I was raised to enjoy television and one of my favorite things to do is have it on as I work. I also love to pick it apart and talk about what I loved, or didn’t. If you follow me on Facebook, I’ve had a lot of fun sharing my thoughts live during This is Us.
Today I wanted to point out a romance I’m absolutely swooning over.
Okay, as of this writing, the romance has yet to connect, but all the elements are there. The show is about to have its series finale.
It’s The Middle.
The Middle/ABC Network Airs Tuesdays 8pm Eastern/7 Central
If you aren’t aware of this show, it’s on ABC and stars Patricia Heaton, playing another mom that was on Everyone Loves Raymond. It follows the lives of the Heck family in the Midwest. They aren’t perfect parents, and they aren’t rolling in money. But in their odd ways, they love each other and have sweet lessons at the end of each episode.
Throughout the series there has been a thread of romance with the middle child and only daughter, Sue. From middle school to college she had a crush on her brother’s best friend and their neighbor, Shawn Donahue. What we didn’t know until recently was Shawn feels the same. Where brother Axel is annoyed by Sue’s optimism and energy, it’s endearing to Shawn. He’s in med school, so of course Sue appreciates his noble career.
What I’ve loved watching is that although Shawn isn’t perfect, he’s had so many chances to confess his love for her, but hasn’t, oh, he’s been swoon-worthy. They did share a kiss after Sue cheered him up over college stress. He’s went out of his way giving her rides, bought her a beautiful snow globe that Sue didn’t know was from him. To me, my favorite moment was when Sue turned twenty-one. Although I’m not condoning a night bar hopping or the consequences, the romantic in me loved how Shawn dropped everything to take care of Sue and her mom. Even when the sight of vomit scared away Sue’s then-boyfriend, Shawn not only stayed around, he wiped her forehead with a washcloth.
I remember as a teen announcing that if I find a man willing to wipe my forehead when I’m sick, I will marry him.
Well, my husband does not enjoy being around sickness. He will run and get me Ginger Ale and make sure the kids are fed, but I’ve never had my forehead wiped. He did have to give me shots in the backside during infertility, so I think he gets some points for that because it absolutely crushed him to do it.
But, back to Shawn. I think the reason it’s been such a sweet romance to watch was they started as neighbors and friends. Shawn’s an All-American kid pursuing a career that changes lives. Sue was the forgotten middle child who for years tried to fit in and never did. Now things are blossoming for her, but Shawn loved her from the beginning. He was rooting for her all along. He’s waited patiently and has been sweet, kind, thoughtful in his gifts and care, and never took advantage of her.
My guess is this will be a loose end the writers will tie up in a satisfactory way. If I were in charge, I’d have the Heck family overjoyed that their daughter landed a doctor because finances have always been a struggle for them. More than that, forgotten Sue would understand she was always remembered, always loved by the guy next door. The man willing to wipe her forehead when she got sick.
Although my last release wasn’t a straight romance, I added a thread with a boy next door romance, and it was so fun to write. That’s a theme I plan to use again in a future romance.
Aw, Shawn and Sue. I’m going to miss you two!
How about you? Is there a neighborly romance that you really enjoyed reading or watching?
Julie Arduini loves to encourage readers to surrender the good, the bad, and ---maybe one day---the chocolate. She’s the author of ENTRUSTED: Surrendering the Present, as well as ENTANGLED: Surrendering the Past. The last book in the series, ENGAGED: Surrendering the Future, is coming soon. She also shares her story in the infertility devotional, A WALK IN THE VALLEY. She also blogs every other Wednesday for Christians Read. She resides in Ohio with her husband, two children, and chocolate stash. Learn more by visiting her at http://juliearduini.com.
Hi Julie! Hope you are keeping warm in Ohio. The north winds are howling and it is snowing in Michigan. The Middle reruns are shown every evening on the Hallmark channel. Love the reference to Ginger Ale. Michiganders love there Vernors Ginger Ale. At the moment can’t think of a specific neighborly romance show or romance. Best wishes.
Hi, Renate!
Our weather has been crazy. I drove our daughter to school and in 20 minutes there was sun, pouring rain, and then sleet.
We have Vernors Ginger Ale as well.
I appreciate you reading!
i was not raised with tv. it was more of a treat, like Disney on Sunday nights. There fore i just dont watch a lot of tv. but one of the romance channels i like every once in a while is the Hallmark channel.
I read more than watch tv.
I love The Middle, too. I was so sorry to learn it is going off the air. They better do justice to the Sue and Shawn romance. I was hoping they would at least keep the show on until Brick graduated from high school.
I absolutely love The Middle. I am so sad to see it ending. I’ve watched it since episode 1. And, I’ve been waiting for something to happen between Sue and Shawn. It’s taken forever, but I’m sure will be wonderful once they actually talk to one another and tell each other how they feel. LOL!
I’ve never watched The Middle but I’ve see clips and it’s a funny show. But what you have just wrote makes me want to binge on the show. Is it on Netflix?
I love to watch and read the boy /girl next door romance. They tend to be heartwarming.
I agree with how sweet those types of romances are. Totally my favorite. That and typical Pride and Predjudice romances are pretty fun to read. I have only ever caught glimpses of this show though, so I can’t say for sure what I would think… though it is pretty clear that most people have been rooting for them all along.
Anyway, I hope your week has been going very well!
I have only seen one episode of The Middle but I did enjoy it and might just have to start at the beginning and watch the whole series.
Guy next door reminds me of Emma! Have not watched The Middle but I appreciate Patricia Heaton and her Christian stance.
The Hallmark channel is a treat for me. If you enjoyed Rachel Hauck’s Once Upon a Prince, that will premiere this month.
A great way to spend your time.
I caught it with re runs, but it was a cute show that was fairly clean. I agree, they better wrap up their storyline with a great romance. My thought is with Shawn in med school, the Hecks will feel their financial woes will end with a doctor for a son in law.
I’m really rooting for them, it’s a lovely story. Not only with a neighbor storyline, but also the brother’s best friend. I really love those in fiction.
Hi, Colleen!
I don’t know if it is on Netflix, but it is on Hulu. Well worth bingeing. I think you will really enjoy the Shawn/Sue storyline from beginning to now.
Yes, what a great analogy, Pride and Prejudice romances. I adore them!
Jessica,
I think you will enjoy it. Their is a faith element to it, and is humorous. I’ve enjoyed it.
Paula,
Patricia’s faith is admirable. I’m sure it is not easy to “walk the talk” as an actress.