TV Review!
“Shifting Gears” on ABC Review by Suzanne 1//10/25
First, I have to admit that I’m not a fan of Tim Allen, and that was true long before he became vocal about his conservatism. I just never found his brand of humor funny in either “Home Improvement” or “Last Man Standing.” He was much better in his movies, such as “Galaxy Quest,” “The Santa Clause” and the “Toy Story” franchise.
To be fair, comedians and actors are only as good as the writing. Allen wrote the first sitcom, but not the second, and he’s not a writer on this series, either. It was created by husband-wife writing team Mike Scully and Julie Thacker-Scully, who previously wrote for “The Simpsons” and “Parks and Rec.” I just don’t think this comedy they wrote is very funny (which is the main prerequisite for a sitcom). The characters are fine, but the jokes are very predictable: Tim Allen’s character, Matt, is at odds with his daughter, Riley (Kat Dennings). They argue about everything. In between their arguing, Matt says a lot of lame right wing comments that are, I guess, supposed to make us laugh (whether we’re laughing at him, or his jobs, I’m not so sure). The acting is fine, but the actors aren’t given much to work with, comedically-speaking.
Now, the show does have a lot of heart, which is the only thing that works at all. Both Riley and her dad are still mourning Riley’s mom, who died suddenly. The feelings between them, and about the late wife, feel very real. Perhaps they should have made this a drama instead.
One thing that I found interesting is that Matt is a toned-down version of Allen’s previous characters. His right-wing rants are not nearly as bad as they were in “Last Man Standing.” Also, the show seems to be more of an ensemble show than “Home Improvement.” Riley has two children that enjoy spending time with their grandpa. Matt runs an auto body shop, where we quickly see a potential love interest for Riley is Gabriel (Seann William Scott). The only bright spot among the cast, besides Dennings (who’s wasted here), is Daryl Chill Mitchell (Stich), who doesn’t look like he ever ages. He’s funnier than the others in this show.
MORE INFORMATION: Official Site Trailer
“Shifting Gears” follows Matt, the stubborn, widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. When his estranged daughter, Riley, and her kids move into his house, the real restoration begins.
“Shifting Gears” stars Tim Allen as Matt, Kat Dennings as Riley, Seann William Scott as Gabriel, Daryl Chill Mitchell as Stitch, Maxwell Simkins as Carter and Barrett Margolis as Georgia.
Tim Allen executive produces alongside Michelle Nader, Marty Adelstein, Becky Clements, Richard Baker, Rick Messina, John Pasquin, Jim Patterson, Bob Daily and John Amodeo. Pasquin also directed the pilot episode. Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully are executive producers on the pilot episode. Kat Dennings is a producer. The ABC series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.
01. “Restoration” Matt, the widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop, is confronted with his most unexpected and challenging project yet when his estranged daughter, Riley, and her adolescent children come crashing back into his life.
Air Date: 01/08/2025
02. “Accommodations” Matt joins Riley at Carter’s high school open house, where he’s unsettled to learn about the “accommodations” made for his grandson’s anxiety. Meanwhile, Riley reconnects with Caitlin, a former classmate, and sets her up with Gabriel.
Air Date: 01/15/2025
03. “Job” Riley, desperate for work, reluctantly takes a job at Matt’s shop. Meanwhile, Gabriel and Stitch secretly stray from Matt’s vision on a high-stakes restomod project.
Air Date: 01/22/2025
04. “Grief” When Riley discovers a closet filled with her late mother’s clothes, she insists Matt hasn’t processed her death and urges him to see a grief counselor. Meanwhile, Gabriel faces a crisis of confidence when he’s put in charge of the shop for a day.
Air Date: 01/29/2025
05. “Jimmy” Riley’s estranged husband, Jimmy, shows up to win her back, much to Matt’s dismay. While Matt struggles to get through to him, Riley finds support in an unexpected place.
Air Date: 02/05/2025
Proofread and Edited by Brenda
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