List of Home Improvement episodes

Home Improvement is an American television sitcom starring Tim Allen, that aired on ABC from September 17, 1991 to May 25, 1999, with 204 half-hour episodes produced spanning 8 seasons.

Series overview

Season		Episodes	Originally aired
			First aired	Last aired
	1	24	September 17, 1991	May 5, 1992
	2	25	September 16, 1992	May 19, 1993
	3	25	September 15, 1993	May 25, 1994
	4	26	September 20, 1994	May 23, 1995
	5	26	September 19, 1995	May 21, 1996
	6	25	September 17, 1996	May 20, 1997
	7	25	September 23, 1997	May 19, 1998
	8	28	September 22, 1998	May 25, 1999

Episodes

Season 1 (1991–92)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
1	1	"Pilot"	John Pasquin	Carmen Finestra & David McFadzean & Matt Williams	September 17, 1991 (1991-09-17)	63294
Jill has a job interview and tells Tim not to touch and wreck the dishwasher in the meantime. Nevertheless he does, gets an electrical shock, and destroys the dishwasher, and as expected, Jill doesn't get the job. Taking Wilson's advice, Tim apologizes in a subtle manner on his next Tool Time episode, and Jill forgives him.
2	2	"Mow Better Blues"	John Pasquin	Elliot Stern	September 24, 1991 (1991-09-24)	A304
After Mark breaks one of Tim's oldest tools, he fears the worst when Brad and Randy take control of his guilt and fabricate a story about the traded son "Peter", who was given away because he wrecked Tim's tools. Meanwhile, Tim modifies his riding lawnmower. Note: This episode title is a parody reference to the 1990 Spike Lee film Mo' Better Blues.
3	3	"Off Sides"	John Pasquin	Marley Sims	October 1, 1991 (1991-10-01)	A302
Tim and Jill want to go out and have a romantic evening, but however, Jill can't find a babysitter, so she hires a magician, who messes up during a trick and locks himself in a trunk, leaving the kids to their own around the house. During their romantic dinner, Tim is distracted by a Detroit Lions game, much to Jill's irritation, and he is forced to choose between his wife and the game.
4	4	"Satellite on a Hot Tim's Roof"	John Pasquin	Allison M. Gibson	October 8, 1991 (1991-10-08)	A305
Tim tries to put up a satellite that has over 200 channels so he could watch sports games around the country, and is jealous when Jill's teacher (Sam McMurray) comes to the house and promptly starts making romantic advances on Jill, who ends up in a love triangle.
5	5	"Wild Kingdom"	John Pasquin	Susan Estelle Jansen	October 15, 1991 (1991-10-15)	A303
Tim hears a rustling in the basement and dismisses it as a peaceful rat, but the neighbor Wilson thinks it's a snake. This makes Tim's life a living hell, since he has a huge fear of snakes. Notes: The opening theme from Home Improvement is used as the special closing theme of this episode. The initial title for this episode was "Wild Thing", after the Chip Taylor song of the same name; the episode title appeared in TV Guide, early ABC airings and the original shooting script as such. Upon airing in syndication from 1995–present, the alternate title of "Wild Kingdom" is used.
6	6	"Adventures in Fine Dining"	John Pasquin	Peter Tolan	October 22, 1991 (1991-10-22)	A301
Jill makes a bet with Tim that he cannot teach the kids some manners after they are kicked out of a pizza parlor. If Tim cannot teach the boys manners, he will be attending the opera for an entire year with Jill, much to Tim's horror. With the bet on, he tries his best to make the boys behave.
7	7	"Nothing More Than Feelings"	John Pasquin	Peter Tolan	October 29, 1991 (1991-10-29)	A306
Jill drives with the oil light on for three days and Tim expresses this on Tool Time. Jill gets angry at Tim for mocking her on his own show. Randy believes his hands are just like a girl's hands, which Mark and Brad take to their advantage.
8	8	"Flying Sauces"	John Pasquin	Billy Riback & Elliot Stern	November 5, 1991 (1991-11-05)	A309
Workers from the K&B Construction Site come and show how to cook food using tools. Brad and Randy convince Mark that he's adopted, and than make up a story that everybody around him are aliens. To get back at the boys, Tim, Jill, and Mark dress as aliens and scare them. First appearances of: Dwayne, Pete, and Rock, the "boys from K&B Construction" Absent: Earl Hindman as Wilson
9	9	"Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble"	John Pasquin	Susan Estelle Jansen	November 19, 1991 (1991-11-19)	A310
Tim tries to renovate his and Jill's bathroom, and involves Tool Time crew members and as well as Al to make it free except for the construction material. The project turns out to take longer than expected, taking 18 days, much to Jill's dismay. Brad attempts to ask out Jennifer, his longtime crush, on a date.
10	10	"Reach Out and Teach Someone"	John Pasquin	Allison M. Gibson	November 26, 1991 (1991-11-26)	A311
Tim and Jill get in an argument after Tim tries to teach her plumbing. To prove he can be a reasonable teacher, Tim invites women on Tool Time to teach plumbing. Meanwhile, Brad thinks he'll do terribly on a test when Randy calls him an idiot. Tim begins working on his vintage 1950's hot rod.
11	11	"Look Who's Not Talking"	John Pasquin	Billy Riback	December 10, 1991 (1991-12-10)	A307
Jill has to present a speech to the Library Association, and is beginning to have stage-fright. Tim and Mark dress up as women to help her practice while trying to clean the house. Note: The opening theme from Home Improvement is used as the special closing theme of this episode.
12	12	"Yule Better Watch Out"	John Pasquin	Billy Riback	December 17, 1991 (1991-12-17)	A312
Tim is competing in the neighborhood's annual Christmas Decoration Contest, and is trying to outdo his rival, Doc Johnson. Brad and Randy tell Mark that Santa Claus died before he was born, but a mysterious Santa (Earl Hindman) gives him his wish. Brad and Randy participate in a Christmas play as meager parts.
13	13	"Up Your Alley"	John Pasquin	Billy Riback & Elliot Stern	January 7, 1992 (1992-01-07)	A314
It's family night, and Tim decides to take the family bowling. Jill believes Tim gets too competitive during bowling, so they don't keep score, but soon it turns into an all out brawl. Brad and Randy encounter an arcade bully.
14	14	"For Whom the Belch Tolls"	John Pasquin	Sheila M. Anthony	January 14, 1992 (1992-01-14)	A308
Stu Cutler (Christopher McDonald), Tim's old college buddy, comes to town, and visits the Taylors. Unfortunately, Stu starts to annoy Tim and Jill and is stuck in the past of when he and Tim were in college, and Tim has to set him straight.
15	15	"Forever Jung"	John Pasquin	Carmen Finestra & David McFadzean & Matt Williams	January 21, 1992 (1992-01-21)	A313
Karen (Betsy Randle), Jill's friend, visits, and Tim has to tolerate and stand up to her constant comments about his masculinity and his own tool show. Because of this stress, Tim accidentally glues his forehead to a table. Meanwhile, Jill teaches Brad how to dance, for Jennifer's parents' anniversary he will be attending.
16	16	"Jill's Birthday"	John Pasquin	Rosalind Moore	February 4, 1992 (1992-02-04)	A315
When Tim finally thinks he has the perfect birthday gift for Jill, it backfires, and he must find a new one. In order to fund Jill's present after blowing their money on a baseball card, Brad and Randy lie to Mark about a "Little Brother's Tax" and they take all his money.
17	17	"What About Bob?"	John Pasquin	Susan Estelle Jansen	February 11, 1992 (1992-02-11)	A317
Bob Vila is going to be a guest on Tool Time, and is going to participate in a game called "Stump the Toolman" with Tim. Randy gets in trouble for picking on a kid at school, and Jill forces him to invite the boy over, only to realize he is as annoying as Randy claims. First appearances of: Bob Vila and John Binford (Noble Willingham) Note: This episode title is a parody reference to the 1991 Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss film, What About Bob?.
18	18	"Baby, It's Cold Outside"	John Pasquin	B. K. Taylor	February 18, 1992 (1992-02-18)	A318
Tim and Jill's romantic getaway is ruined when John Binford demands Tim take his family camping using the new Binford camping gear, and share clips of their time, on Tool Time. The trip doesn't go quite as Tim planned it would. Brad competes with another boy for Jennifer's Valentine's Day heart.
19	19	"Unchained Malady"	John Pasquin	Billy Riback	February 25, 1992 (1992-02-25)	A319
Tim throws out a chain letter from Al, and receives bad luck continuously. Randy breaks his bike after participating in a dare. Tim dyes his hands green and Jill beats him up, giving him a black eye and a disfigured face. George Foreman guest stars as himself on Tool Time.
20	20	"Birds of a Feather Flock to Taylor"	John Pasquin	Marley Sims	March 3, 1992 (1992-03-03)	A320
When Jill tells Tim they're going to an opera fundraiser, he has no recollection of Jill mentioning it earlier. This prompts an all out argument between the two. All the while, Tim helps Mark build an elaborate bird house. Guest stars: Ernest Borgnine and Jack Elam Note: First episode featuring Big Mike's Tavern
21	21	"A Battle of Wheels"	John Pasquin	Laura Eve Anderson	March 17, 1992 (1992-03-17)	A321
Jill begins pottery class, and begins to practice in the garage where Tim is working on his hot rod. This causes friction between the couple, but it all gets worked out, in part because of Wilson's advice. Meanwhile, after embarrassing Al following a mistake during an episode, Tim lets Al be the host of Tool Time for a day. It doesn't end well, and the two switch back to their normal roles.
22	22	"Luck Be a Taylor Tonight"	John Pasquin	Allison M. Gibson & Marley Sims	April 7, 1992 (1992-04-07)	A316
Tim's all-men-poker-night is ruined when Jill's sister Robin (Amy Ryan) and her husband Charlie (Tom Verica) come and have a big fight, thus causing disruptions in the game. First appearance of: Jill's sister, Robin Note: Donald A. Morgan (director of photography) won an Emmy Award in 1992 in the category "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Lighting Direction (Electronic) for a Comedy Series" for this episode.
23	23	"Al's Fair in Love and War"	John Pasquin	Elliot Stern	April 28, 1992 (1992-04-28)	A322
Al wants to ask Greta Post out, but screws up, so Jill suggests he invite her to a barbecue that Tim could put up, and Tim gives Al advice that leads him to lose Greta, causing a friction between the two. Tim tries to get a foothold on Jill's college diary. Jill discovers something about the effects of Jenifer and the boy's manners.
24	24	"Stereo-Typical"	John Pasquin	Carmen Finestra & David McFadzean & Matt Williams	May 5, 1992 (1992-05-05)	A323
Tim purchases a new stereo set, which causes many complications with the volume and Jill's paranoia for new gadgets since she suffers from technophobia and hates new things. Note: The editors Alex Gimenez, Marco Zappia were nominated for an Emmy Award in 1992 in the category "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Editing for a Series - Multi-Camera Production" for this episode.

