A SHORT DRIVE TURNS INTO AN ETERNITY AS THE HECKS TRY TO MOVE AXL INTO HIS COLLEGE DORM, ON ABC'S "THE MIDDLE"

"The Drop Off" - Against Axl's wishes, Frankie insists on having the entire Heck family along for the ride as they drive to his college to move him into his dorm. But the short drive turns into an eternity when Sue freaks out after discovering that Frankie forgot to fax in her essay to be a candidate for Junior Peer Leadership Advisor, and Brick proves once again that he can't be trusted when he keeps losing his new cell phone, on "The Middle," airing WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (Rebroadcast. OAD: 9/25/13)

"The Middle" stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue and Atticus Shaffer as Brick.

Guest starring are Rebecca Metz as saleslady, Michael Busch as Kopy Shop worker, Tommy Bechtold as Kenny, George Pond as student no. 1 and John Mark Loudermilk as student no. 2.

"The Drop Off" was written by DeAnn Heline & Eileen Heisler and directed by Lee Shallat Chemel.

"The Middle" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.

For more information on "The Middle," visit ABC.com/TheMiddle