I really enjoy Last Man Standing. I mean, I know I’m not really the target demographic for the show (being under 45) but I still think it’s a wonderful, funny show with great characters. Each episode has something little that you can take away. It’s not on people’s radars for being particularly innovative or different, but it’s one case in which the classic sitcom format works really well.
This week on Last Man Standing: Vanessa needs more office space, so she starts borrowing Mike’s office. Mike, unhappy with the shared space, takes Mandy’s idea to build a “She Shed” for Vanessa. Once it’s built, he decides he wants the space instead. Meanwhile, Kristin defeats Kyle in the Employee of the Month award race, and both are unsure why.
What I liked about this episode was that it wasn’t fancy. There was not much groundbreaking about it. Sometimes, it does take time to remove myself from thinking that Tim Allen’s character is going to fail when he tries to build something, a la Home Improvement (though I did catch a quick grunt). Rather, he builds it successfully and wants it for himself. And it’s hard not to relate to Mike in this case, because men do need their space. But what makes “He Shed She Shed” a strong episode is the way that Mike exhibits growth. He ends up in compromise over the shed because it will make his wife happy. Isn’t that what most of our lives are about?
The Kristin and Kyle story warmed my heart too. Mostly, I was pleased to see a story about them because they haven’t interacted a ton since Kyle dated her way back in the show’s beginning (and she was played by a different actress). I love both of these characters and it was great seeing them interact. I especially appreciated the reason in which Kristin won the award, and the grace in which she shared her gift card with Kyle.
This may have been the best episode I’ve seen in awhile in terms of spreading around the funny. Almost every character the show has was involved, and punchlines flew from all directions. As always, here are some of my favorite quotes/moments from the episode:
- “Bethany has one!”- Mike, not knowing what he says
- “It’s the perfect place to work, or unwind, or throw a glass of Chardonnay in your frenemy’s face.”- Mandy
- “That’s what She Shed”- Vanessa, I love your jokes. Don’t ever change.
- “I’m a tad, no, I’m a full smidge pissed.”- Chuck Larabee
- “I think you need to go to the hardware store.”- Mike’s quick and easy way of getting rid of Kyle
- “People don’t want to confront the dragon lady? That’s weird.”- Kyle
- Kyle’s impression of Ed was awesome.
Again, this episode was not groundbreaking, or even overly hilarious, but if you enjoy this show at all, you’ll enjoy this episode. It was true to the characters, and gave off a warm and familiar feeling. I’m already looking forward to the next one.
What did you guys think? Did you enjoy the episode? Let us know!
Last Man Standing airs Fridays at 8/7c on ABC
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