Ep 1. Voting

Voting is the first episode of the second season of the American sitcom Last Man Standing. The episode initially aired on November 2, 2012, on ABC. The episode runs for approximately 22 minutes, and it features a family dealing with the aftermath of the presidential election and the absurdity of American government politics.

The episode starts with Mike Baxter (Tim Allen) discussing the recent presidential election. Mike was a Mitt Romney supporter, and he can't contain his joy over Obama's defeat. He shares his excitement with his family and co-workers, which leads to an intense discussion about the president's role in the country.

The conversation is interrupted when Kristin (Alexandra Krosney) asks her father for time off, so she can work on a political campaign. Mike agrees but warns her to be very careful as politics can get brutal. Kristen's absence allows Mandy (Molly Ephraim), the youngest daughter, to move back into her room. Vanessa (Nancy Travis), Mandy's mother, is thrilled with the news. However, when Mandy sets off the fire alarm with her hair, Vanessa and Mandy argue as it is something that the mother has done herself.

Later, Mike invites Kristen's boyfriend, Ryan, (Jordan Masterson) over for dinner to discuss Kristen's political aspirations. Mike discovers that Ryan is voting for Obama, and this creates a conflict between them. Kristen tries to defend Ryan, but Mike is not having any of it, claiming that Ryan has fallen for Obama's liberal ideology. After a tense exchange, Ryan and Kristen leave the house. Vanessa tells Mandy to be a little cautious when expressing political opinions, as it can create enemies and hurt personal relationships.

Kristen tries to ignore her father's warning and stops by the house to pick up her favorite shirt, which leads to another argument with Mike. Vanessa tells Mike to put his political beliefs aside and support his daughter. Meanwhile, Ed (Hector Elizondo), the owner of Outdoor Man, tries to convince Mike to support a candidate that he has just endorsed, which angers Mike.

The episode ends with Mike realizing that the election does not define his life or his relationships with his family and friends. He apologizes to Ryan for his behavior and agrees to support Kristen's political aspirations. Vanessa promises to teach Mandy about the importance of voting and the privilege to express personal opinions.

In conclusion, Voting, the first episode of Last Man Standing's second season, is a perfect start to the season. The episode offers an honest reflection of how politics can create tension and divide families and friends. It shows how important it is to respect people's opinions and how to disagree without causing harm or animosity. The episode delivers a relevant and timely message of unity amidst political divide and stands out as an example of how to handle politically charged situations.