The Middle finished its final season last month (read my review of the season finale here!), and as I have done since season 6 now, I’ve written down all callbacks to previous episodes as this is something the show does very well. If you find a mistake in here or are missing a callback, just let me know!

Enjoy and let me know what you think!

Cindy has a history of kicking things. In Birds of a Feather (7.12) she kicks Mike’s car.

Cindy has a history of kicking things. In Birds of a Feather (7.12) she kicks Mike’s car.

We first hear about the bruise in

Frankie says she just got rid of her other bruise, after Cindy kicks her shin. She mentioned that it was gone in

Frankie says she just got rid of her other bruise, after Cindy kicks her shin. She mentioned that it was gone in The Final Final (8.22). We first hear about the bruise in Steaming Pile Of Guilt (6.15).

Frankie says she just got rid of her other bruise, after Cindy kicks her shin. She mentioned that it was gone in The Final Final (8.22). We first hear about the bruise in Steaming Pile Of Guilt (6.15).

Cindy wants to destroy the microfiche Brick got in Exes and Ohhhs (8.17).

(6.05) and it is mentioned several times after that as well.

Cindy wants to get shrimp on her way home because Brick didn’t get her anything to eat. The first time Cindy mentioned her love for shrimp is in

Cindy wants to get shrimp on her way home because Brick didn’t get her anything to eat. The first time Cindy mentioned her love for shrimp is in Halloween V (6.05) and it is mentioned several times after that as well.

Cindy wants to get shrimp on her way home because Brick didn’t get her anything to eat. The first time Cindy mentioned her love for shrimp is in Halloween V (6.05) and it is mentioned several times after that as well.

Sue tells Sean she doesn’t have a dance to go to, referring to the three(!) times Sean showed up to take Sue to a dance. First

Sue tells Sean she doesn’t have a dance to go to, referring to the three(!) times Sean showed up to take Sue to a dance. First in The Walk (5.17), later in While You Were Sleeping (6.22) and last season in Exes and Ohhhs (8.17).

Sue tells Sean she doesn’t have a dance to go to, referring to the three(!) times Sean showed up to take Sue to a dance. First in The Walk (5.17), later in While You Were Sleeping (6.22) and last season in Exes and Ohhhs (8.17).

(8.19) is back. Sue found the snow globe in the trash, mentioned in

The snow globe Sean bought for Sue in The Confirmation (8.19) is back. Sue found the snow globe in the trash, mentioned in Fight or Flight (8.23).

The snow globe Sean bought for Sue in The Confirmation (8.19) is back. Sue found the snow globe in the trash, mentioned in Fight or Flight (8.23).

Brick lost his phone again. He has been losing his phone ever since he got it in

Brick lost his phone again. He has been losing his phone ever since he got it in The Drop Off (5.01).

Brick lost his phone again. He has been losing his phone ever since he got it in The Drop Off (5.01).

(8.23) even though Mike rather wanted him to find a job, something he is pushing Axl to do in the season 9 premiere as well.

Axl comes back from Europe. He went there in the season 8 finale

Axl comes back from Europe. He went there in the season 8 finale Fight or Flight (8.23) even though Mike rather wanted him to find a job, something he is pushing Axl to do in the season 9 premiere as well.

Axl comes back from Europe. He went there in the season 8 finale Fight or Flight (8.23) even though Mike rather wanted him to find a job, something he is pushing Axl to do in the season 9 premiere as well.

This is the second time in the whole show that they use a ‘Previously on The Middle…” clip. The first one was in

This is the second time in the whole show that they use a ‘Previously on The Middle…” clip. The first one was in The Answer (6.14) after Darrin’s proposal to Sue in Valentine’s Day VI (6.13).

This is the second time in the whole show that they use a ‘Previously on The Middle…” clip. The first one was in The Answer (6.14) after Darrin’s proposal to Sue in Valentine’s Day VI (6.13).

Not really a callback to a specific episode, but sharing looks is really a thing Mike and Frankie do and have done a lot throughout the show.

(9.01), we will see more of him.

Sean appears again. Now that he is going to school close to East Indy, like he mentioned in

Sean appears again. Now that he is going to school close to East Indy, like he mentioned in Vive La Hecks (9.01), we will see more of him.

Sean appears again. Now that he is going to school close to East Indy, like he mentioned in Vive La Hecks (9.01), we will see more of him.

(1.22) and it’s been mentioned throughout the show in many episodes.

Frankie wants to give away her inflatable foot bath. This is one of the longest running callbacks on the show. Mike gave it to Frankie in

Frankie wants to give away her inflatable foot bath. This is one of the longest running callbacks on the show. Mike gave it to Frankie in Mother’s Day (1.22) and it’s been mentioned throughout the show in many episodes.

Frankie wants to give away her inflatable foot bath. This is one of the longest running callbacks on the show. Mike gave it to Frankie in Mother’s Day (1.22) and it’s been mentioned throughout the show in many episodes.

grade graduation, where she threatened to burn the school down. This happened in

Frankie is not allowed into Brick’s school after his 8

Frankie is not allowed into Brick’s school after his 8 th grade graduation, where she threatened to burn the school down. This happened in The Show Must Go On (7.24).

Frankie is not allowed into Brick’s school after his 8 th grade graduation, where she threatened to burn the school down. This happened in The Show Must Go On (7.24).

Sue and Lexie sublet their apartment to Derrick and Andy. They are the guys who got Axl, Hutch and Kenny evicted from their house in Land of the Lost (7.05).

(9.01). This also means the snow globe that we’ve seen since

Nancy brings back the time capsule that Sean picked up in the final scene of

Nancy brings back the time capsule that Sean picked up in the final scene of Vive La Hecks (9.01). This also means the snow globe that we’ve seen since The Confirmation (8.19) is back in the Heck house.

Nancy brings back the time capsule that Sean picked up in the final scene of Vive La Hecks (9.01). This also means the snow globe that we’ve seen since The Confirmation (8.19) is back in the Heck house.

Sue mentions the two rooms she and Lexie stayed in last season: They lived in the crappy room from The Core Group (8.01) until True Grit (8.04), they ‘won’ this room in The Lanai (7.21). We first see ‘the bin’ in Look Who’s Not Talking (8.07), and the girls moved out in Hoosier Maid (8.11).

(9.01). He also talks about his breakup with Cindy which also happened in the season 9 premiere.

Brick mentions his big sophomore year again. Something he was very excited about in

Brick mentions his big sophomore year again. Something he was very excited about in Vive La Hecks (9.01). He also talks about his breakup with Cindy which also happened in the season 9 premiere.

Brick mentions his big sophomore year again. Something he was very excited about in Vive La Hecks (9.01). He also talks about his breakup with Cindy which also happened in the season 9 premiere.

Axl gets a job after his parents pressured him into getting one, even though they haven’t said anything since he got back from Europe, like they agreed on in

Axl gets a job after his parents pressured him into getting one, even though they haven’t said anything since he got back from Europe, like they agreed on in Vive La Hecks (9.01).

Axl gets a job after his parents pressured him into getting one, even though they haven’t said anything since he got back from Europe, like they agreed on in Vive La Hecks (9.01).

