A few years ago a USA Today reviewer called ABC's "The Middle," the network's "sweetest show." The setting was not LA or NYC but middle America in a fictitious place - Orson, Indiana. Mom and Dad struggled to make ends meet and the kids were less than perfect (and unlike most sitcoms, not smarter than their parents). The show never achieved the popularly of "Modern Family," but the audience for "The Middle" was loyal and devoted to the show. Although it took us an extra week or so to get to it, my dear, sweet wife and I watched the finale Tuesday night and we weren't disappointed.
In fact, I think it might have been the best finale for any program I've ever watched. The episode dealt with a real-life issue - a child leaves the nest for something bigger and better. After some confusion over the start date regarding a new job, the Heck family decide to take a road trip to Denver. Sue wants to have "a moment," and each member of the family have their moment - not sickly sweet but heart-felt to be sure. The show ends with young Brick (not so young anymore) whispering one last time, "the middle," as the car drives off into the distance.
"The Middle" was must-see TV in the Spicer house. I appreciated the fact that the show wasn't afraid to show the Heck family as church-goers. The episodes where Rev. Tim Tom made an appearance were often funny and poignant. Now that we've discovered "Last Man Standing" in reruns (and to appear with new episodes this fall), the void left by "The Middle" has been filled. Fortunately, the Hallmark Channel is showing "The Middle" in reruns so that will give me a chance to watch one more time ABC's "sweetest show."