Season 2 (1992–93)

• Richard Karn (Al Borland), who was already a regular cast member in the previous season, is now featured in the opening credits instead of the end credits.
• Also, the opening credits sequence was slightly revised this season with the main characters doing some more stuff than the first version.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
25	1	"Read My Hips"	John Pasquin	B. K. Taylor	September 16, 1992 (1992-09-16)	A324
Jill has planned a romantic surprise dinner for Tim, who is at Big Mike's with Al and the guys from K&B Construction. He phones home and she flirts with him, and he doesn't notice and comes home two hours late. Jill is upset and accuses him of not picking up all the signals she sends. Tim thinks that signals should be clear and dresses up as Fred the phone repairman so he can fix the problem. Meanwhile, Brad is wondering whether Jennifer pounding him is a sign that she wants to kiss him.
26	2	"Rites & Wrongs of Passage"	John Pasquin	Susan Estelle Jansen	September 23, 1992 (1992-09-23)	A326
Tim still lets Brad off the hook and go to the planned truck rally after he pulls a prank at school, until he is caught by the police throwing bricks at a greenhouse. He now has to teach Brad manners and also has to keep this away from Jill so they both won't end up in trouble.
27	3	"Overactive Glance"	John Pasquin	Billy Riback	September 30, 1992 (1992-09-30)	A327
Jill and Karen think that Tim will look at a woman in a restaurant, after he checks out a woman on Tool Time. Randy has trouble playing football. Tim's solution? Super glue. First appearance of: Debbe Dunning, although not as Heidi Keppert. Instead, she plays Kiki Von Fursterwallenscheinlaw in this episode.
28	4	"Groin Pains"	John Pasquin	Howard J. Morris	October 7, 1992 (1992-10-07)	A325
Tim pulls a groin muscle when trying to impress Jill with his masculinity by carrying a big trunk of books. Randy plays Peter Pan in the school play, but the school doesn't have the necessary machine for him to fly, but Tim has an elaborate idea.
29	5	"Heavy Meddle"	John Pasquin	Rosalind Moore	October 14, 1992 (1992-10-14)	A328
When Tim throws a party to celebrate putting in the hot rod's engine, Jill decides to hook her friend Karen up with one of the guys coming to the party and ends up ruining Tim's day with a barbecue. Meanwhile, the boys have problems with the McGurn brothers.
30	6	"The Haunting of Taylor House"	John Pasquin	Susan Estelle Jansen	October 28, 1992 (1992-10-28)	A331
Brad and Jennifer plan to dress like Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy on Halloween, but she shows up with Danny and is instead dressed like him. After Danny tries to ruin Tim's "Catacombs of Terror", Tim (Nanastein) scares him away with the help of Al and Wilson. Guest stars: Rider Strong as Danny and Jessica Wesson as Jennifer Sudarsky
31	7	"Roomie for Improvement"	John Pasquin	Billy Riback	November 4, 1992 (1992-11-04)	A332
When Mark contracts chicken pox, Jill forces Tim to move out for a few days, since he has never had it. Al then offers for Tim to stay with him, and although he doesn't want to, he decides against hurting Al's feelings, which he does anyway when he embarrasses Al severely on Tool Time in front of special guests Mario and Michael Andretti. Absent: Zachery Ty Bryan as Brad Taylor
32	8	"May the Best Man Win"	John Pasquin	Maxine Lapiduss	November 11, 1992 (1992-11-11)	A329
When John Binford marries a young, hot tool model, he assigns his daughter Maureen as the producer of Tool Time, who Al fully supports, but Tim is unhappy that she is taking over his show. Meanwhile, Tim is forced to take over the house when Jill unexpectedly gets a job as a researcher for a magazine, and Tim is weirdly left without advice when Wilson is more eager to take a herb bath than help Tim with his predicament. First appearance of: Maureen Binford (Vicki Lewis)
33	9	"Where There's a Will, There's a Way"	John Pasquin	Howard J. Morris	November 18, 1992 (1992-11-18)	A333
Jill decides to finally complete the will, which Tim does not want to be part of because of his fear of mortality. Mark fears that his father is going to die. Meanwhile, Brad and Randy build a human catapult and need a victim for their experiment. Note: This is the first episode in which the Home Improvement logo is shown for an opening scene.
34	10	"Let's Did Lunch"	John Pasquin	Howard M. Gould	November 25, 1992 (1992-11-25)	A330
Dave has Tim tell Karen that they had lunch that day, even though they didn't. When Tim tells Jill about the secret, he learns Jill has been holding a secret for Karen at the same time. The boys built a catapult in order to launch garbage into the McGurns' yard to avenge all of their cruel pranks.
35	11	"Abandoned Family"	John Pasquin	Rosalind Moore	December 2, 1992 (1992-12-02)	A334
When Jill gets to research the cover story for the magazine, Tim takes over the house, however Jill is unhappy with the way Tim operates the house when he "improves" the washing machine and dryer, forgets to make the boys' lunches and fails to make Mark's gingerbread house for the bake sale.
36	12	"I'm Scheming of a White Christmas"	John Pasquin	B. K. Taylor	December 16, 1992 (1992-12-16)	A335
Brad and Randy start canvassing the neighborhood for charity and are great successes, however when presented with the amount of money that they collect the boys can't help themselves and steal some of the money to buy comic books and Game Boy games.
37	13	"Bell Bottom Blues"	John Pasquin	Susan Estelle Jansen	January 6, 1993 (1993-01-06)	A336
Tim complains to Jill that she has too many things in their closet, so she starts cleaning it out - but when all she throws away is a pair of pants and a single shoe, Tim decides to remodel the closet to have enough space. Meanwhile, Brad tries to con his parents into signing a "field trip release form" without them knowing that it's actually a note from school explaining that Brad punched a kid at school because Tim hugged him in front of all his friends.
38	14	"Howard's End"	Andy Cadiff	Stacey Hur	January 13, 1993 (1993-01-13)	A337
Jennifer is going away on holiday, so she leaves her goldfish Howard in the care of Brad, who inadvertently kills the fish, and now he has to buy a new fish before Jennifer finds out. Tim and Jill get into a fight over who owns what when Jill opens a private checking account for herself. Note: First episode not directed by John Pasquin.
39	15	"Love is a Many Splintered Thing"	Andy Cadiff	Billy Riback	January 20, 1993 (1993-01-20)	A338
Jill takes a compatibility test from the magazine, and the results show that her and Tim are not compatible. In revenge, Tim creates a test that intentionally shows that Jill is not the woman for him. Meanwhile, Randy volunteers to perform a ventriloquism act for the school talent show, but he discovers that it's harder than it looks.
40	16	"Dances with Tools"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore	February 3, 1993 (1993-02-03)	A339
It's the Taylors' anniversary. Tim bribes Mark to tell him where the present Jill has bought for him is, and after discovering that it's the steering wheel from Mario Andretti's racecar, he decides to get her ballroom dancing lessons, however in true Tim Taylor fashion, he makes a mess of it by making fun of the dance, making smart comments and spinning the teacher right into the piano, sending her to hospital.
41	17	"You're Driving Me Crazy, You're Driving Me Nuts"	Andy Cadiff	Maxine Lapiduss	February 10, 1993 (1993-02-10)	A340
One of Jill's friends is getting married, but Tim gets lost on the way and refuses to get directions, which leads them to end up in Ohio. Meanwhile, Karen babysits the boys, and they cheat her in card games.
42	18	"Bye Bye Birdie"	Andy Cadiff	Susan Estelle Jansen	February 17, 1993 (1993-02-17)	A341
A woodpecker arrives at the Taylor household, and Tim goes crazy trying to get rid of it. Brad and Jennifer break up, and after he flunks a maths test, he blames it on his being lovesick. However, when Jennifer drops by and gives Brad his workbook, revealing that she had been doing his homework, explaining why Brad failed the test, Tim and Jill are forced to tutor Brad to get his grades up again. Final appearance of: Jennifer Sudarsky
43	19	"Karate or Not, Here I Come"	Andy Cadiff	Billy Riback	February 24, 1993 (1993-02-24)	A342
Hoping to boost Mark's confidence when the boys continue to disallow him to play with them and their friends, Tim and Jill put him into a karate class, after an influence from a wood-breaking demonstration on Tool Time. However, a boy starts bullying Mark on the karate lessons, leading to a fight between Jill and the boy's mother.
44	20	"Shooting Three to Make Tutu"	Andy Cadiff	Howard M. Gould	March 3, 1993 (1993-03-03)	A343
Jill's computer crashes, so she has to go into work and recreate her research paper, forcing Tim to take Mark to Swan Lake instead of her. Tim reluctantly agrees, but when Wilson gives him front-row courtside seats to the Pistons game, he decides to leave the ballet after thirty minutes and go to the game instead. Brad and Randy are left home alone, time they spend smoking one of Tim's cigars from his stash.
45	21	"Much Ado About Nana"	Andy Cadiff	Howard J. Morris	March 17, 1993 (1993-03-17)	A344
Jill's mother, Lilian (Polly Holliday), comes to visit for Mark's birthday. She comes bearing gifts: a drum set for Mark, and a family heirloom for Jill. But instead of the antique clock that she loves and really wanted, Lillian gives her a tea set, which Jill does not know why she received it.
46	22	"Ex Marks the Spot"	Andy Cadiff	Darrel Campbell & Billy Riback	April 14, 1993 (1993-04-14)	A345
When Tim's high school girlfriend Stacey Lewis returns to town, Jill invites her over to have dinner at the Taylor's household, which leads to Stacey revealing an unpleasant secret about Tim's past with her, embarrassing Tim and putting him into a uncomfortable situation with Jill.
47	23	"To Build or Not to Build"	Andy Cadiff	Robert Zappia	May 5, 1993 (1993-05-05)	A348
For Mother's Day, Tim decides that each of the boys will build something for Jill. Brad and Mark succeed in making jewelry and recipe boxes, however the more unskilled laborer Randy does not want to build anything, since he is not interested in tools, so Tim consults Wilson and his mother about what to do about Randy.
48	24	"Birth of a Hot Rod"	Andy Cadiff	Steve Gabriel	May 12, 1993 (1993-05-12)	A346
Jill asks Tim to fix the ice dispenser on the refrigerator, replace the knob on the back door and repair the burner on the stove, however all he is interested in is getting his hot rod's engine to turn over. Jill calls a repairman, but Tim distracts him with the hot rod, leaving Jill angry.
49	25	"The Great Race"	Andy Cadiff	Carmen Finestra & David McFadzean & Matt Williams	May 19, 1993 (1993-05-19)	A347
Bob Vila re-appears on Tool Time, and challenges Tim to a lawnmower race for charity. Determined to beat Vila once and for all, Tim inserts a jet engine from a helicopter into the lawnmower. Meanwhile, Brad and Randy create "The Tadpole Secrecy Test" for Mark, who wants them to play with him. The test involves Mark holding a live tadpole in his mouth for three seconds, however he accidentally swallows it. Final appearance of: Betsy Randle as Karen, who was cast in the fellow ABC sitcom Boy Meets World. This is also Lisa's (Pamela Anderson) final recurring appearance, although she returns for a guest appearance in the sixth season.