Principal Cameron calls Sue Ana Hajarajanaan. This was the name that was next to Sue’s photo in her senior yearbook. He also called her this during graduation in The Graduate (6.24).

Axl refers back to his marriage with April in Trip and Fall (8.08).

(9.01). He also talks about his breakup with Cindy which also happened in the season 9 premiere.

Brick mentions his big sophomore year again. Something he was very excited about in

Brick mentions his big sophomore year again. Something he was very excited about in Vive La Hecks (9.01). He also talks about his breakup with Cindy which also happened in the season 9 premiere.

Brick mentions his big sophomore year again. Something he was very excited about in Vive La Hecks (9.01). He also talks about his breakup with Cindy which also happened in the season 9 premiere.

Mike tries to fix the mud hole in the Heck’s backyard. After getting rid of the pool in

Mike tries to fix the mud hole in the Heck’s backyard. After getting rid of the pool in Adult Swim (8.20) the mud hole appeared.

Mike tries to fix the mud hole in the Heck’s backyard. After getting rid of the pool in Adult Swim (8.20) the mud hole appeared.

The kids use the hole in the wall to go from one bedroom to the other. This hole was created by Brick in Halloween VII: The Heckoning (8.03).

Lexie invites Frankie and Mike to her parents’ Colorado house they mentioned in Meet The Parents (9.03).

Frankie’s bruise that finally went away in The Final Final (8.22) is back.

Sue tells Mike she hates Halloween parties at college as she said in Halloween VI: Tick Tock Death (7.06).

The storyline with Frankie and Brick revolves around the microfiche that Brick got in Exes and Ohhhs (8.17).

Axl got Brick’s favorite lime green jello. We hear that he loves this in Thanksgiving V (5.07).

Brick’s imitation of Sue includes the line “I love America so much”. This is something we hear Sue say a lot throughout the show.

Mike starts dancing to spite Frankie. We hear he doesn’t like dancing in Halloween (2.06) and Not Mother’s Day (7.22).

Mike mentions ‘Forced Family Fun’, referring to when the Hecks went camping in Forced Family Fun (3.01+3.02).

Frankie is imitating Mike with the quote: “No big drinks at the movies”. The first time we hear about Mike not wanting to buy drinks or snacks at the movies is in Hecks At A Movie (7.15).

(7.04) to proof to Mike that he can handle driving a motorcycle.

Axl talks about his ‘homemade catapult that shoots you into a wall’. I like to think he’s talking about the catapult he made in

Axl talks about his ‘homemade catapult that shoots you into a wall’. I like to think he’s talking about the catapult he made in Risky Business (7.04) to proof to Mike that he can handle driving a motorcycle.

Axl talks about his ‘homemade catapult that shoots you into a wall’. I like to think he’s talking about the catapult he made in Risky Business (7.04) to proof to Mike that he can handle driving a motorcycle.

Brick calls himself a cactus like he did in

Brick calls himself a cactus like he did in The Christmas Wall (6.09)

Brick calls himself a cactus like he did in The Christmas Wall (6.09)

The kids use the hole in the wall to go from one bedroom to the other. This hole was created by Brick in Halloween VII: The Heckoning (8.03).

Of course Frankie and Mike have forgotten their anniversary, like in The Diaper Incident (2.03).

(7.23) when she uses them to district Brick.

(9.01). Brick mentions Cindy’s ears again, we know he loves Cindy’s ears from

Brick is still not over his breakup with Cindy in

Brick is still not over his breakup with Cindy in Vive La Hecks (9.01). Brick mentions Cindy’s ears again, we know he loves Cindy’s ears from Find My Hecks (7.23) when she uses them to district Brick.

Brick is still not over his breakup with Cindy in Vive La Hecks (9.01). Brick mentions Cindy’s ears again, we know he loves Cindy’s ears from Find My Hecks (7.23) when she uses them to district Brick.

Axl loses his job as a bus driver, which he got in Please Don’t Feed The Hecks (9.02).

Frankie mentions she’d rather watch The Bachelor than take care of her mom. In the episode The Bachelor (4.19) we can see she is a huge fan of the show.

The kids use the hole in the wall to go from one bedroom to the other. This hole was created by Brick in Halloween VII: The Heckoning (8.03).

Pat’s love for paper towels comes back in this episode. We first saw this in

Pat’s love for paper towels comes back in this episode. We first saw this in Homecoming II: The Tailgate (7.07).

Pat’s love for paper towels comes back in this episode. We first saw this in Homecoming II: The Tailgate (7.07).

(8.15) and breaks up with him in

Sue talks about when she was dating Tyler, the safety cart guy. She started dating him in

Sue talks about when she was dating Tyler, the safety cart guy. She started dating him in Dental Hijinks (8.15) and breaks up with him in Exes and Ohhhs (8.17).

Sue talks about when she was dating Tyler, the safety cart guy. She started dating him in Dental Hijinks (8.15) and breaks up with him in Exes and Ohhhs (8.17).

Sean still thinks Sue has a boyfriend after a misunderstanding in The Confirmation (8.19).

Sean still thinks Sue has a boyfriend after a misunderstanding in The Confirmation (8.19).

The kids wonder if Pat took fudge because that’s what she always does, as was shown

The kids wonder if Pat took fudge because that’s what she always does, as was shown in a few episodes, like A Simple Christmas (2.10) and The Christmas Wall (6.09).

The kids wonder if Pat took fudge because that’s what she always does, as was shown in a few episodes, like A Simple Christmas (2.10) and The Christmas Wall (6.09).

This episode continues the story of Grandma Pat who ended up in the hospital in the previous episode

This episode continues the story of Grandma Pat who ended up in the hospital in the previous episode Role of a Lifetime (9.05).

This episode continues the story of Grandma Pat who ended up in the hospital in the previous episode Role of a Lifetime (9.05).

The clip with the flashbacks at the end of the episode featured the following Thanksgiving episodes (in order):

The clip with the flashbacks at the end of the episode featured the following Thanksgiving episodes (in order): Thanksgiving III (3.10) , Thanksgiving V (5.07), Thanksgiving VIII (8.06), Thanksgiving (1.08) , Thanksgiving VI (6.07), Thanksgiving (1.08), Thanksgiving IV (4.08), Thanksgiving (1.08) , Thanksgiving II (2.09), Thanksgiving (1.08), Thanksgiving VII (7.08) and Thanksgiving III (3.10).

The clip with the flashbacks at the end of the episode featured the following Thanksgiving episodes (in order): Thanksgiving III (3.10) , Thanksgiving V (5.07), Thanksgiving VIII (8.06), Thanksgiving (1.08) , Thanksgiving VI (6.07), Thanksgiving (1.08), Thanksgiving IV (4.08), Thanksgiving (1.08) , Thanksgiving II (2.09), Thanksgiving (1.08), Thanksgiving VII (7.08) and Thanksgiving III (3.10).

Mike mentions Frankie’s bruise. The first time we hear about her bruise was in Steaming Pile of Guilt (6.15) and it has been mentioned multiple times throughout the later seasons.

Brick is still not over his breakup with Cindy, something that happened in Viva La Hecks (9.01).

Frankie forgot the new blue bag (now yellow bag), like she has done on multiple occasions. It was first mentioned in Hecks on a Plane (2.16). After forgetting the blue bag at Disney World in The Wonderful World of Hecks (5.24), they got a new one in The Show Must Go On (7.24).

