ABC has a Super Bowl episode of The Middle (7 p.m., Ch. 4), so why isn't the network airing it two weeks from now - right before the the actual Super Bowl?
Because ABC isn't airing the actual Super Bowl. NBC is. And ABC is loathe to do anything that might smack of promoting NBC's telecast.
Because, gee, nobody will notice the Super Bowl if ABC doesn't air this episode of "The Middle" four days before it's actually played.
The Super Bowl is in Indiana this year, so tonight's plotline makes sense. Frankie thinks she's landed a plum assignment as a volunteer, only to get to Indianapolis and learn otherwise.
Meanwhile, the entire Heck household takes advantage of the Donahue's new car while they are out of town, and a scary, close call with the car causes Sue to profess her true feelings to her new boyfriend.
Elsewhere on TV ...
Whitney (7 p.m., NBC/Ch. 4): Whitney and Lily disagree about wedding plans.
The Middle (7 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): Frankie is a volunteer at the Super Bowl.
American Idol (7 p.m., Fox/Ch. 13): The 11th season begins.
One Tree Hill (7 and 8 p.m., CW/Ch. 30): Brooke talks about business with her father.
Suburgatory (7:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): George wins a trip to Atlantic City.
Are You There, Chelsea? (7:30 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5): Chelsea sleeps with her sister's ex-boyfriend.
Criminal Minds (8 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2): The team suspects a serial killer is killing again.
Modern Family (8 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): Claire prepares to debate her opponent.
Harry's Law (8 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5): Harry represents a dying 21-year-old who bought a kidney.
Nova (8 p.m., PBS/Ch. 7): Air photo intelligence plays a vital role in defeating Hitler during World War II.
Happy Endings (8:30 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): Penny tries to make her slacker boyfriend stop slacking.
CSI (9 p.m., CBS/Ch. 2): A professional hit takes place at a law firm that Willows recommended to a friend.
Revenge (9 p.m., ABC/Ch. 4): Jack's life is in danger when he's betrayed by someone close to him.
Law & Order: SVU (9 p.m., NBC/Ch. 5): The investigation of a sexual assault uncovers a conspiracy in Iraq.
Hot In Cleveland (11 p.m., TV Land): It's Elka's (Betty White) 90th birthday. And yesterday was actually Betty White's 90th birthday.
