Note: This article contains spoilers for the third episode of Shifting Gears.
The third episode of Shifting Gears delivers a delightful surprise by referencing Tim Allen’s iconic role from the beloved The Santa Clause film series in a comedic final scene. Allen, known for a myriad of roles throughout his career, continues to charm audiences with his performance on this ABC sitcom, which follows a history of success on television with shows like Home Improvement and Last Man Standing.
While Shifting Gears faced a rocky start with mixed reviews after its first two episodes, it has surprisingly attracted millions of viewers weekly. The pivotal question remains: are viewers tuning in for the show as a whole or primarily for Tim Allen? Regardless, it’s clear that Shifting Gears holds commercial promise, even if critical acclaim lags behind. Episode 3’s clever conclusion may not resonate with all viewers, yet die-hard fans of Allen are sure to appreciate its nostalgic significance.
Matt’s Last Line In Shifting Gears Is A Nod To Allen’s Role in The Santa Clause Franchise
Tim Allen First Appeared as Scott Calvin in 1994
In episode 3, titled “Jobs,” the plot centers on Riley (played by Kat Dennings) as she navigates her career ambitions while butting heads with Matt, portrayed by Allen, regarding their children’s supervision. The episode culminates in a humorous exchange where Matt feigns tracking Riley’s son Carter (Maxwell Simkins) to a liquor store and tattoo parlor. As they share a laugh about how naive Riley is, Matt quips, “You don’t know how many years it took to convince her that I wasn’t Santa Claus.” This memorable line serves as a playful tribute to The Santa Clause saga.
Shifting Gears has previously included subtle nods to Allen’s past roles, such as a green truck reminiscent of Mike Baxter’s vehicle from Last Man Standing. However, explicitly highlighting his participation in The Santa Clause series underscores the depth and breadth of Allen’s career. His portrayal of Scott Calvin/Santa Claus in the mid-1990s launched him to new levels of fame, a legacy that continues two decades later.
Allen’s Future as Scott Calvin in The Santa Clauses Season 3 Remains Uncertain
Disney Has Not Confirmed Season 3 Renewal
In 2022, nearly three decades after the release of the original film, Tim Allen returned to his role as Scott Calvin in The Santa Clauses. This Disney series focuses on Allen’s character as he attempts to navigate family life and Santa duties after returning from retirement. After two seasons, the series has entered an indefinite hiatus, leaving its future unclear; however, it has not been officially canceled.
Allen’s co-star in The Santa Clauses is Elizabeth Mitchell, who reprised her role as Mrs. Claus in the sequel. As Tim Allen presumably dedicated much of 2024 to filming for Shifting Gears, this may shed light on why a new season of The Santa Clauses did not premiere last year. Given the uncertainty surrounding the second season of Shifting Gears, it is conceivable that Allen could return to The Santa Clauses before filming additional episodes for his current comedy.
Regardless of Scott Calvin’s return timeline, the final scene of Shifting Gears‘ third episode pays homage to Tim Allen’s enduring legacy as Santa Claus, offering fans a moment to reflect on this beloved character.
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Shifting Gears airs Wednesdays at 8 PM ET on ABC.
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