Warning: SPOILERS for Shifting Gears episode 10.The pilot season ofShifting Gearshas come to an end, but one moment in the finale implies the sitcom may be changing its trajectory for the better. The ABC sitcom follows Tim Allen as Matt Parker, widower and owner of an auto restoration shop run by the affable Gabriel/Gabe (Seann William Scott), witty Stitch (Daryl“Chill”Mitchell), and underdeveloped but present Frankie (Cynthia Quiles). The inciting incident of the comedy comes when Matt’s daughter, Riley (Kat Dennings), suddenly moves home with her children, Carter (Maxwell Simkins) and Georgia (Barrett Margolis), to escape a failing marriage.
Though the premise wasn’t anything groundbreaking,Shifting Gearsgarnered impressive viewershipoff the bat, due in no small part to Allen’s leading role. After 10 episodes,Shifting Gearsseason 1 wrapped up with a soft conclusion and many purposefully unresolved storylines. WhileShifting Gearsseason 2has still yet to be officially confirmed by ABC, it’s difficult to imagine that the network won’t renew the comedy given the substantial ratings it’s pulled in since January. Theending ofShifting Gearsseason 1left much up in the air, but one quick scene could have subtle implications for the sitcom’s future.
Seann William Scott’s “Dude, Where’s My Car?” Reference In Shifting Gears Episode 10 Explained
A Single But Significant Line
While Tim Allen may have been the headliner, one character has been ascene-stealer inShifting Gearssince the pilot: Gabe. From his endearing naivety to reliable comic relief, Gabe is undeniably one ofShifting Gears’ best side characters thanks to the work of Seann William Scott. TheShifting Gearsseason finale even references one of Scott’s most iconic roles whenRiley walks into the auto shop, looks at Gabe, and asks:“Dude, where’s my car?”Scott starred in a film of the same name alongside Ashton Kutcher, and it remains one of the most memorable titles in Scott’s filmography.
The absurd mix of science fiction and comedy earnedDude, Where’s My Car?poor critical reception, but the film garnered a cult following that persists decades after its initial release.
Shifting Gearsmade many not-so-subtle callbacks to Allen’s past roles throughout the pilot season, even setting up aTim Allen shared universe inShifting Gearsset designs and guest stars. However,Riley’s on-the-nose reference to one of Scott’s biggest roles is a blissful departure fromShifting Gears’ Tim Allen tunnel vision. The callback didn’t require any extra meandering to draw attention to it, just a line from Riley and a quick reaction shot from Gabe. The scene then continued without delay, but the quick wink to Scott could indicate a new and necessary direction forShifting Gearsseason 2.
Shifting Gears Season 1 Finale’s Non-Tim Allen Reference Hints At Its Season 2 Story Approach
The Sitcom Is Broadening Its Scope
While ABC marketingShifting Gearsas a Tim Allen sitcom was undeniably the most logical move, the comedy needs to expand its horizons if it wants long-term success. There are many talented actors in theShifting Gearscast of characters, and theDude, Where’s My Car?reference indicates the sitcom realizes this as well. The plot can’t stray too far from the Parker family, but it doesn’t have to to celebrate its ensemble. In fact, exploring individual characters would inevitably lead back to Matt, given he’s connected to everyone as a father, grandfather, boss, or neighbor.
Jenna Elfman
Eve
Seann William Scott is only one member of theShifting Gearscast with iconic past rolesthat can be playfully worked into the script. Kat Dennings is recognizable to many as Max from2 Broke Girls, Daryl Mitchell and Jenna Elfman (Eve) both worked onFear the Walking Dead, and even Maxwell Simkins is widely remembered as Zane fromBizaardvark. WhileJenna Elfman’s character inShifting Gearshasn’t been around long enough to necessarily warrant a callback, it’s reassuring to know the sitcom has at least opened the door to acknowledging its full cast.
Why Shifting Gears Expanding Its Narrative Beyond Tim Allen Is Great
The Ensemble Cast Could Be The Key To Longevity
Beyond callbacks and inside jokes,the entireShifting Gearscast deserves more screen timein general.Matt’s character inShifting Gearsdoesn’t have to be sidelined, but letting others shine will help the sitcom in the long run. There are only so many iterations of Riley and Matt clashing heads thatShifting Gearscan air before it becomes exhausting. Frankie, Stitch, and Gabe could get into a fight, leading to an episode where the auto shop can’t function. Georgia and Carter could have a sibling squabble, leaving Matt and Riley to defuse the situation. Inevitably, some much-needed originality would ensue.
Shifting Gears Episode 9 Addresses The Problem With Tim Allen’s Home Improvement Past (But Can The Show Fix It?)
Shifting Gears is Tim Allen’s third starring sitcom, but Allen’s past titles have haunted his new role enough to warrant a joke in episode 9’s ending.
Admittedly, the sitcom has already vastly improved from theearly reviews ofShifting Gearsthat seemed to spell doom for Tim Allen’s return to network television. Certain episodes ofShifting Gearsseason 1 did focus on other characters— albeit only partially— and were irrefutably better because of it. Of course, there’s still room to improve and makeShifting Gearsthe fun family comedy it has the potential to be. Involving its diverse cast more, even with something as small as a one-liner reference, is the first step toShifting Gearsembracing its ensemble and setting season 2 up for success.