We also get taken back to when Sue drove on their way to Disney World in Orlando (5.23). Axl also mentions Tanya, who gave Brick his first kiss, during the same trip, in that same episode.

The Hecks have forgotten Brick’s birthday again, like for example in Steaming Pile of Guilt (6.15).

Sue mentions the cow incident, referring back to when Brick drove into the Orson cow while learning how to drive. This happened in Roadkill (8.05).

(9.06) and is now working at Spudsy’s like Sue since

After he got fired from his job as a bus driver in

After he got fired from his job as a bus driver in The Setup (9.06) and is now working at Spudsy’s like Sue since The Potato (5.03) and Brick since Thanksgiving VIII (8.06).

After he got fired from his job as a bus driver in The Setup (9.06) and is now working at Spudsy’s like Sue since The Potato (5.03) and Brick since Thanksgiving VIII (8.06).

Frankie takes the quilt out of the oven. Storing the quilt in the oven has been a running gag on the show ever since we first saw it in Errand Boy (2.08). Other episodes where it was mentioned or seen in are The Prom (2.22), The Map (3.13), Christmas Help (4.09), Stormy Moon (5.16), Thanksgiving VIII (8.06) and Trip and Fall (8.08).

Axl finally got a haircut, something Mike and Frankie wanted since he came back from Europe in

Axl finally got a haircut, something Mike and Frankie wanted since he came back from Europe in Vive La Hecks (9.01).

Axl finally got a haircut, something Mike and Frankie wanted since he came back from Europe in Vive La Hecks (9.01).

(6.05), but it is also mentioned in

Mike talks about Cindy’s love for shrimp. We first hear about this in

Mike talks about Cindy’s love for shrimp. We first hear about this in Halloween V (6.05), but it is also mentioned in The Core Group (7.01), Pitch Imperfect (8.12) and Vive La Hecks (9.01).

Mike talks about Cindy’s love for shrimp. We first hear about this in Halloween V (6.05), but it is also mentioned in The Core Group (7.01), Pitch Imperfect (8.12) and Vive La Hecks (9.01).

(7.23) and “Stay away from the little guy if you value your shins” which goes back to when Cindy kicked Frankie’s shin in

Cindy’s notes say: “Keep your filthy ears to yourself”, referring to how Brick loves her ears as we first hear in

Cindy’s notes say: “Keep your filthy ears to yourself”, referring to how Brick loves her ears as we first hear in Find My Hecks (7.23) and “Stay away from the little guy if you value your shins” which goes back to when Cindy kicked Frankie’s shin in Vive La Hecks (9.01).

Cindy’s notes say: “Keep your filthy ears to yourself”, referring to how Brick loves her ears as we first hear in Find My Hecks (7.23) and “Stay away from the little guy if you value your shins” which goes back to when Cindy kicked Frankie’s shin in Vive La Hecks (9.01).

(7.21) the roof got burned because of a kitchen fire. It never got fixed after that episode.

Axl recalls to the time when he, Hutch and Kenny lived in the Winnebago without a roof. In

Axl recalls to the time when he, Hutch and Kenny lived in the Winnebago without a roof. In The Lanai (7.21) the roof got burned because of a kitchen fire. It never got fixed after that episode.

Axl recalls to the time when he, Hutch and Kenny lived in the Winnebago without a roof. In The Lanai (7.21) the roof got burned because of a kitchen fire. It never got fixed after that episode.

Brick says he recently learned some notes on the French horn. This was in

Brick says he recently learned some notes on the French horn. This was in Role of a Lifetime (9.05).

Brick says he recently learned some notes on the French horn. This was in Role of a Lifetime (9.05).

(7.02) Kenny, Hutch and Axl’s house gets infested with ants. This is an ongoing problem until they get evicted in

Hutch tells Axl he doesn’t want any ants. In Cutting The Cord (7.02) Kenny, Hutch and Axl’s house gets infested with ants. This is an ongoing problem until they get evicted in Land of the Lost (7.05).

Hutch tells Axl he doesn’t want any ants. In Cutting The Cord (7.02) Kenny, Hutch and Axl’s house gets infested with ants. This is an ongoing problem until they get evicted in Land of the Lost (7.05).

Axl talks about how he lost Kenny on a train in Venice. He told the Hecks this story after he came home from Europe in

Axl talks about how he lost Kenny on a train in Venice. He told the Hecks this story after he came home from Europe in Vive La Hecks (9.01).

Axl talks about how he lost Kenny on a train in Venice. He told the Hecks this story after he came home from Europe in Vive La Hecks (9.01).

Axl mentions his job at Spudsy’s which he started in

Axl mentions his job at Spudsy’s which he started in Thanksgiving IX (9.07).

Axl mentions his job at Spudsy’s which he started in Thanksgiving IX (9.07).

Axl brings a bottle of Bwine to Hutch. He invented this mixed drink in

Axl brings a bottle of Bwine to Hutch. He invented this mixed drink in Role of a Lifetime (9.05).

Axl brings a bottle of Bwine to Hutch. He invented this mixed drink in Role of a Lifetime (9.05).

(9.01). He also mentions his breakup with Cindy that happened in the same episode.

Brick mentions once again how great his sophomore year is, that he started in

Brick mentions once again how great his sophomore year is, that he started in Vive La Hecks (9.01). He also mentions his breakup with Cindy that happened in the same episode.

Brick mentions once again how great his sophomore year is, that he started in Vive La Hecks (9.01). He also mentions his breakup with Cindy that happened in the same episode.

Mike finishes his speech with “You do for family” which may be the Heck motto (or at least Frankie’s). We’ve heard it many times over the years, for the first time in The Floating Anniversary (1.03).

Mike talks about the time Bill and the rest of the neighbors helped fix the roof of the Heck house. This happened in

Mike talks about the time Bill and the rest of the neighbors helped fix the roof of the Heck house. This happened in Bad Choices (3.06).

Mike talks about the time Bill and the rest of the neighbors helped fix the roof of the Heck house. This happened in Bad Choices (3.06).

The kids use the hole in the wall to go from one bedroom to the other. This hole was created by Brick in Halloween VII: The Heckoning (8.03).

(9.01) and Nancy got it back to them in

Frankie still hasn’t put something in the time capsule even though they have to hand it in to Nancy before the ceremony. They filled the time capsule in

Frankie still hasn’t put something in the time capsule even though they have to hand it in to Nancy before the ceremony. They filled the time capsule in Vive La Hecks (9.01) and Nancy got it back to them in Please Don’t Feed The Hecks (9.02).

Frankie still hasn’t put something in the time capsule even though they have to hand it in to Nancy before the ceremony. They filled the time capsule in Vive La Hecks (9.01) and Nancy got it back to them in Please Don’t Feed The Hecks (9.02).

(3.13) and it is mentioned multiple times throughout the series.

Axl jokes once again that he’s going to freeze Sue’s head when she dies. He first makes this joke in

Axl jokes once again that he’s going to freeze Sue’s head when she dies. He first makes this joke in The Map (3.13) and it is mentioned multiple times throughout the series.

Axl jokes once again that he’s going to freeze Sue’s head when she dies. He first makes this joke in The Map (3.13) and it is mentioned multiple times throughout the series.

