Since brother Charlie's death, Alan Harper (Jon Cryer) has endeared himself to young and generous billionaire Walden Schmidt, and seemingly inherits his same bedroom domicile in the Malibu beach house purchased by Walden. Cryer is still the glue that holds this sitcom together. His ever-flexible talent and brilliant comedic antics bring in the laughter that keeps this series afloat! It was delightful to see the return of regulars Evelyn (Holland Taylor), Judith (Marin Hinkle) and husband Herb (Ryan Stiles), Lyndsey (Courtney Thorne-Smith), and Rose (Melanie Lynskey). Guest stars included Hilary Duff, Marilu Henner, Miley Cyrus, Michael Bolton and Jaime Pressly, among others.
The genius of Two and a Half Men: The Complete Tenth Season shows its strength in its acting and writing. The show – without Sheen – would not have been adaptable enough to continue without the cohesive acting abilities of the powerful cast. The writing has always been superior, but I find that it portrays a frailty by pushing the envelope in sexual excursions and drugs. This is definitely adult comedy, and because it goes too far, I find it unnecessarily tasteless, abrasive and destructive to traditional family unity. I think the young adults of this generation have enough trouble succeeding in life without the constant barrage of sexual and drug innuendos – you might make them laugh, but you're not doing them any favors by promoting destructive and addictive behaviors.
However, I did find that this season was entertaining – sans the raunchiness. I was finally able to come out of mourning for Sheen's performance enough to enjoy the comedy and character of Walden Schmidt. I did find myself sympathizing with him, and found him quite lovable – as all the women simply do. Berta is right in there and the two seem to be simpatico, but I am going to miss the escapades that Jake always seems to get into. Taking him out of the series seems like another "death sentence" on this series.
Special features include Cryer and Kutcher dancing in the production's first-ever musical number entitled "Two Manly Men Singing and Dancing with commentary by cast and crew," a Gag Reel, and a Trailer.
I strongly caution parents in letting their impressionable teenagers watch Two and a Half Men: The Complete Tenth Season, I just don't believe it offers the role model for responsible future citizens and parents. I know that's not where the bucks are, but if the writers would turn their comedy to positively influence the youth of today, we might have a better payoff in a promising tomorrow.
