When I learned that John Stamos turned 52 over the summer, I took a hard look in the mirror. What stared back wasn’t pretty.
Granted this is just one of the reasons I’m not a Hollywood actor and star of my own sitcom, but my grey hair is out of control for a 41-year-old man. Meanwhile, Stamos looks at least 5 years my younger.
Not to say he doesn’t have a lot of help not to mention good genes, but the point is I look more the role of a grandfather than he does. And that’s exactly the irony of Grandfathered, which premiered on Fox last week.
With Episode 2 prepared to roll Tuesday night, my 4.5 month-old daughter in my arms, I couldn’t help but mentally picture what I’ll look like when she has a child. I could be anywhere (hopefully at least) between 65 and 75, like most people. But, aside from a lifetime supply of Just for Men, and unfortunately the stuff makes me break out in hives, I’ll look more like Jessie James in the grave than Jesse Katsapolis.
Certainly, Stamos has made a career out of his good looks, not to disparage his acting skills, of course. But let’s face it, he’s got that “It” quality as well as the hair, lustrous and dark. And, yes, I’m envious.
But his acting skills are overlooked, or at least his longevity in the industry is, as it’s rare for anyone who got his start in daytime soaps (General Hospital) to not only cross over to mainstream TV but still be an A-lister more than 30 years later. Next year, he even will appear on the big screen in Nia Vardalos’ much anticipated My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. Then there’s always his reprised role in the upcoming Fuller House.
But in the meantime, Stamos is Jimmy Martino, a slick and sexy restaurateur who is one of the most eligible bachelors in Los Angeles. That is until in one fell swoop he not only meets the son he never knew he had (Josh Peck) but also his granddaughter. He also finds Sara (Paget Brewster) back in his life, the girl who got away and who he got pregnant with Josh about 30 years earlier.
What transpires next is fairly predictable: Swinging bachelor is thrown for a loop, then begins to re-examine his life, coming to the realization that he is longing for a family and that he’s ready to trade in late nights at The Ivy for reading to his granddaughter, being the dad that neurotic Josh has always wanted (and desperately needs) and potentially rekindling a relationship with Sara.
But the premise is made original by the witty script from creator Danny Chun, who has lent his talents to The Simpsons, The Office and Happy Endings, the latter I always enjoyed for its banter and chemistry despite its low ratings. Grandfathered is similar in those regards as it’s a fast-paced yet smart half hour, and that’s not a bad way to end your Tuesday night. Or perhaps, it’s a great way to begin it. While not quite must-see TV, Fox seems poised to succeed in putting together a solid lineup alongside Grinder.