Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, two esteemed figures of network sitcoms, are set to collaborate in the new ABC series “Shifting Gears”. Tim is known for his role in “Home Improvement”, while Kat gained popularity through the unexpectedly enduring “2 Broke Girls” (which ran an impressive 138 episodes). As they step into their roles as a reunited estranged father-daughter duo, they bring star power to this midseason debut. The audience, seated in a multi-camera setup, greets them with thunderous applause upon their entrance. Unlike most new shows that need to win over an audience, “Shifting Gears” begins its journey with a built-in advantage, having the luxury to navigate initial bumps more smoothly.
Allen, who is also an executive producer, takes on the role of Matt, the owner of a traditional car restoration business. (Dennings shares the production duties as well.) The series setting shows promise as a comedy set in a workplace, much like Shane Gillis’ “Tires” on Netflix has demonstrated. However, rather than focusing primarily on the comedic aspects, the first two episodes of “Shifting Gears” presented for critics delve deeply into family dynamics. In one scene, Dennings’ character Riley arrives in Matt’s stolen GTO with her children, seeking a place to stay due to her recent divorce. An unusual pairing unfolds as they become roommates, but these roommates already carry the weight of decades-old emotional baggage between them.
Originally conceived by the married duo Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully (“The Simpsons”), now led by Michelle Nader (who previously worked with Dennings on “2 Broke Girls”), the show “Shifting Gears” sometimes stumbles in its storytelling. The creators left the project prior to its series commission. Matt proudly proclaims, “When I build things, they’re built to last,” to which Riley quips, “Except our relationship!” This straightforwardness is reflected throughout the show, including blatant attempts at humor involving different generations. For instance, Carter, Riley’s preteen son, intends to revamp Matt’s social media, and when Matt’s granddaughter Georgia expresses her ambition to become a billionaire, he cautions her about men being uncomfortable with wives who earn more than them.
The story implies that Matt, much like Allen, exhibits a practical conservatism in his everyday life, though with softer edges compared to the original. He admires Reagan, yet remains silent on the topic of the newly elected president, choosing not to comment even when tariff issues are discussed; Riley supports Nancy Pelosi, despite her background being more reminiscent of a Bernie Sanders supporter – a woman who left college early to elope with a bass player. Matt is often portrayed as a lovable curmudgeon, frequently expressing generational discontent over modern educational accommodations before eventually finding common ground.
Matt’s gruffness is more believable when it comes to his interactions with Riley, given their dynamic as two stubborn individuals dealing with the loss of Matt’s late wife, who had previously acted as a mediator between them. The premiere includes a slightly poignant comic moment where Matt, caught off guard by Riley revealing her vulnerability, awkwardly pats her foot instead. There’s plenty of potential for further exploration in this area for the show “Shifting Gears”, as we haven’t yet been introduced to Riley’s brother, who may provide insights into her past, or her ex-husband, with whom she will likely have to share parental responsibilities.
During this period, “Shifting Gears” could better harmonize Matt’s personal and work life. (Although Riley harbors ambiguous dreams of being a lawyer, the series is centered around Matt’s passions.) The second episode features an awkward subplot where Riley attempts to match Matt’s colleague Gabriel (Seann William Scott) with her school friend Caitlyn (Brenda Song). This storyline reveals the ensemble’s inconsistencies while simultaneously prolonging the predictable romantic tension between Gabriel and Riley. “Shifting Gears” is essentially a family trying to mend their bonds. It might be appropriate that it hasn’t yet come together as a unified entity.
The show titled “Shifting Gears” is set to debut on ABC on January 8th at 8:00 PM Eastern Time. From then on, new episodes will be aired every Wednesday.
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2025-01-08 17:16