Tim Taylor (fictional character)
Encyclopedia
Timothy "Tim The Tool Man" Taylor is the main character on the American television sitcom Home Improvement, portrayed by Tim Allen
, from which his first name and alma mater
(Western Michigan University
) are derived. Tim Taylor is the husband of Jill Taylor
and father of Brad, Randy and Mark Taylor, and lives in the suburbs of Detroit.
enthusiast, Tim is knowledgeable on all things related to cars, and is fond of listing the different parts inside a particular car that catches his attention. Tim is also obsessed with building things. This is usually followed by his trademark grunting. He is also somewhat obsessed with modifying machines and household appliances for "more power" (a favorite catchphrase of his), because he likes doing things the "man's way". Most of the time, the rewired machines will backfire and cause some kind of accident. Nevertheless, he tries to pass these qualities to his sons. It has been shown on some occasions, most notably at the end of the episode "Ye Olde Shoppe Teacher", that if Tim pays attention and follows instructions without trying to give things more power, he can be an effective craftsman. He is also a big fan of the Detroit Lions
, Detroit Tigers
, Detroit Pistons
and Detroit Red Wings
.
handyman
. He hosts his own television program, Tool Time, in which he and his assistant Al Borland teach audiences about home improvement. Audiences think Tim's outrageous accidents and fiascos are done on purpose to tell the audience what not to do. In actuality however, Tim just does not know as much as he thinks he does and tries to show off too; Al, on the other hand, often proves his knowledge with a warm, respectable modesty. Before becoming the host of Tool Time, Tim was a traveling parts salesman for Binford Tools. While Tim considers himself to be the star of the show and is a celebrity in Detroit, Al eventually becomes the more popular one with the viewers. Tim is initially concerned that Binford may switch hosts, but eventually embraces Al's popularity and his own tendency to overdo things. Tim's rival is real-life home improvement specialist Bob Vila
, who made a few guest appearances on the show. A running gag
is when Tim accidentally causes destruction to anything he touches-from the world's smallest car to running over golf carts-with a Marine Corps
tank.
and historical figures. Tim, who is apparently not as intelligent as his wife Jill, has trouble understanding what Wilson tells him but eventually manages to figure it out on his own. However, he tends to mix up the words when trying to repeat Wilson's quotes, always to humorous effect. Tim, or any of the other Taylors, have a crisis ending conversation with Wilson in nearly every episode, even when traveling considerable distances. In one episode, Wilson points out that "Tim Taylor" is an anagram of "mortality" and that "Jill Taylor" is an anagram of "Jolly Trail".
s and giggles and snorts when a joke is made at Tim's expense. The cautious, insecure, brighter Al always bears the brunt of Tim's jokes and constant put-downs. Al is frequently taunted by Tim because of his weight, beard, and somewhat bland personality, his overweight mother, poor sense of humor and his preference of flannel
shirts (and often other flannel items such as an oversized pair of flannel briefs in the episode "The Karate Kid Returns"); though many of these jokes seem mean spirited, Tim sees them as a form of male bonding, explaining that he jokes around the same way with his brothers. Tim typically uses his television show to vent about numerous problems he has in his personal life, and Al is usually very annoyed by this. A running joke
for Tim is commenting on Al's overweight mother, who is often referred to but is never seen throughout the series although in the penultimate episode of the series, "Dead Weight", she dies, and the characters are shown paying their respects at her extra-wide coffin which shows her body but not her face. Also, prior to her death, her arm can be seen waving (with a leg of chicken in hand). Ironically, Tim's kids like Al, and look up to him.
. His father, Michael Taylor, died when Tim was only 11 years old which had a profound impact on Tim's life, however Tim found somewhat of a father figure in John Binford, the CEO of Binford Tools but is again profoundly affected when he dies from a heart attack. His mother, Lucille Taylor is seen mostly in Christmas episodes and various others.
There as always been some disparity as to how many brothers Tim has. In earlier seasons, he is stated several times to have five brothers. In later seasons, he is stated to have four, however six have been mentioned by name - Marty and Jeff, who have each appeared on screen several times; John and Rick, who are mentioned only in the episode "Oh, Brother"; Steve, who is mentioned in "The Write Stuff" among other episodes; and Danny, who was mentioned to owe Tim money by Jill in Marty's first episode. In order from oldest to youngest is Jeff, Steve, Tim, Danny, John, Rick and Marty.
