AXL GETS A TASTE OF THE REAL WORLD WHEN HIS FIRST DAY AS A BUSINESS INTERN AT LITTLE BETTY DOES NOT GO AS PLANNED, AND SUE'S PROFESSOR CHALLENGES HER TO STOP SEEING THE WORLD THROUGH ROSE-COLORED GLASSES FOR A WRITING ASSIGNMENT, ON ABC'S "THE MIDDLE"

"Birds of a Feather" - Axl has big plans for his first day as a business intern at Little Betty. But his dreams of coming up with new ideas for the snack-making company go out the window when he's reduced to doing menial tasks for an ungrateful boss. Meanwhile, while having to listen to Frankie complain about how much she hates working for the new dental-office owners, Smile Superstars International, Cindy informs Mike that she has kissed another boy and that he has to break the news to Brick; and Sue's professor challenges her to stop seeing the world through rose-colored glasses and really open up and hone in on her critical thinking for a writing assignment, on "The Middle," WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 (8:00-8:30 p.m. EST) on the ABC Television Network.

"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 Jack McBrayer as Dr. Goodwin, Josh Cooke as Professor Grant, Alan Ruck as Jack Kershaw, Casey Burke as Cindy, Will Green as activist, Carolyn Wilson as female employee, Melanie Haynes as angry patient and Jaret Martino as student #1.

"Birds of a Feather" was written by Tim Hobert and directed by Victor Nelli.

"The Middle" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to the airdate.