"Home Improvement"

I love this show. I used to watch all the new episodes weekly as a kid. I still watch re-runs on "Hallmark Channel" and I feel it holds up today because it's character driven comedy so it's not as dated as "Rosanne" or "Married with Children" that used a lot of references from culture to make jokes.

That being said there is one thing that has always bugged me, Jill. 

Jill is always putting Tim down. She is always pointing out how stupid or moronic he is, even in front of the kids. That's so wrong to me. I know it's just a sitcom, but he's the head of the house. It's not like this is some bum who won't get a job and she's supporting her 3 kids. HE IS THE BREADWINNER. He created a popular local TV show, he literally does everything for her.

Look at the difference between them. If Tim says something offensive, it's usually out of ignorance because he's not thinking. For example, he might make some comment about her dress making her look fat, but he didn't mean to be offensive he meant it's not flattering. So his comments are usually not mean spirited, in fact, I can't think of a time when Tim purposely tried to hurt Jill.

However, Jill is mean to Tim all the time. In fact, everyone in the house disrespects Tim except Brad. If Jill is supposedly the more intelligent one, she should be more mature. Randy even moves away with that "I'm better than you" attitude for this 'blue collar/hard working" family. Mark is a Mama's Boy and is too busy doing whatever she wants or siding with her. So Brad is the only one who is similar to Tim, they relate. And it's sad because Tim does EVERYTHING and anything for that family. He bends over backwards for Jill and the kids, only to be disrespected and treated like a buffoon in his own home. 

The irony is, Tim would NEVER cheat or betray Jill, he's too loyal, but she would. If given the right circumstances, the right place, right time, right guy, she would. Tim is too loyal to his wife and kids. Jill is that person who is never satisfied, shes a house wife so shes always seeking a career, or education, or meaning/purpose to life. People like that will cheat because they start trying to fill a void or hole in their life. Tim is content, he's happy with his job/career. wife, kids, home, etc... He is fulfilled. 

The ultimate irony of the show is the people who are quote 'smarter' and more 'enlightened' than Tim aren't as happy as Tim. Tim is fulfilled. Al is a nervous wreck of personalty anxieties due to his self conscious issues, Jill is unsure of herself and feels inadequate, Randy too, Wilson has his own set of issues. Tim is the hero of the story.