Ep 14. The Karate Kid Returns

In the 14th episode of the sixth season of Home Improvement, titled "The Karate Kid Returns," Tim Taylor, played by the legendary comedian Tim Allen, is in for a surprise when an old high school friend, Eddie Phillips, comes back to town after living in Japan for many years. Eddie was a former school bully who tormented Tim when they were teenagers, but now he's a businessman who has come to invite Tim to a karate tournament that his company is sponsoring in Japan.

Initially, Tim is skeptical of Eddie's intentions and is convinced that he's still the same old bully. However, Eddie insists that he's changed and wants Tim to come with him to Japan to experience the martial arts culture firsthand. Eventually, Tim agrees to go with him, but he's still not convinced about Eddie's transformation.

In Japan, Tim and Eddie attend the karate tournament, and Tim is surprised to see how much Eddie has changed since their high school days. Eddie is now a respected businessman and martial arts enthusiast who is passionate about Japanese culture. Tim, on the other hand, is a fish out of water and struggles to adapt to the unfamiliar surroundings.

As the tournament progresses, Tim begins to appreciate the discipline and respect that are a part of the martial arts culture. He also learns that Eddie has a teenage son, who is a skilled karate student and is participating in the tournament. Tim sees a lot of himself in the boy and starts to bond with him over their shared love for tools and cars.

As the episode progresses, Tim's skepticism about Eddie's transformation is put to the test when they get into a confrontation with a group of local thugs who try to steal their wallets. Eddie shows off his newfound karate skills and puts the thugs in their place, impressing Tim with his abilities. This incident also helps Tim realize that he was wrong about Eddie and that people can change for the better.

In the end, Tim and Eddie reconcile and become friends once again. Tim returns home to his family, but he's now a changed man who has a newfound appreciation for martial arts and Japanese culture. The episode ends with Tim practicing karate in his backyard, much to the amusement of his family.

Overall, "The Karate Kid Returns" is a heartwarming episode that explores the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and personal growth. It's a classic example of how Home Improvement tackled serious issues while still maintaining its trademark humor and lightheartedness. Fans of the show will no doubt enjoy this episode, which is a testament to the enduring popularity of this beloved sitcom.