Warning: Spoilers for Shifting Gears episode 3
It’s no secret that TV actors love to bring previous co-actors in on their projects, butShifting Gearsepisode 3 just established the potential to do so in a very bizarre way. The episode specifically relies on one particular Easter egg that was noted well before the series even began to air.
Shifting GearsmarksTim Allen’s return to sitcoms, with his last major project being the streaming seriesThe Santa Clauses. With a new detail potentially setting up a world of guest stars, and withShifting Gears' season 2 renewalstill on the horizon, it seems especially important that this new detail could mean the creation ofan entire new shared sitcom universe with Tim Allen playing all of the most important parts. AlthoughShifting Gears' castalready wields a fair amount of star power, the establishment of a shared universe could mean ramifications that affect the entire future of the series' success.
Mike Baxter’s Truck Appearance Establishes That The Last Man Standing Co-Exists With Shifting Gears
Tim Allen’s Character From Shifting Gears Specifically Mentions Knowing Mike Baxter
When the episode establishes that Matt Parker (Tim Allen) is in possession of a green Ford F100, eagle-eyed viewers would have already noticed this as the same truck Mike Baxter had stolen from him at the end of Tim Allen’s sitcomLast Man Standing. That would already be great as a visual reference, butMatt specifically says this car was stolen from a man in Denverwhom he happens to know personally. The truck itself was spotted by fans before the show even premiered, but its actual inclusion could mean a lot for the show’s future.
Shifting Gears Cast Update Reveals Last Man Standing Reunion For Tim Allen
The latest update for Shifting Gears confirms a big reunion for lead star Tim Allen, bringing him back together with a very familiar face.
ConsideringLast Man Standingalso takes place in Denver and involves this same stolen truck, the reference is far from subtle. It’s very clear thatShifting Gearsis establishing a connection with Tim Allen’s former sitcom. But the real interest doesn’t end there. Much of the episode revolves around Gabriel (Seann Willaim Scott) performing unsanctioned modifications on the truck. This could easily upset Matt’s client, Mike Baxter, and lead to an even greater connection between the two shows. Better yet,the sheer potential for this outcome hints at an even greater use of car-based cameos.
Shifting Gears' The Last Man Standing Link Makes A Home Improvement Connection Also Possible
Mike Baxter Can’t Exist In Shifting Gears Without Tim Taylor Existing As Well
Now that a random automobile has somehow managed to forge a connection between two sitcoms, it isn’t unlikely thatTim Taylor’s hot rod will also make an appearance. But the crossover potential doesn’t end there. It’s already been established thatLast Man StandingandHome Improvementtake place in the same universe, with Mike Baxter meeting Tim Taylor in the ninth season ofLast Man Standing. This means that, if Mike Baxter exists inShifting Gears, Tim Taylor exists as well.
Jonathan even played a character named Randy, an obvious callback toHome Improvement.
Tim Allen is well-known for bringing former co-stars in on his shows. Patricia Richardson, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and Richard Karn (Jill, Randy, and Al fromHome Improvement) all appeared onLast Man Standing. Jonathan even played a character named Randy, an obvious callback toHome Improvement. With Tim Allen’s enthusiasm for casting former co-stars, the fact that all three of his sitcoms exist in the same universe means that he can bring them back in even more nostalgic ways. The next timeShifting Gearsfans see a Randy, he may very well be the one fans knew from childhood.
Shifting Gears
Cast
Shifting Gears is a drama about Matt, a widowed owner of a classic car restoration shop. Matt’s estranged daughter Riley and her teenage children move into his home, challenging him to rebuild both familial and personal connections.
