The Middle

Axl returns from a summer in Europe with a new laid-back attitude and a man-bun, prompting Mike to push for responsibility while Frankie urges patience. Sue attempts to make up for a summer spent working by having all her fun in two days, Brick decides to break up with Cindy to focus on his upcoming sophomore year, and Frankie struggles to find the perfect item to represent the Hecks in a time capsule to be buried under the Orson cow.

Frankie discovers that giving Nancy Donahue household items in exchange for her homemade meals can be mutually beneficial, and she begins seeking out more things to trade. Meanwhile, Sue and Lexie face complications when their former college apartment is sublet, and Axl, now a school bus driver, observes Brick's high school experience, noting Mike's absence from a Career Exploration Day event.

Frankie feels anxious about meeting Lexie's affluent parents, while Brick learns that his participation in the school's Sophomore Slammer event prevents him from being arrested.

Frankie uncovers a long-buried secret when she learns that a woman died in the bathtub at the Heck family home nearly five decades earlier.

Axl attempts to create a new drink, while Mike enlists Sue to plan a romantic celebration for his and Frankie's 25th wedding anniversary. Sue, however, expresses frustration with constantly meeting others' expectations without question.

Frankie's mother moves in with her after falling ill, bringing emotional tension to the household. Sue offers to help Sean by setting him up on dates, while Axl and Brick speculate about the mysterious nature of Mike's job at the quarry.

The Hecks embark on a chaotic road trip to visit Frankie's sister for Thanksgiving, while the children face the difficult decision of who will be let go from their jobs at Spudsy's.

Axl is surprised to find Hutch has become more responsible. Sue struggles with insomnia after watching a horror film alone. Brick asks Frankie and Mike to help him win over a girl.

Frankie recalls she needs to contribute an item to the time capsule. Bill Norwood tells Mike that he and Paula are getting a divorce. Brick attempts to reconcile with Cindy, while Axl asks Sue to be his personal assistant.

Frankie and Sue are upset when Axl decides not to go to church. Mike becomes frustrated with the Glossner family for repeatedly damaging his inflatable snowman. Brick tries to give his first gift.

Sue confesses to Frankie that she kissed Sean Donahue at the Christmas party, while Mike arranges a car ride with Axl, Brick, and his father.

Axl grows closer to Mike as he adjusts to his new job, causing Frankie to feel overlooked; meanwhile, Brad tries to convince Sue to connect him with Aidan's attractive friend.

Frankie seeks a new passion for her life's third act, with Reverend TimTom suggesting a possible path. Mike intervenes in Sue and Brick's ongoing argument over a mysterious hole in their wall, demanding they resolve it, while Lexie schemes to win Axl's approval by secretly providing him with money and gifts.

Rusty, Mike's estranged brother, arrives and gives Sue an expensive gift that Mike suspects is stolen. As Sue becomes more independent in college, Mike struggles with feeling distant from her and attempts to reestablish their bond. Meanwhile, Axl spends his first paycheck on a large television, citing Frankie's poor financial habits as his inspiration, and Brick is baffled but amused by a series of anonymous gifts appearing at their home.

The Hecks face a series of chaotic events as Frankie takes Sue to a bar for her 21st birthday, Mike reluctantly joins Brick at a "Planet Nowhere" convention, and Axl and Hutch travel to Ohio in the Winnebago to attend a former roommate's wedding.

Frankie copes with a difficult week by allowing herself to express her emotions, while Mike faces the bittersweet prospect of a promotion after 25 years at the quarry, struggling with the thought of leaving his colleagues. Meanwhile, Brick believes he is being unfairly targeted by his health teacher due to past actions committed by Axl.

The Hecks, along with the Donahues and Bill Norwood, confront the Glossner family after they steal Sue's car, leading to a dramatic and comedic showdown.

Dr. Fulton informs Frankie and Mike that Brick and Cindy have been kissing throughout the school, prompting Mike to coach Brick on dating manners. Meanwhile, Sue tries to give Sean a snow globe and express her feelings, and Frankie discovers a box of unfinished thank-you letters, instructing Axl to complete and send them.

Frankie is grateful when Dr. Goodwin agrees to purchase all of Brick's peanut brittle, but his patience wears thin when she delays delivery. Meanwhile, Axl rebels against Mike's constant advice by trying to trade their Winnebago for a car, and Sue works hard to secure a top hotel scholarship, while Frankie becomes convinced she's seeing something strange flying around the house.

Frankie tries to convince Brick to ask Cindy to the prom, fearing his eccentric behavior might ruin the occasion; Lexie persuades Axl to give Sue a late 21st birthday gift; and Mike struggles to adjust to using a new television remote.

Sue and Brick participate in a trivia contest hoping to win a trip to London for the royal wedding as the perfect Mother's Day gift for Frankie, while Axl faces a life-changing job interview opportunity.

Frankie tries to convince Axl not to accept a job offer in Denver, while Sue struggles with Sean's departure to Ghana. Meanwhile, Brick purchases numerous lawn chairs to replace the one he has used for nearly a decade.

The Heck family embarks on a road trip to Denver as Axl prepares to begin a new job and start life away from home, marking a significant change for the family dynamic.

The series finale follows the family as they accompany Axl to Colorado, while the ongoing mystery of the snow globe and its significance to Sean and Sue's relationship reaches a critical moment.