Ed Begley Sr. Was a wonderful actor and although he mostly played supporting roles, he always has an excellent performance. So, as expected, he was wonderful in the lead character, Ernie Barger. As for the rest of the cast, they were fine. So why am I not thrilled about this old teleplay? It all boils down to a story that is realistic...but also very depressing. And, in many ways, it reminds me of "Death of a Salesman".
Ernie is looking forward to attending his son's college graduation. However, at the last minute, his wife refuses to go with him and chooses to stay home...which seems quite odd. However, after the graduation, you get a small hint as to why...it seems the son is a jerk! In addition to having an ungrateful son, Ernie also has a job where they want to phase him out and he increasingly starts to realize that his life has been, in many ways, dull and unimportant.
As I said, this episode is very well done but hard to watch. It's NOT bad in any way...just depressing to watch.
Ernie is looking forward to attending his son's college graduation. However, at the last minute, his wife refuses to go with him and chooses to stay home...which seems quite odd. However, after the graduation, you get a small hint as to why...it seems the son is a jerk! In addition to having an ungrateful son, Ernie also has a job where they want to phase him out and he increasingly starts to realize that his life has been, in many ways, dull and unimportant.
As I said, this episode is very well done but hard to watch. It's NOT bad in any way...just depressing to watch.