Axl refers to his job at Spudsy’s that he got in

Axl refers to his job at Spudsy’s that he got in Thanksgiving IX (9.07).

Axl refers to his job at Spudsy’s that he got in Thanksgiving IX (9.07).

(9.08), Brick tries to win her back after breaking up with her in

After realizing Cindy still likes him in Eyes Wide Open (9.08), Brick tries to win her back after breaking up with her in Vive La Hecks (9.01).

After realizing Cindy still likes him in Eyes Wide Open (9.08), Brick tries to win her back after breaking up with her in Vive La Hecks (9.01).

After Brick tipped over the Orson cow in Roadkill (8.05), the city of Orson is now doing a big rededication ceremony for the new Orson cow.

(9.08) Axl is taking his job hunt more seriously, this episode he applies for jobs and goes on an interview.

As he promised in Eyes Wide Open (9.08) Axl is taking his job hunt more seriously, this episode he applies for jobs and goes on an interview.

As he promised in Eyes Wide Open (9.08) Axl is taking his job hunt more seriously, this episode he applies for jobs and goes on an interview.

episode of The Middle, and has to do with the city of Orson as well. This also happened in The Middle’s 100

The title of this episode refers to it being the 200

The title of this episode refers to it being the 200 th episode of The Middle, and has to do with the city of Orson as well. This also happened in The Middle’s 100 th episode The 100 th (5.04).

The title of this episode refers to it being the 200 th episode of The Middle, and has to do with the city of Orson as well. This also happened in The Middle’s 100 th episode The 100 th (5.04).

Sue recalls the time where Sean called her a special snowflake in Ovary and Out (8.13).

Sue recalls the time where Sean called her a special snowflake in Ovary and Out (8.13).

Ron says he’s about to throw up ‘bwine’. Apparently they’re still drinking the drink Axl invented in

Ron says he’s about to throw up ‘bwine’. Apparently they’re still drinking the drink Axl invented in Role of a Lifetime (9.05).

Ron says he’s about to throw up ‘bwine’. Apparently they’re still drinking the drink Axl invented in Role of a Lifetime (9.05).

Ron Donahue mentions getting hit by a car last week, something that happened in

Ron Donahue mentions getting hit by a car last week, something that happened in The 200 th (9.09).

Ron Donahue mentions getting hit by a car last week, something that happened in The 200 th (9.09).

Sue talks about when Axl got all B’s in his first year of college. We heard about this in

Sue talks about when Axl got all B’s in his first year of college. We heard about this in Orlando (5.23).

Sue talks about when Axl got all B’s in his first year of college. We heard about this in Orlando (5.23).

Sue uses the snow globe that has been around since

Sue uses the snow globe that has been around since The Confirmation (8.19) as a gift for the swap game.

Sue uses the snow globe that has been around since The Confirmation (8.19) as a gift for the swap game.

We see Axl prepare for his new job. He got this job in The 200 th (9.09).

Axl mentions he has traveled the world, obviously referring to his trip to Europe. He left for Europe in Fight or Flight (8.23) and came back in Vive La Hecks (9.01).

Aidan, the guy who Sue thought Sean has set her up with appears. We first saw him in

Aidan, the guy who Sue thought Sean has set her up with appears. We first saw him in The Setup (9.06).

Aidan, the guy who Sue thought Sean has set her up with appears. We first saw him in The Setup (9.06).

Bill Norwood talks about his separation from Paula that we first heard about in

Bill Norwood talks about his separation from Paula that we first heard about in The 200 th (9.09).

Bill Norwood talks about his separation from Paula that we first heard about in The 200 th (9.09).

(8.11), Grandpa Big Mike says that when the time comes, he’ll just walk into the woods, lie down and die. That’s exactly what he is doing in this episode.

In the episode Hoosier Maid (8.11), Grandpa Big Mike says that when the time comes, he’ll just walk into the woods, lie down and die. That’s exactly what he is doing in this episode.

In the episode Hoosier Maid (8.11), Grandpa Big Mike says that when the time comes, he’ll just walk into the woods, lie down and die. That’s exactly what he is doing in this episode.

Axl says he starts the new job he got in

Axl says he starts the new job he got in The 200 th (9.09) next week.

Axl says he starts the new job he got in The 200 th (9.09) next week.

Sue says Sean always shows up when she needs a date to things, like the three times he was there to take her to a dance in

Sue says Sean always shows up when she needs a date to things, like the three times he was there to take her to a dance in The Walk (5.17) , While You Were Sleeping (6.22) and Exes and Ohhhs (8.17).

Sue says Sean always shows up when she needs a date to things, like the three times he was there to take her to a dance in The Walk (5.17) , While You Were Sleeping (6.22) and Exes and Ohhhs (8.17).

(8.18) Sue didn’t want to tell her mom about her crush yet because she wasn’t sure how she really felt.

Sue finally wants to tell Frankie she has a crush on Sean, after they kissed in

Sue finally wants to tell Frankie she has a crush on Sean, after they kissed in The Christmas Miracle (9.10) . Back in The Par-Tay (8.18) Sue didn’t want to tell her mom about her crush yet because she wasn’t sure how she really felt.

Sue finally wants to tell Frankie she has a crush on Sean, after they kissed in The Christmas Miracle (9.10) . Back in The Par-Tay (8.18) Sue didn’t want to tell her mom about her crush yet because she wasn’t sure how she really felt.

(4.15). In the season 3 episode, Mike and Frankie are taking down the tree right before Valentine’s Day and in season 4, Mike does it as a Valentine’s gift for Frankie.

You’re taking down the Christmas tree? That’s how I know it’s Valentine’s Day” refers back to

You’re taking down the Christmas tree? That’s how I know it’s Valentine’s Day” refers back to Valentine’s Day III (3.15) and Valentine’s Day IV (4.15). In the season 3 episode, Mike and Frankie are taking down the tree right before Valentine’s Day and in season 4, Mike does it as a Valentine’s gift for Frankie.

You’re taking down the Christmas tree? That’s how I know it’s Valentine’s Day” refers back to Valentine’s Day III (3.15) and Valentine’s Day IV (4.15). In the season 3 episode, Mike and Frankie are taking down the tree right before Valentine’s Day and in season 4, Mike does it as a Valentine’s gift for Frankie.

Frankie is watching Outlander. We know she loves this show as she binged it a while ago, as she said in

Frankie is watching Outlander. We know she loves this show as she binged it a while ago, as she said in The Core Group (8.01).

Frankie is watching Outlander. We know she loves this show as she binged it a while ago, as she said in The Core Group (8.01).

Don’s Oriental gets another shout out. They’ve been mentioned in for example

Don’s Oriental gets another shout out. They’ve been mentioned in for example One Kid At A Time (4.12) and Food Courting (6.20).

Don’s Oriental gets another shout out. They’ve been mentioned in for example One Kid At A Time (4.12) and Food Courting (6.20).

(7.03) and we have seen them a few times after that.

Sue mentions her no cut acapella group. She joined this group in

Sue mentions her no cut acapella group. She joined this group in The Shirt (7.03) and we have seen them a few times after that.

Sue mentions her no cut acapella group. She joined this group in The Shirt (7.03) and we have seen them a few times after that.

