The Middle

I'm guessing the family portrayed in 'The Middle' is not the norm but they certainly are closer to 'real' people than most sitcom characters or, for that matter, most 'reality' show contestants. The children are not perfect nor are they drug addicted or sex-crazed or alcoholic or parent-hating brats. The oldest son hanging out in boxer shorts? My son did that. The middle child, the daughter, trying to find her place in the school social order but often coming up short? Who hasn't failed at something in life? And the youngest child, the little boy who often repeats things in a whisper, is sweet and loves his parents. These kids make you laugh both from their unintentional humor and from recognition. And I especially like the fact that each episode ends on an upbeat note. The family members, no matter what crazy circumstances they may find themselves in, love each other and accept their lot in life without bitterness and anger. Far removed from the pop culture norms we've been fed lately, people living in 'The Middle' may actually exist after all.

There's a number of shows that I record every week and this is one of them. Whenever I go to catch up on watching shows that were recorded, there are some that are starting to feel like a chore to watch, but I always looks forward to watching this one.

I was never a fan of "Everyone Loves Raymond" so I never saw too much of Patricia Heaton, but she's really very good in this show. I think most of the characters in this show are really well cast. I think Eden Sher as the daughter "Sue" is terrific. She's such a lovable nerd. Neil Flynn who plays the husband "Mike" is funny and believable. Atticus Shaffer as the youngest son "Brick" is pretty bizarre, but somehow I find myself laughing at him, especially when he repeats to himself in a whisper, the last word of his sentences. I can't explain why, but it's funny to me every time he does it.

I hope the show doesn't get old for me. I've watched the first 9 episodes so far and haven't been disappointed yet.

Thank you for 9 fabulous, fun filled, heart warming, tear jerking years.

You'd want to see this show because of the household names, Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Chris Kattan, Brian Doyle Murray, and you'd be pleasantly surprised by the writing. We all "know" the harried mom, laid back dad, "under achiever" kids, but within a twenty minute episode I realize how really well the writers capture the frustration and absurdity that goes with life in "the middle". This program doesn't fit the "oh poor hapless daddy" sitcoms, the kind Bob Newhart would NEVER do, and that's why I've been watching it. Because they have a real mess of a home and wear clothes you do see in the newspaper insert ads, these are some real people dealing with some way out there kinds of characters in situations which are hilarious and sometimes heartwarming, without being mushy. This is one show I look forward to each week!!

It will be sad to see the end of tv's most under appreciated show in years, The Middle. Kudos to the superb cast, talented writers, directors, etc. Patricia Heaton and Neil Flynn beautifully and often hilariously play the parents of the Heck family of Orson Indiana. The three children are also played very well ( Charlie McDermott, Eden Sher and Atticus Shaffer)and their very individual characters nicely developed and consistent. The supporting cast is also excellent. The show even offers a gay friend who is sensitively portrayed by Brock Ciarlelli, and whose character is handled beautifully. The Heck's neighbors, the Donahues, The Glossners (Brooke Shields is amazing), The Heck's parents (Marsha Mason, Jerry Van Dyke, and John Collum), and all the other regulars and semi-regulars contribute substantially to the high quality of the show. I often had belly laughs from many of the uproarious lines and even tears at certain points. like when Brock's character 'came out' to his best friend played by Eden. What an incredibly poignant moment. I watch very little television in general, but do not ever miss watching The Middle. The only saving grace for those of us hooked on this terrific series can be summed up in one word..syndication. LJM