Shifting Gears Episode 5 Features An Unexpected Hint About The Future Of Matt & Riley

Warning! Spoilers ahead of Shifting Gears episode 5, “Jimmy.”

Amid the chaos that Jimmy’s arrival brings, Shifting Gears episode 5 offers an unexpected hint about what to expect from Matt and Riley’s future. ABC’s latest sitcom brings back Tim Allen to the small screen, several years after The Last Man Standing wrapped up. Joining him as Matt in the Shifting Gears cast is Kat Dennings, who plays his on-screen daughter, Riley. Admittedly, the initial response to the show is mixed, but it continues to be a commercial success for ABC, pulling in great viewership, both from broadcast and streaming. Because of this, Shifting Gears will likely be renewed.

The long-form network format allows sitcoms more time to get their footing, and Shifting Gears benefits from that leeway. Allen’s new show started out uneven and awkward, but it has continued to improve in the succeeding weeks. In Shifting Gears episode 5, the comedy debuts Riley’s husband, Jimmy as he tries to make amends. The show leaves their fate in limbo, but regardless of what happens in their dynamic, the comedy can go on. Shifting Gears‘ story is anchored on the dynamic between Matt and Riley, anyway, and its latest episode offers an idea about what the future lies for them.

Matt & Riley Both Agree About How Restoring Cars Take Time In Shifting Gears

The Parkers Will Be Alright

Shifting Gears episode 5 begins with Matt gifting Carter his very own car for his birthday. That said, unlike a swanky new one that is ready to be used, the Parker patriarch, who is a connoisseur of vintage models, decided to give his grandson an older one that needs a lot of work. At first, Carter is hesitant about the car, unsure if it’s a good or a bad present, but when Riley chimes in and shares that her dad also gave her something similar when she was 16, Carter perks up.

Matt mentions first that fixing Carter’s car would take a while, but Riley adds that they did the same thing to her 16-year-old automobile gift, which ended up being such a cool ride.

While they do not engage in intense fights, the micro-arguments highlight the divide between Matt and Riley, so seeing them be on the same page about Carter’s car is a good change. However, this isn’t the only hint that they will be able to fully repair their relationship. Both also acknowledge that working on something for a longer period can ultimately lead to a satisfying result. Matt mentions first that fixing Carter’s car would take a while, but Riley adds that they did the same thing to her 16-year-old automobile gift, which ended up being such a cool ride.

Restoring Cars Is A Metaphor For Shifting Gears’ Central Story

Shifting Gears Is Restoring Matt & Riley’s Relationship

Throughout its run thus far, Shifting Gears has established that Riley and Matt have often conflicting perspectives — a take on the used generational gap trope. While this isn’t exactly new, Matt and Riley’s love for cars, specifically vintage ones, bond them together. It’s the one thing that they seem to agree on, at least thus far. Fixing cars, however, is a metaphor for how Shifting Gears tackles how the pair restores their fractured relationship.

Matt and Riley’s similar disposition on how much work Carter’s car needs suggests that they are also both willing to put in the effort to fix their dynamic. Surprisingly, Shifting Gears doesn’t fall into the trap of pitting the father and daughter against each out quite aggressively. In fact, since the show started, it has already featured several touching moments between the pair. This sets up a future where they are finally able to get over their respective grudges towards each other, although, like Carter’s car, it will require a lot of time and work.

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