Mike Baxter is the successful marketing director of The Outdoor Man's catalog that has just been cancelled by the sporting good's owner, Ed Alzate, (Hector Elizondo). Unfortunately, Mike's globe-trotting productions are curtailed as he is obliged to create an in-house web-based catalog instead. However, this job change coincides with wife Vanessa's recent career promotion that leaves a void in the parental responsibility, and must be filled by Mike's presence.
Being the captain of the ship with the Outdoor Man's crew, Mike's a little uncomfortable and awkward with his new fatherly duties, and in an effort to encourage and understand, he sometimes falls short in the graces of sensitive parenting. Kristin often needs someone to help care for her son, Boyd Baxter (Evan and Luke Kruntchev), to take him to school or out trick-or-treating while she works; while Mandy, though secure in her own confidence, tries to help the world in her Kardashian way; and Eve, the sporty one, has trouble relating to her father in this new role. When being a stay-at-home mom, Vanessa assisted in school and community events, created a "neighborhood watch," and encouraged Mike to expand their neighborhood friendships. Mike, in as much an effort as he can muster up, has a very honest way of conversing that can cause misunderstanding or insult... and usually does.
Last Man Standing: The Complete First Season portrays the brash, roughness of Mike, the Outdoor Man, in contrast to his more feminine side -- as the father of three girls! This is a man definitely at home in his own working comfort zone, but a fish totally-out-of-water and is sometimes just simply ignored while surrounded by the family's four ladies.
The supporting cast is excellent. Attractive and endearing Nancy Travis is charming, loving, forgiving and tolerant of her husband's man-up nature. And, she doesn't hesitate to take up for his uncomely ways with comments like "My husband will kick your ass!" Hector Elizondo plays Edward "Ed" Alzate, Mike's boss and owner of the outdoor sporting goods store. He is quite attractive, has been divorced four times, is a Vietnam veteran, and of Basque heritage. He and Mike share conservative values, hobbies, opinions and sometimes advice. Christoph Sanders plays Kyle Anderson, a young employee who is honest, naive and an all around good-natured guy who was raised without a father and seeks that paternal characteristic in both Mike and Ed. Christoph Sanders plays Kyle Anderson, a young employee who is honest, naive and an all around good-natured guy who was raised without a father and seeks that paternal characteristic in both Mike and Ed. Guest appearances include an Halloween episode with Elvira (Cassandra Peterson), Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers as the "baby daddy," skateboarder Tony Hawk, and daughter Mandy's favorite, TV personality Kim Kardashian.
Last Man Standing: The Complete First Season has great humor, controversial social issues, political satire, and just takes a humorous but astute look at problems facing the family of today. I have thoroughly enjoyed this first season, and am looking forward to those to come.
