In the bustling world of network television, Tim Allen's latest venture, Shifting Gears, has hit the gas for its second season on ABC, premiering just this week on October 1. The sitcom, centering on a widowed auto shop owner navigating family chaos, leans heavily into Allen's signature gruff charm, but this time around, it's the parade of cameos that steals the spotlight. Indeed, the episode unfolds with a reunion frenzy that feels both heartwarming and a tad calculated, pulling from Allen's storied past hits.
Nancy Travis, who played the steadfast Vanessa Baxter opposite Allen's Mike on Last Man Standing for nine seasons, makes a cheeky return. In the premiere, she confronts Allen's character, Matt, over his budding romance, delivering a line that dubs him a "slut" amid the laughter— a nod to their on-screen history that's equal parts playful and pointed. Travis, fresh off her guest spot in Season 1's Valentine's Day episode, joked in recent interviews about wrangling Allen's improvisational flair back to the script. Her presence underscores the show's reliance on nostalgia, bridging the gap between Allen's 1990s heyday and today.
Moreover, the nostalgia engine revs higher with Patricia Richardson, Allen's Home Improvement wife Jill Taylor, popping up alongside Jenna Elfman, who plays Matt's love interest Eve. These reunions aren't mere Easter eggs; they weave into the plot, from shop banter to family dinners, highlighting themes of second chances and lingering ties. Yet, one can't help but wonder if the formula risks stalling under the weight of callbacks. Season 2 boasts 22 episodes, promising more such moments, including potential returns from other Last Man Standing alums like Hector Elizondo.
However, amid the laughs, Shifting Gears grapples with modern family dynamics—divorce, grandkids, workplace rivalries—through Allen's lens of conservative-leaning humor. Critics have noted the show's solid ratings from its freshman run, averaging 4.5 million viewers, but question if the star power alone can sustain the momentum. Travis herself expressed openness to more appearances, hinting at untapped potential in these crossovers.
As Allen's TV empire expands, blending old flames with new sparks, it raises a quiet question: in chasing yesterday's magic, can tomorrow's stories truly shift into something fresh?