New photos fromShifting Gearsreveal Riley’s awkward reunion with her estranged husband. Although he hasn’t been seen in the new ABC sitcom so far, the husband plays a big part in putting the show’s events into motion. Riley (Kat Dennings) reluctantly moves back in with her father Matt (Tim Allen) after splitting up with her rocker husband. Riley and her two kids, Carter (Maxwell Simkins) and Georgia (Barett Margolis), have been adjusting well to the new life, but that may soon change.
New photos fromTVLinereveal thatRaising Hopealum Lucas Neff has been cast as Riley’s estranged husband Jimmy,making his first appearance inShifting Gearsseason 1, episode 5, which airs on February 5. In the photos, which are included below, it looks like Jimmy is surprising Riley with flowers — much to Matt’s dismay. Check out the photos below:
What Does Matt’s Appearance Mean For Shifting Gears?
Riley’s A Bit Happy To See Him
The official logline for the episode teases thatRiley will find support from an unexpected sourcethat helps her figure out what to do with Jimmy’s reappearance. Whether that means she’ll continue to mend her relationship with Matt or perhaps deepen her friendship with Gabriel (Seann William Scott), it’s anybody’s guess. Inan interview withScreen Rant, showrunner and executive producer Michelle Nader teased howNeff’s arrival as Jimmy will shake things up.
Barrett Margolis
Georgia
Though they’ve had good times,Riley’s marriage with Jimmy ended on a sour note. Riley tells her dad during an episode that the rocker is often on the road, which adds stress. It’s also said that he was unfaithful. To top it off,Matt never supported the marriage,causing a strain between father and daughter that still lingers. That may be the real reason for Jimmy’s arrival.
Our Take On Jimmy’s Shifting Gears Debut
He’s A Sore Subject
Heading into a likelyShifting Gearsseason 2, given the show’s strong ratings,Last Man Standing’s Nancy Travis will reunite with Allen for an episode. Emmy winner Jenna Elfman, meanwhile, will recur as a potential love interest for Matt. But there’s a case to be made that Jimmy is the most significant guest character so far, considering how he connects the central family. Now, it is a matter of seeing how that dynamic will shake up in the upcoming episode.
New episodes ofShifting Gearsair Wednesdays on ABC at 8 PM EST and stream on Hulu the next day.
