Even the title name, Two and a Half Men, doesn't describe what is going on in the current storyline – one and a half of the title characters are removed: The only remains of leading character Charlie Harper is an urn of ashes that adorns the living room mantle, and young Jake Harper (Angus T. Jones), son of brother Alan Harper (Jon Cryer), is off in the military, and now seems to be replaced with a robot created and built by the now lead character Walden Schmidt (Ashton Kutcher) with Jake's photograph taped to where the robot's face would be.
The introduction to Season Eleven of Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia) appearing as Charlie's illegitimate, lesbian daughter, Jenny, (who was exclusively raised by her mother, but was financially provided for by Charlie), now appears on the scene, and has been promoted to a season regular, replacing Angus T. Jones. Her character brazenly imitates the immoral, addictive behavior of her late father, Charlie, but compassionate bachelor billionaire Schmidt allows her to take over Jake's room and join the extended family of misfits.
Alan Harper, Charlie's brother, who has somehow through the kindness of Schmidt inherited his room in the Malibu beach house, carries on an affair with his lover, Lyndsey (Courtney Thorne-Smith), even though she is having an affair with Larry (introducing D. B. Sweeney). However, Cryer's character has become increasingly debased as an addictive, lascivious, parasitic freeloader, and he adapts a character of his alter-ego named "Jeff Strongman" to get to know Larry better. But, Jon's well-timed lines continue to stimulate laughter and support the cast around him.
The sound of wedding bells rings in the ears of Alan, Lyndsey, and Evelyn (Holland Taylor). You'll see some familiar faces in Two and a Half Men: The Complete Eleventh Season: Berta (Conchata Ferrell), Judith Harper-Melnick (Marin Hinkle), Rose (Melanie Lynskey), Barry Foster (Clark Duke), Nicole (Odette Annable), and Dr. Linda Freeman (Jane Lynch) among others. Guest stars include an array of cast members, some including Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman), Mila Kunis (wife of Ashton Kutcher), Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Brad Paisley, Jeff Probst, Marion Ross, and a special episode featuring Carl Reiner, Tim Conway, Steve Lawrence, and Garry Marshall.
This review would not be complete without mentioning Walden Schmidt (Ashton Kutcher). I have to admit that his character seems to be the most sane of all involved. He's clear-headed (usually, even though he does participate in recreational drugs) and is still able to perform his constant work ethic. He finds enough sympathy to allow all who enter to stay a while. He has a natural lovable nature, and is incredibly handsome with an adorable sweet and endearing manner. He doesn't replace Charlie Sheen in any way, but he's a natural for romantic comedy and does add some normal energy to the show – and class! He is probably the only one of the cast that has both feet on the ground even though he suffers from loneliness – go figure!
Two and a Half Men: The Complete Season Eleven really lacks in morality, decent living, and as an influence to the generations to come. The writing has lost its appeal and is crowded with sexual and drug-based innuendos. I compared one of the older episodes with Charlie Sheen, that made me both laugh and cry with its humor, and I found that this Eleventh Season's smuttiness is ten times more profane than the older show with Charlie. And even though we accepted Charlie's antics in those days (because they were so true-to-life), the storyline has degenerated the characters of the cast to an unbearable barrage of filth and corruption – no wonder Angus T. Jones left! It was really unbearable, and was just simply filthy and not particularly funny.
My rating reflects the dismay I have with watching Two and a Half Men: The Complete Eleventh Season's fall from grace. I definitely caution parents who consider allowing younger children to view this DVD to make their decision based on their own review. Only Charlie Sheen and some decent comedy will bring back the fun times of Two and a Half Men!