Brad says Sue is a good actor, referring back to her time as ‘Girl in the well’ at Dollywood. She went to Dollywood in

Brad says Sue is a good actor, referring back to her time as ‘Girl in the well’ at Dollywood. She went to Dollywood in The Show Must Go On (7.24) and came back in The Core Group (8.01).

Brad says Sue is a good actor, referring back to her time as ‘Girl in the well’ at Dollywood. She went to Dollywood in The Show Must Go On (7.24) and came back in The Core Group (8.01).

(8.04), even though she already started having doubts about their relationship in

(7.19) and she finally broke up with him in

Sue says she’s terrible at breaking up with people and mentions her breakup with Jeremy. She started dating him in

Sue says she’s terrible at breaking up with people and mentions her breakup with Jeremy. She started dating him in Crushed (7.19) and she finally broke up with him in True Grit (8.04), even though she already started having doubts about their relationship in The Core Group (8.01).

Sue says she’s terrible at breaking up with people and mentions her breakup with Jeremy. She started dating him in Crushed (7.19) and she finally broke up with him in True Grit (8.04), even though she already started having doubts about their relationship in The Core Group (8.01).

Brad finally got the yoga ball he wanted for Christmas. He talks about this in

Brad finally got the yoga ball he wanted for Christmas. He talks about this in New Year’s Revelations (9.11).

Brad finally got the yoga ball he wanted for Christmas. He talks about this in New Year’s Revelations (9.11).

The New Year’s Eve party of New Year’s Revelations (9.11) is mentioned multiple times.

The New Year’s Eve party of New Year’s Revelations (9.11) is mentioned multiple times.

Axl is starting his new job today. He got this job in

Axl is starting his new job today. He got this job in The 200 th (9.09).

Axl is starting his new job today. He got this job in The 200 th (9.09).

Sue says she has always thought of Reverend TimTom as a one-man-show, a feeling she also expressed when he got a singing partner in

Sue says she has always thought of Reverend TimTom as a one-man-show, a feeling she also expressed when he got a singing partner in Stormy Moon (5.16).

Sue says she has always thought of Reverend TimTom as a one-man-show, a feeling she also expressed when he got a singing partner in Stormy Moon (5.16).

(5.16). It does not have the exact same lyrics though.

One of the songs Reverend TimTom and Frankie sing (‘Be careful on the internet’) is also featured in

One of the songs Reverend TimTom and Frankie sing (‘Be careful on the internet’) is also featured in Stormy Moon (5.16). It does not have the exact same lyrics though.

One of the songs Reverend TimTom and Frankie sing (‘Be careful on the internet’) is also featured in Stormy Moon (5.16). It does not have the exact same lyrics though.

(1.10) and she mentions when she played in The Wizard of Oz in

Frankie tells Reverend TimTom about how she used to sing in the church choir, like in

Frankie tells Reverend TimTom about how she used to sing in the church choir, like in Christmas (1.10) and she mentions when she played in The Wizard of Oz in The Play (3.09).

Frankie tells Reverend TimTom about how she used to sing in the church choir, like in Christmas (1.10) and she mentions when she played in The Wizard of Oz in The Play (3.09).

(9.01) and that it’s always a big year for Sue. On multiple occasions Sue has dubbed a year the Year of Sue, like in

When talking about the family to Reverend TimTom, Frankie mentions that it’s Brick’s big sophomore year, something he has talked about since

When talking about the family to Reverend TimTom, Frankie mentions that it’s Brick’s big sophomore year, something he has talked about since Vive La Hecks (9.01) and that it’s always a big year for Sue. On multiple occasions Sue has dubbed a year the Year of Sue, like in Unbraceable You (6.01) and Not Your Brother’s Drop Off (7.01).

When talking about the family to Reverend TimTom, Frankie mentions that it’s Brick’s big sophomore year, something he has talked about since Vive La Hecks (9.01) and that it’s always a big year for Sue. On multiple occasions Sue has dubbed a year the Year of Sue, like in Unbraceable You (6.01) and Not Your Brother’s Drop Off (7.01).

Sue calls her room Tina. We first hear that she uses this name for her room in

Sue calls her room Tina. We first hear that she uses this name for her room in Not Mother’s Day (7.22).

Sue calls her room Tina. We first hear that she uses this name for her room in Not Mother’s Day (7.22).

Mike wonders if Frankie will start beading again, like she did in

Mike wonders if Frankie will start beading again, like she did in Get Your Business Done (3.20).

Mike wonders if Frankie will start beading again, like she did in Get Your Business Done (3.20).

Mike talks about when Frankie was fired from Ehlert Motors, and decided to go back to school in

Mike talks about when Frankie was fired from Ehlert Motors, and decided to go back to school in The Second Act (4.03).

Mike talks about when Frankie was fired from Ehlert Motors, and decided to go back to school in The Second Act (4.03).

(7.03) when he was cleaning the bathroom, Brick is using the YouTube videos of Randy Poteat to get an explanation of how to fix the wall.

Just like in The Shirt (7.03) when he was cleaning the bathroom, Brick is using the YouTube videos of Randy Poteat to get an explanation of how to fix the wall.

Just like in The Shirt (7.03) when he was cleaning the bathroom, Brick is using the YouTube videos of Randy Poteat to get an explanation of how to fix the wall.

Brick says the Hecks are still in the system of child protective services. This probably happened after a social worker had to come visit the family in

Brick says the Hecks are still in the system of child protective services. This probably happened after a social worker had to come visit the family in The Scratch (1.07).

Brick says the Hecks are still in the system of child protective services. This probably happened after a social worker had to come visit the family in The Scratch (1.07).

(9.10) when he was allowed to wrap a Christmas present himself.

I was only recently cleared to use scissors”, Brick says. This was in

I was only recently cleared to use scissors”, Brick says. This was in The Christmas Miracle (9.10) when he was allowed to wrap a Christmas present himself.

I was only recently cleared to use scissors”, Brick says. This was in The Christmas Miracle (9.10) when he was allowed to wrap a Christmas present himself.

Sue and Brick need to fix the hole in the wall they created in

Sue and Brick need to fix the hole in the wall they created in Halloween VII: The Heckoning (8.03) .

Sue and Brick need to fix the hole in the wall they created in Halloween VII: The Heckoning (8.03) .

Axl has trademarked his Buttronauts. We first get to see them in

Axl has trademarked his Buttronauts. We first get to see them in Valentine’s Day IV (4.15).

Axl has trademarked his Buttronauts. We first get to see them in Valentine’s Day IV (4.15).

Axl mentions he just gave Lexie a speech about how they should not spend so much money. This probably has to do with the fact that Lexie got cut off by her parents in

Axl mentions he just gave Lexie a speech about how they should not spend so much money. This probably has to do with the fact that Lexie got cut off by her parents in Mommapalooza (9.13).

Axl mentions he just gave Lexie a speech about how they should not spend so much money. This probably has to do with the fact that Lexie got cut off by her parents in Mommapalooza (9.13).

When Sue is lying to Aidan about going out to see his band, even after they breakup she says: “And so on and so forth and what have you”. She always says this when she’s lying, as we first heard in The Wheel of Pain (4.17) and later in other episodes as well.

