Even after six years, The Middle never panders to be one of those family sitcoms with overly cheesy storylines for the sake of entertainment. Obviously people choose what shows they’ll watch based on what they expect from it, and fans of The Middle have come to appreciate the fact that it’s so down to earth. Last night, especially, it really struck a nerve in viewers with one particular aspect of the episode.
Sue was offered another better paying job at a new fast food store opening in her mall. This was a fun little thing for Sue to stress about because it really tested her loyalty to Spudsy’s. In the end she stuck with the nickel raise from her manager at the potato stand and proudly accepted her new BS title of Assistant Manager of Condiment Distribution. Knowing Sue, she’ll spin that just right on her resume, and I couldn’t be happier for her.
The real juicy parts of the episode came from Brick and Axl. Brick is right in that prime puberty time. He’s an official teenager now, and he’s starting to develop the attitude of one. Frankie really shouldn’t have been all that surprised by his sudden change in demeanor towards her, because as she well knows, Axl went through the same thing. I have a feeling Axl was never such a homebody before he became a teenager though. Puberty doesn’t completely change a personality overnight. That said, Brick’s standoffish behavior towards his mom probably won’t last too long. He’s still got his quirks, as evidenced by the whispering under his breath again! He hasn’t done that in a while, so it was funny to see him bring that back.
I’ve always adored Sue, but this season Axl is really becoming my new favorite character. It’s hard to believe he’s already 21, the age in his mind when you become an adult. Of course, he’s still too cool to even come home to celebrate with his family, which leaves Frankie desperately calling to make sure he got the socks she sent him. I have to say though, if his school is only 45 minutes away, Frankie probably would have been able to make the time to drive out to visit him instead of eating his entire cake herself. Anyway, Mike has another idea of how to celebrate this milestone. Big Mike started a tradition with Mike on his 21st which Mike tried and failed to do for Axl’s. By calling to ask Axl to come home to help him move an old freezer, he was really only using that as a cover to surprise him with a beer at the bar.
Axl certainly didn’t make it easy for Mike. He even went so far as to send Sean Donohue over in his place while he was too busy partying with his friends. Once Mike laid down the law and demanded he come home, they eventually did end up bonding over a few beers in a sweet and reflective scene for Mike. Hopefully, as Axl continues to mature, he’ll learn to appreciate his parents and family more. I’d say he’s doing a nice job of that so far.
Notable quotables:
-”I’m reading a book in my mind. I’ve memorized all my books.” -Brick
–Mike: “It goes fast, is what I’m saying. A minute ago I was sitting in your seat.”
Axl: “What do you mean? Before I came in here?”
Mike: “No, it seems like I was just 21. Let’s just drink.”
What did you think of the episode?
[Photo via ABC]
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