Tim Allen
Tim Allen is an American comedian, actor, voice-over artist, and entertainer, known for his role in the sitcom Home Improvement...
, from which his first name and alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
(Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University
Western Michigan University is a public university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo, and as of the Fall 2010 semester, its enrollment is 25,045....
) are derived. Tim Taylor is the husband of Jill Taylor
Jill Taylor
Jillian "Jill" Taylor is a character in the TV sitcom Home Improvement played by Patricia Richardson. Jill is Tim Taylor's wife. Jill helps Tim raise their three sons . Jill Taylor has appeared on critics' lists of "top TV" or "most memorable" moms...
and father of Brad, Randy and Mark Taylor, and lives in the suburbs of Detroit.
Personality and interests
A hot rodHot rod
Hot rods are typically American cars with large engines modified for linear speed. The origin of the term "hot rod" is unclear. One explanation is that the term is a contraction of "hot roadster," meaning a roadster that was modified for speed. Another possible origin includes modifications to or...
enthusiast, Tim is knowledgeable on all things related to cars, and is fond of listing the different parts inside a particular car that catches his attention. Tim is also obsessed with building things. This is usually followed by his trademark grunting. He is also somewhat obsessed with modifying machines and household appliances for "more power" (a favorite catchphrase of his), because he likes doing things the "man's way". Most of the time, the rewired machines will backfire and cause some kind of accident. Nevertheless, he tries to pass these qualities to his sons. It has been shown on some occasions, most notably at the end of the episode "Ye Olde Shoppe Teacher", that if Tim pays attention and follows instructions without trying to give things more power, he can be an effective craftsman. He is also a big fan of the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
, Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
, Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
and Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
.
Tool Time
Tim is a witty, caring, but hastily incompetent, accident-prone, know-it-allKnow-it-all
A know-it-all or know-all is a person who believes that he/she has an accurate comprehension of a topic and/or situation when in reality, his/her comprehension is inaccurate and limited. This belief may or may not be outwardly expressed. The German word Besserwisser is also used in some languages,...
handyman
Handyman
A handyman is a person skilled at a wide range of repairs, typically around the home. These tasks include trade skills, repair work, maintenance work, both interior and exterior, and are sometimes described as "odd jobs", "fix-up tasks", and include light plumbing jobs such as fixing a leaky toilet...
. He hosts his own television program, Tool Time, in which he and his assistant Al Borland teach audiences about home improvement. Audiences think Tim's outrageous accidents and fiascos are done on purpose to tell the audience what not to do. In actuality however, Tim just does not know as much as he thinks he does and tries to show off too; Al, on the other hand, often proves his knowledge with a warm, respectable modesty. Before becoming the host of Tool Time, Tim was a traveling parts salesman for Binford Tools. While Tim considers himself to be the star of the show and is a celebrity in Detroit, Al eventually becomes the more popular one with the viewers. Tim is initially concerned that Binford may switch hosts, but eventually embraces Al's popularity and his own tendency to overdo things. Tim's rival is real-life home improvement specialist Bob Vila
Bob Vila
Robert Joseph "Bob" Vila is an American home improvement television show host known for This Old House , Bob Vila's Home Again , and Bob Vila .-Early life:...
, who made a few guest appearances on the show. A running gag
Running gag
A running gag, or running joke, is a literary device that takes the form of an amusing joke or a comical reference and appears repeatedly throughout a work of literature or other form of storytelling....
is when Tim accidentally causes destruction to anything he touches-from the world's smallest car to running over golf carts-with a Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
tank.
Relationship with Wilson
Living next door to the Taylors is Wilson, the man who helps Tim with his problems by quoting philosophersPhilosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
and historical figures. Tim, who is apparently not as intelligent as his wife Jill, has trouble understanding what Wilson tells him but eventually manages to figure it out on his own. However, he tends to mix up the words when trying to repeat Wilson's quotes, always to humorous effect. Tim, or any of the other Taylors, have a crisis ending conversation with Wilson in nearly every episode, even when traveling considerable distances. In one episode, Wilson points out that "Tim Taylor" is an anagram of "mortality" and that "Jill Taylor" is an anagram of "Jolly Trail".
