Ep 2. Hecking Order

The Middle season 3 episode 2, titled "Hecking Order," follows the Heck family as they struggle to deal with the consequences of their actions. Axl, the eldest son, has recently gotten into trouble and is forced to attend a mandatory parenting class with his mother, Frankie. Meanwhile, Brick, the youngest son, is having trouble adjusting to middle school and is assigned a social skills partner to help him navigate the tricky social hierarchy.

As the episode unfolds, Axl and Frankie attend the parenting class and are surprised to find that they are not the only ones struggling to parent a teenage boy. The group discussions and activities help Axl and Frankie identify some common ground and learn to communicate better. Back at home, Brick's social skills partner turns out to be a bit of a challenge, as he is overly enthusiastic and not very perceptive. Despite this, Brick learns to stand up for himself and even gains a new friend in the process.

Throughout the episode, the Heck family also deals with some of the mundane challenges of everyday life. Sue, the middle child, tries to navigate the complexities of high school dating and ends up in an awkward situation with her crush. And Mike, the father, has to deal with an old rival at work who is determined to one-up him at every turn.

Despite the challenges they face, the Hecks do their best to stick together and support one another. As the episode draws to a close, the family comes together for a heartwarming moment that reminds them of the value of their strong bond.

Overall, "Hecking Order" is a relatable and touching portrayal of family life. The characters are funny, charming, and endearing, and the struggles they face are universally relatable. The episode strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart, making it a standout installment of the series.