Digest

This episode begins with a tribute to Pat Finn, an actor and comedian known for his role in "The Middle." The hosts, Eden and Brock, then discuss listener comments about a potential "The Middle" reboot and share New Year's wishes. The main focus shifts to a detailed breakdown of the episode "Major Anxiety," with guest writer Rich Dom. Dom shares personal anecdotes that inspired storylines, including his own experiences and those of his family, which were adapted for the show. They discuss Brick's desire to attend a dance, Axel's college major dilemma, and Sue's coffee-fueled storyline. Deleted scenes are explored, offering further character insights and humor. The conversation also touches upon the filming of a stunt scene on a roof, the concept of recurring characters, and the significance of character names like "Cindy" as a narrative device. The episode concludes with a fan voicemail and announcements for future episodes and sponsors.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction, Tribute to Pat Finn, and Podcast Launch

The episode opens with a brief mention of Shopify's impact on brands, followed by a heartfelt tribute to their friend and colleague, Pat Finn, sharing fond memories and a statement from his family. The hosts officially introduce their podcast, "Middling," and extend New Year's wishes to listeners.

00:08:58

Listener Feedback and "The Middle" Reboot Discussion

The hosts engage with listener comments from Spotify, discussing the possibility of a reboot for the show "The Middle" and expressing their appreciation for the series.

00:12:38

Episode Breakdown: "Major Anxiety" and Sue's Storyline

The hosts begin dissecting episode 603, "Major Anxiety," summarizing the key plot points involving Brick, Axel, and Sue. They specifically praise the execution of Sue's coffee-fueled storyline, noting its fresh and humorous take on a common sitcom trope.

00:17:13

Guest Introduction: Writer Rich Dom and Early Career Insights

The podcast introduces guest Rich Dom, a writer for "The Middle," highlighting his notable career, including work with The Onion and The Colbert Report, and his numerous awards. Dom shares a humorous anecdote about his first day working with Patricia Heaton and discusses the collaborative writing process.

00:24:30

Personal Inspirations Behind "The Middle" Episodes

Rich Dom shares personal stories that served as inspiration for specific "The Middle" episodes, such as "The Loneliest Locker" and an episode based on his father's aging process, as well as the personal experience behind the "Trip and Fall" episode.

00:31:25

Deep Dive into "Major Anxiety" with Rich Dom

Rich Dom offers his perspective on the episode "Major Anxiety," connecting the storylines to his own experiences and discussing his initial nervousness as a writer on set. The discussion includes a scene breakdown of Brick's storyline and a deleted scene featuring Mike's talk show appearance.

00:42:35

Axel's College Dilemma and Deleted Scenes

The hosts analyze Axel's struggle with choosing a college major, his interactions, and his unconventional decision to major in Buddhism. Several deleted scenes are discussed, including one in the laundry room and another offering career advice from Frankie and Mike.

00:53:06

Roof Scene Breakdown, Stunts, and Character Development

The dramatic roof scene with Axel and Sue is broken down, including discussions about the website "Kicking It Teen Style," the filming process, the use of stunt performers, and safety measures. The conversation also touches upon character development, the role of Cindy, and the concept of recurring characters and writer compensation.

01:07:03

Fan Engagement, Streaming Icons, and Future Episodes

The hosts discuss their streaming service icons and share a fan voicemail from siblings Mia and Joe, who express their appreciation for "The Middle." The segment concludes with announcements for the next episode and advertisements.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the significance of Shopify mentioned at the beginning of the podcast?

  Shopify is highlighted as a powerful e-commerce platform that enables brands like Aloe, Allbirds, and Skims to achieve success by providing a seamless engine for their businesses.

• Who was Pat Finn and why was he remembered in the podcast?

  Pat Finn was an actor and comedian, known for his role as Bill Norwood in "The Middle." The hosts paid tribute to him, sharing personal memories and a statement from his family, emphasizing his kindness and positive impact.

• What is "Middling" and what does it cover?

  "Middling" is a podcast where hosts Eden and Brock break down episodes of the TV show "The Middle" each week, discussing storylines, behind-the-scenes details, and listener feedback.

• What personal stories inspired Rich Dom's writing for "The Middle"?

  Rich Dom shared personal experiences, such as his daughter's play inspiring "The Loneliest Locker" and his father's aging influencing an episode about physical limitations, which were adapted into storylines for the show.

• What was the inspiration behind the "Trip and Fall" episode?

  The "Trip and Fall" episode was inspired by Rich Dom's own experience of breaking his arm after falling down stairs early in the morning while trying to access his office trailer.

• How did the "Major Anxiety" episode incorporate personal elements?

  The episode's storylines, particularly Brick's desire to attend the fall fantasy dance, were inspired by real-life situations, including Eileen's son wanting to go to a dance and Rich Dom's own son's experience with homecoming.

• What was the significance of the deleted scenes discussed in the podcast?

  Deleted scenes provided additional context and humor, such as Frankie and Mike's anxious wait for Brick, Axel's career advice, and a humorous interaction in the laundry room, offering deeper insights into the characters and storylines.

• What was the experience of filming the roof scene in "Major Anxiety"?

  The roof scene, while appearing perilous on camera due to strategic filming angles, was executed safely with stunt performers and safety precautions, making it less dangerous in reality than it appeared.

• How do writers get compensated for characters that become popular and appear frequently?

  Writers can receive "character payments," a form of compensation that increases with each appearance of a character they created. This system incentivizes the development of characters with lasting appeal and potential for multiple storylines.

• What is the significance of the character Cindy's name in "The Middle"?

  Cindy's name is a deliberate "reverse Cinderella" reference. She appears with Brick's lost shoe, mirroring the glass slipper in the fairy tale, but in a way that brings the shoe back to its owner rather than being a lost item sought by a prince.

Show Notes