The season four premiere of ‘The Middle’ is just a day away and co-creator Eileen Heisler has shared a bunch of great details about the hour-long first episode. There is a lot in store for the Heck family this season, with Sue trying to get her driver’s license and Axl getting ready to head off to college.
Heisler spoke to TV Line about the first episode of the season as well as what the fourth season holds in store for the Heck family. “We have a big hour-long episode we’re really excited about. A summer spent with the Hecks,” Heiser said. “Mike (Neil Flynn) and Frankie (Patricia Heaton) feel like their kids click away their lives in front of screens, that they have no idea of what actual summer is—or not as they remember it. So they try to achieve that—and adventure that includes a county fair, a drive-in movie.”
Fans can also expect Sue (Eden Sher) to explore “her dark side,” said Heisler. The season is particularly stressful for Sue, who attempts to get her driver’s license. “Sue has a bumpy road to getting there,” Heisler told TV Line. “She’s still a little bit stung from last season when she accidentally drove the Passat around the block.”
Heisler added, “We haven’t gotten yet to the episode where she actually tries to get the license, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she doesn’t succeed on her first trip to the DMV…Sue requires many, many checklists before she gets out of the driveway. She’s a stressful person to teach how to drive, let’s put it that way.”
Sue, of course, is not the only one dealing with important life moments. Her brother Axl (Charlie McDermott), is a senior in high school and is getting ready to apply to college. Heisler shared, “Of course, the Hecks planned for college in the way the Hecks do things, and so it’s not certain they can afford it, and it’s not a sure thing his grades will get him in. But they’ll sure try.”
As for little brother Brick (Atticus Shaffer)? Heisler told TV Line, “Brick develops a new tic. I can’t tell you what it is, but the tic morphs a bit, and that leads to the arrival of a psycho bunny. It’s suggested that a pet might help Brick with his detachment issues. So they explore pet ownership with a bunny that turns out not to be as great as anticipated.”
Heisler also told TV Guide that mom Frankie would be experience a job world shake up. Fans can expect a slew of returning guest stars this season including Norm MacDonald as Mike’s brother Rusty, Jerry Van Dyke and Marsha Mason as Tag and Pat Spence, Brook Shields as Rita Glossner and new face Dave Foley.
‘The Middle’ season four returns on September 26 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
WATCH THE SEASON 4 PROMO FOR ‘THE MIDDLE’
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