It was all about accepting change and facing an uncertain future on Last Man Standing Season 7 Episode 3.

The possibility of a corporate takeover set the scene for the return of the hilarious Jay Leno as Joe. His biggest fear about losing his job? How it will affect his cats. Who would have thought Joe the mechanic was a cat guy?

Joe was only in a couple of scenes in the episode, but it was nice to have the character in the mix again. Jay Leno and Tim Allen bounce one-liners off each other as though they spend all day long hanging out bantering with each other.

One of the focal points was the friendship between Ed and Mike. Viewers know the two men have a long-standing relationship that is more than co-workers. However, it isn't until Mike is faced with being at the company without Ed that fans are privy to how much they mean to each other.

Kristen: Dad, the entire kitchen staff is freaking out, and they all have knives.
Joe: Hey where is Kyle? He comes in with you. He’s been fired, hasn’t he? It’s happening people! It’s happening already!
Mike: Alright, alright calm down nothing is happening. Kyle took a personal day off. Look, Arvo Industries can smash Ted Tacklebox all they want. They can’t smash this store. Do you understand that? I am not worried. Don’t be worried. Come on back to work.
Kirsten: Thanks, Dad. We all needed to hear that.
Mike: Yeah, I think we’re screwed.

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Mike, still reeling from the loss of his father, is scared Ed's retirement will be the end of their friendship. Ed realizes what is going on and says what Mike needs to hear.

You lost your father; you're girls are growing up, and now you're afraid you are going to lose your best friend.
Ed

Permalink: You lost your father; you're girls are growing up, and now you're afraid you are going to...

Hector Elizondo spokes the words with sincerity, conviction, and love. It made me tear up.

One of the best scenes was Vanessa calling Mike out on how he thinks he is funny. She points out that some people may think his jokes are not jokes but rather him saying what he actually means.

The reason this scene is significant is that she is right, but also because I think so many of us know a person like Mike. A person who uses humor in all situations but their jokes don't always come across as jokes. It is a defense mechanism, but it can also be unintentionally hurtful.

Vanessa pointing out that quality to Mike, while making sure he knows she doesn't feel that way, was the kind of honesty he needed. He definitely didn't want to hear it, as he used humor to rebuff her idea but the conversation did help him open up to Ed.

Ed: They’re not just numbers on a spreadsheet. They’re people.
Mike: They’re our people.
Ed: If we sell, our people will be taken care of.
Mike: But for how long? I mean, I think Connor wants to keep that kid of his for a while. Same with Leslie and her house.
Ed: But if Arvo buys Outdoor Man, they’re still going to need our people.
Mike: Yeah, why don’t you tell that to all the people just laid off from Ted’s Tacklebox.
Ed: Yeah, well, you are right, Mike. I can’t throw all of these people to the wolves.
Mike: So, we’re not going to sell?
Ed: Won’t sell.
Mike: I think it is time we took a look at my proposal.
Ed: I have a proposal of my own. I am going to retire.
Mike: From what?
Ed: It’s time you took the reins, Mike.

Permalink: It’s time you took the reins, Mike.

I know there has been a lot of backlash regarding the new Mandy, but I like her. She's growing on me more, and this performance was no exception.

Molly McCook and Christoph Sanders have great comedic chemistry. There is no awkwardness or forced humor. They kissed like turtles in one scene, and it made me roll on the floor laughing.

Also, Kyle and Mandy's confusion about how sperm can be counted and it gets done was literally the best talk about sperm ever to air on TV. Mandy said, "They can do that? It seems like they would be hard to catch." Kyle then replied, " Yeah, I don't know how they do it."

What this show proved about new Mandy is that she is good at the serious stuff, too. I felt for Mandy as she struggled with starting a family when her company was doing so well. While she was talking to her mom, Mandy looked so confused, scared, and unsure of what to do.

Vanessa: Look Mike you like to kid around a lot and I know you are just trying to be funny with people.
Mike: Trying to be funny? A lot of people use my jokes I’ve heard them.
Vanessa: Well I am just saying that some people, not me or the kids or that waiter from last night but some people might think you were saying what you actually felt.
Mike: That is ridiculous what kind of moron would think that?

Permalink: That is ridiculous what kind of moron would think that?

There were a lot of laugh-out-loud moments, such as Kyle thinking he had a vasectomy when he really had an appendectomy. I think the writers may have made the character even more clueless in the revival but it works, Kyle is hilarious.

Viewers were treated to footage from a commercial Mike and Ed did years ago that was a spoof on Miami Vice. They had the white and pink suits as well as full-on '80's hair. It was great.

Mike even looked like he had a perm going on. It was a throwback that showed how far their friendship and company had come over the years.

One last thought is that there needs to be more of Chuck. Jonathon Adams is so talented, so funny, and has excellent chemistry with the entire cast. Plus, Chuck annoys Mie, and that is always a great dynamic to see in the show. Mike is going to need someone like Chuck to keep on his toes now that he is the big boss man.

Mandy: Kyle, I thought you were going to hide these?
Kylie: I did. under the bed in a box marked. "nothing in here."
Vanessa: Oh, honey, I am so happy for you.
Mandy: Oh, mom, mom; I’m not pregnant. Kyle jumped the gun on the t-shirts.
Vanessa: Oh ok. So maybe you are trying?
Kyle: Like crazy!
Eve: Eww.
Mandy: Kyle!
Kyle: Sorry; I meant we’re mating.

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