What’s On: ‘The Middle’ hits 200, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ chalks up #99, ‘Will & Grace’ holiday special
The Middle (8/7c, ABC): So many reasons to celebrate: The finest and funniest of today’s family sitcoms marks its 200th episode, just as the town of Orson finally makes the cut of the 200 most livable cities—in Indiana, but still. (I now wonder where my own Hoosier hometown ranks.) This milestone episode has it all: great storylines for everyone, and a sweetness that distinguishes it from a more curdled modern family in whose shadow The Middle has for too long dwelled. Frankie (Patricia Heaton) is still dithering over what to put in the town’s giant-cow time capsule; sibs Axl (Charlie McDermott, whose hair has returned to a proper length) and Sue (Eden Sher) are squabbling over her pretending to be his assistant as he seeks a job; Brick (Atticus Shaffer) is busy attempting heroic acts to win back Cindy (Casey Burke); and in the best subplot, Mike (Neil Flynn) begins to newly appreciate his wife and family—and maybe even Orson—when he’s rattled to learn his best bud Bill (Pat Finn) is separating from his wife. “We forget how lucky we are,” Mike concludes—but we who have treasured The Middle for years know how lucky we’ve been, and how much we’ll miss the Hecks & Co. once they’re gone.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (9:30/8:30, Fox): The squad goes on a road trip as the offbeat cop comedy chalks its 99th episode, with one calamity after another befalling the team as they try to get Captain Holt (Andre Braugher) back to New York in time for an interview that could land him his dream job, as NYPD Commissioner. In fun character beats, uptight Amy (Melissa Fumero) tries to act chill, and Rosa (Stephanie Beatriz) inadvertently reveals some personal info to Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio).
Will & Grace (9/8c, NBC): One of the great surprises of a mostly dismal TV fall has been the sparkling rebirth of the fan-favorite sitcom, which returns from hiatus (during Thursday Night Football season) for a special holiday episode. The foursome is transformed into Dickensian characters in a fantasy flashback set in 1912 New York, prompted by an unexpected detour into an Immigrant Historical Society museum. Will (Eric McCormack) becomes the evil landlord of Irish immigrant mother Karen (Megan Mullally), but he’s instantly smitten by her new sailor boarder (Sean Hayes) while ignoring his society wife, Fanny (Debra Messing). Yes, it’s as silly as it sounds, but worth it for the many period gay euphemisms. Followed by a special Christmas Eve-themed episode of Superstore (9:30/8:30c).
The Long Road Home (10/9c, National Geographic Channel): On a much more serious plane, the focus this week in the harrowing war docudrama is on Pfc. Tomas Young (Noel Fisher), whose youthful assumptions about war are shattered forever when his stranded platoon comes under enemy fire.
Inside Tuesday TV: TCM’s fan-chosen “Star of the Month” for December is Lana Turner, whose breakthrough role was as a murder victim in 1937’s gripping They Won’t Forget (8/7c). … Former CBS late-night star Craig Ferguson is back on Netflix for his second stand-up comedy special, Tickle Fight (streaming Tuesday). … A new multi-episode mystery arc begins on TNT’s Major Crimes (9/8c), when the team looks into the murder of a high-profile attorney known for her defense of oppressed women. … Two Big Bang Theory stars square off in a rap battle on TBS’s Drop the Mic (10:30/9:30) when Mayim Bialik challenges Kunal Nayyar. In another match, High School Musical’s Ashley Tisdale takes on Nick Lachey.
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O
Another great episode of "The Middle" last night!! I'm really going to miss this funny, yet sweet sitcom!
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R
Legends is the only thing "new" for me tonight. ALthough I don't recognize the description of the NCIS episode (from December 2016) so that might seem "new" to me.
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C
I'm going to watch Lethal Weapon, Will & Grace, Superstore, and Major Crimes while recording Flash and Legends. I'll watch The Middle and The Mick on demand later.
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G
I would have sworn Matt posted yesterday afternoon but don't see it here today.
What are thoughts about Designated Survivor last night?
I was real tired and dozing off while watching, will have to watch it again tonight.
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C
You posted on yesterday's article this morning when you replied to Unicorn.
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G
CW's Flash and Legends live. Will catch up with the ABC comedies later on.
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C
The Middle is the only ABC comedy I watch on Tuesdays. I don't hate the other ones. I just don't find them entertaining enough to watch every week. Did you like The Gifted last night? I thought it was more exciting than most of their episodes. How about The Good Doctor? Is he going to get in trouble for hitting his mentor?
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G
Agree, The Middle is by far the best comedy on ABC.. And yes The Gifted was more riveting than most of the prior eps. Supertgirl was also very good last night. Not so sure what they will do about Shaun Murphy.
If I was his mentor I would forgive him. I probably would forgive him even if he wasn't autistic. That got me thinking if I was a female and a male mentor above my position harassed me . If I liked him , I would flirt back and not call it harassment. If I didn't like him I would hit him . But wouldn't report him. The guilt of causing someone to lose their job and hurt their career would get the better of me. Rape is another story, police would be involved
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C
The situation with Shaun is a touchy one. The old man was provoking him and did sort of grab at him, so he may have felt he was defending himself. On the other hand, he's got to be taught that hitting someone isn't appropriate behavior so he doesn't do it again with someone else.
Did you read the articles today about Danny Masterson? The complaints against him were investigated by the police years ago and found to be without enough merit to arrest him, and yet, 15 years later, he's been fired on the basis of those allegations. Another career possibly ruined on the basis of unproved accusations.
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G
These are troubling times. Lucky we have TV to keep us entertained.
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C
The Long Road Home and Major Crimes for me tonight. Plus a new Conan at 11 on TBS.
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C
How are you liking the "multi-episode arc" format of Major Crimes this season? I'm really enjoying it and wish they'd done it before instead of the "Crime of the week" format they used in past seasons.
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C
I'm enjoying this season so far. I think I prefer the single episodes for this genre, however.
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