[Conservative Gato]

To their credit the actors on The Middle have long been playing characters younger than they are.

The actors playing Axl and Sue were both in their early 20’s portraying teenagers. Patricia Heaton is 58.

The actress who plays Sue had angst-ridden 13-year old girl absolutely NAILED!

They did choose well on the actors for this show. Even the youngest Brick, is 18, playing 16 and could still play a younger role. The 5 o'clock shadow gives him away sometimes though.

The sibling rivalry, the timing of the banter and insults, is pretty well written. In the end, they don't really mean it and stick together when it's really important. It kind of reminds me of my siblings and I growing up.

Maybe Frankie will become a grandma before the series is over. I can only imagine how she'll freak realizing she has become a grandma. Patricia Heaton does a great job in that role.

CGato

[Buckeye McFrog]

Yes, Heaton is that rare talent who is able to pull off TWO long-running successful sitcoms in their career.

Most of ‘em crash and burn after the first.

[july4thfreedomfoundation]

There was one episode on “The Middle” some years ago where Frankie (Patricia Heaton) comes home from work, announces “I made dinner!” and then throws some bags of fast food on the kitchen table.