Ep 1. Back to School
- TVPG
- September 20, 2013
- 21 min
-
7.4 (378)
In the season 3 premiere of Last Man Standing titled "Back to School," the Baxter family is back and ready to take on another exciting chapter in their lives. As the title suggests, the episode centers around the back-to-school season, bringing new adventures, challenges, and adjustments for each family member.
The episode begins with Mike Baxter (played by Tim Allen), the patriarch of the family, feeling a sense of emptiness since his youngest daughter, Eve (Kaitlyn Dever), has joined the Air Force Academy. With Eve's absence, Mike finds himself having to adjust to the changing dynamics of the household. However, being the resilient and determined father, he takes this opportunity to focus on his other two daughters, Mandy (Molly McCook) and Kristin (Amanda Fuller), as they prepare for the new school year.
Mandy, the middle child, is heading off to college, leaving behind her days as a high school student. Excited and slightly nervous, she embarks on a journey to find her identity and make a mark in the collegiate world. This transition becomes a significant milestone for Mandy, as she seeks to prove herself and navigate the challenges that come with being a freshman in college.
Meanwhile, Kristin, the eldest daughter, is juggling motherhood and her college education. As a working mom, she faces the daily struggle of balancing her responsibilities and finding quality time with her son, Boyd (Flynn Morrison). In this episode, Kristin attends a school open house with Boyd, hoping to find the right environment that aligns with her parenting values. As she grapples with the decision, Kristin reflects on the challenges of being a single mom and the desire to provide the best for her child.
On the other hand, Mike's wife Vanessa (Nancy Travis) is facing her own set of challenges at home. With two of her daughters transitioning into new phases of their lives, Vanessa finds herself dealing with the inevitable "empty nest" syndrome. However, she is determined to embrace this change and focus on her own personal growth. Vanessa aims to find new hobbies, seek professional opportunities, and redefine her identity beyond being a mother.
The episode also delves into the lives of other beloved characters. Kyle (Christoph Sanders), Mandy's boyfriend and Mike's employee at the Outdoor Man store, continues to bring his unique blend of quirkiness and humor to the series. Ed (Hector Elizondo), Mike's friend and boss, offers his wise and often comical insights on life's challenges, providing a source of comic relief throughout the episode.
As the Back to School season progresses, each member of the Baxter family navigates their individual paths, all while staying true to their values and supporting one another. Through humor, heartfelt moments, and relatable situations, the episode explores the themes of family, personal growth, and the complexities of life's transitions.
"Back to School" sets the stage for what promises to be an entertaining, heartwarming, and relatable season for Last Man Standing. With its blend of comedy and relatability, the episode reaffirms the show's ability to capture the essence of the modern American family, emphasizing the importance of love, support, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Note: This description is fictional and is not based on any real episode of Last Man Standing.