Spring is in the air, and the time has come for people to head outside and mingle. And whether you’re looking to do so at the local pool, at a barbeque, or with a cultish-like youth group led by a possible pedophile, The Middle has just what you need.
The best part about last night’s episode, by far, was Mike and Brick’s introduction to societal norms. Who’d of thought that Mike was little more than a giant version of Brick, devoid of his quirky whispering but just as unfit for human interaction? It’s interesting that Patricia Heaton’s characters always seem to marry the socially awkward, doesn’t know what to say in public, guy. Toss in a sitcom with Patrick Warburton (now wouldn’t that be interesting?) and she’ll have made it to the hall of fame of embarrassed wives.
How awesome was Brick’s class’s “Odd-Squad pageant?” Can you comprehend that he and a classmate stood in front of the room and had a reciprocal conversation? For real. And then they proceeded to put on a demonstration of unacceptable social behavior, which of course was a reenactment of a staple of Mike’s party repertoire. Whether or not Brick is cured of his many social faux pas (which I highly doubt it), it would be a crime to take him out of his special class … just as it would be criminal to take us to visit it as infrequently as was done this season. We need to get in there every week!
But whatever they’re doing, Mike and Brick have consistently been a great pairing. There was the block party, the spelling bee, and who remembers what else this season, and The Middle only plays to its strengths by writing something for the two — not to mention them plus Axl, like when Brick had women troubles.
Sue didn’t bring it for me once again, but how insane was that ridiculous youth group of hers? The problem with a plot like that is that there are so many directions in which the stories can go, but then they go nowhere. This could have turned into a long-range thing. Reverend TimTom (Paul Hipp) could have been arrested for statutory rape. It could have been a cult. Or a street gang like in Oliver Twist. Or a pyramid scheme. You see, so many options, and all TimTom was there for was to bring the sun out at the party. Granted his message of love could affect Sue in weeks to come, but from this side of next week’s episode, all I can tell is that his story was one that went nowhere.
Did anyone feel like Frankie was underutilized last night? I don’t know … I’d be the last person to say that she should be a supporting player, but I like her so much better when she’s involved either specifically in someone else’s life, or in general with managing her family. I think the reason is because her work-life does nothing for me. Neither the cast of characters (save for public address system voice), or Frankie’s struggles (because they don’t make much sense).
Before last night’s new episode, there was a replay of the episode where a motivational consultant visits Ehlert Motors, and I found myself fast forwarding through the entire part at the dealership. It just isn’t good. But replay Frankie trying to convince social services that she should keep her kids? I’m there.
Clacked by Aryeh S.
on May 13, 2010 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
Affects?
You have watched almost a whole season of this show, there are no affects! That’s the point of the show. Sue will be the same in next week’s season finale too. I like how you said “In the weeks to come”, there is only one left, then it will be MANY weeks to come before a new episode. :)
I loved the repeat before it, I never saw it before. When the clearly gay guy came in with Sue I was on the floor laughing so hard I couldn’t breathe. He reminded me of someone I met on Saturday, it was too much.
*POST AUTHOR*
You insist there’s no continuity, but I think there is depending on the theme. The quarry closing? Yes. Delivering cakes at night? No. Brick’s special class? Yes. Axl’s car? No. it depends … my point was this was something that could have translated into some great stuff.
He’s been on before; he and Sue were dating, and she broke up with him and came home in tears, after catching him behind the gym with another guy … smoking. It was played really well. :)
Why is it that any time a religious character appears in a show, they have to be a creeper or a buffoon (or some weird combination of the two like TimTom)? Is that really all the material there is out there?
Finally watched this one last night and the whole social skills (or lack thereof) thing was hilarious. I couldn’t help but picture Owen and Keith in the roles of Brick and Mike…. ;-)
*POST AUTHOR*
I think it’s about time you open your lives up to the documentary crew…. :)