Malcolm In The Middle - Season Six TALKBACK (Spoilers)

[MovieGuy]

I haven't seen a talkback thread for Malcolm In The Middle so I decided to start one since tonight is the premiere.

Last May season five ended with Reese in Afghani airspace about to parachute into the war and Hal and Lois were out of jobs. In the premiere, Lois went to Tabul and found Reese and he was successfully returned home. We also find out this season that Dewey will be staying in his school's special class. However, since a lot of the kids aren't dumb, just different, he is the one who gives them homework and teaches them. His music abilities developed even more when he wrote an opera in which his class performed in. Francis was fired from the ranch and was being sued by Otto. Unfortunately, since he no longer had a storyline in the series he only appeared in 4 episodes. The boys started to spend a lot more time with Craig and we find out that the biggest bully in his childhood was his father and he was secretly having an affair with his boss' wife who was having an affair with another man.

The episodes that have aired this season are:

Reese Comes Home (3)
Buseys Run Away
Standee
Pearl Harbor
Kitty's Back
Hal's Christmas Gift
Hal Sleepwalks
Lois Battles Jamie
Malcolm's Car
Billboard
Opera
Living Will
Tiki Lounge
Ida Loses A Leg
So, let the talkback begin!

[MovieGuy]

LOIS TAKES ON UNCLE SAM IN ORDER TO FIND REESE ON
THE “MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE” SEASON PREMIERE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, ON FOX

In the sixth season premiere of MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE, Reese, having enlisted in the Army, parachutes into Afghanistan and immediately deserts, disguising himself as an Afghani woman. Lois convinces an Army officer to give up Reese’s location and sells the car to buy a plane ticket, intent on rescuing her son. Meanwhile, Malcolm tries to assuage his guilt over Reese’s enlistment by committing an act of random violence and destruction in his brother’s honor on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE season-premiere episode “Reese Comes Home” Sunday, Nov. 7 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (MIM-602)

[Tobias]

This is going to be Malcolm's last season, guaranteed. Fox put the show in the death slot of 7:30, where no live action show fares well.

BTW, I really hope that Malcolm isn't as whiny as he was last season.

[Zach Williams]

This is going to be Malcolm's last season, guaranteed. Fox put the show in the death slot of 7:30, where no live action show fares well.

BTW, I really hope that Malcolm isn't as whiny as he was last season.


Well, KotH is lasting in the 7 slot, so MITM should fare well, hopefully.

[Tobias]

Not bad for a season premiere, and Malcolm wasn't too whiny.

Reese's vision in the desert was the highlight of the episode, and we even got a Green Lantern reference.

[Beat]

Getting it delayed due to the Giants game. (Help if they could win!)

Still, I miss this show.

[Joker85]

I enjoyed the Lois moments more than anything. Unfortunately, whether or not this will actually be the last season, I agree that it should be. The show is a far cry from what it used to be. Malcolm is no longer really the central focus of the show, and somehow that seems right. Lois and Hal were naturals to take center stage eventually. I'd like to see more with Francis and Dewey as well. However the show is not all that good any more, and Fox putting it on at 7:30 (6:30 here) is not a good sign. I like the show, but perhaps it is best if it end now, and not overstay it's welcome.

[Martianinvader]

I hadn't seen many Malcolms before this fall; I'd only seen some later-season episodes that were just lame. I'm a changed man now thanks to syndication--this show was genius in its opening years! It seems jarring to see them so old now--and awkward.

[Fone Bone]

I was shocked there was no Francis last night.

As was said before although the show is still good it is probably best if this is it's last season. Once Dewey's voice changes (I'm surprised it hasn't already) the show will be all about teenagers and they're no fun.

A good episode though. The talking waffle was great. As were the diaper bombs being released on the arts fair in Reese's honor.

[MovieGuy]

That was a good episode. A slight (very slight) letdown after last year's finale. The best part of the episode was probably Reese's Mr. Waffles dream. The one thing I didn't exactly get was the bit with the little card turning animated.


Also, one thing that bothers me... I know Reese could have snuck out or something, but does anyone think that Lois would be punishing him? He got clean fast and they got home fast. Unless, the art fair was quite a few hours later. Looking forward to next weeks.

