Shifting Gears Season 1 Episode 10 Recap: Kiss

Relationships and the future take center stage for the Parker family on Shifting Gears Season 1 Episode 10, “Kiss.” With Georgia’s big valedictorian speech approaching, Riley’s ex and the kids’ dad, Jimmy, is back in town.

The last time viewers saw him, he promised both Matt and the rest of the family that he would grow up. This included leaving behind his failed music career and becoming a good father and husband.

To no one’s surprise, Jimmy hasn’t changed—well, maybe a little. This time, he comes bearing big news: he’s been signed as the new bass player for the Foo Fighters’ upcoming world tour.

On top of living out his rockstar dream, Jimmy drops another bombshell, he’s bought a house with all his newfound money. Completely blindsided, Riley is at a loss for words when he asks her and the kids to move back in with him.

Torn between what’s best for Georgia and Carter and what’s best for herself, Riley steps out of her comfort zone and turns to Matt for advice. Usually full of opinions, Matt surprises her by refusing to weigh in.

He claims doesn’t want to influence her decision. Shocked and still unsure, Riley heads to the shop for a much-needed gossip session with Gabriel and Stitch. Still unwilling to admit his own feelings for Riley, Gabriel insists she shouldn’t get back with a loser like Jimmy.

While Stitch agrees, he also points out that Matt’s reluctance to help is likely because he’s afraid she’ll do the opposite of what he says, leaving him all alone. In the end, Riley realizes that while she needs to trust herself, she also wants input from two more important people.

Back at home, she asks Georgia and Carter if they’re happy living with their grandfather. Despite all the drama and adjustments, they both say they are.

And as much as they love their dad, they want Riley to choose what makes her happiest, knowing they won’t live at home forever. With newfound clarity, Riley finally asks Jimmy for a divorce.

To celebrate Riley choosing herself and embracing a fresh start, Eve throws her a party with all of her family, friends, and co-workers. But for every relationship that ends, another begins—or in this case, two relationships start to show sparks. 

At the party, Gabriel notices Riley is super drunk and takes her home. As she settles onto the couch, she tells him what a great guy he is and tries to kiss him.

Shockingly, he pulls away, telling her that as much as he wants to, he wants them to get together at the right time—not because she’s drunk, but because he cares too much to lose her.

Earlier, at work, Matt is horrified when Eve “hits” his car, leaving a tiny dent on the side. Despite the barely noticeable scratch, Matt insists she pays for the damages, accusing her of doing it just to get his attention.

Annoyed, Eve rolls her eyes, telling him to stop taking his stress about Riley out on her. Later that night, after Gabriel drops Riley off, Eve finally admits to Matt that she is trying to get his attention.

Then, she kisses him. And to everyone’s surprise—including his own—Matt doesn’t seem to mind. Back at the house, Gabriel also decides it’s time to be honest about his feelings.

Though he desperately wants to kiss Riley, he chooses the high road, telling her he wants their first real kiss to happen when she’s sober because he cares about her too much to lose her.

With relationships shifting and new romances beginning to blossom, it’ll be interesting to see how these dynamics unfold.

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What did you think of this episode of Shifting Gears? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Shifting Gears airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on ABC.

 

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