The challenge of attaining an erection beyond middle age has been a longstanding concern for men throughout history. Yet, true to traditional male behavior, it remains a topic rarely discussed openly. Despite affecting up to 18 percent of men in their 50s, this issue is often subject to mockery and ridicule. However, it is a prevalent condition that can detrimentally impact marriages, lives, and erode men’s self-esteem.
In 1994, a cohort of middle-aged men in Swansea participated in a clinical trial for a drug developed by Pfizer intended to treat heart failure. This small white pill, initially known as UK-92480, was rumored to possess remarkable sexual properties, capable of providing instantaneous relief for men struggling with erectile difficulties. It later gained fame as Viagra, a medication that transformed the landscape of sexual experiences and relationships in the 21st century.
The BBC One drama “Men Up” centers around a fictionalized account of a clinical trial featured in the storyline, showcasing five men grappling with various issues in their personal lives. Meurig (played by Iwan Rheon), Eddie (Mark Lewis Jones), and Pete (Phaldut Sharma) are eager to revive intimacy in their relationships, while widower Colin (Steffan Rhodri) struggles with confidence in pursuing a real connection with a woman he engages with in steamy phone conversations.
Tommy (Paul Rhys), a gay man, deceitfully joins the trial designed for heterosexual experiences as he endeavors to reconcile with his sexuality. Adding to the mix is Joanna Page’s strong performance as the spirited trial nurse Moira Davies, a character familiar in BBC shows set in Wales.
Despite having the essential elements for a solid BBC drama—such as an unconventional plot, a capable cast, and a script ripe for playful innuendo—”Men Up” falls short due to its less-than-engaging characters. The brief runtime of 90 minutes proves insufficient to deeply connect with each man and their respective family dynamics. The emotional climaxes intended for the characters lack impact, leaving viewers indifferent to their fates. Compounded by the fact that the characters are not based on real-life stories, they come across as artificial and somewhat forgettable. The cast manages to inject some vitality into the characters but falls short of making them truly compelling.
The disappointment is magnified considering the track record of “Men Up” writer Matthew Barry, known for the edgy and dynamic drama “Industry,” which recently earned a third-season renewal. In contrast, “Men Up” lacks the same qualities that made “Industry” stand out.
This year has seen compelling TV dramas exploring health and pharmaceutical themes, like Netflix’s “Painkiller” and BBC One’s “Best Interests.” These series successfully developed characters over multiple episodes, a feat challenging to achieve within a condensed 90-minute timeframe. While researching the Swansea trial, the absence of attempts by journalists to trace the real participants surprised me. “Men Up” had the potential to address this gap, presenting a documentary featuring interviews with actual participants, a more intriguing prospect.
Dr. David Price, who conducted one of the original Viagra trials in Wales, expressed a preference for a factual approach, mirroring my sentiment. Sometimes, the facts themselves provide a compelling narrative.
“Men Up” is scheduled to broadcast on BBC One, BBC One Wales, and iPlayer on December 29 at 9 pm.
Source: Evening Standard
