Ep 17. Cards on the Table

In Last Man Standing season 7 episode 17 titled "Cards on the Table," viewers are taken on a hilarious journey as Mike, the patriarch of the Baxter family, tries to convince Vanessa, his wife, to play poker with him and his buddies. At the same time, Mandy, Mike's daughter, and Kyle, her husband, try to adjust to their new life as parents.

The episode opens with Mike trying to convince Vanessa to join him for a poker night with his buddies. Vanessa initially refuses, stating that she doesn't want to spend her evening surrounded by a bunch of men playing cards. In an attempt to change her mind, Mike suggests that she bring her own friends along. Eventually, Vanessa caves and agrees to come.

Meanwhile, Mandy and Kyle are trying to adjust to their new life as parents to their infant daughter, Sarah. As expected, they are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Despite all their struggles, they make a vow to support each other throughout this new adventure.

Back at the poker night, things quickly take a turn for the worse when Vanessa starts winning every hand. What started as a fun game amongst friends quickly turns into a heated competition as tensions rise and bets get higher. As Mike and his buddies struggle to stay afloat, Vanessa remains calm and collected.

In between rounds of poker, Mandy and Kyle come over to the Baxter household to seek Mike's help with their parenting woes. Mike tries to offer them support and reassurance, but his advice falls short of expectations. As the episode progresses, Mike begins to realize that he too has much to learn about parenting.

As the night continues, the tension at the poker table continues to rise. In a desperate attempt to gain the upper hand, Mike takes a risk and bets everything he has. In the end, it's Vanessa who ends up with all the chips. Her victory leaves Mike feeling embarrassed, and he quickly exits the room, much to the confusion of his friends.

Despite the initial tension, the episode ends on a hopeful note as Mike and Vanessa reconcile. Vanessa takes the opportunity to offer Mike some much-needed parenting advice, which he takes to heart. The couple's love and support for each other not only help them navigate their own challenges but also help Mandy and Kyle as they start their new family.

Overall, "Cards on the Table" is an amusing and heartwarming episode that highlights the importance of communication and support in any relationship. The episode's themes of family, parenthood, and new beginnings resonate with viewers and offer a glimpse into the Baxter family's ever-evolving dynamic.