Men in Trees - TV-PG

Smart, sassy dramedy is fine for teens.

TV Rating: TV-PG Network: ABC Cast: Anne Heche, Abraham Benrubi, James Tupper Genre: Drama
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this series' main character, Marin, has a tough exterior that belies her sensitive side. That said, viewers do see her crave cigarettes when she's stressed and down vodka shots to calm her nerves. Since the majority of the characters are men and women in their 30s in relationships or looking for love, the show has its share of post-coital scenes, with unmarried partners relaxing in bed.

Families can talk about what makes a good relationship. How do people's prejudices hold them back from accepting someone else the way he or she is? What role does trust play in a partnership? Why is it important to be honest with your boyfriend/girlfriend and treat him or her with respect?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Lucy Maher

In the endearing dramedy MEN IN TREES, a relationship coach/bestselling author finds that she must reexamine herself and everything she thought she knew about dating when her engagement unravels and she suddenly finds herself relocating to a male-dominated Alaskan town.

Anne Heche stars as Marin Frist, who not only has a successful career advising the lovelorn, but a handsome, loving fiancé, Graham (Tobias Slezak), to boot. But when, during a trip to a Elmo, Alaska, Marin discovers that Graham's been cheating on her with a close friend, she realizes that she doesn't know that much about men after all.

Though Marin initially does everything in her power to get back to Manhattan as soon as possible, Elmo's easy-going ways grow on her, and she decides to stay a while and slow down while she reexamines her life. (Yes, it does sound more than a little like Northern Exposure, but isn't imitation the sincerest form of flattery?)

Well-acted by a cast that includes Derek Richardson as Patrick, a sweet and devoted fan of Marin's books; Abraham Benrubi as Ben, the sophisticated local bartender; James Tupper as Jack, the handsome environmentalist who regularly and playfully spars with Marin; and Seana Kofoed as Jane, Marin's editor who comes for the occasional visit, Men In Trees is full of cute scenes sure to have veterans of the dating scene smiling.

For example, in one episode, Marin takes the stage prepared to give a female-friendly speech on dating, only to end up fielding questions from a roomful of men. In another scene, a tired Marin, eager for some alone time, assumes that the man who's saddled up next to her at the bar is trying to hit on her, only to realize that he just wanted a drink.

What's more, the daily luxuries that Marin has become accustomed to in New York -- like spinning classes and gourmet coffee -- are nowhere to be found in Elmo, providing further comedic fodder. After delving into a lecture, for example, she asks the singles in the audience, "When did we decide someone else was going to make us happy? We don't even let anyone else order our soy lattes" and receives confused stares in response.

Executive produced by Sex and the City writer Jenny Bicks, Men In Trees (the title refers to the signs found all over bucolic Elmo that warn pedestrians of the workers strapped to branches above) doesn't really break any truly new creative ground (not only has the Alaska angle been done before, but so has the navel-gazing, lovelorn gal).

But it's a clever, engaging show that explores the search for love and tackles the question on the minds of many modern singles: What am I doing wrong? And the subject matter is given a light touch thanks to witty writing, making Men in Trees fine fare for older teens looking for intelligent programming.

Fans might also like Gilmore Girls and What About Brian.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Scenes in bed featuring unmarried partners. In one episode, the main character falls through the ice and must warm up in her underwear next to an equally scantily clad man.
Violence
Language Pretty mild: "sucks," "damn," "hell," "balls" (as a punchline), etc.
Message
	Social Behavior Teaches that what you see often isn't what you get and that it's important not to make assumptions about people or places before you have all the information. It could be argued that main character Marin isn't the best role model, given her obssession with relationships.
	Commercialism The main character misses the luxuries of life in Manahattan.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Social drinking; the main character smokes. Many scenes take place in the local bar.