[Spastic Minnow]

I taped it and it was made better by the fact that I could fastforward parts of it. Just about everything in the VA hospital was bad. Lois getting Reese was stupid, that definitely could have been handled better instead of the lets get this done as fast as possible solution. The Reese story was just so contradictory, and I realize that after not seeing the finale for months. If I had seen it just prior I would have been really mad. Reese is a good soldier/ he is a complete coward, he is resourceful/ he can't find his nose in front of his face.

[MovieGuy]

I taped it and it was made better by the fact that I could fastforward parts of it. Just about everything in the VA hospital was bad. Lois getting Reese was stupid, that definitely could have been handled better instead of the lets get this done as fast as possible solution. The Reese story was just so contradictory, and I realize that after not seeing the finale for months. If I had seen it just prior I would have been really mad. Reese is a good soldier/ he is a complete coward, he is resourceful/ he can't find his nose in front of his face.
I edited the three together on my computer and I had my sister watch it (she missed premiere) and she said she thought it was weird.

Also, there seemed to be a lot of time problems. The first scene of the ep is Lois coming back from talking to someone from the army, next scene is Reese parachuting and his hair grew back fast if this was happening over the course of a week or two.

[MovieGuy]

THE BUSEYS STAGE A SIT-OUT ON “MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, ON FOX

Bryan Cranston Directs This All-New Episode

Dewey’s classmates, “The Buseys,” revolt after Dewey leaves the Special Needs class. Convinced they will not survive school without him, the gang takes refuge in a tree in Dewey’s yard, hiding out until he promises to return to their class. Meanwhile, an out-of-work Hal becomes the leader of a group of brainless bodybuilders; and Malcolm and Reese get in – surprise! – trouble, this time for feeding Lois false information on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Buseys Run Away” Sunday, Nov. 14 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (MIM-601)

[MovieGuy]

Buseys Run Away was good. Hal's story was strange and enjoyable abd so was Dewey's.

That girl from Phil Of The Future was in this one and she was also an awful actress here.

So far, best episode this season (stupid to say since this is only episode 2.)

What does everybody else think?

[MovieGuy]

Well, no one saw last week's, I guess.

HAL TALKS TRASH ON
“MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, ON FOX

Hal throws out a cat habitat and leaves a six-pack of beer as a thank-you to the garbage man. When only the beer is taken, Hal confronts the garbage man, who claims he thought the beer was an apology for being a family of slobs. Hal retaliates by dumping trash on the garbage man’s lawn, causing an all-out garbage war between the two men. Meanwhile, Lois and Malcolm get into their own battle over a standee at the Lucky Aide, resulting in Lois plastering photos of Malcolm in “drag” at the register on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Standee” Sunday, Nov. 21 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (MIM-603)



Hope someone replies this week.

Awesome episode: A

[The Penguin]

Well, no one saw last week's, I guess.That's because FOX aired about half of it.

[HumanWormbaby]

Christopher Masterson didn't leave the show permanently, did he?

[Martianinvader]

That's what I'm wondering; Francis has vanished.

Anyway, thanks to living on the West Coast I saw all of this one and I can say that it was the closest I've seen to classic Malcolms than the other two this season. The war over the cardboard black guy, Dewey playing in the garbage, it was all good. My only problem with this episode, and it's been my problem with every episode from Season 2 and on, is this...

THE DAD IS SO ANNOYING. He overreacts to every single thing, with that stupid whimpery face. He belongs on a heartburn ad, not here.

[MovieGuy]

That's because FOX aired about half of it.
Not everywhere. I saw all of it :) (Of course I do live in Colorado)

Christopher Masterson didn't leave the show permanently, did he?
No, he's still in the credits. I read he's leaving the ranch. The writers are probably having trouble figuring out what to do with him.

[MovieGuy]

MALCOLM AND REESE MAKE A STARTLING REVELATION
ON “MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, ON FOX

Lois announces she is taking Malcolm and Reese to see the musical “Mamma Mia!” at the suggestion of their teenage neighbor, Jessica. Upset that he has to go to the musical, Malcolm confronts Jessica, who claims she only suggested it because Reese is gay. Unbeknownst to Malcolm, Jessica has simultaneously convinced Reese that Malcolm is gay. Tip-toeing around this revelation, the boys soon discover that Jessica tricked them and plot their revenge. Meanwhile, Hal, tired of competing with a neighbor who always outdoes his Christmas decorations, decides to create his own “holiday” to decorate his house for – Pearl Harbor Day – on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Pearl Harbor” Sunday, Dec. 5 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. (MIM-606)

Also, just for those who want to know next Sunday Francis will be returning!

