He blusters and grumbles. He rants and raves. He tries to outgun the school kids chasing after the bus on his route. A But in his heart, Ed Crankshaft has a decent streak a mile wide. Patiently explaining death to his grandson Max. Comforting his friend Ralph as Ralph's wife descends into Alzheimer's. Thrusting flowers and candy at his son-in-law on a nearly forgotten wedding anniversary. The star of the hit comic strip "Crankshaft" is a gentle soul stuck in a cantankerous mood.
With a supporting cast that includes Ed's two daughters, Chris and Pam; Pam's husband, Jeff; and their kids,...