TV Q&A: 'The Middle' is reaching its end

Q: I was wondering if "The Middle" is coming back this fall. I heard them say, "Stay tuned for the farewell." I hope it is not ending.

A: The family comedy starring Patricia Heaton will be back for its ninth season on Oct. 3. But that will be its last. Series creators Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline said that "Last year we sat down with our cast and made the bittersweet decision together that in this ninth season it is time to bring the Hecks' story to a close. It's been an amazing run, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and we're looking forward to having an entire year to say goodbye."

Another question about the show:

Q: Why is "The Middle" so overlooked at the Emmys? It has great writing and talented actors. Story lines really speak to the commonplace, family dynamics that are universal.

A: What, you don't think that 2012 nomination for "outstanding makeup for a single-camera series" was enough? The Emmys and many other awards don't always honor solid, unpretentious work or widely popular productions; they instead try to make themselves look good by praising the deep, edgy, innovative and unconventional. (This year's nominees for best comedy are "Atlanta," "black-ish," "Master of None," "Modern Family," "Silicon Valley," "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" and "Veep.")

Q: Is the same actor playing attorney Trevor Langan on "Law & Order: SVU," attorney Jack Boyle on "Blue Bloods" and the tuxedoed fellow who advertises Persil detergent? Is his name Peter Hermann? Is he related to the late Edward Herrmann?

A: The man playing all those roles is indeed Peter Hermann. He is not related to the late Edward Herrmann ("Gilmore Girls" and many other credits). Peter is the husband of "SVU's" Mariska Hargitay; they met while working on the show.

A: Amazon has indeed ordered a fourth season, which will arrive in spring 2018.

Q: Many years ago, Mark Harmon played serial killer Ted Bundy in the miniseries "The Deliberate Stranger." I have never seen it televised again, although I seem to remember his performance was lauded. Any thoughts on why?

A: A ratings hit during its first airing in 1986, it did get repeated; Gregg Olsen's Bundy-connected novel "The Fear Collector" refers to a character seeing "the umpteenth rerun" of the miniseries. It has also been on home video for about 25 years and can be found on DVD. Harmon was nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance but did not win.

Q: When did actress Sheila MacRae die?

A: The likable stage and screen actress died in 2014 at 92. Her best-known TV credit was as Alice Kramden opposite Jackie Gleason's Ralph in the "Honeymooners" sketches made for Gleason's variety show from 1966 to 1971.