Season 3 (1993–94)

• This is the most successful season of the series. The season marked the series' entrance at #2 in the seasonal Nielsen ratings.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
50	1	"Maybe, Baby"	Andy Cadiff	Bob Bendetson	September 15, 1993 (1993-09-15)	A349
Jill learns her sister Carol is having a baby girl. When they talk about the baby's name and Jill is going through the boys' baby toys, she wishes she could have a baby girl. Tim tells Randy and Brad that Jill always wanted a girl so they tell Mark that Jill wished he had been a girl. This upsets Mark and when Jill wants to bake a cake with him, he doesn't want to. When she finds out the truth, she tells Mark that what Randy and Brad told him isn't true. Tim is also upset because he doesn't want another child. But he feels alright again when Jill tells him that they don't have the time for another child. On Tool Time, Tim and Al welcome Heidi, who becomes the new Binford Tool Girl, after Lisa goes off to college. First appearance of: Heidi Keppert, as well as Debbe Dunning's second appearance in the series.
51	2	"Aisle See You in My Dreams"	Andy Cadiff	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	September 22, 1993 (1993-09-22)	A350
At Al's 35th birthday, he wants a wife and kids, so Jill fixes him up with Ilene Markham. Al finds out that Ilene wants kids too, so he proposes to her on Tool Time, later edited to become a Godzilla warning. Randy and Brad write a letter to Mark pretending to be Isiah Thomas, so Tim and Jill tell Mark to get revenge. First appearance of: Ilene Markham (Sherry Hursey) Guest stars: David Graf as Chuck Norwood and Isiah Thomas as Himself
52	3	"This Joke's for You"	Andy Cadiff	Howard J. Morris	September 29, 1993 (1993-09-29)	A353
Tim stops telling jokes and screwing up on Tool Time after he installs an intercom and hears Randy call him a screw up. Brad wants to read David Copperfield so he can talk to Jennifer, but he finds out it's not about the magician and Jennifer breaks up with him, which hurts Jill more than Brad.
53	4	"A Sew, Sew Evening"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore	October 6, 1993 (1993-10-06)	A352
Tim has trouble with Joe Morton (Robert Picardo), his new neighbor, after Joe dents part of his hot rod for scrap. Jill becomes good friends with Marie Morton, Joe's wife. Brad signs up for home economics as his elective to meet girls, but his plan goes awry when every other boy in school does the same thing as Brad, filling the class with boys instead of girls. First appearance of: Marie Morton (Mariangela Pino) Guest star: Robert Picardo as Joe Morton
54	5	"Arrivederci, Binford"	Andy Cadiff	Elliot Shoenman	October 13, 1993 (1993-10-13)	A351
Tim is afraid to cry after Mr. Binford, his boss and close friend, dies from a heart attack. Brad, seeing this, believes men are not allowed to cry at all and starts to show off his masculinity.
55	6	"Crazy for You"	Andy Cadiff	Bob Bendetson	October 27, 1993 (1993-10-27)	A354
It's Halloween, and as usual Tim is up to his old tricks, however Jill plans a prank of her own on Tim. Tim gets cookies from a fan named Rose, but soon strange things start happening. She keeps calling him, and Wilson thinks she is obsessed with him. Tim tries to hide but it's no use.
56	7	"Blow Up"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore & Howard J. Morris	November 3, 1993 (1993-11-03)	A355
Tim accidentally blows up Jill's driver's license picture for her library fund-raising dinner. Meanwhile, Al takes the boys miniature golfing and throws a fit in anger after Brad gets a hole-in-one.
57	8	"Be True to Your Tool"	Andy Cadiff	Bruce Ferber	November 10, 1993 (1993-11-10)	A356
Wes Davidson, the new president of Binford, makes Tim promote a bad and lightweight saw tool on Tool Time, which Tim dislikes, but he has to choose between his job and his manners, since Davidson was paid big to advertise the tool. Meanwhile, the boys go grocery shopping and find a way to save money to buy sweets.
58	9	"Dollars and Sense"	Andy Cadiff	Bob Bendetson & Bruce Ferber	November 17, 1993 (1993-11-17)	A358
The boys buy a remote controlled car with stock bonds from their grandmother, and Jill fears the worst after an old "Bloody Nutty Buddy Bar" incident that occurred in the house years prior, so she tries to take away the car.
59	10	"A Frozen Moment"	Andy Cadiff	Max Eisenberg	November 24, 1993 (1993-11-24)	A357
On Thanksgiving, for a perfect Christmas card, Tim builds a Christmas Village and has the family wear costumes, yet the snow machine causes problems and malfunctions, and Tim has to fix it. Note: This was Jimmy Labriola's very first appearance on the show, but not as his recurring character of Benny Baroni. He plays the man who delivers a reindeer at Tim's house. His appearance was uncredited.
60	11	"Feud for Thought"	Andy Cadiff	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	December 1, 1993 (1993-12-01)	A359
At their high school reunion, Jill tries to avoid Joanie Graham (Lee Garlington), her high school friend who stole her boyfriend, and learns a shocking truth about her and Jack, and Tim and Jack try to fix the amplifier. Meanwhile, Al watches the boys and Brad's girlfriend Ashley (Leigh Ann Orsi), and finds himself in trouble until he gets some much needed help from Wilson.
61	12	"'Twas the Blight Before Christmas"	Andy Cadiff	B. K. Taylor	December 15, 1993 (1993-12-15)	A361
Tim tries to beat Doc Johnson in the neighborhood Christmas light contest, but Randy is leaking information to Doc's granddaughter on whom he has a crush. Brad wants to go skiing with Tom Wheeler's family on Christmas instead of spending it with his family.
62	13	"Slip Sleddin' Away"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore & Howard J. Morris	January 5, 1994 (1994-01-05)	A363
Randy loses a sled race to evil Vinnie McGurn. But after following Tim's advice of racing Vinnie again with a better sled, Vinnie pushes Randy off his sled and sprains his wrist. Meanwhile, Brad contemplates stopping his saxophone lessons since he isn't interested to play it anymore.
63	14	"Dream On"	Andy Cadiff	Paul Wolff	January 12, 1994 (1994-01-12)	A360
Al doesn't want to come to dinner with the Taylors after Ilene has a dream about Tim riding on a golden stallion in tight bicycle shorts, and after Tim reveals the dream to everyone at the dinner, Ilene dumps Al for betraying her, causing friction between Al and Tim.
64	15	"Reel Men"	Peter Filsinger	Ron Bloomberg	January 26, 1994 (1994-01-26)	A362
When Jill is having Ilene and Marie over, Tim goes ice fishing with Al to get out of the house, and problems ensue when they can't catch fish, so they try various ways to catch it. Gilligan's Island is mentioned.
65	16	"The Colonel"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore & Howard J. Morris	February 9, 1994 (1994-02-09)	A365
Jill feels bad when her father, the army colonel, asks her opinion on his boring book. Meanwhile, Tim builds a hockey puck shooter when Randy becomes a goalie. First appearance of: Col. Fred Patterson (M. Emmet Walsh).
66	17	"Room for Change"	Andy Cadiff	Jon Vandergriff	March 2, 1994 (1994-03-02)	A367
Tim has Mark move into Randy's room when Randy bothers Brad on the phone constantly, which Randy dislikes and tries to scare Mark away.
67	18	"The Eve of Construction"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore & Howard J. Morris and Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	March 9, 1994 (1994-03-09)	A366
Jill joins Al's team for Habitat for Humanity because Tim thinks married couples shouldn't work together. Tim tries to beat Jill's team with an all star athlete construction team directed by himself. Meanwhile, Brad finds a locket and gives it to Ashley but finds out it was Marie's. Guest stars: Jimmy Carter as Himself, Kimberly Clarice Aiken, John Elway, Eric Hipple, Evander Holyfield and Sean Jones as themselves
68	19	"Too Many Cooks"	Andy Cadiff	Bob Bendetson & Bruce Ferber	March 16, 1994 (1994-03-16)	A364
When Irma can't host her show (Cooking with Irma) for a week, she asks Al to fill in as host and Tim to be his assistant. Tim has a hard time not being the center of attention, but when Jill shows him that he can assist her, he decides to continue to help Al. Randy finds it hard to talk to a girl in his class named Beth (Anndi McAfee).
69	20	"It Was the Best of Tims, It Was the Worst of Tims"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore & Howard J. Morris	March 30, 1994 (1994-03-30)	A368
After Tim charms all the women at a baby shower, Jill wants a romantic evening with him, but Tim takes the boys to a Demolition Derby, from which he comes back and ruins Jill's mood.
70	21	"Fifth Anniversary"	Andy Cadiff	Howard Bendetson & Art Everett	April 6, 1994 (1994-04-06)	A369
After destroying his budget for 6 months on the Man's Kitchen, Tim struggles to find a good idea for his anniversary show. Jill tries to get guests for a fundraiser, but finds it particularly difficult. First appearance of: Benny (Jimmy Labriola)
71	22	"Swing Time"	Andy Cadiff	B. K. Taylor	May 4, 1994 (1994-05-04)	A371
Tim and the boys plan on getting Jill a hot tub for Mother's Day and getting rid of the swing set so they can install the hot tub in their yard. But they find the swing set meant more to Jill than they thought and she wants a herb garden instead of a hot tub. Tim faces off with the new head of K&B Construction, a female named Les (Victoria Principal). Guest star: Drake Bell as Pete, Jr.
72	23	"What You See is What You Get"	Andy Cadiff	Tim Allen & Diane Ford	May 11, 1994 (1994-05-11)	A370
After researching cosmetic surgery on the computer, Jill finds that Tim wants her to have cosmetic surgery. Meanwhile, Mark beats Brad and Randy in a video game and chess. Note: This is the only episode of the series co-written by Tim Allen.
73	24	"Reality Bytes"	Peter Filsinger	Matthew Miller & Barrie Nedler	May 18, 1994 (1994-05-18)	A372
Randy, pretending to be thirty-two years old, meets a woman on a singles message board on the computer, and she comes by for a visit. Meanwhile, Tim tries to help Mark with his science project: a solar system. The Crew of the Space Shuttle mission STS-61 appears on Tool Time as guests.
74	25	"The Great Race II"	Andy Cadiff	Jon Vandergriff	May 25, 1994 (1994-05-25)	A373
After Bob Vila raises more money than Tim for Jill's library fundraiser, Tim challenges him to a race... in his unfinished hot rod against Bob's 1934 Roadster.