[Eddie G.]

Before anyone says it, gay sex can still be funny. Obvious gay stereotypes and mere mentions of gay sex aren't, but humor based on homosexuality and society's view on it can be funny. So please don't just say something about how gay jokes are dumb and then add a ":shrug:" or ":rolleyes:" for good measure.

With that said great episode. Every character was used nicely (few shows can pull that off). The only problem I had with it was that they revealed that Reese though Malcom was gay from the get go, it would have been better if we found out right after he gave Malcom the gay porno. The subplot with Hal was decent, not anything fantastic though.

[Martianinvader]

I'm only halfway through the syndicated episodes. Where did Jessica come from??

And speaking of recurring girls, were there ever additional "Cynthia" episodes beyond the three I've seen? That's a great character....

[sterfish]

I really do believe that this will be Malcolm in The Middle's last season. For the third time in a row, I wasn't able to see a full episode due to football. In fact, I have not seen an episode in full since the season premiere (I'm in the Chicago area). And if there is one show that doesn't work too well when "joined already in progress" it's this show.

You would think that it would be a simple decision to NOT show anything from 7-8 EST on Sundays and fill it up with an extended postgame report or reruns. I'd rather it be like 24 and wait until January rather than to see only 10 minutes of a never before seen episode each week. This killed Futurama and it will probably kill MITM.

[HomeMoviesFan]

You're forgetting what's before Malcolm...King of the Hill, which, just like MITM, is INVINCIBLE. FOX loves the producers, and vise versa, besides they will only pay attention to the ratings after January, in which Malcolm returns to 8:30...

[MovieGuy]

Funny episode. Best part was Reese and Malcolm dancing to the music.

I got to see all of it. And got to what was on before it (Totally Outrageous Behavior).

Overall: 9/10 (That Jessica girl was annoying)

[Martianinvader]

This hasn't been bumped up yet, so I guess I will...and if you missed it, I'll save you the trouble of ever catching the repeat...this one was gross. Two of the three plots were Reese peeling his skin off and Francis conning Dewey into drinking putrid things. I don't know about the rest of you, but gross never means funny to me.

[MovieGuy]

Well, martianinvader got here before I did (I forgot to bump it up.) So, here's the descirption and thoughts.
LOIS’ CLAWS COME OUT WHEN KITTY COMES BACK
ON “MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12, ON FOX

When Stevie’s mother Kitty returns, she asks Lois for help getting her estranged husband Abe back. Lois tells Kitty that leaving her husband and child, along with the promiscuous acts that followed, is unforgivable and “creepy.” Abe demands that Lois apologize to Kitty for calling her creepy, but Lois refuses and causes a feud with the Kenarbens. Meanwhile, Francis comes home and puts Dewey through the torturous “Brotherhood Initiation” on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Kitty’s Back” Sunday, Dec. 12 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. ET/PT) on FOX.

Anyway, good yet gross. Nice to finally see Francis again. B

[Stewie]

Nice to finally see Francis again. BIt would have been nice to see him. Fox broke precedent here and skipped the show entirely. The Packers-Lions game ended around 6:45ish. Instead of playing the last half of the episode (as they have done most of this season), they plugged in the Falcons-whoever game. I hope this season goes into the syndication run next year.

[MovieGuy]

Good news for those who haven't been to see episodes because of football. Tonight's Christmas episode will be on at 9 after 'Arrested Development'.

HAL TAKES CHRISTMAS INTO HIS OWN HANDS ON
“MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19, ON FOX
Broke, Hal and Lois decide that all the Christmas gifts must be homemade. When Hal realizes Lois and the boys have made bigger and better gifts, he fibs about the fabulous present he has in store for them and takes the family on a wild goose chase. Meanwhile, Malcolm feels like his brothers are alienating him and Francis returns home with startling news on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Hal’s Christmas Gift” Sunday, Dec. 19

Also, don't miss next week at 9 when they air 'Buseys Run Away' and 'Standee'.

