Shifting Gear is created by Mike Scully (The Simpsons, Parks and Recreation) and Julie Thacker-Scully (The Simpsons), introduces us to Riley (played wonderfully by Kat Dennings), a woman whose life takes a dramatic turn after a divorce. Left with little to her name, Riley moves back in with her estranged father Matt (Tim Allen) while juggling the challenges of raising her two kids, rekindling old friendships, and navigating the dynamics of a small-town community she once called home.
When the pilot aired, I wasn’t have a lot confident on this. The initial episode felt like a work in progress—awkward banter between father and daughter peppered with predictable quips, and a cast and crew seemingly finding their rhythm in front of the camera. However, by the second episode, the show began to hit its stride, and it was as if the creative team had finally found their groove.
Kat Dennings’ portrayal of Riley channels a more mature version of her Two Broke Girls character Max. This Max (I mean Riley) is sharp and self-aware, with a biting humor tempered by an underlying vulnerability and a clearer sense of self-worth. It’s like watching Max grow up and discover what she truly needs out of life. On the other hand, Tim Allen delivers a surprisingly nuanced performance as Matt. His observations on modern society are less condescending critiques and more the musings of an elder genuinely trying to understand a world that’s evolving faster than he can keep up with—a blend of humor and poignant resignation that makes his character deeply relatable.
The second episode also showcases a tighter narrative structure and sharper comedic timing. The jokes land with more precision, and the chemistry among the cast feels more natural. However, there’s still a sense that the connection between the show and its audience is in its infancy. It’s clear that Shifting Gear has potential, and if the series can maintain its current trajectory while cultivating a loyal fanbase, it might just become one of those shows where, years later, fans look back on the early episodes with a newfound appreciation for its growth and charm.
5/10