Season 4 (1994–95)

• The opening credits of Season 4 changed from previous seasons, with the addition of "video game" scenes featuring the three boys from the show. The series' star, Tim Allen, also had the #1 movie of the Christmas season (The Santa Clause) and the #1 book, "Don't Stand Too Close to a Naked Man".

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
75	1	"Back in the Saddle Shoes Again"	Andy Cadiff	Bruce Ferber	September 20, 1994 (1994-09-20)	A501
Jill is laid off from her job, and has plans of going back to college to get her Master's Degree in psychology. Tim is doubtful of Jill's idea, and she doesn't appreciate what he's saying to her. In the end, Tim has a conversation with Wilson, and things change right around. Ratings: 36.1 million viewers; 22.7 rating [1]
76	2	"Don't Tell Momma"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore & Howard J. Morris	September 27, 1994 (1994-09-27)	A504
Tim's car is in the shop, and he borrows Jill's vintage Chevrolet Nomad which he gave as a present to Jill, and he comes in it to work on a special Tool Time episode in a construction yard. However, he drops a three-ton steel beam on the car, which causes problems. He doesn't tell Jill, and instead lies that it is just a scratch, but it fails when she sees the car in the shop when she goes to retrieve a book from it. Brad and Randy prepare to stop the bus bully, but get kicked off the bus as a side effect. Ratings 35 million viewers; 21.6 rating [2] First appearance of: The 1994 Wind Dancer Production Group Logo
77	3	"Death Begins at Forty"	Andy Cadiff	Bob Bendetson	October 4, 1994 (1994-10-04)	A503
Tim begins to become concerned about his health when his 40th birthday nears, and Harry, the owner of Harry's Hardware, has a heart attack. Tim cancels his birthday plans, but after receiving advice from a heart-attack survivor and a medical report he moves on. Tim and Al shrink down to view a car engine. First appearance of: Harry's Hardware Store and Harry Turner (Blake Clark)
78	4	"The Eyes Don't Have It"	Andy Cadiff	Jon Vandergriff	October 11, 1994 (1994-10-11)	A505
Mark has recently been having trouble at school. Tim and Jill then have a meeting with Mark's teacher, and they begin to get concerned as to what's going on. Tim and Jill make constant checks on Mark, to see what's wrong with him, and Jill thinks maybe they're neglecting him, but she couldn't be any more wrong. It turns out that he needs glasses.
79	5	"He Ain't Heavy, He's Just Irresponsible"	Andy Cadiff	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	October 18, 1994 (1994-10-18)	A502
Tim installs a central vacuum system; Tim's brother Marty comes over to tell Tim that he's leaving his wife Nancy and kids, but Tim's advice turns Marty against him. Meanwhile, Tim creates a hole in the floor installing the vacuum system, and Jill has trouble working on her psychology report. First appearance of: Marty Taylor (William O'Leary) Last appearance of: The 1991 Wind Dancer Productions Logo
80	6	"Borland Ambition"	Andy Cadiff	Bob Bendetson & Bruce Ferber	October 25, 1994 (1994-10-25)	A506
Harry offers to sell Tim 20 percent of his hardware store (that Harry's brother is selling). Jill doesn't let Tim buy it, so Al decides to purchase it. When Al becomes obsessed with the store, this drives everyone crazy, even Ilene when he skips a date with her, and Tim decides to confront him about it. Brad and Randy try to beat Mark, as Al, in a Halloween costume contest, but Mark wins because Al's mom was the head judge.
81	7	"Let's Go to the Videotape"	Andy Cadiff	Howard J. Morris	November 8, 1994 (1994-11-08)	A507
After taping Jill's speech, he accidentally leaves the record button on when he critiques her speech. After Jill sees the video, Tim reads some of her psychology books and tapes a fake conversation with his buddies, complimenting Jill. Mark tries to "be a person".
82	8	"Quibbling Siblings"	Andy Cadiff	Paul Wolff	November 15, 1994 (1994-11-15)	A508
Al's favorite Bingo caller dies, so Tim has to replace Al's place on the show, with somebody else. Brad volunteers for the position, and Tim allows him to do it. Randy isn't so pleased about it though, and shows some signs of jealousy.
83	9	"My Dinner with Wilson"	Andy Cadiff	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	November 22, 1994 (1994-11-22)	A510
At Thanksgiving dinner with the Taylors, Wilson announces he is moving to Ecuador, but Tim gives him advice in the hopes Wilson will decide to stay. It turns out this is a crisis Wilson is dealing with after his wife died 15 years ago. Meanwhile there is a dead rat in the Taylors' wall. Note: This is the first time viewers see inside Wilson's house. Guest stars: James Cromwell as Fred; Julie Cobb as Francine.
84	10	"Ye Olde Shoppe Teacher"	Andy Cadiff	Howard J. Morris	November 29, 1994 (1994-11-29)	A509
Mr. Leonard, Tim's high school shop teacher, comes to visit, but gets angry and leaves after Tim telling Mr. Leonard what he can and can't do on an episode of Tool Time. First appearance of: Mr. Leonard (Dick O'Neill)
85	11	"Some Like It Hot Rod"	Andy Cadiff	Neil Kramer & Ned Teitelbaum	December 6, 1994 (1994-12-06)	A511
Tim discovers he can get his hot rod into a major car magazine, but Jill's obsession with Mark's Christmas pageant leads her to put Tim's hot rod into a major snowstorm and Tim has less than a day to clean his car before the picture.
86	12	"'Twas the Night Before Chaos"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore	December 13, 1994 (1994-12-13)	A513
Marty and his wife and kids, and Jill's parents come to visit. Jill learns her parents are having marital problems and tries to patch things up, only making them worse. Final appearance of: Col. Fred Patterson (M. Emmet Walsh) First appearances of: Nancy, Claire and Gracie Taylor Note: This is the only episode that both of Jill's parents appeared together. Goof: In this episode, it is mentioned that Jill's father has always called Tim "hey you". In the episode "The Colonel" from the previous season, Jill's father calls Tim by his real name.
87	13	"The Route of All Evil"	Andy Cadiff	Lloyd Garver	January 3, 1995 (1995-01-03)	A512
Brad takes on the responsibility of a paper route, but doesn't have enough time on his hands for both the route and his homework, but he doesn't want to quit, because he would upset his dad. Brad pays Mark and Randy to do his extra chores, which leads to some compromise with Tim and Jill. Marie helps Jill make dinner while Jill has exams.
88	14	"Brother, Can You Spare a Hot Rod?"	Andy Cadiff	Jon Vandergriff	January 10, 1995 (1995-01-10)	A514
Tim decides to sell his hot rod to Doug O'Brien (Bruce McGill), a pizza entrepreneur, which upsets Brad because of how much time he and Tim had worked on it. Meanwhile, Jill takes Randy shopping for clothes and he is afraid that Jill will embarrass him in front of someone he knows. Guest stars: Jay Leno
89	15	"Super Bowl Fever"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore & Howard J. Morris	January 31, 1995 (1995-01-31)	A517
Tim has a Super Bowl party for his friends while Jill is sick with the flu.
90	16	"Bachelor of the Year"	Peter Filsinger	Rosalind Moore	February 7, 1995 (1995-02-07)	A515
When Al is published as one of Detroit's "Most Eligible Bachelor" in a magazine, women begin flocking all over him and he starts to ignore Ilene. Mark has to write a report on the most interesting person he knows, and he writes it on Wilson instead of Tim. Guest stars: Lucy Liu
91	17	"It's My Party"	Andy Cadiff	Thad Mumford	February 14, 1995 (1995-02-14)	A516
At Randy's party, Tim's overpolished dance floor causes Michelle (Kimberly Cullum), the girl Randy likes, to sprain her ankle.
92	18	"A House Divided"	Andy Cadiff	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	February 21, 1995 (1995-02-21)	A518
Benny, Tim's friend, moves into his aunt's house while she's away. But a gas leak causes the house to blow up (partially on Benny's part) and Benny must stay with the Taylors, so Tim and the others must rebuild the house before Benny's aunt gets back.
93	19	"The Naked Truth"	Andy Cadiff	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	February 28, 1995 (1995-02-28)	A520
When Marty and Nancy (Jensen Daggett) are staying with the Taylors, Tim walks in on Nancy in the shower, thinking she is Jill. Meanwhile, Randy goes to a Bar Mitzvah and must come home after he splits his pants.
94	20	"Talk to Me"	Andy Cadiff	Carmen Finestra & David McFadzean & Matt Williams	March 14, 1995 (1995-03-14)	A519
Tim insults Jill on Tool Time, ruins dinner, and drops her ring down the furnace. Guest stars: Dave Chappelle and Jim Breuer Notes: This episode led to the spin-off series, Buddies, starring Dave Chappelle. Jim Breuer was later replaced by Christopher Gartin in the series.
95	21	"No, No, Godot"	Andy Cadiff	Bob Bendetson	March 21, 1995 (1995-03-21)	A521
Tim and Al scalp tickets to a hockey game when Tim can't go, but they get arrested and Jill and Ilene come to bail them out. Meanwhile, Mark papier-mâché's Wilson's face for a school project when Wilson watches the kids while Tim and Jill are gone, and Brad and Randy try to sneak out for a party. Guest star: Max Gail Note: Wilson's mouth and chin is seen in this episode, but not with the rest of his face.
96	22	"Tool Time After Dark" (Part 1)	Andy Cadiff	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	April 11, 1995 (1995-04-11)	A525
Despite Jill's advice, Tim stays up all night watching Tool Time tapes because of his upset stomach from eating too much Polish food.
97	23	"Tool Time After Dark" (Part 2)	Andy Cadiff	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	April 11, 1995 (1995-04-11)	A526
Tim continues to watch Tool Time tapes to ease his stomach. Note: This episode originally aired as an hour-long episode, cut into two parts for syndication. It has been released on DVD in its original hour-long format.
98	24	"Sisters and Brothers"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore	May 2, 1995 (1995-05-02)	A524
Carrie (Tudi Roche), Jill's sister, observes the family while on break. Tim's brother, Marty's moving plans are halted by a slippery floor. Cal, Al's brother reveals a childhood secret. First appearance of: Carrie Patterson (Tudi Roche)
99	25	"A Marked Man"	Peter Filsinger	Jon Vandergriff	May 9, 1995 (1995-05-09)	A523
Al tells Tim and Jill that one of their boys may have stolen a pocket knife. They don't believe their boys would steal, but they find the knife in Mark's pocket in the laundry.
100	26	"Wilson's Girlfriend"	Andy Cadiff	Howard J. Morris	May 23, 1995 (1995-05-23)	A522
Jill hooks Wilson up for his first date (with her psychology professor) in twenty years and Tim gives him advice. Brad gets a horrendous pimple, which he uses make-up to cover.

