Note: This is not a review, merely our first impression of an unfinished product. A show can go through many changes between the pilot stage and its official broadcast debut.
'The Middle'
Premise: The middle-class Hecks of Indiana juggle their dead-end jobs with raising three kids -- rebellious Axel, awkward Sue and "quirky" Brick.
Cast: Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Atticus Shaffer, Charlie McDermott, Eden Sher, Chris Kattan
What Works: This new comedy is a dead ringer for 'Malcolm in the Middle' with its realistic, wry take on regular family life, from daughter Sue's disastrous attempt at joining the school choir to fast-food family dinners in front of the TV. Heaton shines as the stressed-out mom at the center of it all (the scene of her putting on Spanx made us LOL), but little Atticus Shaffer steals the show as younger son Brick.
What Doesn't: Wish there wasn't such excessive use of voice-over, but that's really a minor quibble.
Our Excitement Level (Out of 10): 8
Premiere Date: Sun., Jan. 7, 8PM ET on Fox
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Reader Comments (2)
Jump Higher at 8:38PM on Jul 19th 2009
LOL the massive cow! Looks like a winner for sure, it reminds me of another show already but I can't put my finger on it... Ah that's it Malcolm in the middle - it seems very Malcolm in the middle-ish!
electronics89 at 10:53PM on Aug 4th 2009
Something doesn't work on premiere. 7th of January 2010 will be a Thursday, not a Sunday.