Let me explain, I love Patricia as a comedic actress and I love The Middle, but I was kind of hoping she would've done something a little different than play a mom from mid west America. I see the show Hot in Cleveland and think she would've been perfect for that show. I sort of wish she was doing something a bit different. That is why I loved Back to You so much. It was, well...different.

Again, this is not in any way a codemnation on The Middle, because it is very funny & am glad to see Patty on TV regularly. So for that, I am eternally grateful to ABC. :D

BTY was a great show and should have had a long run. I'm still mad at the way Fox treated that show. I love the Middle and I think Patty is great on it. TV needs more family comedies and hopefully this show can be a trendsetter. The whole cast is really good. The best part is that ABC is actually giving the show a chance unlike what Fox did. Maybe Patty will go on to do another show after the Middle. Maybe she'll do a drama. I think she'd be great in one. I'm glad she's on tv too. It's just nice seeing someone on tv that you can actually respect.

BTY was a great show and should have had a long run. I'm still mad at the way Fox treated that show. I love the Middle and I think Patty is great on it. TV needs more family comedies and hopefully this show can be a trendsetter. The whole cast is really good. The best part is that ABC is actually giving the show a chance unlike what Fox did. Maybe Patty will go on to do another show after the Middle. Maybe she'll do a drama. I think she'd be great in one. I'm glad she's on tv too. It's just nice seeing someone on tv that you can actually respect.


well said Sonny, I love the Middle and it is great that ABC has brought back the "Family comedy." The show so far is a success and I don't see her leaving anytime soon nor do I want her to leave. I just would've loved to see her in a drama or in a sitcom that doesn't involve her playing a frumpy mom.

Completely agree. The Middle is a good show, but so "ordinary," especially in regards to Patty Heaton. I mean, look at the character she played on Raymond for 9 years - strong, witty, loveable yet bitchy, and she played it so well. On Back to You, it was very similar, and again, she played the part magnificently. Her character on The Middle seems like a dumbed-down version of that, and I hate it. I keep waiting for the character to break out, but she never does. It says more about the role than it does Patty, but in the end, it doesn't seem like Patty was the best choice here.

Completely agree. The Middle is a good show, but so "ordinary," especially in regards to Patty Heaton. I mean, look at the character she played on Raymond for 9 years - strong, witty, loveable yet bitchy, and she played it so well. On Back to You, it was very similar, and again, she played the part magnificently. Her character on The Middle seems like a dumbed-down version of that, and I hate it. I keep waiting for the character to break out, but she never does. It says more about the role than it does Patty, but in the end, it doesn't seem like Patty was the best choice here.

YES!!! That is exactly how I feel, I want to see Patty stretch her acting chops a bit.

I've caught a couple of eps and while it is a funny show, I agree with you Bri - Patty is a little too "frumpy" on it imo. It's like she's taken a step backward a bit after Raymond.

I've caught a couple of eps and while it is a funny show, I agree with you Bri - Patty is a little too "frumpy" on it imo. It's like she's taken a step backward a bit after Raymond.


Agreed, it is time for Patty to "sex" it up a bit. ;)

My 50 year old aunt watched the Christmas Episode after shrek the halls one night with her grandson, the first thing she said to me the next morning when she called was "WOW, has she gotten more bitchy over the years". I would also like her to play a diffrent charicter. I mean hey..... who would want to see Caroll Oconner play another abnoxious, hot head guy again.... we don't.... we've seen it already... give us something else.

Well I love The Middle and wouldn't change anything about it.

I love The Middle and Patricia and think that she fits the role well. I, too, wish that she had done something a little different and maybe more daring, but as long as I get to see her perform every week, I'm happy!

Let me explain, I love Patricia as a comedic actress and I love The Middle, but I was kind of hoping she would've done something a little different than play a mom from mid west America. I see the show Hot in Cleveland and think she would've been perfect for that show. I sort of wish she was doing something a bit different. That is why I loved Back to You so much. It was, well...different.

Again, this is not in any way a codemnation on The Middle, because it is very funny & am glad to see Patty on TV regularly. So for that, I am eternally grateful to ABC. :D

I agree. She was great on Back to You, and that show was great! Somehow she seems better suited to the play format than the movie format (Like Raymond and BTY).

To the OP: I do not find your opinions shocking at all.

People have to realize that we are all getting older and perhaps frumpier. She is going to look different from her ELR years. After all, she is playing a different character, and I think she plays it just fine.

What ideas do people have for those who think she needs to break out or not have the character Frankie as a dumb downed version of previous roles?
What should Patty do to stretch her acting chops with this character? I thought it would be interesting conversation. :)

I did not care much for her character in Back To You. She seemed too aggressive and hyper. It was played a bit too over the top IMO. Patricia is one of my favorites though!

I never miss this show and I am glad it's has been renewed for a second season.