Season 5 (1995–96)

• Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Randy Taylor) was absent for 2 episodes.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
101	1	"A Taylor Runs Through It"	Andy Cadiff	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	September 19, 1995 (1995-09-19)	A528
At Jill's cousin's wedding, Tim tries to squeeze in sports for him and the boys. After Jill gets tired of writing her speech for the wedding, she decides to go water skiing with the boys and gets injured.
102	2	"The First Temptation of Tim"	Andy Cadiff	Howard J. Morris	September 26, 1995 (1995-09-26)	A527
After Bud Harper, the new owner of Binford, fires Wes, Tim fears Tool Time is in jeopardy, and Bud wants to only fire Al to improve the show's ratings. Brad keeps getting detention. First appearances of: Bud Harper (Charles Robinson) and Delores (Shirley Prestia)
103	3	"Her Cheatin' Mind"	Andy Cadiff	Ruth Bennett	October 3, 1995 (1995-10-03)	A531
After Tim feels threatened by one of Jill's classmates, he joins her book club who is reading Madame Bovary and later The Fountainhead. Tim thinks that Chris is Jill's soul mate until she says that Tim is her soul mate.
104	4	"Jill's Surprise Party"	Andy Cadiff	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	October 17, 1995 (1995-10-17)	A529
When Tim has everyone at the house for Jill's surprise party 40th birthday (in which it is her 39th), she is off looking for an old piano which her cousin has in which he turned into a fish tank with a train that goes around, but Tim and the boys buy and restore it. Tim invites a woman who Jill hates until she shows up after the party because Tim gave her bad directions. Bud makes Al try a makeover, which causes him to experience "flannel withdrawal". Jill plays really bad and Tim wonders how long to turn it into an aquarium. Final appearance of: Marie Morton (Mariangela Pino)
105	5	"Advise and Repent"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore	October 24, 1995 (1995-10-24)	A532
When Jill gets an A on her psychology paper, she starts giving psychiatric advice, which causes Michelle Russell's, Randy's girlfriend's, parents to have marital problems. Tim accidentally drops Al's pet turtle, Scooter in concrete and they go to the vet where Michelle's mom works.
106	6	"Let Them Eat Cake"	Andy Cadiff	Jon Vandergriff	October 31, 1995 (1995-10-31)	A530
Brad throws a Halloween party for his new friends at school while Mark is sick. Meanwhile, Tim, Jill, Al, Heidi, and Ilene go to an awards show, hoping to win one for Tool Time, but it seems that the winner will be Cooking with Irma, which has won every other award, until Tool Time wins for the best show.
107	7	"The Look"	Andy Cadiff	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	November 7, 1995 (1995-11-07)	A533
Tim gets "the look" from Jill, after spending $4,000 on Pistons season tickets from Bud. Tim admits to Wilson he was intimidated by "the look", and after getting advice, sells some of the tickets to friends.
108	8	"Room Without a View"	Andy Cadiff	Jon Vandergriff	November 14, 1995 (1995-11-14)	A534
Tim turns the basement into Randy's new room so that Randy doesn't have to share a room with Mark. Yet, Randy is scared of the room and doesn't want to admit that he is.
109	9	"Chicago Hope"	Andy Cadiff	Teresa O'Neill	November 21, 1995 (1995-11-21)	A536
Jill plans on having a romantic evening at an authentic Japanese hotel with Tim when they go to Chicago, but Tim's business meeting takes all day, and Tim, Bud, Wilson, and the Chicago agent are all around the hotel.
110	10	"Doctor in the House"	Andy Cadiff	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	November 28, 1995 (1995-11-28)	A535
Jill, Wilson, and Al are angry when Tim gets an honorary Ph.D., but Tim later finds out that he got the Ph.D. because the college was going to use him, since he had a TV show, to receive additional funding. Note: This episode was the result of Tim Allen getting the same Ph.D, and because of that, the character got a degree as well.
111	11	"That's My Momma"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore & Howard J. Morris	December 5, 1995 (1995-12-05)	A537
When Tim's mother returns, she begins dating Mr. Leonard, Tim's old shop teacher, and doesn't want to spend time with Tim. First appearance of: Lucille Taylor (Bonnie Bartlett)
112	12	"'Twas the Flight Before Christmas"	Andy Cadiff	Jon Vandergriff	December 12, 1995 (1995-12-12)	A538
On Christmas Eve, Tim and Al get stuck at the tiny Alpena, MI airport on the way to Binford's winter festival. Ilene makes Al choose between her and his mother. The boys beat Doc Johnson in the Christmas lighting contest.
113	13	"Oh, Brother"	Andy Cadiff	Ruth Bennett	January 9, 1996 (1996-01-09)	A539
When Tim hires Marty (who lost his job) to rebuild the Tool Time set, it puts their friendship on the line because Tim complains about Marty's work performance. Meanwhile, Brad gets a new girlfriend: a new girl in the neighborhood, who is also a motor-mouth.
114	14	"High School Confidential"	Andy Cadiff	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	January 16, 1996 (1996-01-16)	A540
When Tim and Jill find out Randy is getting detention because of lack of work, they agree to put him in high school science and math, which makes the newly better-grades Brad jealous. Tim designs the man's bedroom.
115	15	"Tanks for the Memories"	Andy Cadiff	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	January 30, 1996 (1996-01-30)	A392
Tim and Jill play each other in a tank driving competition, and Jill wins. However, Tim doesn't congratulate her because he thinks she humiliated him. The boys suffer at Al's for a weekend, until they see the Tool Time game. Note: This episode was produced at the end of the prior season. It was first episode shown in syndication. The episode was shown in syndication before it appeared on primetime tv.
116	16	"The Vasectomy One"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore & Howard J. Morris	February 6, 1996 (1996-02-06)	A541
Jill wants Tim to get a vasectomy when they agree their family is complete. Tim gets mocked by the guys at the hardware store, which makes him more reluctant to go ahead with the operation, until Harry secretly tells Tim he had one himself, which rebuilds Tim's confidence. Meanwhile, Randy is voted "best butt" by the girls at school, but learns it was just a prank, while Brad is shocked he learns he lost "best eyebrows" to a unibrow.
117	17	"Fear of Flying"	Andy Cadiff	Max Eisenberg	February 13, 1996 (1996-02-13)	A542
Mark wants to take flying lessons, but Jill doesn't let him. Jill takes piano lessons, but is not making progress at all. Meanwhile, Tim and Al ruin Bud's car. Guest stars: The crew of the STS-73 space shuttle mission.
118	18	"When Harry Kept Delores"	Andy Cadiff	Jon Vandergriff	February 20, 1996 (1996-02-20)	A543
On Tool Time, Tim and Al introduce country music singer Alan Jackson. Meanwhile, Delores, Harry's wife, comes to Harry's Hardware and Tim's marital advice causes them to split up, and he must bring them back together, at a temporary cost of his personality.
119	19	"Eye on Tim"	Peter Bonerz	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	February 27, 1996 (1996-02-27)	A544
When a TV report is done on Tool Time, Jill gets angry when the attractive reporter makes advances on Tim. Jill comes down with a fever, and soon gets crazy after drinking Wilson's liquor remedy.
120	20	"The Bud Bowl"	Andy Cadiff	Ruth Bennett	March 5, 1996 (1996-03-05)	A545
When Tim and Jill go bowling with Bud and his wife, Tim tells Jill to lose because he's afraid his career will be ruined (he will be sent to Pakistan) if they beat Bud and his wife. Meanwhile, Angela, Brad's girlfriend, sets her sister up with Randy.
121	21	"Engine and a Haircut, Two Fights"	Andrew Tsao	Jon Vandergriff	March 12, 1996 (1996-03-12)	A546
Tim and Brad get into a fight over Brad's new haircut and the hot rod engine. Meanwhile, Randy doesn't want Jill to help him rehearse for an audition to play Romeo in a school play of Romeo & Juliet.
122	22	"The Longest Day"	Andy Cadiff	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	April 2, 1996 (1996-04-02)	A547
After a medical checkup, the family finds Randy may have serious thyroid cancer.
123	23	"Mr. Wilson's Opus"	Richard Compton	Bruce Ferber	April 30, 1996 (1996-04-30)	A548
Wilson becomes the director of Randy's school play when his drama teacher goes into labor, but takes the fun out of it for everyone and makes them do random exercises. When Tim later shows him the aluminum set he built, Wilson doesn't like it and orders him to rebuild a new one, and Tim soon quits. Jill's parenting advice turns against her.
124	24	"Shopping Around"	Andy Cadiff	Rosalind Moore & Howard J. Morris	May 7, 1996 (1996-05-07)	A549
After Tim accidentally shot Mr. Art in the rear on Tool Time, Tim and Jill see Art, Tim's old shop teacher who's dating his mother, at a restaurant with another woman, but Art breaks up with her and goes steady with Lucille.
125	25	"Alarmed by Burglars"	Geoffrey Nelson	Charlie Hauck	May 14, 1996 (1996-05-14)	A550
When Wilson is burglarized and gets his mucus cup stolen, Tim gets a complex security system, but Jill, paranoid over what happened to Wilson, begs Tim to get the biggest security system he can find, but the overcomplicated system causes chaos in the house and in the neighborhood. Brad gets the opportunity to cheat on an important exam, and trips the alarm sneaking out and gets caught on camera. Absent: Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Randy Taylor
126	26	"Games, Flames and Automobiles"	Peter Filsinger	Jennifer Celotta	May 21, 1996 (1996-05-21)	A551
While Tool Time is on vacation, Al plans to advertise his Tool Time board game and puts his life savings on the line, and plans to propose to Ilene on the upcoming Saturday. But, Tim, Jill, and Mark discover a function that causes a fire due to a wiring defect, which Al fails to notice. When the people that built the games refuse to fix the defect, Tim, Jill, Cal, Wilson, Heidi, and Ilene fix the games and Al proposes to Ilene. Absent: Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Randy Taylor

Season 6 (1996–97)

