Two and a Half Men: A Show Summary and Cast Overview

Two and a Half Men is a comedy show on CBS. The premise of the show centers around wealthy bachelor Charlie Harper, his brother Alan, and Alan’s son Jake. Charlie is living the lifestyle of his choice, which means keeping odd hours and bedding lots of women, however his more uptight brother ends up having to stay with him in his home, kid included. The show explores the relationship between the brothers with totally different personalities and how they try to live their lives and at the same time help shape young Jake in their own special, positive ways.

Two and a Half Men has been nominated for many awards and won several. Possibly the most notable wins were the 2004 People’s Choice Award for “Best New Comedy Series” and then the 2006 People’s Choice Award for “Favorite TV Comedy”, and one must not overlook the show as having been the highest rated sitcom style program for the 2005 to 2006 television season in America.

The cast filling out the roles for this comedy show are as follows.

Charlie Sheen: Assumes the role of Charlie Harper. The Harper character seems to fit well with the public persona of Sheen himself, considering his past of parties and call girls. The constant wise remarks and jokes that emit from the character are what more often than not set the tone for the entire show, generally with some sort of sexual innuendo. Charlie Sheen himself is a very recognizable movie star from many big screen hits such as: Platoon, Wall Street,Young Guns,Major League, Hot Shots, and Scary Movie 3, just to name a few. The son of famed actor Martin Sheen and brother to actor Emilio Estevez , Charlie has three daughters himself.

Jon Cryer: Cryer plays the role of Alan Harper the almost straight man to Charlie’s comedian role. However, Alan in his own tightly wound up way delivers some of his own sarcasm and punch line situations; namely after having stayed with Charlie for so long. Alan is protective over his son and the influences around him. Jon Cryer the actor is a New York native with many other television credits, Broadway credits, as well as feature film credits.

Angus T. Jones: The son of Alan Harper is Jake, is not dim-witted, but often approaches more adult subjects with innocence. He is an impressionable lad who seems to pick up on the underlying meanings of his Uncle Charlie’s more dirty conversation topics; even if he is not too clear on what they mean exactly. Jake works great for setting up many of the adult jokes as the two Harper brothers attempt to be good role models. Angus T. Jones as an actor is familiar with movie work as he appeared in the films: See Spot Run, The Rookie, Bringing Down the House, andGeorge of the Jungle 2.

Holland Taylor: She plays the role of Evelyn Harper, mother to Charlie and Alan. Evelyn is loved by both boys in so much as they love it when she stays away from their home. Her rich snob attitude tends to have her looking down on many and taking every chance she can to degrade and ridicule her children; for amusing laughs of course. Even with her tough and brutally honest ways, Evelyn is likeable. Holland has had quite a television career, done Broadway shows, and even taken roles in such films as: One Fine Day, How To Make An American Quilt, George of the Jungle, and Jewel of the Nile.

Marin Hinkle: Hinkle takes on the role of Judith, Alan’s ex-wife. A bit neurotic Judith, well okay more than a bit and more like a control freak who can manipulate Alan with ease, gives Alan Harper’s character the approving sympathy of the audience which is necessary to accept him as a man doing his best to raise his kid. Marin Hinkle may be recognized by some from extensive television series work, however she can also be found in the films: I Am Sam, Frequency, Dark Blue , and Friends With Money.

Melanie Lynskey: She brings the psychotic fun that is the character of Rose. Rose is Charlie’s neighbor who has on more than one occasion slept with. However, like most girl, Charlie’s attention was only fleeting and he figured himself free of Rose. Charlie may never be free of her obsessive love for him as she appears outside on the home balcony on an almost daily basis to either speak with or attempt to woo him. Rose actually scares Charlie sometimes, though they still have a friendly enough relationship when it matters. Melanie Lynskey received a New Zealand film award for her work in Heavenly Creatures and also one for a film named Snakeskin.

Conchata Ferrel: Assumes the role of Berta, Charlie’s housemaid. Berta is a gruff and extremely sarcastic lady who doesn’t take any crap off of her employer. Next to Charlie’s character Berta is the next in line for delivering the most wise remarks and observations. Conchata Ferrel has an extensive television and film credit history, which one can find at www.imdb.com.

April Bowlby: April Bowlby played the reoccurring role of Kandi, who started out as one of Charlie’s flings and became a love interest for Alan. Kandi quickly became a favorite amongst fans of the show with her low intelligence and sex appeal. April is currently working on her acting career which received a nice boost from her role on Two and a Half Men.

There have been many other guest starring roles on Two and A Half Men, which some may accredit to Charlie Sheen’s movie star status and connections along with those of one of the show creators Chuck Lorre. Among the guests have been Jeri Ryan, Steven Tyler, Denise Richards, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, Jenna Elfman, Rachel Cannon, and Sean Penn.

To see more information regarding Two and A Half Men one can find the official CBS website or check IMDB. Also one can tune into CBS to watch the show which currently airs on Mondays; check your local listings for time.

Now to leave you with a bit of interesting trivia. One episode of the show was based around a website: www.charlieharpersucks.com As of the writing of this article a person can still visit that website made from the show. Enjoy!