Ep 13. Up Your Alley
- TVPG
- January 7, 1992
- 23 min
-
7.5 (371)
Tim Taylor, a TV show host, is trying to find ways to boost the ratings of his show "Tool Time." He decides that hosting a bowling tournament featuring various home improvement stores would be the perfect way to do so. Tim and his co-host, Al Borland, enter the tournament along with their boss John Binford and a team of their own from the hardware store they work at.
Meanwhile, Tim's wife Jill is dealing with her own issues at home. She is frustrated with the lack of privacy in their backyard and wants to install a fence. However, their next-door neighbor Mr. Hodges is opposed to the idea, claiming that it would ruin the aesthetic of the neighborhood. Jill turns to her friend Karen for advice, who suggests that she try to appeal to Mr. Hodges' love of gardening.
Tim and Al struggle in the bowling tournament, with Tim's overconfidence getting the best of him and Al being distracted by a woman in the crowd. However, they make it to the final round against a team from a competing hardware store. Tim's competitive spirit takes over and he becomes overly aggressive, causing Al to get injured. They eventually lose the tournament.
Back at home, Jill takes Karen's advice and invites Mr. Hodges over to discuss the fence. She points out that the lack of privacy has led to them being unable to enjoy their backyard and that a fence would also benefit Mr. Hodges' garden by providing a barrier against animals. Mr. Hodges ultimately agrees to the fence.
The episode ends with Tim and Jill reflecting on their respective victories - Tim is proud that he made it to the final round of the tournament, while Jill is proud that she was able to persuade Mr. Hodges to agree to the fence.
Overall, "Up Your Alley" is a humorous and heartwarming episode that showcases both the strengths and flaws of the Taylor family. The subplot involving Jill's struggle to install a fence is an important reminder that communication and compromise are key in any relationship, while Tim's hijinks in the bowling tournament provide plenty of laughs.
