Ep 1. Back to School

The Middle season 2 episode 1, titled "Back to School," follows the Heck family as they prepare for the start of a new school year. The episode begins with Frankie (Patricia Heaton) and Mike (Neil Flynn) struggling to get their kids ready for school after a summer of sleeping in and staying up late. As they race to complete last-minute preparations, they quickly realize that the kids have all grown over the summer and their clothes no longer fit.

With little time to spare, Frankie and Mike head to the mall to buy new clothes for their children. While they are there, they run into several of their neighbors who are also doing back-to-school shopping. As the families commiserate over the difficulty of getting their kids ready for a new school year, they bond over their shared experiences.

Back at home, the Heck kids continue to cause chaos as they try to get ready for school. Sue (Eden Sher) is devastated when she realizes that she did not make the cheerleading squad, and Axl (Charlie McDermott) is preoccupied with his new girlfriend. Meanwhile, Brick (Atticus Shaffer) is excited to start fourth grade but is worried about fitting in with his classmates.

As the first day of school approaches, the Hecks experience a series of mishaps, including a broken alarm clock and a flat tire. Despite these setbacks, they manage to make it to school on time. Frankie and Mike are proud of their kids as they watch them head off to their classes, while also feeling a sense of relief that the chaos of getting ready for school is over.

Overall, "Back to School" is a relatable and heartwarming episode that captures the highs and lows of getting ready for a new school year. It highlights the challenges that families face as they transition from summer to fall and reminds us of the importance of family and community during these times of change.