Ep 9. Chicago Hope

In season 5 episode 9 of Home Improvement, titled "Chicago Hope," Tim and his co-host Al are preparing for their next season of Tool Time when they receive an invitation to participate in the International Builders' Show in Chicago. Meanwhile, Jill decides to take the boys to visit her sister in Ohio and leaves Tim to take care of the house.

As Tim and Al make their way to Chicago, they stop by a manufacturing plant owned by a former Tool Time guest, who offers them a tour of the plant and a chance to showcase one of their tools. However, things go awry when Tim accidentally destroys a valuable piece of machinery, putting Tool Time's reputation in jeopardy.

Back at home, Tim struggles with taking care of the house and dealing with unexpected issues, such as fixing a leaky roof and dealing with a scary possum in the attic. He also has to deal with his overzealous neighbor, Wilson, who constantly drops by with unsolicited advice.

Meanwhile, Jill and the boys have their own set of problems as they struggle to get along with Jill's sister and her family. The boys feel left out and bored, while Jill and her sister clash over their different parenting styles.

As the week goes on, Tim and Al try to make amends for their mishap at the manufacturing plant by finding a way to restore the broken machinery. With the help of some innovative thinking and a little bit of luck, they manage to save the day and secure their spot at the International Builders' Show.

The episode ends with Tim and Al returning home to a grateful Jill, who is relieved to have her family back together. Tim also learns an important lesson about the value of taking care of his home and his responsibilities as a husband and father.

Overall, "Chicago Hope" is a lighthearted episode that showcases the strengths and weaknesses of the main characters. It also introduces some new elements to the show, such as the International Builders' Show, that keep the storyline fresh and interesting.