FRANKIE MUST CREATE THE ILLUSION OF A PICTURE-PERFECT FAMILY WHEN A MISUNDERSTANDING OVER A SMALL SCRATCH ON BRICK -- ACCIDENTALLY CAUSED BY FRANKIE - -LEADS A SOCIAL WORKER TO VISIT THE HECK HOUSEHOLD, ON ABC'S "THE MIDDLE"

"The Scratch" - When the Heck family goes into a cleaning frenzy in order to get the trash out to a passing garbage truck, Frankie accidentally hits Brick with a beer bottle as she attempts to toss it into a bag - causing a small scratch. But when Brick innocently informs his school that his scratch was caused by his mother throwing a beer bottle at him, a social worker is called to look into the matter - sending Frankie into a panic to give off the image that the Hecks are a picture-perfect family. Meanwhile, Bob must help an uncooperative Mr. Ehlert shoot a new commercial advertising the car lot, on "The Middle," WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (Rebroadcast: OAD: 11/18/09)

"The Middle" stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue, Atticus Shaffer as Brick and Chris Kattan as Bob.

Guest starring are Brian Doyle-Murray as Mr. Ehlert, Vicki Lewis as Ms. Barry, Rick Hall as Officer McCoy, Mary-Pat Green as Mrs. Larimer, Adilah Barnes as receptionist, Will Matthews as Mr. Seifried and Betsy Hume as woman.

"The Scratch" was written by DeAnn Heline & Eileen Heisler and directed by Wendey Stanzler.

"The Middle" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG,D,L parental guideline.

For more information on "The Middle," visit ABC.com