is how many episodes that journey is going to take. Men of a Certain Age understands this standard dynamic and rather than put us through some of the tired, perfunctory backslide plotlines, the show has decided to change things up a bit, in a move that sticks with the show’s tones. Last week I briefly touched on the fact that all three of these guys have made small, timid steps out of their respective status quos in attempts to better their situations. Well, it seems that despite the circumstances that have conspired against the trio, they will not let go of their hard-earned (?) victories so easily.

Terry’s relationship with Stella was doomed from the beginning, not only due to the age difference, but also because he was sleeping with her to get over Erin. Or was it to pass the time while waiting for her to come around? Terry doesn’t even seem to know, as he explains in a heartfelt monologue delivered to Erin on her doorstep. But the important thing here is that Terry isn’t technically backsliding by dating Stella. His making her breakfast, going to clubs with her, having breakfast with her parents is all an attempt to regain the adult relationship he had, even if it was with someone else. While most shows would have one of their characters post-break up actions revolve around sex, booze, or other such personal vices, MOACA instead chose to use this time to show how much Terry has grown, and that he likes it that way. Sure, Terry isn’t’ entirely absolved here – he was kind of shitty to Stella, even if he didn’t mean to be – but at least he now recognizes what a healthy relationship should be like.

Joe’s story was once again needlessly complicated, but at least this week all of the various elements came together far more smoothly. Continuing with Joe’s backslide into gambling (albeit from the other side) last week, the show played the base of the storyline straight – Joe of course loves gambling, especially the part where he wins – but used the ephemera here to comment on it. I’ll admit that Michelle’s reappearance, as well as everybody’s sudden disapproval with her, to be a bit random and out of place, but it does make sense that Michelle isn’t good for Joe in the long run, even if him having sex with her was a positive step in him getting over Sonia. Here she became a symbol of all that Joe’s need to leave behind of the in-between period of his life, along with the single serve portions and the hotel room. And while Joe’s recognition of this fact may be a small positive step away from his backslide, expect him to slide quite a bit further before the season’s over.

Owen meanwhile is – what else? – having troubles at the dealership. Now, I don’t want to seem like a sourpuss, because I still enjoy the Owen plots week in and week out, but there is going to come a time soon where the plot not only becomes irksome in its repetition, but also unrealistic. Terry has both his personal relationships and the new career to worry about, and Joe has his gambling issues, his golf game, the store, and his family to worry about. Sure Owen has his wife and kids, but there is a singular focus to the job that I find a bit distracting about the character. I get that Owen is supposed to be the show’s way with dealing with workaholism, and that’s fine and good, but you know, Owen used to be a diabetic. When is that going to pop-up again?

But technically none of that matters because tonight’s Owen plot worked like gangbusters by using the looming softball game as grounds to explore all of the frustrations that come with his job. His sales team is more inept at playing than they are at selling cars, he has to pay the service team to come to the game, and only one of his female employees shows up. What’s more, the match is against Scarpulla (natch), and the game itself seems to become a metaphor for how Thoreau Chevrolet will do against the competition.

In fact, all of three plot threads came gloriously together in the episode’s back half as all three men were brought to the same place (always a good sign), the ballpark. Terry’s successful attempts on the field almost assuredly signal future success at love (however brief), and Joe’s placement of outside the playing field can’t have just been an aesthetic decision. And while it may seem to be a bit trite to have Thoreau end up winning the match, it was a trite ending that worked here because it was earned. After wading in the shit for so long, it was nice to see the men pull off a victory, however small it may be in the grand scheme of things.

Quotes, Etc.:

One of the few bad things about this episode? The title. That's just lazy punminship right there.

So Artie name-dropped Dory. Guess we know what that means. (But no, seriously, I’m excited.)

“My dad’s dating. My daughter’s dating. It’s all weird.”

“We’ve gone three days without a sale before.” “Back in ’92, during the riots.” “Thank you, Bad Cop.”

“God I hate your penis.”

“You realize that’s like saying your good at sports because your black, and we all know…”

“Lawrence has the right idea. No need to punch yourself in the nuts, though.”

“Bitch stole second.”