Ep 16. The Force

The Force is the sixteenth episode of season 6 of the comedy television show Last Man Standing. In this episode, Mike Baxter, the protagonist, is challenged by two separate forces in his life. The first is his daughter Eve, who wants to join the Junior ROTC program, while the second is his wife Vanessa, who wants him to donate to the church fundraiser. Mike struggles with both of these requests, as he values both his daughter's future and his wife's happiness.

The episode begins with Mike and his daughter Eve having a conversation about her future. Eve reveals that she wants to join the Junior ROTC program, which Mike sees as a potential career path for her. However, he is hesitant to officially endorse it, as he feels that it may cut off other options for her in the future. This sparks a debate between the two, as they attempt to come to a conclusion about what Eve's next steps should be.

Meanwhile, Mike's wife Vanessa is planning a fundraiser for their church. She asks Mike to donate a significant sum of money to the cause, which he reluctantly agrees to do. However, he soon learns that Vanessa has already donated the money herself, and is trying to get Mike to match her donation. This leads to a series of arguments and misunderstandings, as Mike struggles to communicate with his wife effectively.

As the episode progresses, Mike finds himself pulled in multiple directions, as he attempts to be both a good parent and a supportive spouse. He is not sure how to balance his daughter's dreams with his wife's needs, and is torn between two different obligations. In the end, he must make a decision that will alter the course of both his daughter's and his wife's futures, while also remaining true to himself.

Overall, The Force is a humorous and heartwarming episode that demonstrates the challenging aspects of balancing work, family, and personal desires. While Mike is typically portrayed as a strong and confident character, this episode shows his vulnerability and insecurity, as he struggles to make the right choices for those he loves. It is a relatable examination of what it means to be a parent and a partner, highlighting the difficult choices that must be made along the way.