For fans who have followed Tim Allen's career from its initial rise on ABC's Home Improvement to his starring roles in now-classic movies and his return to the sitcom scene on Last Man Standing, it won't be hard to find parallels between his past work and what he is currently doing now.
Most stars, especially comedians have a certain comedic behavior that is seen throughout all their works. Tim Allen doesn't break the mold in this respect, in fact, he only verifies its truth. So, for those wondering just which Tim Allen character is funnier or more sincere, whether it be on Home Improvement or Last Man Standing, let's take a good look into each area of what makes him such a superior character actor on each show.
Better On Home Improvement: Sidekick Help
Tim Allen just has a silliness about him that makes any character he portrays all the more funny, even when he is trying to be serious.
However, on Home Improvement, Tim Allen had the help of his trusty sidekick, Al Borland, to offset this silliness with a stern seriousness that gave it a good Albert and Costello feel. Sadly, he is missing this on Last Man Standing, partly because he just doesn't have that steady sidekick to offset his sometimes-childish antics, thus, resulting in what he is doing onscreen looking juvenile.
Better On Last Man Standing: Wife's Character Progression
On Last Man Standing, Tim Allen portrays a man that is fighting against the tyranny of a modern age that he feels is a little too restrictive over what he can say or do in the company of others.
Instead of just agreeing with him at every turn or letting his actions go without opposition, Vanessa speaks her mind, creating a dialogue that was always missing with Jill in Home Improvement. Vanessa is her own character and creates her own comedy rather than just being the naysayer to Tim Allen's fun like Jill always was.
Better On Home Improvement: Family Man
Tim Allen on Home Improvement was rarely involved in matters outside of his own house, ultimately resulting in him staying clear of outside drama. He felt it was his responsibility to work alongside Jill to make sure that his sons understood the differences between right and wrong, along with having the capabilities to succeed as good citizens in the outside world.
However, the Tim Allen on Last Man Standing seems to be overwhelmed by his family and, in some cases, is confused with how to move forward in the relationships within the household.
Better On Last Man Standing: More Of A Rounded Character
The one problem that Tim Allen always faced on Home Improvement was becoming a caricature of a caveman rather than a well-meaning and intelligent adult. It was as if he was a one-dimensional character that was obsessed with cars, sports and nothing more.
On Last Man Standing, Tim Allen, who plays Mike, is opinionated and can hold his own against those he disagrees with. He doesn't have to rely on the wisdom of others quite as much as he did on Home Improvement nor does he seek other's opinions as much, since he is content with his own.
Better On Home Improvement: His Mentor
Tim Allen's character Mike on Last Man Standing is confident that his ways, the old ways, which he wholeheartedly believes are much better than the more progressive ways of the world around him. However, that doesn't mean he doesn't lean on those older and wiser than him.
His mentor is his boss Ed, who tries to help him through situations but, also, sometimes gives him terrible advice. While on Home Improvement, he had the all-knowing Wilson to help guide him. Wilson's advice always proved beneficial to solving whatever Tim's dilemma happened to be.
Better On Last Man Standing: His Ability To Act Like An Adult
Tim Allen's character Tim Taylor on Home Improvement was a quirky character that fits well with many TV dads of the 1990s. He was meant for comic relief and to be the guy who proclaims he learned a valuable lesson when in reality he does the same thing again the next episode.
On Last Man Standing, Tim Allen gets to experience real-world problems that don't always have cheesy sitcom solutions. He isn't just there to be the butt of the joke or the lesson, instead, he teaches lessons out of wisdom.
Better On Home Improvement: His Relationship With His Kids
Home Improvement wasn't meant to be thought-provoking when it comes to the dynamic between Tim and his boys. He was meant to be the occasional disciplinarian that prefers to show his love for his children by having fun experiences and bonding time with them.
On Last Man Standing, Tim is basically in constant conflict with one or all three of his girls at the same time. Of course, in the end, they make up and everything goes back to normal but it just seems like a more stressed relationship than on Home Improvement.
Better On Last Man Standing: His Role In The Culture War
Home Improvement was not the show to watch if you were interested in thought-provoking cultural comments about society at the time. There were no episodes involving who voted for who or how Tim felt on the First Amendment.
The same cannot be said about his character on Last Man Standing where he basically blurts out an opinion about his views on society or politics multiple times each episode. Ironically, shows usually do not do well picking a side on hot topics of the day, however, it hasn't stopped Mike Baxter from becoming a conservative hero.
Better On Home Improvement: Character Dialogue
Tim Allen's character dialogue on Home Improvement was legendary. His character might have been one-dimensional but when you excel at the one thing you're known for, it kind of works. While his dialogue on Last Man Standing seems to be more geared towards creating a buzz on social media rather than actually trying to garner laughs from the audience.
Fans of both shows have to admit that what comes out of Tim Taylor's mouth is so much funnier than the dialogue coming from Mike Baxter. Especially when it comes to putting his foot in his mouth.
Last Man Standing: Mike Baxter Is A Continuation Of Tim Taylor
Just like the old saying goes, if it isn't broke don't fix it. Tim Taylor was a character that people related to on so many different levels. Was his comedy juvenile? You Bet. Was it comedy gold for the ages? It sure was and more. So, when Tim Allen's Last Man Standing character Mike Baxter appeared on screen, it wasn't that fans were meeting him for the first time since he is just a continuation and probably an improvement of Tim Taylor. It is an evolution that fans have instinctively noticed and happily accepted.