Ep 4. Sinkhole

When an episode of Last Man Standing is titled "Sinkhole," you know Tim Allen's Mike Baxter is going to have some fun with it. And while there is some classic Baxter humor in this episode, there's also a sweet, heartfelt story about family, as Vanessa's sister April (guest star Christina Moore) visits.

The sinkhole itself is more of a device to bring everyone together than a central plot point. But it does allow Mike to do some classic "manly man" things, like bragging about his wrenches and comparing them to other men's tools. Plus, it gives him an excuse to wear his trusty tool belt and show off his skills.

Meanwhile, Vanessa is thrilled to see her sister April, who she hasn't seen in years. But as soon as April arrives, Vanessa realizes that she's not the same person she used to be. While Vanessa has settled down with her family, April is still living a wild, carefree lifestyle. She smokes, drinks, and has a boyfriend who's not exactly reliable.

Vanessa is torn between wanting to reconnect with her sister and wanting to protect her from herself. She knows that April is going through a tough time, but she doesn't want her to be a bad influence on her own daughters. It's a relatable struggle for anyone with a family member who's going through a difficult period, and the show handles it with grace.

As always, the highlight of the show is the chemistry between Allen and Nancy Travis, who plays Vanessa. They have a natural rapport that makes even the most mundane domestic scenes feel like a delight. But it's also great to see Moore back on the show as April, adding a new wrinkle to the Baxter family dynamic.

And, of course, there are plenty of laughs to be had throughout the episode. Mike's attempts to fix the sinkhole are both ridiculous and amusing, and there are some classic Baxter one-liners that will have fans chuckling.

Overall, "Sinkhole" is a solid episode of Last Man Standing that balances humor and heart. With guest star Moore adding a fresh perspective, it's a great reminder of why this show has lasted for so many seasons.