• Tim Allen became one of the show's executive producers and continued in that role until the end of the series in 1999.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
127	1	"At Sea"	Andrew Tsao	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	September 17, 1996 (1996-09-17)	A553/601
Jill finds Brad making out with his girlfriend in his room. When Jill asks Tim to have a man-to-man talk with Brad, Tim is a little reluctant to do it. Not because he doesn't feel Brad needs it, but because it's something he's never done before with a kid. Tool Time goes to sea in another on-location shoot, with Tim, Al and Heidi boarding the USS Constellation aircraft carrier as part of their salute to engines.
128	2	"Future Shock"	Peter Bonerz	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	September 24, 1996 (1996-09-24)	A554/602
Tim and Jill dream about their future lives with Tim's overpowering and controlling routine. In Jill's dream, Tim and his routine completely take over Jill and ruin her life, which makes her upset. In Tim's dream, he realizes his strict and obsessive routine leads to some horrible consequences for Tim's side: Al and Heidi quit, Wilson runs out of advice, and Jill dies under a coffee table.
129	3	"Workshop 'Til You Drop"	Andrew Tsao	Charlie Hauck	October 1, 1996 (1996-10-01)	A552/603
When Bud gets divorced, Tim and Jill go to a couple's therapy workshop to prevent Bud's fate from coming to them. Jill gets angered when the rest of the group, including the other women, agree with Tim that Jill is too critical and too demanding until she found that he's right.
130	4	"Burnin' Love"	Geoffrey Nelson	Jon Vandergriff	October 8, 1996 (1996-10-08)	A555/604
Tim tells Randy to go for Lauren, who likes cars, but he finds out she is dating Jason, Brad's friend. Jill attempts to prove to her psychology colleagues she can cook for an important dinner.
131	5	"Al's Video"	Andrew Tsao	Ruth Bennett	October 15, 1996 (1996-10-15)	A557/605
When Al is the producer of a video, he selects Tim to direct, until Tim gets too bossy. Jill gets a new laptop computer.
132	6	"Whose Car is It Anyway?"	Andrew Tsao	Adam England	October 22, 1996 (1996-10-22)	A558/606
Jill buys a foreign sports car Austin-Healey with money from an inheritance and forbids Tim to drive it, but when, of course, does Tim listen to Jill?
133	7	"I Was a Teenage Taylor"	Geoffrey Nelson	Eric Horsted	October 29, 1996 (1996-10-29)	A556/607
It's a battle of Halloween pranks. First, Tim scares Al, then Brad and Randy scare Jill, then a strange man shows up at the door asking to see the basement. Jill, Tim and Wilson tell Brad and Randy that years ago a man named Clifford Warren was accused of killing his brother, but because of his mental problems he was put in an insane hospital. Little do the boys know that it's a Halloween prank. Unfortunately, Al blows the secret and they invite him to help them pull a prank of their own, but Al blows that one too. Tim, Jill and Mark end up scaring Brad and Randy in the attic, and Al and Wilson pull a prank of their own on the Taylors.
134	8	"Jill and Her Sisters"	Andrew Tsao	Laurie Gelman	November 12, 1996 (1996-11-12)	A559/608
Jill's wild sisters Linda, Carrie, and Tracie visit to plan their parents' 50th anniversary party, but they start arguing the minute they arrive, and Jill quickly grows tired of being the mediator. Meanwhile, with three guests in the house, Tim and the boys camp out in the backyard for a few nights.
135	9	"The Tool Man Delivers"	Peter Bonerz	Charlie Hauck	November 19, 1996 (1996-11-19)	A561/609
Heidi goes into labor while on the way to the Classic Car Man of the Year awards with Tim and Jill and they have to stop at a gas station. Tim and Jill help deliver the baby there while receiving instructions from Wilson on the phone, who is at the Awards with Al.
136	10	"The Wood, the Bad and the Hungry"	Geoffrey Nelson	Adam England	November 26, 1996 (1996-11-26)	A560/610
Benny isn't allowed on the guest list for the Thanksgiving dinner party at the Taylor house, but Tim and Randy spot him at a food shelter, thinking he is having money problems, and invite him as a guest of honor. As it turns out, Benny only eats there because of the free meals.
137	11	"Workin' Man Blues"	Peter Bonerz	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	December 10, 1996 (1996-12-10)	A562/611
Brad gets a part-time job at a sporting goods store and work soon becomes his top priority, and skips his PSAT's.
138	12	"No Place Like Home"	Peter Filsinger	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	December 17, 1996 (1996-12-17)	A563/612
Tim's brothers help move their mother out of the family home, but Tim takes an immediate dislike to the new owners' plans for the place. But Tim's mother tells them to take whatever's important to Tim and his brothers at the end. First appearance of: Jeff Taylor (Thom Sharp)
139	13	"The Flirting Game"	Peter Filsinger	Laurie Gelman	January 7, 1997 (1997-01-07)	A564/613
Jill wonders if flirting with a possible boss will get her employed, after Tim bought a box of cleanser from a flirting salesperson.
140	14	"The Karate Kid Returns"	Geoffrey Nelson	Jon Vandergriff	January 14, 1997 (1997-01-14)	A564/614
Karate-student Mark successfully intervenes when a senior named Eric Zumbrum attacks Randy at the mall while trying to buy some new shoes after Randy stepped on Eric's new shoes, and the next day it was written on the paper and causing the students at the school making fun of him, which leads to some dispute between Tim and Jill & Randy and Lauren. Wilson's cousins visit, who are The Beach Boys, only to reveal resentment between them and Wilson because the group never used any of Wilson's song ideas.
141	15	"Totally Tool Time"	Peter Bonerz	Jon Vandergriff	January 28, 1997 (1997-01-28)	A565/615
A tense Tim troubles the Tool Time team when the audience includes two Swedish buyers who are considering the show for the European market. Will Tool Time's "Salute to Men" have the desired result? Tim also builds the Man's Gym. Guest star: Drew Carey as Seymour "Sy" Winterfleffin
142	16	"A Funny Valentine"	Peter Bonerz	Charlie Hauck	February 11, 1997 (1997-02-11)	A566/616
A singer hints that her relationship with Tim's father was more than casual. Tim forgets where he hid Jill's Valentine's Day gift. Brad and Randy struggle to find gifts for their girlfriends. Guest stars: Anne Francis as Liddy Talbot and Janeane Garofalo as Tina
143	17	"Wilson's World"	Andrew Tsao	Jennifer Celotta	February 18, 1997 (1997-02-18)	A568/617
After a critic declares performance artist Wilson out of touch with reality, the Taylors' neighbor decides to be more like others, more like Tim. Tim and Al compete in a cooking contest.
144	18	"Something Old, Someone Blue"	John Pasquin	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	February 25, 1997 (1997-02-25)	A568/618
Al reveals a secret to Tim and the guys before his wedding to Ilene, that he is not sure if marrying her is right. Jill tries to reassure him by talking about how she had to be dragged to her wedding, which offends Tim. Ilene soon reveals she has the same feelings as Al, putting the wedding in jeopardy. Final appearance of: Ilene Markham (Sherry Hursey)
145	19	"Communication Breakdown"	Geoffrey Nelson	Eric Horsted	March 11, 1997 (1997-03-11)	A569/619
The kids are using the phone way too much so Tim convinces Jill to let Harry's son Dennis (David DeLuise) install a second line. Unfortunately when Dennis takes a break, Tim takes over with the help of Brad and Randy, damaging not only the house, but also Dennis and Harry's relationship.
146	20	"My Son, the Driver"	Andrew Tsao	Laurie Gelman	April 1, 1997 (1997-04-01)	A570/620
Jill's instincts are correct when she predicts something bad will happen on Brad's first night out with his driver's license - but it's more serious than Brad admits. The Unser family (Al Unser, Sr., Al Unser, Jr., and Al Unser III) visits Tool Time.
147	21	"Insult to Injury"	Geoffrey Nelson	Eric Horsted	April 15, 1997 (1997-04-15)	A571/621
Tim dislocates his shoulder on Tool Time, and leaves the hospital in order to make it to his next Tool Time episode to break Bob Vila's record for most appearances on a tool show. Tim is unable to take Mark to an Air Show as a result of his injury, and arranges for one of the air show pilots to take him instead.
148	22	"Family Unties"	Geoffrey Nelson	Ruth Bennett	April 29, 1997 (1997-04-29)	A572/622
The Taylors go to a hardware show, and Jill looks forward to spending quality time exploring the city with the boys. But they don't seem to be interested in spending time with her, and she realizes how fast they're growing up. Meanwhile, Tim causes several accidents at the hardware show during Tool Time remotes.
149	23	"The Feminine Mistake"	Peter Bonerz	Laurie Gelman	May 6, 1997 (1997-05-06)	A573/623
Tool Time gets the go-ahead to create a special 3D effects show, featuring in-your-face antics from Tim, Al and Heidi. When Jill discovers that Brad's girlfriend caters to his every need, she insists that Tim sets an example for the boys by acting more like an equal partner.
150	24	"Taps"	Peter Bonerz	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	May 13, 1997 (1997-05-13)	A574/624
Jill's father dies and she has to deal with the guilt after she faked being sick that weekend so he wouldn't come to visit. Tim has to deal with the various ways the boys deal with the loss, namely Randy's tendency to make jokes about it.
151	25	"The Kiss and the Kiss Off"	Peter Bonerz	Jennifer Celotta & Adam England	May 20, 1997 (1997-05-20)	A56/625
Lisa (Pamela Lee), the original Tool Time girl who left the show to become a paramedic, returns. Tim, who is as excited as everyone else to see her again, invites Lisa to temporarily resume her part on the show without consulting the current Tool Time girl, Heidi. As a result, Heidi quits. Randy finally gets up the nerve to ask Lauren out on their first official date, and the date fails until Wilson's advice turns it around for the better. Last appearance of: The 1994 Wind Dancer Production Group Logo

Season 7 (1997–98)

