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Now almost two-thirds of the way into the season, Last Man Standing recast Molly McCook is still counting her blessings to be a part of Fox‘s top-rated comedy (and No. 4 show overall).
“It’s been great. I feel lucky,” the Season 7 newcomer effused to TVLine at Fox’s recent TCA press tour soiree. “I sneaked onto this show and it’s a well oiled machine, and here I am!”
Of course, McCook — whose other TV credits include The Ranch and Freeform’s Good Trouble — didn’t quite “sneak” onto the sitcom, which was revived by Fox a year after its six-season ABC run ended. Succeeding Molly Ephraim in the role of Mike and Vanessa’s middle child, McCook stands as a markedly taller, and blonder, Mandy. And that has had fans talking from the time the recast was announced up until… well, this very second.
Reflecting on her early conversations with producers, McCook says, “I think that we all kind of decided to go a different route, and that’s OK. New network, new rules.
“We discussed dying my hair darker, but really, what’s the point?” she continues. “I’m new, and any actor who steps into a role that’s already been done, and who tries to keep it the same, is making a mistake. We are all different people, and we all decided that ‘different is best’ and just moved forward with it.”
After all, Mandy is still Mandy, an aspiring fashion designer who married young and still lives under her parents’ roof, with husband Kyle. “I mean look, the history is there,” McCook notes. “Mandy has her story that fans have seen, and that still exists. We just decided to make her my own and put a fun spin on it.
“I’m tall and I’m blonde now, and I’m taking over the world!” she adds with a laugh.
Asked about the feedback she has received since stepping into the role, McCook acknowledges, “Everyone is very vocal about their feelings — that’s the reason why the show is back, because of the fans.” But as for how the that response has leaned…. “At first, people had a little bit of a hard time with the change-up, but the supportive ones are the ones that stand out to me,” she says. “I always am responsive because it matters so much to me to hear the positive; I thank them every time.”
Previewing what the rest of the 22-episode season has in store for her character, McCook shares, “Mandy and Kyle are spreading their wings and looking at possibly getting a place of their own” — and not a sitcom moment too soon. After all, “Living with Mandy’s parents is a lot,” the actress smiles, “so they’re seeing what the next step is.”
And what advice would McCook offer her alter ego as she spreads said wings? “I would tell Mandy to trust her talents. I think she really knows what she’s doing in the fashion industry, and if she could just see how wonderfully talented and unique she is, she could go very far. Like the rest of us, her insecurities can get the best of her sometimes. She needs to power through!”
Last Man Standing airs Fridays at 8/7c, on Fox.
Doubt this show lasts much longer. Basically propped up by political hype.
it’s always been this way and they basiccly at the tca’s indicated it’s unoffically renewed by saying wil try and find a new night for our friday comedies as again fox isn’t going to cancel it’s # show overall in the key demo
Have you even once watched it. It is the funniest show on television. Represents both sides of the political spectrum, and has heart. And its the highest rated comedy on FOX. pretty sure its up there among the other netwrks too. Maybe open your mind, stop with the “conservative bad” mantra that the left always pushes, and try to enjoy life.
I watched it well before Fox picked it up, but nice attempt to suggest I had a liberal agenda. You’re literally the epitome of the situation I’m talking about.
He brought up politics because you brought up politics
Entertaining show, suitable for the whole family. Hope it gets renewed.
I just don’t think she is a great comedic actress. She is not natural. She delivers her lines like she is delivering a punch line, like she’s looking for laughs. OG Mandy had effortless comedic timing. She delivered her lines with ease and the laughs were natural, but did not affect her acting choices. This actress just seems to me like she is trying too ard to be funny and it comes off as forced and not pleasant to watch. I also think her chemistry with Kyle is just not there. They try, but the magic is gone and they were my favorite couple on the show. I’m sorry to say that I am not on board with this recast and if LMS gets another seas (which it likely will) I hope they can get the original actress back. If not then I hope they recast the recast and I would suggest someone that resembles the old Mandy more. Please let whoever it is have good comedic chops though because this actress is not at the same caliber as most of her co-stars.
I agree with most of what you said. She is a good actress, just not a good Mandy. That’s my opinion. The original Mandy was perfect for the role, or maybe the role was perfect for her. I wish she could come back. I have nothing against Molly McCook, I just really miss the old Mandy. I think the recast has changed the show, especially with Eve gone most of the time too. I feel they had to bring in the new student to get back some of the spunk that the show is missing from Molly E. And I do think she had better chemistry with Kyle. Just my opinion. I love the show, but loved it more before.
I agree especially about the Original Mandy and her comedic timing. I like this actress on Good Trouble but she just isn’t working as Mandy to me.
I completely agree. I could not have said it better. The show lost a big part of what made it funny and enjoyable with this recast. It’s painful to watch her scenes.
You’re right, she’s terrible at comedy. And it’s like she’s trying to do Molly E’s comedic chops instead of doing her own comedic timing and it’s really take, everytime.
