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2 • December 10 - 16, 2017 • Brainerd Dispatch By Kat Mulligan TV Media F amily comedies are essential to prime-time television, though few manage to break through the fourth wall and provide a sense of genuine authenticity. It seems as if each decade graces us with one or two quality family sitcoms, the highs and lows of their experienc- es so familiar that we become a part of the family ourselves. Such legendary series include "All in the Family," "Roseanne," "Full House" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." Thankfully, the current genera- tion has found its own iconic fami- ly to join, though sadly the time has come to say goodbye. The final season of "The Middle" is under- way, with a new, Christmas- themed episode arriving Tuesday, Dec. 12, on ABC. "The Middle" made its way into homes across North America back in September 2009. Throughout the pilot episode, mom Frankie, played by Patricia Heaton ("Every- body Loves Raymond"), provides the rundown on the Hecks, her family of five. There's the eldest of her three children, Axl (Charlie Mc- Dermott, "Hot Tub Time Machine," 2010), a carefree, athletic rebel; Sue (Eden Sher, "The Outcasts," 2017), a klutzy yet optimistic and driven middle child; and Brick (At- ticus Shaffer, "Steven Universe"), the brainy, quirky youngest child who juggles exceptional smarts with exhausting boredom. Dad Mike, played by Neil Flynn ("Scrubs"), rounds off the bunch with his towering height, level head and blunt honesty. As the family manages day-to-day strug- gles between breakfasts of frozen pancakes and fast food dinners around a glowing television screen, there is something incredi- bly raw and endearing about them. There's no need to try to im- press, and no wanting for more than what is possible for them. As the Hecks straddle the line be- tween middle and lower class, there is a sense that a reflection is being sent back to millions of Americans who see their own real- ity playing out onscreen, week by week. Perhaps this is why the se- ries has long endured, as families have grown up with, and along- side, the Hecks. This growth is quite literal, with season 9 finding the family shift- ing toward an adult majority: Brick is now the sole teenager in the house, and entering his sopho- more year of high school. Sue is a junior at college, while Axl has found his way home from Europe, greatly changed by the experience (well, somewhat). Frankie and Mike confront the realities of hav- ing their adult children at home and the need for both of them, but especially Axl, to contribute to keeping the family afloat as they juggle daily bills and expenses. Another notable element of the season thus far is its recognition of the family's journey — the lasting impact of the Hecks in their own universe and the world beyond the screen. The season 9 premiere made this theme overtly clear, with Frankie's obsessing over the town's time capsule project, stressing to the family the impor- tance of finding just the right way to commemorate their presence in the town, because, as Frankie fran- tically asks: "Will people remem- ber that the Hecks were here?" It's an obvious thematic choice for a final season, but, as the se- ries does so skilfully, Frankie's questioning and desire to know the family has had an impact is ex- tremely relatable. Thankfully, the series is helping Frankie to find the answer, by reflecting back on memorable events of "The Mid- dle." The credit scenes of the epi- sode "Thanksgiving IX," for in- stance, reflect on the past nine years of Heck family Thanksgiv- ings. Montages such as this one tug at the heartstrings of fans, who have shared these holiday moments for nearly a decade with "The Middle," and now accept the bittersweet conclusion to such a relatable journey. The desire to end the series with season 9 came as quite a shock to fans, who have only seen the show increase in depth and popularity. It would seem that the main reason for concluding "The Middle" at this point is to end the show while it still resonates with viewers, without experiencing a dramatic downturn in ratings or interest. In an interview on "Live with Kelly and Ryan," Heaton addressed this: "We love the show, and we love each other, but you get this sense of when it's time to leave the par- ty. You don't want to wait until it's kind of already over." The series, still extremely rele- vant in a time when many families find making ends meet increasing- ly challenging, could no doubt have continued to have quite a successful run, but leaving during this pivotal time ensures that the Heck family will not be easily for- gotten. Heaton has also been very expressive about the impact of the series and its relationship with its fans. While speaking with Enter- tainment Weekly, she emphasized that, for the cast, the crew, the writers and the fans, closure is es- sential. "There are so many people who have been so loyal ... and feel like these characters are their fam- ily," she said, "so we'll all go on this farewell journey together." The journey of the Heck family may be coming to a close this sea- son, but it will forever have a place amongst those legendary family sitcoms that weren't afraid to serve a thick slice of reality along- side their humorous main course. Reflect on the past eight seasons and hold those memories close as you enjoy some holiday cheer with the Hecks. An all-new Christmas- themed episode of "The Middle" airs Tuesday, Dec. 12, on ABC. Creating a legacy with 'The Middle' Cover Story this week Patricia Heaton stars in "The Middle" Conan I love doing shows in Harlem, and I'll tell you why. It's changed so much just in the past year. You know things are different when you hear the phrase, "Meet me at the Whole Foods on Malcolm X Boulevard." Big mayoral election for New York City tomorrow. I know you're excited about that. In fact, Mayor Bill DiBlasio has a 33-point lead. After hearing this, the New York Giants said, "What's a lead?" The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Today Donald Trump continued his world tour of government-mandated parades. This time: China. The main event! Or as they say there, the whole enchilada! The big kahuna! The Late Show With James Corden A new iPhone glitch is causing the lowercase letter "I" to be replaced by weird symbols. Have you experienced this? It's so odd. Apple addressed the issue with an official statement saying, "What are you gonna do, buy a Samsung?" Jimmy Kimmel Live Twitter just doubled the amount of characters you can use, from 140 to 280. Which I think means Twitter is now Facebook. Late Night With Seth Meyers Kim Kardashian posted an Instagram photo yesterday of Kanye West's upcoming sneaker model, the Yeezy Mud Rat 500. Incidentally, "Mud Rat 500" was also Steve Bannon's AOL screen name. Late Laughs Match of the Month December For more information about Kinship Partners, please call (218)-829-4606 or visit our website at www.kinshippartners.org Be a Friend. Be a Mentor. Photography donated by Ken's Fifth Street Photos and Frames Why not start your own friendship journey? Kinship Partners is pleased to honor Dan Davis and Avery Johnson of Staples Minnesota as its newest Match of the Month. Dan and Avery seem to have fun with whatever they decide to do. They spend a lot of time outside fishing or four wheeling. Dan is excited to take Avery ice fishing as soon as the ice is ready. Dan has enjoyed being a part of Avery's life. Dan said "It helps me get outside of self and he loves seeing Avery happy." 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