Hutch recalls the time he and Axl were tied up to a goal post. This happened in

Hutch recalls the time he and Axl were tied up to a goal post. This happened in Halloween IV: The Ghost Story (5.05).

Hutch recalls the time he and Axl were tied up to a goal post. This happened in Halloween IV: The Ghost Story (5.05).

(7.06), and he later talked to Frankie in

Axl and Hutch talk about the two times they’ve seen Hutch talk. The first time was in

Axl and Hutch talk about the two times they’ve seen Hutch talk. The first time was in Halloween VI: Tick Tock Death (7.06), and he later talked to Frankie in The Man Hunt (7.16).

Axl and Hutch talk about the two times they’ve seen Hutch talk. The first time was in Halloween VI: Tick Tock Death (7.06), and he later talked to Frankie in The Man Hunt (7.16).

Brick goes to another Planet Nowhere convention, just like in

Brick goes to another Planet Nowhere convention, just like in Flirting With Disaster (6.16).

Brick goes to another Planet Nowhere convention, just like in Flirting With Disaster (6.16).

(9.07), and in this episode it turns out the newest blue bag is orange.

(7.24). After losing that one, the Hecks got a new yellow bag in

(5.24), they got a new one in

(2.16), when they forgot this snack bag at home. After forgetting the blue bag at Disney World in

The Hecks have another new blue bag. It all started in

The Hecks have another new blue bag. It all started in Hecks on a Plane (2.16), when they forgot this snack bag at home. After forgetting the blue bag at Disney World in Wonderful World of Hecks (5.24), they got a new one in The Show Must Go On (7.24). After losing that one, the Hecks got a new yellow bag in Thanksgiving IX (9.07), and in this episode it turns out the newest blue bag is orange.

The Hecks have another new blue bag. It all started in Hecks on a Plane (2.16), when they forgot this snack bag at home. After forgetting the blue bag at Disney World in Wonderful World of Hecks (5.24), they got a new one in The Show Must Go On (7.24). After losing that one, the Hecks got a new yellow bag in Thanksgiving IX (9.07), and in this episode it turns out the newest blue bag is orange.

Frankie refers back to the time when Mike took Axl out for a beer when he turned 21 in

Frankie refers back to the time when Mike took Axl out for a beer when he turned 21 in Food Courting (6.20).

Frankie refers back to the time when Mike took Axl out for a beer when he turned 21 in Food Courting (6.20).

(4.20) Patricia’s character Debra mentions crying to the theme of Ice Castles, Frankie does the same in this episode of The Middle.

There is also a fun reference to Patricia Heaton’s previous show Everybody Loves Raymond in this episode. In the Everybody Loves Raymond episode

There is also a fun reference to Patricia Heaton’s previous show Everybody Loves Raymond in this episode. In the Everybody Loves Raymond episode Alone Time (4.20) Patricia’s character Debra mentions crying to the theme of Ice Castles, Frankie does the same in this episode of The Middle.

There is also a fun reference to Patricia Heaton’s previous show Everybody Loves Raymond in this episode. In the Everybody Loves Raymond episode Alone Time (4.20) Patricia’s character Debra mentions crying to the theme of Ice Castles, Frankie does the same in this episode of The Middle.

Frankie takes a picture of Mike holding a sign saying ‘First day of new job!’. She used this sign for Axl as well when he started his job in

Frankie takes a picture of Mike holding a sign saying ‘First day of new job!’. She used this sign for Axl as well when he started his job in The Other Man (9.12).

Frankie takes a picture of Mike holding a sign saying ‘First day of new job!’. She used this sign for Axl as well when he started his job in The Other Man (9.12).

Brick talks about when he got left at the hospital as a baby. This story was explained in

Brick talks about when he got left at the hospital as a baby. This story was explained in A Birthday Story (2.07) and later further explored in The Confirmation (8.19).

Brick talks about when he got left at the hospital as a baby. This story was explained in A Birthday Story (2.07) and later further explored in The Confirmation (8.19).

(6.24) when this name was next to her photo in the yearbook.

Mrs. Kozicki confuses Sue for Ana Hajarajanaan. This also happened in The Graduate (6.24) when this name was next to her photo in the yearbook.

Mrs. Kozicki confuses Sue for Ana Hajarajanaan. This also happened in The Graduate (6.24) when this name was next to her photo in the yearbook.

Sue mentions her no cut acapella group, that she joined in The Shirt (7.03).

Axl’s Buttronauts are mentioned again. We first heard about them in

Axl’s Buttronauts are mentioned again. We first heard about them in Valentine’s Day (4.15).

Axl’s Buttronauts are mentioned again. We first heard about them in Valentine’s Day (4.15).

Brick has to take care of the baby doll Axl had to take care of when he was in health class (Little Brick). We saw Axl struggle with this in

Brick has to take care of the baby doll Axl had to take care of when he was in health class (Little Brick). We saw Axl struggle with this in The Big Chill (2.12).

Brick has to take care of the baby doll Axl had to take care of when he was in health class (Little Brick). We saw Axl struggle with this in The Big Chill (2.12).

Mike gets offered the regional manager job he went out for a few years ago, as mentioned in

Mike gets offered the regional manager job he went out for a few years ago, as mentioned in Risky Business (7.04).

Mike gets offered the regional manager job he went out for a few years ago, as mentioned in Risky Business (7.04).

(2.20) when Mike had to make cutbacks and let pretzels go.

Frankie’s line “Did they take away your pretzels again?” refers to

Frankie’s line “Did they take away your pretzels again?” refers to Royal Wedding (2.20) when Mike had to make cutbacks and let pretzels go.

Frankie’s line “Did they take away your pretzels again?” refers to Royal Wedding (2.20) when Mike had to make cutbacks and let pretzels go.

Derrick Glossner came back for Sue and bettered himself, just like he said he would in

Derrick Glossner came back for Sue and bettered himself, just like he said he would in Sleepless In Orson (5.10).

Derrick Glossner came back for Sue and bettered himself, just like he said he would in Sleepless In Orson (5.10).

Brick tries to get back Cindy’s back up safari hat that the Glossners stole. We first hear about this in

Brick tries to get back Cindy’s back up safari hat that the Glossners stole. We first hear about this in The 200 th (9.09).

Brick tries to get back Cindy’s back up safari hat that the Glossners stole. We first hear about this in The 200 th (9.09).

Diaper Glossner calls Mike a woman again, just like he did in

Diaper Glossner calls Mike a woman again, just like he did in The Christmas Miracle (9.10).

Diaper Glossner calls Mike a woman again, just like he did in The Christmas Miracle (9.10).

Bill mentions that Paula is on a date with some guy, following their separation in

Bill mentions that Paula is on a date with some guy, following their separation in The 200 th (9.09).

Bill mentions that Paula is on a date with some guy, following their separation in The 200 th (9.09).

Frankie’s nightstand emergency cookies are back. We first here about them in The Loneliest Locker (6.02) and they come back multiple times in the seasons after that.

(5.21). It turend out that Frankie had just forgotten where she parked the car.

Mike talks about the last time the Hecks reported a car stolen. This was in

Mike talks about the last time the Hecks reported a car stolen. This was in Office Hours (5.21). It turend out that Frankie had just forgotten where she parked the car.

