The Middle Review: Brick’s Shining Moment

The Middle could go on forever as far as I’m concerned. The Hecks are the most relatable sitcom family on TV as this seventh season finale proves. Brick’s middle school graduation happens to be on the same day as Sue’s Dollywood orientation but in typical Heck fashion, they make it all work.

Last week Brick lost out on the valedictorian speech to his girlfriend Cindy. Luckily for him, the Orson Middle School graduation ceremony is known for including a talent show and Brick signs up to sing in it. First of all, this is shocking not only to his parents but also viewers. Brick’s never expressed an interest in performing in any way. He usually prefers to be left alone with his books and select friends. Frankie recognizes how important this must be for Brick if he signed up to sing but didn’t make the cut in the teachers’ borderline shady random drawing of names. She makes it her mission to get Brick singing on that stage. It’s the least she could do for forgetting about his graduation momentarily anyway. (Seriously though, why doesn’t she write things on the kitchen calendar using words and not just stars? That’s her dumb fault.)

Frankie went full Mama Bear on the principal and it all paid off in the end. Brick got to perform a duet with his friend Troy on ukulele with a sweet song no doubt dedicated to his family and mom in particular.

So while Brick got his moment in the sun to complete his “hero’s journey” Sue also got a traditional Heck send off on her way to Dollywood. Everyone jumped in the station wagon immediately after the graduation to drop Sue off for her adventurous summer with Brad. If the series had ended right there, I’d be happy. Knowing that these precious family moments are few and far between as the kids grow older, they need to keep these mini road trips going. I remembered Mike telling Frankie earlier this season how he was always happiest driving the family and I know he’s loving every annoying complaint from the backseat on this drive down to Dollywood.

Unlike Brick’s fear of his hero’s journey ending with a resounding “meh,” this finale was equal parts heart and humor right down to Frankie’s quick voiceover about the rest of the summer. Axl apparently meets the love of his life at the country club he’s working at as a camp counselor but “that’s a story for another time” a.k.a. next season. See you all back here in the fall for another year with the best family on TV!