Patricia Heaton is back on familiar ground with ABC's " The Middle ," a domestic sitcom that showcases her skills at making everyday stresses seem not only funny, but bearable. ABC played it smart with its comedies this season, debuting the more

The Middle (ABC) Premiere: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 8:30-9 p.m. Competition: America's Next Top Model , So You Think You Can Dance , Mercy , Gary Unmarried Cast: Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Chris Kattan Status: We've seen the first episode. Should you w more

Sometimes it's important to realize that there are things going on in your kids lives that you know nothing about. It's important, but horrible at the same time. It certainly makes me afraid for when my son becomes a teenager. If they can keep a more

There was something refreshingly pedestrian about last night's episode of The Middle. It wasn't about abundance and excess, because as a middle-class situation comedy, the current economic state doesn't reflect having plenty and living beyo more

This was the best episode ever. When Sue crossed the finish line and the family hugged her and even Axel joined in. I was so proud.

Something big is going to happen with Axl, and I can't wait for it. Yes, he's doing the same bored, sleeping, lazy teenager act that we've seen a million times before, but I like the way he works off of both Neil Flynn and Patricia Heaton. more

Things are starting to settle into a familiar and comfortable pattern. There was nothing particularly groundbreaking in the presentation or even the subject matter of this episode, but it was still enjoyable. It's the love within the Heck family, eve more

Okay, there's clearly something going on with Atticus Shaffer's legs, or leg. It's not a big deal, but at the same time I can't help but notice it when he's limping around. I wish the show would just address whatever it is, so I c more