This show just made me realize that I tuned in the most for Molly euphrain. I continued watching after they ditched Alexandra, whom I liked, as the Kristen character to that terrible actress Amanda Fuller. She’s horrible on this show, better on orange is the new black. But she never makes me laugh or smile, worst decision ever.
Hope Molly E comes back after this season, cause I give up. Not funny anymore, it’s barely a show now and McCook has no chemistry with Kyle’s character.
I’m sorry I really really liked this show, everything that was said in the previous comments on the new Mandy, hits it right on the nail, no chemistry, not that funny, trying to hard, and her different look just doesn’t fit, I hope they bring back the original or something a lot closer!
I agree the new mandy is horrible & Very uncomfortable to watch…what were they thinking…also tall & awkward
I agree. The new Mandy is absolutely terrible. She may be fine in other TV shows and roles (I have never seen her before) but in this one it does not work. Makes me want to stop watching the show because I don’t want to see any of her characters story line.
Perfectly said. So sorry they went in this direction.
Anyone who says this show is political clearly has either never watched it or only watched episodes someone told them to watch. Some people have an issue simply enjoying life and are just itching to find something else to get upset about. Overall, it’s a family comedy about a family dealing with familial issues. If you can’t find *something* funny or relatable, it’s probably not the show’s fault.
I agree. As someone who is staunchly anti-Trump, I get tired of all the ‘it was cancelled because it’s Republican, it was only brought back because it was Republican, it’s so political’ stuff. And I just can’t feel people there – not everything has to be on a political side, sometimes things can just be fun entertainment.
In the original run, the show took very hard jabs at Pres. Obama for no good reason other than to pander to the alt right or r—ists. It has calmed down now. I am a prgressive and actually liked the first season or two. I did not like when they replaced the actress playing the oldest daughter after season one. Ephraim was perfect for the role but I wish the new actress success.
It also took hard jabs at trump, and republicans and coservative social issues. So was that “pandering to the alt-left”? Or can you just say it is finding humor in the issies we all deal with. Just because someone poked fhn at the Messiah does not mean it is “alt-right”. Smdh
I watch the show religiously, it never took shots at Trump and the conservatives, stop making shart up, or at lease source it. Blatantly lying about that, it takes shots all the time every show at liberals.
Blame Time Allen. He’s the one that started beating the political drum and claiming victim to politics.
I absolutely love Last Man Standing. In my opinion it is the best show on television. They have an awesome and cohesive cast.
It WAS the best show on TV before they brought that Mandy replacement on. She needs to go which would bring back former viewers.
Former viewer here…. and its still an awesome show. New Mandy is growing on me just kike New Kristin did 6 years ago.
Yes! I would have totally preferred if they wrote Mandy out of the script cleverly, rather than trying to replace Molly. The only thing these two have in common is their name. I’m sure McCook is an Awesome human being, & talented in her role on Freeform (The OG teen network — PLL Forever) – but even so, the smart thing would have been to put Mandy’s character to bed with Molly’s exist, and leave Mandy’s memory on the highest of notes — assuming Molly is never able to return — though I so wish she would. It would bring Charisma-and more viewers back to the show. I know I personally would do a little victory dance if Molly ever returned!! Even for a guest appearance!
I meant to reply under/to Ira G. My bad. Too bad I can’t edit… Still love Molly E./ OG Mandy
Yes, I agree. I don’t watch much any more….it’s not funny now. Even the writers have changed their writing to suit a very silly, tall giant who is taller than most of the cast. She and Kyle do not fit each other. It is so puzzling why they couldn’t have just had Ephraim pop in as a guest once in a while. I imagine McCook was fine in other roles where height was not a shock after getting the audience accustomed to a short, petite brunette. I am a tall gal, so I appreciate other tall females, but this woman’s height distracts horribly. Did Hollywood run out of shorter, brunette actresses? Also, she is not a good comedic actress and seems very uncomforable.
If they had thought it through, it might have been better to have Mandy move away, and simply introduce the new actress as a cousin or something. For me, no one can adequately replace Molly. I don’t know if the show will hold my interest for much longer.
I agree with you 100%! I have stopped watching the show after the first episode and stick with the reruns.
It was likely in spite of the original Molly leaving for her views. They thought they could act like she didn’t matter. Seems they underestimated that…
I think she’s done a good job stepping into a big role. She resembles Molly Ephraim in the face a bit, but like she said, she made the role her own. I’ve gotten used to her. And to those who seem to think the show is overtly political, it is far from it.
You are blind as a bat if you think she even slightly resembles Molly Ephraim! You need to go to opthamologist ASAP!!
She shouldn’t be criticized. A former cast member didn’t want to return for whatever reasons and the part was recast. Kudos for her taking it and making the role her own.
✔
There’s no built-in immunity from criticism for any reason. Sometimes actors and actresses just don’t work out for a role. Doesn’t matter if they’re a replacement or not.
I’m OK with her but the old Mandy was way more entertaining.
Funniest show on tv. It will be on foryears.
