recommended

Just perfect...

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.

Its interesting how in one particular episode, we see Richard Dreyfuss paying a passing reference to one of the most intellectually stimulating yet emotionally vacant film in recent times, "Memento". Like that film, "Max Bickford" wears its intelligence on its sleeves, spouting liberal beliefs and media sanctioned ideologies. Like that film, it also falters terribly in handling the heartfelt half of human experiences. It astounds me how characters(all of them infact) in the series can handle a more than decent argument on socio-political issues and yet, have less than basic intuitive understanding of human nature and psychology. Its just not possible....It appalls me that the people littered in this "world" are cerebral beings but social failures. The disconnect between their obvious intelligence and their preposterous lack of common sense and social aptitude(sometimes on even the most rudimentary of human foibles)downgrade the intelligence of us all, the viewers. Very often, we look to television not just for entertainment or mental gratification, but for closure to issues of our hearts as well.Which is all the more a pity when we have such a great cast, who with a more deserving script, might have addressed the complex issues explored in this series with greater depth, with both sides of the brain engaged.Its sad when a television series celebrates its intelligence at the expense of humanity, of emotional maturity, of life. Its sad the show enjoyed talking down at humans for having "either-or" capacity(i.e. having intellectual resource will automatically deplete a human being's capacity to feel like a human being). That being clever elevates a genius from the rest of us so much so that we no longer can fathom basic emotional truth about humanity. At least, all is not lost. One series miraculously managed the balance between the heart and the mind. Its called "The West Wing". If only Max Bickford had referenced President Bartlett rather than Leonard Shelby? If only...

What can I say about Richard Dreyfuss that hasn't already been said in reviews. Having seen all his movies, he never ceases to amaze me at the character roles he develops. He will never be a romantic leading man, but his diversity allows the viewer to love him for who he is without being the stereotypical male actor. I feel like I know Max but he is more complicated than the show has yet to divulge."The Education of Max Bickford" has really grown on me. As I predicted I didn't think Aunt Erica/Uncle Stevie could be a recurring theme for long. Even though, CBS didn't overdue it with that role but it too added some interesting plots to the series along with humor. I also loved the way Richard Dreyfuss has evolved Max into a more lovable character, with the human flaws and frailties we all can identify with in our middle-age, daily lives. His children, Nell and Lester are typical of kids today on a multifaceted levels. And Max is finding dating at his age awkward, after many years of marriage and the subsequent loss of his wife. Then to compound matters, and I can really identify with this; his irascible father enters the picture with all the stubbornness and hard-headedness he displayed his whole life.Max is sandwiched in between two generations both of which he can identify with to a point, but never fully understands either. To add to the interest of his teaching at Chadwick they have incorporated Marcia Gay Hardin, aka Andrea Haskell, who does a wonderful job on the series. She adds some of the balance that Max needs in his life but again she is a colleague and not a new love interest, even though he had his one time fling with her, while she was a student at the college. Perhaps a more intimate relationship will blossom as the show progresses.For me it will be interesting to see what follows next season because the writers and Dreyfuss have allowed for a wide open door of possibilities. The surprise guest cast even keeps the show on its proverbial toes and adds another dimension and spark for the viewers. One thing I can say that holds my interest is that even though the setting doesn't change, the stories are always a surprise and fully entertaining. Many shows are so predictable that after several episodes one becomes bored. But for Max Bickford, I would give the show a 9.5 on the rating scale.

Just goes to show you, after reading recent comments, no change will please everyone. I am in the camp that was getting tired of watching the "severe" Max Bickford, and was considering dropping it all togther, until they changed the focus and softened him up a bit. I watch the show because I find it entertaining, and it usually makes me think. It seldom tries to come up with a solution, but it touches on such diverse topics as transexuality, aging, doing drugs, lying to parents, bigotry, free speech, plagarism, and on and on. I suppose daughter "Nell" is my favorite character. I know "Max", I am almost Max in my own world. But Nell is a good, bright, conflicted girl trying to find her path into and through young adulthood. I like this show, however I wouldn't expect everyone to. You have to be in touch with the real world.

What a waste of fine actors :-(The insightful, and touching moments are losing their impact as this viewer is no longer able to give up a "willing suspension of disbelief".Why, for example, does the surgeon need to be cold and ruthless to the family of the patient. Such direction (and lines) only jar the viewer because such behavior is simply not plausible.The behavior of Max Bickford's secretary, (a fine actor, given impossible lines) is so outrageous that the viewer is immediately aware that s/he is viewing just another Hollywood script.The precocious behavior of Max's son of 12 or 13 portrays him as a wise philosopher of 70.I could go on, but I don't believe that the writers of this show are interested in appealing to any audience above the lowest common denominator.Before these actors read one line, they should ask the director, is this the way people really behave? But, then they'd be out of a job.Sorry, Richard, I find your talent, and those of most of the cast wasted on poor script. I saw the show about the Bickford novel and I won't watch another show.