Did They Change Kyle on Last Man Standing? The Tale of a Character Who Almost Got Lost in the Tool Shed
Let’s be honest, folks, sometimes the most entertaining parts of TV shows are the unexpected twists and turns. And sometimes, those twists involve a character that you just can’t imagine the show without.
So, did they change Kyle on Last Man Standing? Yes, kind of. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster, so buckle up.
A Little Backstory
For those who haven’t experienced the joys of Last Man Standing (and honestly, where have you been?), the show focuses on Mike Baxter, a ruggedly handsome (and slightly stubborn) marketing director for a sporting goods company.
The show revolves around his family – his wife Vanessa, a brilliant architect who is slightly less enamored with outdoorsy things than Mike, and their three daughters: Mandy, Eve, and Kristin. (And, of course, there’s Kyle, Mandy’s boyfriend and eventual husband.)
The Almost-Lost Character
Now, the thing about Kyle is, he was originally supposed to be a one-and-done kind of guy. Just a fleeting character who appeared in a handful of episodes. But, just like a well-placed tool in Mike’s workshop, he really clicked with the cast, especially Tim Allen.
It’s like the writers realized: “Hey, this Kyle character’s got the potential to be a real wrench in the Baxter family machine, and in the best way possible!”
The Big Switch
Fast forward to Season 7, and Last Man Standing transitioned from ABC to Fox. And, as with any good move, there was some unpacking to do.
This is where things get a bit tricky, as some cast members decided to move on to new projects. The show’s creators, bless their hearts, made some adjustments to keep the Baxter family dynamic going strong. This meant a couple of key changes, including a new face for Mandy’s best friend, Carol, and a new Boyd, who was initially a bit of a wild child but eventually found his way as a budding entrepreneur.
But, thankfully, Kyle remained steadfast. Christoph Sanders, the actor who brought Kyle to life, stayed on, and the character continued to be a mainstay in the Baxter family.
What Changed with Kyle?
Now, you might be wondering, “But if Kyle stayed, what changed?” Well, the show did jump forward in time, and like any good family, the Baxters evolved.
While Mandy and Kyle’s relationship remained a central part of the show, they were now married and had a baby, and Kyle had a new goal in life: becoming a pastor.
A Touch of Humor
It’s almost ironic that the character who was almost a fleeting fly-by became a significant figure in the Last Man Standing universe. I guess you could say he was a bit of a “fly-by-night” character who landed on his feet and became a permanent fixture.
But hey, isn’t that a bit like life? We all have those unexpected turns, those moments where we almost get lost in the shuffle, but then we find our place and become something more than we thought possible.
A Final Thought
So, did they change Kyle on Last Man Standing? Technically, no. Christoph Sanders stayed true to the character. But the show evolved, and Kyle evolved with it. He went from a temporary fixture to a permanent member of the Baxter clan, a testament to the power of good writing, a bit of good fortune, and a character that, like a well-worn pair of work boots, just fit right in.
And, who knows, maybe Last Man Standing will stick around for a few more seasons, allowing Kyle to evolve even further. After all, the Baxter family is one that never stops growing, a bit like that mischievous, lovable Kyle who almost got left behind in the tool shed.