Mike talks about the last time the Hecks reported a car stolen. This was in Office Hours (5.21). It turend out that Frankie had just forgotten where she parked the car.

Sue gets her snow globe back from Shelley, after using it in a Christmas game in

Sue gets her snow globe back from Shelley, after using it in a Christmas game in The Christmas Miracle (9.10).

Sue gets her snow globe back from Shelley, after using it in a Christmas game in The Christmas Miracle (9.10).

(8.05) when he tipped over the Orson cow with the Winnebago.

The Hecks still won’t let Brick drive after what happened in

The Hecks still won’t let Brick drive after what happened in Roadkill (8.05) when he tipped over the Orson cow with the Winnebago.

The Hecks still won’t let Brick drive after what happened in Roadkill (8.05) when he tipped over the Orson cow with the Winnebago.

y mentions Frankie and Mike are sleeping apart, which, as Mike notes, happened when Frankie’s mom was in town in

Cind y mentions Frankie and Mike are sleeping apart, which, as Mike notes, happened when Frankie’s mom was in town in The Set Up (9.06).

Cind y mentions Frankie and Mike are sleeping apart, which, as Mike notes, happened when Frankie’s mom was in town in The Set Up (9.06).

Brick mentions touching a woman’s ears as if it’s some big sexual move. We find out that Brick loves Cindy’s ears in Find My Hecks (7.23).

Brick says he had a little mix up where he thought he had ‘outside ovarie

Brick says he had a little mix up where he thought he had ‘outside ovarie s’. This was in The Crying Game (9.16).

Brick says he had a little mix up where he thought he had ‘outside ovarie s’. This was in The Crying Game (9.16).

We hear that Mike didn’t give Brick the sex talk, but technically we already found out about this in The Hose (4.05) when Frankie and Mike discuss this as well.

every episode he appeared in after that one.

every episode he appeared in after that one.

(4.11) and Dr. Fulton has talked about her in

After all these years Dr. Fulton has finally gotten back together with Shelley. She was first mentioned in

After all these years Dr. Fulton has finally gotten back together with Shelley. She was first mentioned in Life Skills (4.11) and Dr. Fulton has talked about her in every episode he appeared in after that one.

After all these years Dr. Fulton has finally gotten back together with Shelley. She was first mentioned in Life Skills (4.11) and Dr. Fulton has talked about her in every episode he appeared in after that one.

Brad mentions Luke, the guy he’s been dating since The Other Man (9.12).

Brad mentions Luke, the guy he’s been dating since The Other Man (9.12).

Sue mentions the plan she has about giving Sean her snow globe and telling him how she feels and says she has told her mom about it like she did in

Sue mentions the plan she has about giving Sean her snow globe and telling him how she feels and says she has told her mom about it like she did in Hecks vs. Glossners: The Final Battle (9.17).

Sue mentions the plan she has about giving Sean her snow globe and telling him how she feels and says she has told her mom about it like she did in Hecks vs. Glossners: The Final Battle (9.17).

Sue gives Mike her scholarship money to make up for the fact that he had to sell his diaper business in

Sue gives Mike her scholarship money to make up for the fact that he had to sell his diaper business in A Tough Pill to Swallow (8.02).

Sue gives Mike her scholarship money to make up for the fact that he had to sell his diaper business in A Tough Pill to Swallow (8.02).

Sue refers back to the time they stayed in a hotel in Disney World in

Sue refers back to the time they stayed in a hotel in Disney World in The Wonderful World of Hecks (5.24).

Sue refers back to the time they stayed in a hotel in Disney World in The Wonderful World of Hecks (5.24).

Axl is trading in the Winnebago for a car. He has had the Winnebago ever since The Man Hunt (7.16).

Mike recalls the time he and Brick set the raked leaves free in the wild, which happened in

Mike recalls the time he and Brick set the raked leaves free in the wild, which happened in Homecoming (2.02).

Mike recalls the time he and Brick set the raked leaves free in the wild, which happened in Homecoming (2.02).

(1.05) and apparently he has never stopped doing that.

Frankie mentions Brick reading the maximum occupancy sign. We first see him do this in

Frankie mentions Brick reading the maximum occupancy sign. We first see him do this in The Block Party (1.05) and apparently he has never stopped doing that.

Frankie mentions Brick reading the maximum occupancy sign. We first see him do this in The Block Party (1.05) and apparently he has never stopped doing that.

Brick social skills group shows up, for the first time since Dollar Days (4.20).

Not really a callback, but this is the first episode where we see Cindy without her safari hat.

Brick is dresses as Bernie the Bookmark, a character he came up with in

Brick is dresses as Bernie the Bookmark, a character he came up with in Cutting The Cord (7.02).

Brick is dresses as Bernie the Bookmark, a character he came up with in Cutting The Cord (7.02).

We are reminded once again that Cindy likes shrimp. The first time Cindy mentioned her love for shrimp is in Halloween V (6.05) and it is mentioned several times after that as well.

Lexie got a job after her parents cut her off in

Lexie got a job after her parents cut her off in Mommapalooza (9.13).

Lexie got a job after her parents cut her off in Mommapalooza (9.13).

(9.17). Even when he stole back the Hecks’ car in that same episode, he didn’t win his parents’ trust.

Brick got his driver’s license against his parents’ wishes as we can hear in

Brick got his driver’s license against his parents’ wishes as we can hear in Hecks vs. Glossners: The Final Battle (9.17). Even when he stole back the Hecks’ car in that same episode, he didn’t win his parents’ trust.

Brick got his driver’s license against his parents’ wishes as we can hear in Hecks vs. Glossners: The Final Battle (9.17). Even when he stole back the Hecks’ car in that same episode, he didn’t win his parents’ trust.

The Hecks get Axl’s big TV to the living room to watch the royal wedding. Axl got this TV in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (9.14).

7.23) Frankie had this app installed as well so she could keep track of her family.

Frankie says she will reinstall the tracking app. In

Frankie says she will reinstall the tracking app. In Find My Hecks ( 7.23) Frankie had this app installed as well so she could keep track of her family.

Frankie says she will reinstall the tracking app. In Find My Hecks ( 7.23) Frankie had this app installed as well so she could keep track of her family.

(1.22). Frankie later talks about the yellow pants she got for mother’s day in

Sue mentions the inflatable foot bath, a gift the family got Frankie for mother’s day in

Sue mentions the inflatable foot bath, a gift the family got Frankie for mother’s day in Mother’s Day (1.22). Frankie later talks about the yellow pants she got for mother’s day in Hallelujah Hoedown (4.22).

Sue mentions the inflatable foot bath, a gift the family got Frankie for mother’s day in Mother’s Day (1.22). Frankie later talks about the yellow pants she got for mother’s day in Hallelujah Hoedown (4.22).

(2.20) we once again hear about Frankie’s obsession with the royal family.

After Royal Wedding (2.20) we once again hear about Frankie’s obsession with the royal family.

After Royal Wedding (2.20) we once again hear about Frankie’s obsession with the royal family.

Sue talks about her kiss with Sean in The Christmas Miracle (9.10).

Sue talks about her kiss with Sean in The Christmas Miracle (9.10).

