Ep 16. Private Coach

Mike Baxter, the marketing director of an outdoor sporting goods store, is a father of three girls and a happily married man. With his free-wheeling personality and conservative values, he often finds himself at odds with his liberal, feminist wife, Vanessa. As the head of a household full of women, Mike often finds himself in situations that test his patience and challenge his worldview.

In the season 2 episode "Private Coach," Mike's youngest daughter, Eve, wants to try out for the soccer team at school. However, she has never played before and needs help getting up to speed. Vanessa suggests hiring a private coach to give Eve some extra training before the tryouts, but Mike balks at the idea. He believes that everyone should have to earn their spot on the team through hard work and determination, not by buying their way in.

Despite Mike's objections, Vanessa goes ahead and hires the coach, a man named Hank who has a bit of a reputation as a hard-nosed taskmaster. Hank quickly proves himself to be a demanding coach, pushing Eve to her limits and pushing Mike's patience to the breaking point. Mike is so frustrated with Hank that he decides to take matters into his own hands and become Eve's coach himself.

With Mike's help, Eve starts to show real improvement on the field. However, Mike's competitive nature starts to get the better of him and he becomes obsessed with winning at all costs. This puts a strain on his relationship with Eve and leads to conflicts with Hank and the other parents on the team.

As the tryouts draw near, tension between the different coaches and parents reaches a boiling point. Ultimately, it comes down to a showdown between Hank and Mike, with Eve's spot on the team at stake. In the end, Mike learns an important lesson about the value of hard work, sportsmanship, and putting his daughter's happiness ahead of his own ego.

"Private Coach" is a classic episode of Last Man Standing, full of the show's trademark humor, heart, and family values. With its relatable characters, thoughtful themes, and sharp writing, it is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a sports fan, a parent, or just someone who enjoys a good sitcom, you won't want to miss this memorable episode.