PICNIC
Matt’s rivalry with the dance studio intensifies as the owner introduces a picnic table leading to them sharing a bond over spousal grief. Meanwhile, Riley and Matt have to give Carter the talk.
Grumpy Old Man
Matt sees a picnic table set up in the shared space between his custom shop and the dance studio. He’s upset and goes over to speak his mind to the owner, played by Jenna Elfman. The pair battle it out over their differing philosophies. Matt is a grumpy, old conservative, much like Tim Allen in real life. Elfman’s Eve Drake is an old hippie, much like an older version of her Dharma character from Dharma and Greg. Matt doesn’t want anything in the shared space while Eve wants a place where people who frequent or work at either business can enjoy lunch outside.
Disney/Raymond Liu
Eventually, Matt goes outside to move the picnic table himself and puts it in front of the dance studio’s door. That’s a safety violation but also injures Matt’s back because he’s in his 70s and can’t move a picnic table by himself anymore. It’s all mostly silly but does lead to a humorous exchange when Riley keeps addressing Matt as “Mr. Parker” until Eve tells Riley that she knows Riley is Matt’s daughter.
Unlikely Friendship Blossoms
The next day, Eve brings out two picnic tables, so Matt goes to confront her again. He finds her dancing alone in her studio and rather than barge in, he takes time to admire her passion for what she does. He may not be into dancing, but it’s clear from his actions that he sees someone who appreciates her craft the same way he appreciates his. They discuss the issues they have due to their differing philosophies and she comments on his injured back due to moving the initial table. She shows him some exercises dancers use for back injuries and he’s able to walk better afterwards.
Disney/Raymond Liu
The two also talk about their personal lives as he talks about the things he used to do with his late wife, Diane. Eve mentions that her husband is dead to her after cheating on her with a TikTok dancer. They agree to the one table in the shared space. Of course, the next day the table is gone and Eve is blaming Matt who insists he didn’t do it. Surveillance video reveals some of Eve’s male students moved the table in anger at Matt for yelling at them for years.
Carter’s Talk
While this is going on, Carter is growing and it’s time to talk about certain issues with him. Riley doesn’t want to have the talk because a teenage boy doesn’t want to discuss that with his mother, and his father is still out on tour, so it falls on Matt. Carter tries to reassure Matt that he knows all about everything which just leads to more questions. After Georgie helps break into Carter’s computer, Matt and Riley see some of the fantasy aspects he’s learned on the internet and it freaks them both out.
Disney/Raymond Liu
Eventually, Riley tries to step in to have the discussion, but it’s awkward for everybody. Matt tags back in and explains things a little better, but when Carter asks about wings, Matt hands him a National Geographic and tells him to read it to understand better.
Rating
After three strong episodes, this one was very weak. The fight over a picnic table seemed extra childish. Plus, while Gabe and Stitch were there, it felt like they were back to being one dimensional background characters instead of the fully-formed characters they were becoming. Plus, the kids are still just there. Georgia has done nothing of note but eat too much and vomit. Carter had some stronger moments when his father showed up but has since been relegated to the same character he was before then.
There was, however, some necessary growth in Matt’s character. In the Valentine’s episode, he made the effort to get out and seemed like he was warming up to the idea of dating. It seems like Jenna Elfman will be his potential love interest. They will clash and then unite like so many other “will they, won’t they” couples in television history. It’s basic and a trope but necessary to help build Matt’s character going forward.
Check out Shifting Gears on ABC and Hulu.
Article Written By: Jeremy Brown for Stelmach Brown Media 2025
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