Ep 21. Bad Heir Day

Mike Baxter (Tim Allen) has always known how to solve problems, whether they be work-related or family-related. But in the latest episode of Last Man Standing season 6, entitled “Bad Heir Day,” Mike faces a challenge he may not be able to overcome.

The episode begins with Mike discovering that his father, Bud (Robert Forster), has passed away. Although he and his father didn't always see eye to eye, Mike is upset at the loss and is tasked with delivering the eulogy at the funeral.

However, when Mike meets with the probate attorney, he discovers something even more shocking than his father’s passing. It turns out that Bud left his estate to his longtime caretaker, Tanya (Marta DuBois), rather than to Mike or his siblings. Mike is understandably upset, especially after finding out that Bud always referred to Tanya as a “family friend” and never mentioned her in any of his wills prior to his final one.

Mike’s wife, Vanessa (Nancy Travis), tries to be understanding, realizing that her husband is grieving and in shock. But to Mike, it’s more than that – he feels as though he has been betrayed by his father, the one person he always thought he could count on. Mike decides to fight the will, but soon discovers that, due to some legal loopholes, he may not have much of a case.

Meanwhile, Mike’s youngest daughter, Eve (Kaitlyn Dever), is dealing with a tough week of her own. She’s working hard to finish her senior year of high school and get ready to attend the Air Force Academy, but she’s struggling in her physics class. When she confides in her father, he tells her to keep at it, reminding her that hard work always pays off.

Elsewhere, Mike’s son-in-law, Ryan (Jordan Masterson), is dealing with a crisis of his own. He’s just been given the news that his job may be moving to Canada and he may have to relocate with it. This puts a strain on his marriage to Mike’s oldest daughter, Kristin (Amanda Fuller), and the two have a heart-to-heart about their future together.

As the episode progresses, each of these storylines intertwine, leading to some surprising (and often very funny) moments. Will Mike be able to accept his father’s decision and move on, or will he continue to fight the will? Will Eve be able to conquer her physics class and make it to the Air Force Academy? And what will happen to Ryan’s job and his marriage to Kristin?

Overall, Last Man Standing season 6 episode 21, “Bad Heir Day,” is a touching and funny episode that reminds us that family is messy, but ultimately worth fighting for. With great performances from its ensemble cast and some surprising plot twists, it’s definitely an episode worth watching for fans of the show.