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Why ABC's "The Middle" Is One of My Favorite Television Shows

mommymommymommy | Jan 26, 2012 |

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ABC’s “The Middle” is one of my favorite television shows. It has been many years since I have looked forward to watching a television comedy with my children. Most comedy programs are not only lacking in the comedy department, but there is too much sexual innuendo and inappropriate language for my younger children. I found the high fashion wearing actors with their over the top homes and apartments way too unrealistic.

The Middle is a comedy about a family that my family can watch together. Because it is so realistic, I can also relate to it. The character of Frankie speaks to me in every episode.

The show stars Patricia Heaton (of Everybody Loves Raymond fame) as Frankie Heck, a forty-something mother of three who is stuck in the middle. First, she lives in Indiana, in the Midwestern part of the United States. Second, she is a part of the “sandwich generation”, as she is responsible for taking care of her two elderly aunts. And third, she is middle class and trying her best to hang onto that status.

Frankie is overwhelmed and overworked. Her quiet, sports-loving husband Mike, is played by the understated Neil Flynn. Mike Heck is a hard working man who tries his best to support Frankie, although his support only works about half the time. He is a loving father who tries to understand his brood, but oftentimes does not.

Axel Heck is played by Charlie McDermott. A guitar playing jock who is into girls and not school, his lack of caring about academia drives his parents insane. He is lazy, messy, and narcissistic. He also has a sweeter, gentler side that he sometimes permits his family see.

A loveable girl with a heart of gold that fails to succeed at almost everything she attempts, Sue Heck reminds older women of the teenage angst we once went through. Played with wide-eyed innocence by Eden Sher, Sue is the underdog. She does not quite “get” the obvious, which make her all the more loveable. No matter how many times she fails, Sue preserves and tries again.

Portraying Brick, the oddball youngest son lacking in social skills, is Atticus Schaeffer. Brick is a voracious reader who has an odd habit of whispering to himself with head bent down. A perpetual puzzle to both of his parents, Brick is the one who sees through the craziness.

What makes this show so appealing is that it is real. Unlike Carol and Mike Brady, Frankie and Mike have flaws. Brick is usually forgotten, being that he is the youngest. School projects are done at the last minute and dinner can be found in a box. Their house is messy and they are too tired to care. But, their parenting is done with much love, despite the stresses and frustrations they feel.

When I sit down to watch The Middle with my children, I do not worry about inappropriate situations that need to be explained or crass language. Even though Sue’s first boyfriend is obviously gay, my kids do not get it (like Sue). It is implied, and no explanation is necessary. Axel may walk around the house in his underwear, but we see that as funny and there is nothing sexual about it.

Frankie is any middle class woman who is in her forties. She craves respect and recognition from her family for all that she does. In one hilarious episode, she comes home late from work one night and accidentally eats Axel’s toenail clippings that he left in the cheese curls bag! She freaks out and runs back home to her mother. As the episode unfurls, each character tries to make sense of why this happened and how to get her to come back home. What mom has not dreamed of running away from it all because she feels under appreciated (no toenail eating required).

Overall, The Middle is one of favorite television shows because it is real, and real life can be very funny.