Relationship with Al
Though ultimately good friends, there is a tense relationship between Tim and Al. Al is portrayed as a slightly geeky character, usually having more knowledge, skill, and audience popularity than Tim. His catchphrase, as an opposition to Tim's ill-advised ideas or jokes is, "I don't think so, Tim." He also comes up with many punPun
The pun, also called paronomasia, is a form of word play which suggests two or more meanings, by exploiting multiple meanings of words, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended humorous or rhetorical effect. These ambiguities can arise from the intentional use and abuse of homophonic,...
s and giggles and snorts when a joke is made at Tim's expense. The cautious, insecure, brighter Al always bears the brunt of Tim's jokes and constant put-downs. Al is frequently taunted by Tim because of his weight, beard, and somewhat bland personality, his overweight mother, poor sense of humor and his preference of flannel
Flannel
Flannel is a soft woven fabric, of various fineness. Flannel was originally made from carded wool or worsted yarn, but is now often made from either wool, cotton, or synthetic fibre. Flannel may be brushed to create extra softness or remain unbrushed. The brushing process is a mechanical process...
shirts (and often other flannel items such as an oversized pair of flannel briefs in the episode "The Karate Kid Returns"); though many of these jokes seem mean spirited, Tim sees them as a form of male bonding, explaining that he jokes around the same way with his brothers. Tim typically uses his television show to vent about numerous problems he has in his personal life, and Al is usually very annoyed by this. A running joke
Running gag
A running gag, or running joke, is a literary device that takes the form of an amusing joke or a comical reference and appears repeatedly throughout a work of literature or other form of storytelling....
for Tim is commenting on Al's overweight mother, who is often referred to but is never seen throughout the series although in the penultimate episode of the series, "Dead Weight", she dies, and the characters are shown paying their respects at her extra-wide coffin which shows her body but not her face. Also, prior to her death, her arm can be seen waving (with a leg of chicken in hand). Ironically, Tim's kids like Al, and look up to him.
Family
Tim's family lives in a suburb in Detroit, MichiganMichigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
. His father, Michael Taylor, died when Tim was only 11 years old which had a profound impact on Tim's life, however Tim found somewhat of a father figure in John Binford, the CEO of Binford Tools but is again profoundly affected when he dies from a heart attack. His mother, Lucille Taylor is seen mostly in Christmas episodes and various others.
There as always been some disparity as to how many brothers Tim has. In earlier seasons, he is stated several times to have five brothers. In later seasons, he is stated to have four, however six have been mentioned by name - Marty and Jeff, who have each appeared on screen several times; John and Rick, who are mentioned only in the episode "Oh, Brother"; Steve, who is mentioned in "The Write Stuff" among other episodes; and Danny, who was mentioned to owe Tim money by Jill in Marty's first episode. In order from oldest to youngest is Jeff, Steve, Tim, Danny, John, Rick and Marty.
Running gags
- Tim's obsessive love of cars and tools.
- The simian, manly "grunt" he makes when he says, hears or sees something manly.
- His comedic catchphrase "More power!". Usually when the audience says this line, Tim replies, "You're darn right more power!".
- Tim's frequent accidents with any tool he's modified for "more power"
- Tim's subconscious or consciousness to make destruction (i.e., blow up the dishwasherDishwasherA dishwasher is a mechanical device for cleaning dishes and eating utensils. Dishwashers can be found in restaurants and private homes.Unlike manual dishwashing, which relies largely on physical scrubbing to remove soiling, the mechanical dishwasher cleans by spraying hot water, typically between ...
or the water heater.) - His mangling of Wilson's advice (one variation is an episode where Tim actually gives good advice and astonishes everyone)
- Tim getting frustrated over people commenting that they love Tool Time for Al. Sometimes saying, "Al is my assistant, he assists me", or, sarcastically, "We all love Al."
- Whenever Tim goes in the basementBasement__FORCETOC__A basement is one or more floors of a building that are either completely or partially below the ground floor. Basements are typically used as a utility space for a building where such items as the furnace, water heater, breaker panel or fuse box, car park, and air-conditioning system...
he hits his head on a beam, both on his way down the stairs and on his way back up. A variation was when Tim hits his head while going down the steps of a U.S. aircraft carrier. - Tim's attempts to upstage Bob VilaBob VilaRobert Joseph "Bob" Vila is an American home improvement television show host known for This Old House , Bob Vila's Home Again , and Bob Vila .-Early life:...
. - Tim's joking about Al's overweight mother.
- Tim's insensitivity towards Jill and women in general
- Him giving Al ridiculous middle names/nicknames when introducing him on Tool Time.