Drama
A Man in Full
Talent and intrigue ultimately can’t cloak the truth about this vulgar, crass and graphic drama on Netflix.
There’s no denying: Working moms are superheroes.
And Jimena Lemus is a prime example.
Still waiting for her divorce to be finalized from her estranged husband, Joaquin, Jimena balances her work life with raising her three children: Santiago, Sofia and Leo.
The kids’ constant bickering and pranks have driven away numerous nannies, and Jimena desperately searches for a permanent replacement.
Gabriel Padilla might be just the person, but there’s one problem: He’s a man.
Right now, appearances are everything for Jimena. Ernesto, the president of Jimena’s workplace (who happens to be her father) is retiring, and Jimena dreams of filling his chair. But Ernesto seems convinced that Jimena is unable to handle both a promotion and the demands of parenting. If Ernesto learns about Gabriel living with Jimena’s family, he’ll be suspicious that he’s just a nanny. He’ll draw conclusions about Jimena’s commitment to her career and kids.
Eventually Gabriel’s kind interactions with the kids convince Jimena to let him stay. (And his charm might have something to do with her decision as well.)
But there’s more to Gabriel than what meets the eye. His family has its own problems, which are suspiciously tied up with Ernesto’s company. It seems Gabriel may have ulterior motives for becoming a nanny.
While the message can feel heavy-handed at times, The Manny addresses the struggles of women in the workplace. At her job, Jimena endures sexist comments, and she unfairly loses out on career opportunities.
In the first episode, Ernesto—Jimena’s father and president of their family financial business—retires from his position. As a high-performing member in the company, Jimena expects to fill the vacant presidency. But to her surprise, Ernesto appoints Jimena’s less-qualified cousin, Rogelio, for the position. When Jimena confronts her father about his decision, he claims he is looking out for Jimena’s best interests. Ernesto asserts that men would be intimidated by a woman in power, and he is worried that Jimena will be eternally single.
But the decision may not be final. And even though the odds are against her, Jimena perseveres to pursue the career of her dreams.
Similarly, Gabriel faces pushback as he pursues the nannying job with Jimena’s kids. Jimena asserts that a nanny should be a woman with a maternal instinct. However, Gabriel proves that he has valuable skills that make him an effective nanny.
The overarching storyline in this English-dubbed Spanish romcom is pretty innocuous. Unfortunately, the show is filled with elements that likely make it inappropriate for most families.
It’s one thing to admire Gabriel’s handsome features, but several characters make repeated sexual innuendos and comments about him. If Gabriel’s gender were reversed, these comments would seem highly problematic.
Additionally, characters spew profanities including the f-word and s-word, and these uses are always gratuitous—adding nothing to the story.
Next time you’re out babysitting, beware. Despite its name, The Manny is not for kids.
Jimena has a lot on her plate: a pending divorce, prospects of a new position at work and three kids in need of a new nanny. Luckily, Gabriel Padilla shows up just in time. Although Jimena is initially wary of a male nanny, Gabriel’s dynamic with her kids and care for her wellbeing convince Jimena to let him stay.
Characters use the f-word three times and the s-word once. They also say “a–,” “b–tard,” “jeez,” “freaking,” “darn,” “screwed” and misuses of God’s name.
In one scene, Jimena’s youngest son, Leo, asks if Gabriel is gay. Gabriel responds, “no,” but he asserts that there is nothing wrong with being gay. A character makes an offhanded joke about suicide. Several characters make sexual innuendos and references. After getting drenched by a water sprinkler, Gabriel unbuttons his shirt, revealing his bare chest.
At a party, adults drink wine. Additionally, two teenage girls say that they want to go get a drink—though it’s unclear whether they’re seeking alcohol.
Jimena navigates a divorce from her husband, Joaquin who left her for a much younger woman (whom he lives with). Joaquin refuses to take responsibility for his children. Additionally, Jimena’s housekeeper, Martita, offhandedly mentions that Jimena brings home new men all the time.
Jimena’s older children, Santiago and Sofia, engage in sibling rivalry. In one instance, Santiago threatens to post a picture of Sofia wearing a bra to prove that she “stuffs” it (the picture is not seen onscreen). In retort, Sofia suggests Santiago add stuffing to his intimate areas. Although the siblings frequently fight and call each other names, there are some sweet moments in which Santiago and Sofia stand up for one another.
One scene features a girl being mean to Santiago. Several scenes also involve Santiago, Sofia and Leo ignoring direction from adults. A character engages in unethical business practices, which physically harm other people.
While Jimena works to prove her parenting and professional capabilities to Ernesto, Gabriel stays home and teaches the kids the value of bravery. Turns out, Jimena needed the same advice to face her father.
Characters use profanity such as one use of the f-word, six uses of “a–hole” and a few misuses of God’s name.
Santiago goes on a date with a girl, whose intention is to humiliate him on the date. Sofia advises Santiago to treat the girl poorly on the date. Santiago asserts that he would be good at kissing. Later, he laments the fact that he’s 15 and still has not had his first kiss, and he expresses fear that he will never lose his virginity. Two teenaged girls wear crop tops.
There are a few references to alcohol, and adults drink alcohol during dinner. Jimena’s coworker makes several sexual innuendos about Gabriel.
A character withholds incriminating information about his background, and he snoops to find information related to his situation. Santiago and Sofia engage in sibling rivalry. Jimena endures sexist comments at work.
Leo has a loose tooth, so Gabriel teaches Leo about the Tooth Fairy. When Leo finally loses his tooth, we see blood covering the tooth. Santiago tells Leo that the Tooth Fairy doesn’t really exist.
Talent and intrigue ultimately can’t cloak the truth about this vulgar, crass and graphic drama on Netflix.
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