[MovieGuy]

Funny episode, liked that Otto is suing Francis.

One of the best Christmas specials I've seen this year.

A+

Thoughts?

[Stewie]

liked that Otto is suing Francis.I'm gonna miss Otto and the ranch. And Otto being at all angry at Francis for anything is out of character (except for that one episode). And unless there was something in those many episodes we missed, this plot change seems a bit rushed. But I did like Francis' line "...so sue me! So, he's suing me."

It wasn't a great episode, but it had some laughs. Those presents the boys got the parents and Hal looking back at his game (what was it, Froggle?) was hilarious. "You baked these?!" "And this is the sonata I compsed for you!"

Is Unkown-stupid-reality-show that was on at 9 done for the season? I'd like to have complete Maclolm's from now on.

[MovieGuy]

Finally, FOX Sunday shows are back! Here's description for MITM.


HAL BECOMES REESE’S PERSONAL ZOMBIE ON
“MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, JANUARY 16, ON FOX
Distraught over what to get Lois for their 20th anniversary, Hal begins sleepwalking. Seizing the opportunity, Reese realizes that Hal is programmable, and turns his father into his own “sleeping robot.” When Hal finds the perfect gift, Reese quickly steals it and has it destroyed for fear Hal will stop sleepwalking. Meanwhile, Malcolm begins playing guitar, even though Lois says he will get frustrated, distracted and will quit. When Malcolm finally performs the song he wrote for the family, Dewey reveals Malcolm inadvertently ripped off a famous commercial jingle on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Hal Sleepwalks” Sunday, Jan. 16 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Before it airs I apologize to anyone who misses it because of football or a post-game show or news or whatever.

[Stewie]

The game is over on Fox so it should run at the scheduled time. The next couple of hours will be local programming (once the Post-game is over, and that won't last 2 1/2 hours.)
I'm glad I can rely on the VCR timer now, I don't have to set it for an extra hour after the scheduled airtime.

[Martianinvader]

Heh, this was a good one. And yes, Francis is almost nonexistent in the modern Malcolm universe. I think he's getting the same episode deal Piama gets now.

[Tobias]

I really like the way Dewey's developed since the first season. Few shows can take the adorable kid and make him a likable pre-teen.

And I think the whole thing with Francis is just that the writer's have ran out of ideas for him. He has no real use on the show now that he's not on the ranch, or in military school, etc.

[Spastic Minnow]

I gave up during Malcolm's song, I had to go pick up something at the store and just didn't care enough to record it. Did Malcom mange to mess up his Europe trip or are they going to let him actually do that? I may watch that, especially if Lois doesn't somehow figure out a way to go on the trip with him (but of course you know she will). What grades are Reese and Malcolm suppsed to be in? I'm thinking Reese must be a Senior this year and might graduate. That could be an alright episode- or the following year when Malcolm graduates (which would be the logical finale to the series). But otherwise the show seems really played out. Dewey storylines are the only moderately fresh storylines the show has anymore and very little time is given to those.

-My guess with Francis is that they'll finally have him move back permanently, if not in the house, in the neighborhood.

[Tobias]

I gave up during Malcolm's song, I had to go pick up something at the store and just didn't care enough to record it. Did Malcom mange to mess up his Europe trip or are they going to let him actually do that? I may watch that, especially if Lois doesn't somehow figure out a way to go on the trip with him (but of course you know she will). What grades are Reese and Malcolm suppsed to be in? I'm thinking Reese must be a Senior this year and might graduate. That could be an alright episode- or the following year when Malcolm graduates (which would be the logical finale to the series). But otherwise the show seems really played out. Dewey storylines are the only moderately fresh storylines the show has anymore and very little time is given to those.

-My guess with Francis is that they'll finally have him move back permanently, if not in the house, in the neighborhood.

The kid that Malcolm was supposed to replace was able to make the trip after all, so Malcolm got booted. Hal and Lois weren't going to tell him until AFTER he returned the guitar.

