The Middle The Optimist (Season 5, Episode 20)
TV-PG
TV Episode | 21 min | Comedy, Family

The Middle

The Optimist (Season 5, Episode 20)

TV-PG

TV Episode | 21 min | Comedy, Family

Sue frantically tries to earn a college scholarship for when she graduates in two years; Frankie hopes to correct a mistake at work without her boss finding out; Brick demands a formal apology from Mike after a misunderstanding.

Showrunners

Eileen Heisler | DeAnn Heline

Director

Lee Shallat Chemel

Writers

Eileen Heisler (created by) | DeAnn Heline (created by) | Tim Hobert (written by)

Producers

Roy Brown | Eileen Heisler | DeAnn Heline | Werner Walian

Composer

Joey Newman (music by)

Cinematographer

Editor

Casting Director

Production Designer

See all filmmakers & crew (74)

Edit Released

Updated Apr 30, 2014

Release date

Apr 30, 2014 (United States)

Awards

Series awards

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy Award. Another 14 wins & 36 nominations

Contacts

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Cast	+ Add Cast
14 cast members

Name	Known for
Patricia Heaton Frankie Heck Frankie Heck See fewer	Everybody Loves Raymond (1996)
Neil Flynn Mike Heck Mike Heck See fewer	Mean Girls (2004)
Charlie McDermott Axl Heck Axl Heck See fewer	Frozen River (2008)
Eden Sher Sue Heck Sue Heck See fewer	The Middle (2009)
Atticus Shaffer Brick Heck Brick Heck See fewer	Frankenweenie (2012)
Jack McBrayer Dr. Ted Goodwin Dr. Ted Goodwin See fewer	30 Rock (2006)
Alphonso McAuley Hutch Hutch See fewer	Glory Road (2006)
Brian Scolaro Mickey Mickey See fewer	Dexter (2006)
Ava Allan Piper Piper See fewer	Pretty Little Liars (2010)
Michael S. Chambers Olson (as Michael Chambers) Olson (as Michael Chambers) See fewer	Tosh.0 (2009)
Aloma Wright Cashier Cashier See fewer	Scrubs (2001)
Thomas Crawford Piper's Dad Piper's Dad See fewer	This Is Us (2016)
Traci Belushi Piper's Mom Piper's Mom See fewer	The Shrink Next Door (2021)
Betsy Baker Patient - Mrs. Parker Patient - Mrs. Parker See fewer	The Evil Dead (1981)