Keegan-Michael Key’s guest appearance on Wednesday’s episode of The Middle was nothing short of hilarious. As a guest reverend at the Hecks’ church, he quickly took a keen interest in the family’s dynamic.
Frankie’s All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Plan
Frankie had secured a squatter’s coupon for the entire family to enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet, intending to make the most of it by eating every meal of the day there after church. However, their plans were derailed when Reverend Deveaux invited them into his office. The Hecks initially caught his attention from the pulpit when he witnessed Mike throwing a hymnal book at Axl, which missed and hit a lady seated in front of them. But it was their reputation within the church community that truly piqued his interest.
Everyone was eager to get to the buffet as soon as possible, except for poor Brick. When he accepted the reverend’s offer to talk to him one-on-one, he opened up about all his insecurities. It was heartbreaking to see him admit that he feels like his family would be happier if he didn’t exist. Reverend Deveaux was taken aback and realized that this family was in dire need of counseling. As Frankie told Mike when he suggested they leave Brick there and head to the buffet anyway, “it’s free counseling. Can we really afford to turn down anything free?”
Unexpected Counseling Sessions
Unbeknownst to them, almost all the Hecks received free one-on-one counseling with the man of God. After Brick’s session, the family was nearly out the door when Sue blurted out that she got drunk at a party and danced provocatively. I couldn’t help but laugh when we saw a flashback of Sue twerking against a wall, convinced she was drunk! She had taken one sip of a spiked drink at a party and spat it out immediately, but she was certain she was intoxicated enough to twerk later. It got even funnier when Sue told the reverend about the game she invented called Twizzle Stick, which involves her hiding in a room with only one body part revealed, and if no one notices her, she gets a point. Given Sue’s history of being invisible (remember when one of her teachers never remembered having her in class?), it’s safe to say she probably wins a lot of Twizzle Stick games.
Axl’s Heartfelt Speech
Surprisingly, the only Heck not in need of counseling was Axl. His sincere speech to the reverend after Frankie and Mike had their own session was genuinely touching. He acknowledged that his family might seem dysfunctional with all their individual quirks and issues, but he emphasized their best qualities. They spend a lot of time together, often arguing or teasing each other, but they all genuinely love and support each other when it matters most. Axl has been impressing me a lot this season. His character is clearly maturing, which is a refreshing change of pace. It’s moments like this that make The Middle my favorite family sitcom on television.
New episodes of The Middle will return on February 26th after the Olympics.
[Photo via Michael Ansell/ABC]
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