Ep 3. Giving Mike the Business

In "Giving Mike the Business," the third episode of the seventh season of Last Man Standing, we see Mike Baxter (played by Tim Allen) struggling with changes at his beloved Outdoor Man store. With his longtime manager, Ed Alzate (played by Hector Elizondo), now retired and replaced by a younger, hipper team member named Vanessa (played by Molly McCook), Mike feels like he's losing touch with his own business.

At first, Mike resents Vanessa's takeover of the store's operations. He thinks she's too eager to make changes and doesn't understand the values that he, Ed, and the rest of the Outdoor Man team have worked so hard to maintain. But as he gets to know Vanessa better, Mike begins to see that she's not just a troublemaker -- she's actually a smart, capable businesswoman who can help him modernize the store and attract a younger, more diverse customer base.

Meanwhile, Mike's wife, Vanessa (played by Nancy Travis), is dealing with a change of her own -- their daughter Mandy (played by Molly Ephraim) has decided to enroll in a film school in California. While Vanessa is proud of Mandy for following her dreams, she's also worried about her safety and well-being so far away from home. Mike tries to reassure Vanessa that Mandy will be fine, but he's secretly worried too -- and he's not sure how to cope with his daughter's absence.

As the episode progresses, Mike and Vanessa both learn some important lessons about trust, communication, and adaptability. Mike realizes that he can't always rely on his old ways of doing things if he wants Outdoor Man to stay relevant in a changing marketplace. And Vanessa learns that she has to earn the respect of her colleagues if she wants to succeed in her new role.

Overall, "Giving Mike the Business" is a funny and heartwarming episode that explores the challenges of running a business and raising a family in today's world. It showcases Allen and Travis's excellent chemistry as a couple, as well as the show's talented ensemble cast. Whether you're a longtime fan of Last Man Standing or a new viewer, this episode is sure to entertain and engage you.