Tim Allen’s back on ABC, and this time he’s not battling home improvement woes. In Shifting Gears, Allen plays Matt, a widower and classic car enthusiast grappling with the realities of modern family life. In the second episode, “Accommodations,” Matt’s old-school parenting style gets a jolt when he discovers the “accommodations” being made for his grandson Carter’s anxiety at school. Expect some friction.
Meanwhile, Matt’s daughter Riley is busy playing Cupid, reconnecting with an old classmate, Caitlin, and attempting to set her up with Gabriel. This subplot adds a dash of romantic comedy to the mix, offering a counterpoint to Matt’s potentially fraught exploration of anxiety and modern education.
Shifting Gears continues to establish its tone and characters. The premise has potential, but it’s walking a tightrope. Can it handle sensitive topics like anxiety with nuance and humor, or will it veer into sitcom clichés? It’s early days yet, but this episode looks to give us a better understanding of what this new series has under the hood.
Shifting Gears airs Wednesday, January 15th at 8:20 PM on ABC.