• The opening credits are different this season, with the introduction of the revised theme.
• In Nick at Nite and TV Land airings, only Tim Allen (Tim Taylor), Patricia Richardson (Jill Taylor), Earl Hindman (Wilson Wilson, Jr.), Richard Karn (Al Borland) and Debbe Dunning (Heidi Keppert) are credited in the opening titles, with the video headshots of Zachery Ty Bryan (Brad Taylor), Taran Noah Smith (Mark Taylor, credited as "Taran Smith" starting with this season) and Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Randy Taylor) replaced with a still of the main title logo, and the producers and creators' names omitted from the end of the sequence.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
152	1	"Quest for Fire"	Andrew Tsao	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	September 23, 1997 (1997-09-23)	A56/701
The Taylors vacation at a Lake Michigan resort. While Tim tries to give "more power!" to the BBQ concept, Randy meets with Lauren and Brad breaks up with Angela. Mark's changing, but is it for the better? Tim is seriously considering quitting Tool Time and moving permanently to this country resort, but Jill thinks he's having a mid-life crisis. First appearance of: The 1997 Wind Dancer Production Group Logo
153	2	"Clash of the Taylors"	Andrew Tsao	Jennifer Celotta & Adam England	September 30, 1997 (1997-09-30)	A56/702
Randy and Tim face off over Binford's environmental policies when Randy writes an article for his school newspaper, and his interview with Bud leads Randy to cause a Tool Time argument. Jill gets an internship counselling families.
154	3	"Room at the Top"	Geoffrey Nelson	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	October 7, 1997 (1997-10-07)	A56/703
The family is driving Jill crazy and she is having a hard time getting any of her studies/work done and decides to let Tim build her a room all of her own... but it's not all smooth sailing as she visits a psychologist as part of her schooling and ends up changing her mind about letting Tim go ahead with the construction.
155	4	"Pump You Up"	Peter Bonerz	Jon Vandergriff	October 14, 1997 (1997-10-14)	A56/704
After Brad gets a soccer scholarship, Tim begins to push him too hard, and in a scholarship game, the Coach kicks him off the team. Randy and Lauren want to go out on another date... but they don't particularly want to double date with a couple of friends, Jill saves the day by "offering" to come along on the date. The K&B Construction guys make an appearance on the show... and Mark rebels further by deciding to wear only dark clothes and paint his nails. Guest star: Cory Everson
156	5	"A Night to Dismember"	Geoffrey Nelson	Eric Horsted	October 28, 1997 (1997-10-28)	A56/705
It's Halloween at the Taylor's house. Jill is worried that Mark will spend the night alone with Ronnie. She asks Brad and Randy to take them to a party they're going to, but they refuse. Mark tells his parents that he and Ronny are in a film class, and that they're going to be making a horror film. He asks the family to be in it, and they accept. When they start, Jill and Tim worry that it won't be good because it isn't scary yet. When they find his video, they decide to watch it to see how it's going. They find out that it's about a boy, Clark, who has been ignored by his family, Jim, Lil, Chad and Andy. He sees a mad scientist, Dr. Wilsonstein, to get a potion that will turn them into freaks. He then decides to kill them. This makes Jill worry because she thinks Mark really does feel ignored, and wants to kill them. When they start the next scene, he is about to chop his father's head off, and Mark holds up a real knife. Jill has had enough, and decides that they need to talk. Note: Al's name in Mark's movie (Algore) is a reference to the character Igor, and Al Gore, the Vice President of the United States at the time. Note: First Halloween Tim did not try to scare Al with the surprise head popping prop.
157	6	"The Niece"	Peter Bonerz	Charlie Hauck	November 4, 1997 (1997-11-04)	A56/706
Wilson's niece Willow comes to visit for his birthday, and decides to stay. Tim becomes impatient because Wilson no longer has time for him.
158	7	"Jill's Passion"	Peter Bonerz	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	November 11, 1997 (1997-11-11)	A56/707
Tim and Al use Wilson's garage to demonstrate how to make room in a garage on Tool Time. Jill meets a man named Ian (Tom Wopat) at the gym who is as much in love with classical music as she is. That night, she dreams about kissing him. The next day she ends up telling her friend Patty, and after feeling guilty all day, tells Tim about the dream.
159	8	"Losing My Religion"	Andrew Tsao	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	November 18, 1997 (1997-11-18)	A56/708
Tim manages to break a valuable piece of church equipment during Custom Cabinet week on Tool Time. After volunteering at a hospice, Randy begins to question his religion. Randy is shocked when his patient takes a turn for the worse. Dan Aykroyd makes a guest appearance as Father Mike Weber, Aykroyd's character from the fellow ABC sitcom, Soul Man.
160	9	"Thanksgiving"	Peter Bonerz	Eric Horsted	November 25, 1997 (1997-11-25)	A56/709
Tim and the family spend Thanksgiving watching the Detroit Lions play a Thanksgiving game from a luxury box. However, Tim takes a tour and manages to black out the entire Pontiac Silverdome. This leaves Jill and the boys to fend for themselves in the box with a Hollywood producer but are thrilled when Rodney Dangerfield drops in.
161	10	"The Dating Game"	Geoffrey Nelson	Laurie Gelman	December 9, 1997 (1997-12-09)	A56/710
Al finds out that Ilene is engaged and begins hanging around the Taylor house too much. To help him out, Tim takes Al out to a club where they both meet up with some women... will Al get a date?
162	11	"Bright Christmas"	Peter Bonerz	Jon Vandergriff	December 16, 1997 (1997-12-16)	A56/711
New rules for the annual Christmas Decorating contest make Tim work harder to give his display "more power!". Jill is upset when she finds out her mother is dating, so soon after her father's death.
163	12	"The Old College Try"	Albert Alarr	Jennifer Celotta & Adam England	January 6, 1998 (1998-01-06)	A56/712
Tim starts to believe that his old friends are boring after he has the opportunity to teach an auto-shop class at a local college, so he starts hanging out with people from the class... people half his age.
164	13	"An Older Woman"	Peter Bonerz	Charlie Hauck	January 20, 1998 (1998-01-20)	A56/713
Brad's getting married... well, maybe not after Tim and Jill get through with him. The Taylor parents try to make Brad realize that he's not ready for the commitment of marriage to Samantha Hayes (Maggie Lawson), a college girl he just recently met at a party, while Mark and Randy poke fun at how much older Brad's girlfriend is.
165	14	"Tim 'The Landlord' Taylor"	Peter Filsinger	Eric Horsted	February 3, 1998 (1998-02-03)	A56/714
Brad and Randy occupy their time arguing over a shirt they both want, while Al becomes a nightmare tenant for Tim and Jill who have rented him a house.
166	15	"Say Goodnight, Gracie"	Andrew Tsao	Laurie Gelman	February 10, 1998 (1998-02-10)	A56/715
Tim begins to want to have more children after Marty asks him to babysit one of the twins. After some discussions about his vasectomy with Jill, and some words of wisdom from Wilson, he decides that being able to return the twins after playing with them is the best idea. Mark is still wearing black, but with an added touch (of lipstick) for this episode.
167	16	"What a Drag"	Geoffrey Nelson	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	February 24, 1998 (1998-02-24)	A56/716
On Tool Time, Tim and Al show viewers how to prepare for a severe winter storm. When Tim falls through the gazebo he discovers a small bag of marijuana taped to the underside of the swing. Jill and Tim stake out their backyard from Wilson's to catch the culprit... to everyone's surprise, Brad is caught red-handed with the goods. After finding out Brad is using weed, Jill admits she was a pot head and talked to Randy and Mark about Brad's actions and punishment. Brad's not driving or going to parties for 2 months however the next one gets the book thrown at Brad. Mark isn't happy about it and thinks it's not fair because life isn't fair. He has the benefit of learning from Brad's mistake. Randy says a kid who got screwed ended up from Brad's mistake.
168	17	"Taking Jill for Granite"	Peter Bonerz	Laurie Gelman	March 3, 1998 (1998-03-03)	A56/717
The Taylors do a kitchen remodel, but a surprise is in store when Tim and Jill find out who the installer is, the man Jill had a dream about in an earlier episode.
169	18	"Futile Attraction"	Peter Bonerz	David Maples	March 10, 1998 (1998-03-10)	A56/718
Tim becomes suspicious that Heidi and Al are having a hot affair when he finds out she has separated from her husband; he sets out to find out exactly how much of an affair they are having. On Tool Time, Tim adds a little "more power" to his golf swing when golf-pro Payne Stewart stops by. Jill catches a cold.
170	19	"Desperately Seeking Willow"	Peter Bonerz	Jennifer Fisher	March 17, 1998 (1998-03-17)	A56/719
When Wilson is out of town, Willow stays over at the Taylors, and Willow doesn't return home from a club one night... Jill fears the worst and sends the whole family out searching for her. It's Saint Patrick's day on Tool Time, and who better to celebrate with than the boys from K&B Construction.
171	20	"The Write Stuff"	Peter Bonerz	Jennifer Celotta & Adam England	March 31, 1998 (1998-03-31)	A56/720
On Tool Time, Tim manages to throw himself out a window while doing renovation work. Jill tries to get Tim to help prepare for a tax audit. Brad and Randy become rivals when Brad's tabliod article "Hey Yo!" takes the spotlight away from Randy's "Genetic Mutations in the Second Half of the 20th Century".
172	21	"The Son Also Mooches"	Peter Filsinger	Eric Horsted	April 21, 1998 (1998-04-21)	A56/721
It's Jill's turn to worry about needing glasses as she reaches middle age. Tim worries that his mother is going to lose money on another of his brother Jeff's business schemes: a 'UPS Store' like operation.
173	22	"Believe It or Not"	Geoffrey Nelson	Jon Vandergriff	April 28, 1998 (1998-04-28)	A56/722
On Tool Time, "Men's Convenience Week" features a visit by Grant Hill of the Detroit Pistons. Wilson becomes upset with Tim after he tells everyone about Wilson's encounter with an alien, something Wilson would rather Tim had kept to himself.
174	23	"Rebel Without Night Driving Privileges"	Andrew Tsao	Jennifer Fisher	May 5, 1998 (1998-05-05)	A56/723
Randy feels slighted when his driving privileges differ from those Brad had when he first got his license. On Tool Time, "Judy's Rat" pulls cable through hard to reach spaces, and bites Tim's nose. Afterward "Judy" confesses that she's the real Judy's sister Trudy, and is impersonating her sister in order to meet Al. First appearance of: Trudy McHale (Megan Cavanagh)
175	24	"Tool-Thousand-One a Space Odyssey"	Peter Bonerz	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	May 12, 1998 (1998-05-12)	A56/724
Tool Time is revisited by Astronauts Ken Bowersox and Steve Hawley, who announce that a Binford tool will be used on their next shuttle mission. Will Tim or Al win the competition to be the one to use the tool in space? Back on Earth, Mark tries to impress a girl by making a dramatic change to his appearance.
176	25	"From Top to Bottom"	Peter Filsinger	Charlie Hauck	May 19, 1998 (1998-05-19)	A56/725
On Tool Time, Tim is getting ready to pick the final colors for the Hotrod, but this soon leads to a delay in finishing the hot rod. When Jill is asked to appear on a talk show, "Women on Top"... she makes some comments that make Tim look bad.

Season 8 (1998–99)

• Starting with the episode "All in the Family", Jonathan Taylor Thomas (Randy Taylor) is no longer a series regular; he is also removed from the opening credits effective with that episode, with the exception of "Home for the Holidays", which he reprises his character as a guest star.
• Zachery Ty Bryan (Brad Taylor) is absent for 1 episode.
• Taran Noah Smith (Mark Taylor) is absent for 3 episodes.

