The Middleman

The Middleman is an American television series that ran on the FreeForm network (formerly known as ABC Family) in 2008. Created by Javier Grillo-Marxuach and based on his own graphic novel series, the show stars Matt Keeslar, Natalie Morales, Mary Pat Gleason, Brit Morgan, and Jake Smollett in a cheeky blend of comedic, action-packed, and fantastical storytelling. The series revolves around Wendy 'Dub-Dub' Watson, brilliantly brought to life by Natalie Morales, a young artist and temp worker with a sardonic wit living in the meta-fictional universe. She stumbles upon her destiny when she survives a monster attack on her lab-job-of-the-day due to the intervention of a straight-laced, milk-drinking superhero, known as The Middleman (Matt Keeslar). This mysterious crime-fighting good guy works for a top-secret agency that defends Earth from evil forces in comic book style. The Middleman, adorned in a uniform that echoes the Golden Age of Comics, recruiting Wendy as his sidekick, trains her in the martial and forensic arts as well as in the understanding of the sprawling matrix of comic book-inflected mythology the agency deals with - from aliens and mad scientists to dastardly villains and all-around threats to humanity. He uses antiquated phrases, avoids profanity, and is often seen drinking milk to maintain his clean-cut, all-American image, all of which adds a layer of humor and nostalgia to the series. Mary Pat Gleason plays Ida, The Middleman’s automaton assistant with a sharp tongue, lending an extra dose of comic relief. Meanwhile, Brit Morgan as Lacey Thornfield, Wendy's photogenic roommate, and Jake Smollett as Noser, Wendy’s laid-back neighbor, add to the milieu of quirky characters who live in Wendy’s apartment building. One of the standout aspects of The Middleman is its unique tone, blending a comic book sensibility with a sort of nostalgic, tv-show-brand humor that stands apart from most television on air. It creates a stylized universe that is heavily saturated in camp and irony, yet simultaneously remains grounded in its characters' stories and their relatability. Further, the series is known for its fast-paced dialogue filled with quirky metaphors, pop culture references, and clever wordplay. The banter between The Middleman and Wendy Watson, as they address matters of their outlandish universe with a blend of sarcasm, seriousness, and self-aware hilarity, forms the backbone of the series. Although the show operates in the realm of the genuinely absurd – where nothing is impossible and the far-fetched threats to humanity seem to be the norm – it never fails to reflect the everyday, 'real' issues that are relatable to its audience. Wendy, a twenty-something-year-old juggling her art, work, friendships, and newly found hero-duties, arguably makes this interplay between the ordinary and extraordinary strikingly engaging. An ode to comic culture, The Middleman often references sci-fi, comic books and fantasy pop culture in its plotlines and dialogue. It walks a fine line between laughing at the genre and being a genuine addition, managing to be a self-aware parody and a sincere homage to the comic tradition simultaneously. Its humor is founded upon subverting the cliches of comic strips and superhero narratives, a tone that can captivate comic enthusiasts and more widespread audiences alike. Every episode reminded viewers why they fell in love with comic book heroes in the first place, yet also kept them laughing at the occasional silliness of the genre. The Middleman’s constant fight to maintain truth, justice, and the “American Way” against a multitude of unconventional foes adds a unique charm to the show. In short, The Middleman captivates with its delightful originality, carried by the charismatic cast of Morales and Keeslar, who are surrounded by an equally talented ensemble that adds color and depth to this fantastical universe they inhabit. The series strikes a balance between humor, drama, and action, making for uniquely thrilling and enjoyable viewing. Despite its early cancellation, the series stands out as a hidden gem representing a blend of smart humor and pure fun.

The Middleman is a series categorized as a canceled. Spanning 1 seasons with a total of 12 episodes, the show debuted on 2008. The series has earned a mostly positive reviews from both critics and viewers. The IMDb score stands at 8.1.