Shifting Gears Season 2 Finale Recap: “Surprise” Leaves Hearts Hanging

And that completes Season 2 of Shifting Gears. Thirteen episodes wrapped with a cliffhanger ending that may leave some disappointed if Season 3 is not announced by ABC. We have watched Riley and Gabe dance the “will they, wont they” tango filled with laughs, banter and almost kisses. Will they take a chance? Or keep running from each other?

With love in the air, plus the Notebook movie playing in the background, the episode kicks off with Georgia suggesting Matt goes on a date. After creating a profile for grandpa, he ventures into the world of “swipe-right” and goes on a date.  As we can see, the date is extremely agreeable which Matt realizes is not all that favorable. Lucky for him, the moon and stars aligned and brought Eve (Jenna Elfman) to the same restaurant he was at. They pick up where they left off with familiar chemistry that keeps them on their toes.  

At Gabe’s apartment, Riley brings over a punch bowl and watches The Sixers game with him. In all the excitement of the game, they almost kiss after a hug and pause right before it’s too late. For two seasons, we have watched these childhood friends skip around each other, burying their feelings. Even though both are paired with someone else, no one knows Gabe like Riley does. And to create some distance, Riley decides to help Amelie with the perfect birthday gift for Gabe – an Allen Iverson Jersey that she bought for him. After the party, Riley couldn’t hold her tongue and told Gabe the truth – she bought him the gift, and our tethered couple begin to pull on their invisible strings again.

Kat Dennings and Seann William Scott have built a solid yearning for each other that few recent comedies have accomplished. The heart and mind are in constant battle with each other which makes you wonder will this happen for them?

The next day, Matt confessed to Riley that he saw Eve and that she was annoying. And pretty. And leaving for Spain. Riley encourages Matt not to overthink it and go with her. Gabe overhears and encourages the idea to “choose love” and take a chance. The words he spoke stay with Riley and she decides to break up with Andy. When she tells Gabe she is now single, he pauses and doesn’t leap for joy over the news. He is still with Amelie. Embarrassed and disappointed, Riley leaves contemplating what just happened and ponders opening a dating app to start swiping again.

At the airport, Matt takes a leap of faith and a scene out a 90’s rom-com by waiting for Eve at TSA. Once again, they just fall into a rhythm of gentle banter that keeps them buzzing around each other. After admitting they missed each other, Matt and Eve venture to Spain leaving Riley at home with the kids and Stitch in charge of his garage.

As the episode ends, Andy arrives at Riley’s and says they are good together. He is not ready to call it quits and wants them to stay together. As he professes his feelings, Gabe arrives and announces he has broken up with Amelie. Standing between two men vying for her affection, happily-ever after for Riley is paused in a triangle. Who will Riley choose? Will we find out?

Currently, there has not been a Season 3 announcement so we will stay tuned for any updates.

Starring Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, Shifting Gears streams on HULU and ABC.com.

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