Season 3 - Episode 13
ABC (US)
I'm not really quite sure how to review this episode of The Middle. It's quite frankly superb. The interplay between the characters is at its absolute best and the final scene (instagated by Mike, who is becoming the best character in this excellent show) is a prime example of the sweetness and warmness that makes The Middle what it is.
The death of Frankie's Aunt Ginny (who it turns out was 100 years old) leads the family to realise that they need to spend more time together and be there for each other at important events. This involves Frankie attending Sue's cheerleading meet and seeing her asked out by one of the wrestlers (Hannah Montana's Moises Arias branching away from the Disney Channel) by way of a Haka. The facial expressions Eden Sher pulls out in this scene are brilliant, her performances are getting better and better. Elsewhere Axl helps Brick in his school project of making a dough map of a state. Unfortunately, they use brownie mix and eat it. Then pancake mix and eat it. And then order pizzas to cut into shape. And eat them too. The episode ends with Mike getting the whole family - including Aunt Evie - together to celebrate every event they had put off over teh past year. It's a beautiful scene, and fitting of this show.
The format of this show allows things to get stale from time to time. But when they get it right, they get it right big time. "The Map" is as good as The Middle has ever been, and I really hope it goes from strength to strength.
**** 1/2
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