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
177	1	"Whitewater"	Geoffrey Nelson	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	September 22, 1998 (1998-09-22)	A56/801
Will this be Tim's last birthday? Jill's surprise birthday gift of a river-rafting adventure trip with Heidi, Al, and Wilson to Kernville, California goes against Tim's well-thought-out plans to watch a NASCAR race in Indianapolis--with VIP tickets. Meanwhile, Mark (who has completely abandoned his darker ways) and Brad make a hard-to-get-out soda stain on the couch after arguing over Tim's new massage recliner.
178	2	"Adios"	Geoffrey Nelson	Jon Vandergriff	September 29, 1998 (1998-09-29)	A56/802
The Taylor family has to say some tough goodbyes to Randy after he is unexpectedly accepted into a yearlong environmental-study program in Costa Rica. Meanwhile, Tool Time holds auditions for a group to write lyrics to the Tool Time theme music. Notes: Jonathan Taylor Thomas's final episode with Randy as a regular. He returns for another episode later in the season.
179	3	"All in the Family"	Geoffrey Nelson	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	October 6, 1998 (1998-10-06)	A56/803
Jill's sister and Tim's brother get a little too friendly, which interrupts Tim and Jill's plans to spend some intimate time together. Absent: Zachery Ty Bryan as Brad Taylor and Taran Noah Smith as Mark Taylor
180	4	"Taylor Got Game"	Geoffrey Nelson	Jonathan Pollack	October 13, 1998 (1998-10-13)	A56/804
While Brad is worries about his SATs, Wilson's visiting friend, an English soccer-team owner, tells Tim that Brad is good enough to play professionally; Brad seriously considers it. Absent: Taran Noah Smith as Mark Taylor
181	5	"Al's Fair Lady"	Geoffrey Nelson	Tracy Gamble	October 20, 1998 (1998-10-20)	A56/805
The Tool Time gang take their show on the road in Tim's new community fix-up van. Tim and Jill are introduced to Al's new, very rich girlfriend and Tim doesn't understand what is so wrong with Al accepting very extravagant gifts from her, such as a car. Absent: Taran Noah Smith as Mark Taylor
182	6	"Bewitched"	Geoffrey Nelson	Jennifer Celotta & Adam England	October 27, 1998 (1998-10-27)	A56/806
The Taylors' Halloween-prank tradition continues when Jill springs the ultimate on Tim, feigning the disappearance and death of Wilson.
183	7	"Not-So-Great Scott"	Peter Bonerz	Laurie Gelman	November 3, 1998 (1998-11-03)	A56/807
Jill tells Tim that she thinks one of her patients is seeing Heidi's husband Scott (Mark Dobies); Tim accidentally spills this little confidential tidbit to Heidi.
184	8	"Tim's First Car"	Peter Bonerz	Kim Flagg & David Maples	November 10, 1998 (1998-11-10)	A56/808
Jill decides to find Tim an exact replica of his first car after it is junked. Mark helps Brad search for colleges by making a video for him to send out to prospective schools.
185	9	"Mr. Likeable"	Peter Bonerz	Adam England	November 17, 1998 (1998-11-17)	A56/809
Al gets a starring role in a TV movie with Morgan Fairchild. Tim has trouble convincing everyone he's happy for Al, who beat Tim in the TV popularity ratings for the area. Mark thinks a girl's sobbing on him makes her like him because of Brad's advice.
186	10	"Thanks, but No Thanks"	Peter Bonerz	Jonathan Pollack	November 24, 1998 (1998-11-24)	A56/81
Tim invites his brother Marty and his 6-year-old twin daughters to stay at the Taylors' when he discovers that Marty is staying at the hardware store after separating from his wife. Only time Wilson's very big basement is shown.
187	11	"Home for the Holidays"	Peter Bonerz	Jonathan Pollack	December 8, 1998 (1998-12-08)	A56/811
When Randy returns home unexpectedly for Christmas and discovers all the changes that have happened in his absence, he feels unwelcome. Tim discovers that his biggest rival in the annual neighborhood-lighting contest is Al--who gets stuck on the roof with Trudy after winning. Final appearance of: Randy Taylor
188	12	"Ploys for Tots"	Peter Bonerz	Laurie Gelman	December 15, 1998 (1998-12-15)	A56/812
Tim and Jill offer Marty parenting tips when one of the twins keeps throwing tantrums to get her own way.
189	13	"Chop Shop 'Til You Drop"	Shawn Shea	David Maples	January 5, 1999 (1999-01-05)	A56/813
Tim and Jill buy Brad a car, which is done on Tool Time where Al drops boysenberry jelly on the manifold, but when it's stolen and stripped for parts, Tim and Al go undercover to catch the thieves--by finding the berry stain.
190	14	"Home Alone"	Geoffrey Nelson	Jennifer Celotta & Adam England	January 19, 1999 (1999-01-19)	A56/814
Spending a weekend alone to write a book for Binford, Tim is distracted by dreams of fame and fortune. How much will he accomplish by his deadline? Guest star: Oprah Winfrey, Jay Leno and Leeza Gibbons, although they were credited as "Special Thanks"
191	15	"Knee Deep"	Peter Filsinger	Jonathan Pollack	February 2, 1999 (1999-02-02)	A56/815
Brad blames Tim for possibly ruining his soccer career when he injures his knee after tripping on rolled-up carpet during a Tool Time shoot at the house. Tim wins Car Guy of the Year at a cheese banquet. The magicians Penn & Teller appear on Tool Time.
192	16	"Mark's Big Break"	Geoffrey Nelson	Tracy Gamble	February 9, 1999 (1999-02-09)	A56/816
Tim commissions Mark to film a video to celebrate the hot rod's completion. But when Tim is dissatisfied with the results, Mark directs a dance number starring Tim, Jill, Al, Heidi, Wilson, Sparky, and Eddie the body shop guy, set to "Greased Lightning", a musical number from Grease. Final appearance of: Claire and Gracie Taylor (Lindsey Trefger and Ashley Trefger).
193	17	"Young at Heart"	Geoffrey Nelson	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver	February 16, 1999 (1999-02-16)	A56/817
Tim and Jill's 19th-anniversary plans go awry when Tim is caught on security cameras in a compromising position with his new female mechanic, Alex (Jenny McCarthy).
194	18	"Love's Labor Lost" (Part 1)	Peter Bonerz	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	February 23, 1999 (1999-02-23)	A56/818
Ski-trip plans are put on hold when Jill needs an emergency hysterectomy, as for several years she had not managed to fit checkups into her busy schedule. Tim helps her face the situation, but becomes frightened when complications arise during surgery.
195	19	"Love's Labor Lost" (Part 2)	Peter Bonerz	Elliot Shoenman & Marley Sims	March 2, 1999 (1999-03-02)	A56/819
Tim waits for news on Jill's surgery. Jill will be fine, although she had to have her ovaries completely removed, not partially as was first thought. Jill's mother visits to help look after and nurture her, but she starts to blame Tim for everything because of her mood swings. Final appearance of: Lillian Patterson. Note: In the entire 8-year run of Home Improvement, this is the only 2-part, non-back-to-back, episode (not counting "Tool Time After Dark").
196	20	"Neighbors"	Patricia Richardson	Drew Levin	March 16, 1999 (1999-03-16)	A56/820
Tim and Wilson's friendship is tested when Wilson wins $10,000 at a Red Wings game that Tim buys Wilson for his birthday and decides to build an elaborate Victorian greenhouse in his backyard--which blocks the Taylors' view. Mark tries to woo a girl. Notes: This is the only episode directed by Patricia Richardson, the only female to direct an episode.
197	21	"A Hardware Habit to Break"	Peter Bonerz	Jon Vandergriff	March 30, 1999 (1999-03-30)	A56/821
When Harry announces that he is retiring to Arizona and selling the hardware store, Tim organizes a fundraising party for the store--and ends up buying it himself. But when business dries up, he wonders what he's doing wrong. In the end, Marty and Jeff take the store off his hands, reminding him he has a tool show. Meanwhile, Brad tries to go to Florida for spring break.
198	22	"Loose Lips and Freudian Slips"	Tim Allen	Kim Flagg	May 4, 1999 (1999-05-04)	A56/822
Jill's thesis is before the committee. During Mark's student-film viewing, Jill's psychology professor sees her criticize him and she is worried that this will affect the thesis committee's decision. Note: This is the only episode directed by Tim Allen.
199	23	"Trouble-a-Bruin"	Andrew Tsao	Tracy Gamble & David Maples	May 11, 1999 (1999-05-11)	A56/823
Bud mandates that no non-Binford products are to be used on the show and makes major changes that perturb Tim. Brad must decide whether to play soccer earlier than he is scheduled to when he has an opportunity to play for a UCLA soccer coach/scout. Jill, worried for Brad's safety, goes against it.
200	24	"Dead Weight"	Geoffrey Nelson	Jennifer Celotta	May 18, 1999 (1999-05-18)	A56/824
Tool Time continues to be a "jewel" despite the continued excess presence of the Binford name, and new producer Morgan Wandell tries to give Tim a hard time. Things rapidly turn sad when Al decides to take his mother out to dinner to tell her he's marrying Trudy--and she has a heart attack and dies. Final appearance of: Bud Harper (Charles Robinson)
201	25	"The Long and Winding Road" (Part 1)	Andy Cadiff	Laurie Gelman	May 18, 1999 (1999-05-18)	A56/825
Tool Time's new producer Morgan stages a Jerry Springer-style fight on the show. When Tim learns Bud left Binford and Morgan refuses to stop degrading the show, Tim quits, followed by Al and Heidi. Jill's psychology professor offers her a great job--in Indiana.
202	26	"The Long and Winding Road" (Part 2)	Jim Praytor	Carmen Finestra & Billy Riback	May 25, 1999 (1999-05-25)	A56/826
During the ride to school, Tim and the boys reminisce about some of the good times they've had, with clips from previous shows. Note: Kenny Rogers recorded the song "We've Got It All", which was made exclusively for this episode.
203	27	"The Long and Winding Road" (Part 3)	John Pasquin	Bruce Ferber & Lloyd Garver & Marley Sims	May 25, 1999 (1999-05-25)	A56/827
Tim records his final Tool Time with a host of guests—-and a pregnant Heidi, which garners huge ratings. Morgan offers Tim more money and an executive-producer credit to stay with the show, but Tim refuses because of Jill, who is having second thoughts. As the two host Al and Trudy's wedding in their backyard, they discuss their respective opportunities and decide whether they want to stay put.
204	28	"Backstage Pass"	Geoffrey Nelson	Chris Carlisle & Billy Riback	May 25, 1999 (1999-05-25)	A56/828
A look back at the past 8 years of Home Improvement, with cast interviews, outtakes, scenes for the final taping—and Earl Hindman's entire face. Note: This is the only episode of the series that is not shown in the regular syndication cycle, with "The Long and Winding Road" (Part 3) generally considered the finale of the series. The episode however is included on the season-8 DVD set.

External links

• List of Home Improvement episodes at TV.com