Mike is getting supplies at the hardware store to fix the toilet that broke in

Mike is getting supplies at the hardware store to fix the toilet that broke in The Royal Flush (9.21).

Mike is getting supplies at the hardware store to fix the toilet that broke in The Royal Flush (9.21).

Sue will be working at Spudsy’s again for the summer. She has worked there on and off ever since The Potato (5.03)

Sean is picking up a duffle bag to take on his trip to Ghana. He told Sue about this trip in

Sean is picking up a duffle bag to take on his trip to Ghana. He told Sue about this trip in Thank You For Not Kissing (9.18).

Sean is picking up a duffle bag to take on his trip to Ghana. He told Sue about this trip in Thank You For Not Kissing (9.18).

Mike talks about how Frankie pushed Axl to go to Europe in the season 8 finale

Mike talks about how Frankie pushed Axl to go to Europe in the season 8 finale Flight or Fight (8.23).

Mike talks about how Frankie pushed Axl to go to Europe in the season 8 finale Flight or Fight (8.23).

Brick is replacing the chair he got in

Brick is replacing the chair he got in Siblings (1.09) now that it’s broken.

Brick is replacing the chair he got in Siblings (1.09) now that it’s broken.

ended with Axl telling Mike he got the job he interviewed for in

This episode starts right where the previous one

This episode starts right where the previous one ended with Axl telling Mike he got the job he interviewed for in The Royal Flush (9.21).

This episode starts right where the previous one ended with Axl telling Mike he got the job he interviewed for in The Royal Flush (9.21).

Once again the episode ends where the last one Split Decision (9.22) ended: with Axl telling his parents he’s taking the job in Denver he got offered in The Royal Flush (9.21).

Frankie’s nightstand cookies reappear. We first here about them in The Loneliest Locker (6.02) and they come back multiple times in the seasons after that.

The hole in the wall between Sue’s and Brick and Axl’s room is seen and used, and was never fixed according to Frankie’s narration at the end. The hole was made by Brick in Halloween VII: The Heckoning (8.03).

Axl still can’t tie a tie. He first asks Mike to tie one for him in The Rush (7.11) when he is interviewing for internships.

Brick mentions he has superhuman strength when he wants something. We first saw this is The Waiting Game (6.17) when he moved Axl’s stuff out of their room.

In the last ever scene featuring the Frugal Hoosier, we are reminded that the Hecks are members of the Frugal Hoosier Miser’s Club. This is first mentioned in Swing and a Miss (8.16).

Just like when the Hecks were dropping Axl off at college in The Drop Off (5.01), they will swing by Bed, Bath and Between to get him everything he needs.

Frankie mentions marking the kids heights on the door jam, as is seen and mentioned in The Graduate (4.24).

In Axl’s game to determine who will get his old car, he mentions a lot of things that happened in earlier episodes: He asks what his favorite sandwich is, which is seen in Swing and a Miss (8.16) and later in Clear and Present Danger (8.21): cereal on white bread. His next question is about Frankie’s bruise. The first time we hear about her bruise was in Steaming Pile of Guilt (6.15) and it has been mentioned multiple times throughout the later seasons. Another answer is ‘Battlebogglopoly’, a game the Hecks played in Forced Family Fun (3.01-3.02). Then Axl asks what he got Sue for her 21 st birthday. As we saw in Great Heckspectations (9.20), he didn’t give her anything. To make up for this he gives his old car to Sue. The palm tree also gets a final shout-out as the prize for the runner-up. We first saw the palm tree in The Drop Off (5.01).

At night, when Axl is searching for Brick, he looks under the table. I’d like to think of that as a reference to Brick sleeping under there in The Scratch (1.07) and later under the kitchen table in Sleepless In Orson (5.10).

In the car Sue mentions a lot of moments between her and Axl: When Axl took Sue to the Chancellor’s Ball in Exes and Ohhhs (8.17). When they both got their wisdom teeth out, and when Axl gave Sue a fork as a gesture in The Wisdom Teeth (7.17). When Axl gave Sue his old football jersey in The Block Party (1.05). When Axl gave Sue Woofy Dog when they were smaller. Sue first hears about this in Great Heckspectations (9.20). When Axl rescued Sue and Brad off the Orson cow in Siblings and Sombreros (6.19).

Brick makes one last reference to the Fergusons, the family he lived with for the first month of his life. We first heard about this in A Birthday Story (2.07) and ater in The Confirmation (8.19).

The blue bag is back! We first saw the blue bag in Hecks On A Plane (2.16) and it was mentioned multiple times after that. After losing the blue bag, Frankie got a yellow bag in Thanksgiving IX (9.07) and an orange one in Toasted (9.15), but the Hecks get a brand new blue bag for their trip to Denver. And of course in this final episode the Hecks forget the bag again, on the side of the road, in one of the the final shots of the series.

Frankie reminds Mike once again of the inflatable foot bath he gave her for Mother’s Day in Mother’s Day (1.22).

The whole history between Sue and Sean is mentioned in this episode: Everything started with the snow globe, that first appeared in The Confirmation (8.19) when Sean bought it for Sue. It has appeared a few times in this final season, and in the finale it’s the reason that Sean doesn’t go to Ghana. Sean first mentioned going to Ghana in Thank You For Not Kissing (9.18). In this episode Sue’s relationship with Aidan is mentioned as well. They started dating in The Set Up (9.06) and broke up in Toasted (9.15). Sean talks about leaving Sue balloons, Snow Drifts and flowers, but we saw Brick take those in Guess Who’s Coming to Frozen Dinner (9.14).

The airport security lady we see when Sean is at the airport also appeared in Hecks On A Plane (2.16).

Brick is hate-watching the Planet Nowhere movie. Ever since he watched the trailer in Hecks At A Movie (7.15) he has hated that movie.

Axl mentions once again that he will be freezing Sue’s had after she dies. He first makes this joke in The Map (3.13) and it is mentioned multiple times throughout the series. In The 200th (9.09) Axl agreed to never make that joke again, something Sue also says in this scene.

Mike made a new death napkin. The first time we heard about the death napkin was in The Map (3.13), and later in The Sinkhole (6.06) it was destroyed.

Sue mentions her no cut acapella group. She joined this group in The Shirt (7.03) and we have seen them a few times after that.

In the flash forward we see that Axl’s sons are not wearing a shirt, like he used to do a lot in the first few seasons. He also has a problem with all their socks lying around, something Mike dealt with as well in The Legacy (2.19).

Brick’s book series mentions the microfiche, and of course his backpack, that was more like a friend to him This also was the case for Brick, as we heard in Back to School (2.01).

In her narration, Frankie says that even after the kids moved out, they never fixed the wallpaper in the dining room. The wallpaper has been like this ever since Frankie tried repaper the dining room in The Wedding (3.24). It is mentioned and seen throughout the rest of the show.

Frankie mentions that they never got a new washing machine. We’ve seen this washing machine ever since The Cheerleader (1.02).

The final spoken words on the show are “The Middle” whispered by Brick. Of course this refers to Brick’s whispering. He first did this in Pilot (1.01), and continued doing it during the whole series. It got less when we got to the later seasons, but it came back occasionally. The last time Brick whispered was in Mommapalooza (9.13). However, he did this on purpose in this episode. The last time he whispered because of his tic was in Fight or Flight (8.23).