I am glad LMS is back no matter who plays Mandy. I like this actress with Kyle and the do have chemistry. What the writers need to do is have them move into the same apt building as her sister’s family but keep her sewing business at her parent’s place. The recast Mandy is fine and she has made the role her own and fits in great with the rest of the cast.
I agree with your opinion on new Mandy. I warmed up to her/Molly after the first two episodes, and their sweet, plucky yet charming demeanor entertaining. Happy to see some people also like her and not overreact like those who dislike her (fine by me, but still).
And if by “sister’s family” you mean Kristin, she Ryan and Boyd live in a house now. All in all a great idea but still.
I don’t think they could have picked a better person to play Mandy than Molly McCook. She looks just like the old Mandy, except she is taller and blonde. She acts so much like her, you wouldn’t know the difference if you didn’t look at the tv screen. And I’m so glad Last Man Standing is back and I hope for a long long time! You don’t see good clean comedy that the whole family can enjoy anymore, but LMS, is the best show on prime time tv. Thank you Fox, and Tim Allen for bringing it back!
Not a fan of the new Mandy. My friends and I don’t watch anymore. She tries to act like the old Mandy. No thanks
I see where you’re coming from. It’s definitely asking a lot to accept a 6′ blonde Mandy. But I’m trying.
So people hate her for not acting like Old Mandy, and you hate because she is acting like old Mandy. I guess she was never going to win
We all understand the recast for someone who moved on, but most recast try and match the person who left. McCook was a big mistake, and I do not like the show as much anymore. Then, ontop of the too tall and too blonde McCook, the awesome youngest daughter which didn’t add to the pain.
I left off the end sentence which should say, to make matters worse of the too tall and too blonde McCook, the show lost the youngest daughter who really made the show work. I love Tim Alan, but I don’t see this show lasting much longer. It was worth a try.
Its the highest rated show for the network. It owns the most coveted demographic. Eve is still on the show. Its already unofficially renewed. New Mandy is not bad once you see a few episodes. But yeah…”worth a try”
I just stick with the reruns on ABC because of the original one.
Is it bad/wierd/odd that I simply never could like her as Mandy and stopped watching the show in no part because she “isn’t my Mandy”. But I really enjoy her on Good Trouble.
She is definitely a good actress, but trying to fill someone else’s shoes can really only go two ways. 1) the writers try and make you into your predecessor and you fail to live up to the fan’s expectations or 2) the writers allow you to make the character your own, do so fast and you hit it out of the park. Unfortunately, she hit #1. This is not all her fault. Hopefully they will flesh out her Good Trouble character and LMS will go back to the land of the dead it so unceremoniously left last year.
It’s taken time to get used to her, and I’ll always miss Molly, but I love the show and am so happy it’s back!
I love LMS. I wouldn’t dare miss an episode: Old/reruns or the new. But I have to say, NOT a fan of the new Mandy. Why would you EVER replace 5’2″ black hair Mandy with an Amazon blonde Mandy⁉️⁉️⁉️ But I’m just SOOO excited LMS IS BACK!!! I’ll stop complaining. And I know there’s another time slot just waiting for the Baxter’s on another night! CAN’T WAIT
I for sure understand that she is a different actress so why try to look more like the original but I do think darkening her hair would have made it a little less jarring because she is so much taller. And I think she is doing a fine job, she’s just not Mandy.
I said I didn’t like this version of Mandy and after reading Molly McCook’s interview I realize why. Mandy portrays a clueless like role and Molly Ephraim was great at it. Molly McCook is not meeting up to Molly Ephraim’s acting skills.
I stopped watching lost interest. She’s not as funny .
I’m not sure it was a good idea to recast Mandy after 6 seasons but you can’t blame the actress for taking the role.
What I like the most about the show is the relationship between Mike and Ryan, it’s nice to see 2 men clash about politics and the way they view the world but also respect each other for being good fathers.
Honestly, I think they should have had Mandy travel or something. While i don’t necessarily mind the recasting (I think it actually helped in the case of the eldest daughter), it doesn’t fit with Mandy. I would agree with other comments that the new actress just doesn’t have the same effortlessness in the role that the previous “Mandy” did. And maybe that’s just from the pressure I’m sure she is feeling to be a previously established character. Who knows? Personally, I love this show and was excited to see it come back but it does seem like Fox has gotten into a habit of trying to sabotage all their shows by making poor choices and casting decisions so I will be surprised if it makes it. But, I guess only time will tell.
I mess the old Mandy bring her back please
She can’t act. She has made me not watch the show. She is awful. We have jolly green giant trying to act.
For 7 yesrs LMS has been the hilight of my week. Looked forward to be able to relax and enjoy the greatest comedic program on TV every Friday. Nothing compares!(imo) i can even take the replacements.
However, who the heck wrote this week’s episode? (2/15/19) Not up to par in the least! Sounded like all the other mediocre comedies. This show has been the best for over 7 years and I really hate to see it go down the tube!