The Middle: The Friend

This episode was actually better than I expected, thank goodness. After last week's amazing episode, I knew that there was no way this one was going to be as good, but it almost was.
This one had three separate plot lines going, two of which were more interesting than the other.
First, Sue's club, wrestlerettes, which she founded (and yes, this is a word crazy cheerleaders) is under fire as the wrestling team is supposed to do very well this year so the cheerleaders also want to cheer at these meets. Sue feels threatened and, of course, the cheerleaders ignore her so they end up having a cheer-off. The cheerleaders put on a wonderful show while the wrestlerettes put on an extremely awkward one (but quite hilarious), but it eventually gets the crowd, including the crusty principal onto their feet, leaving the cheerleaders wondering what they did wrong. Still, though the winner is obvious, it is never announced so we'll have to see how this plays out.
Second, Frankie begins the episode by saying how nice it was to see Axl settle down (though all they do is make out). It is as I really like Cassidy, but because she is so smart, this quickly becomes an issue though it wasn't until Brick points it out. So Axl asks Brick to tutor him, which he does. Axl then skips the prep rally to try and discuss art and other trivia with Cassidy, presenting one of the most heartfelt and real romantic speeches that I've heard in recent times. He truly does care about her. Luckily, even though Axl is a bumbling idiot but he truly does care about Cassidy and his lack of intelligence doesn't seem to bother her. I'm just grateful that they didn't break up because I probably would have cried had that happened.
Third, the plot line that I didn't like involved some new neighbors. Frankie is worried that Mike is becoming a crazy recluse like his father so she sets up a play date with the new neighbor (Jeff). Though the two of them get along well, Mike is furious that Frankie went behind his back. Then Frankie leaves a series of crazy messages on Jeff's wife's cell phone and soon the new neighbors want nothing to do with the Hecks, which is probably for the best. Though the adults needed something to do, this wasn't it as Frankie has rarely been so annoying. I understand that it bothers her that Mike doesn't have friends, but no amount of pushing is going to change that if he doesn't see a problem.
This episode was still quite good as there were hilarious moments sometimes involving Brick. When he finally had to stop making out with Cassidy, Brick said that it was nice to finally see her face, not just the back of her head. Another involved Axl sending pictures of himself  to Cassidy and then he took the phone under the covers with him while Brick merely roles his eyes. Sue is great trying to explain to the cheerleaders who she is even though she has done that before and they have even met her at her house when they were dating Axl. Sue is easily one of the funniest characters on television. Here's to continued great episodes. Grade: A-