[MovieGuy]

JAMIE MESSES WITH THE WRONG MOM ON
“MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, JANUARY 23, ON FOX

Still only a toddler, Jamie is following in his brother’s footsteps and challenging Lois by destroying and breaking everything in his path. After Jamie pushes over an entire cabinet and nearly squashes his mom, Lois is convinced Jamie is out to get her and it’s time to show him who’s boss. Lois asks Francis to come home and help her remember how she became the drill sergeant she is today. Meanwhile, Malcolm, Reese and Dewey bring home a discarded diving board and are determined to put it to good use on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Lois Battles Jamie ” Sunday, Jan. 23 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Funny episode.

[Tobias]

I must have missed something, but how did Lois finally break Jamie? Or were they just implying she used the same method that got Francis to behave?

BTW, if that's the best they can do with Francis's character this season, I'd rather they just write the character off the show.

[Stewie]

I think it wasn't so much that she broke him, but rather that she found the strength to resist him.

That bit with Francis crying about his bear was hilarious. And the Hershey bars.

[Joker85]

That was the funniest, most enjoyable episode of Malcolm I've seen in a long time. The part with Francis sobbing on the couch had me in tears I was laughing so hard, as did Reese's little mishap in the end. I mean, it was predictable, as everyone knew that diving board was gonna break, but it was executed well. Especially seeing little sparks as the firecrackers went off. Let's hope they can keep this level of quality every week.

[MovieGuy]

MALCOLM’S GETS LEMON ON
“MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, ON FOX

Malcolm’s dream of owning a classic muscle car comes true after Reese’s new side business turns profitable. Unfortunately, this dream quickly fades into Malcolm’s worst nightmare when he discovers he got a lemon. Meanwhile, after Lois begs Hal to correct her horrible haircut, he discovers a hidden talent for hair dressing. Within no time, the entire neighborhood is lined up for one of Hal’s beauty makeovers and Lois wishes she never made him pick up the scissors on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Malcolm’s Car” Sunday, Jan. 30 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX

NOTE: First episode to have Malcolm's name in the episode title this season.

[Stewie]

How is he able to predict the winners? So is Hal's newest obsession going to last more than one episode?
None of this made any sense. Still, not too shabby. Moderate laughs.

[MovieGuy]

THE BOYS FIGHT FOR WOMAN’S RIGHTS ON AN ALL-NEW
“MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE” SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, ON FOX

Bryan Cranston Directs

When Lois catches the boys vandalizing a trashy billboard for a strip club, Malcolm alters the vandalism into a women’s rights protest, which sparks a colossal media circus. In no time, feminists, conservative religious groups and national new reporters descend on the scene. After Hal grants a TV interview, a woman from his past turns up at the faux protest; and Reese, inspired by the giant billboard stripper who comes to life in his dreams, gives an impassioned speech about the objectification of women on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Billboard,” airing Sunday, Feb. 13 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT). (MIM-609)

[Martianinvader]

Hey, this was GOOD! I enjoyed this more than any other Fox offering tonight. All you people who want the show cancelled, be quiet.

[Animelee]

I don't care what anyone says, Malcolm in the Middle is just as good as ever. I see older episodes in syndication all the time, and the only thing different these days is the lack of Francis, which doesn't decrease the quality of the show.

Tonight's episode was excellent, and I don't know how the hell the writers come up with these incredible ideas.

[Stewie]

This was pretty good. I'm still laughing at Lois controlling Dewey's mind. And learning what Hal actually did to that woman 30 years ago (or whatever) was good. Reese's dream sequences are weird. Good and weird.

All you people who want the show cancelled, be quiet.Second!

The show isn't reaching the highs it once did, but it has settled into a comfortable groove that has yet to upset me. Leave it alone and let it do what it does.

I don't know how the hell the writers come up with these incredible ideas.Do me a favor, say "How do they come up with that stuff?"

[MovieGuy]

Awesome episode, these past few episodes of 'Malcolm' have some of the best I've seen.

I liked the fact that the episode mainly took place on the billboard and the parking lot below it. The episode's storylines were perfect and the writers obviously knew what they were doing.

However, they have to work Francis into the show, he has appeared in 3 episodes. They should just at least have him and Piama sitting around the house.

A

[Dr Crocodile]

I agree with everyone else, that was an awesome episode. I wish I knew what was going on with Francis but it's best they don't try to bring him into episode where he wouldn't have really contributed much.

[MovieGuy]

LOIS AND HAL SING THE BLUES ON
“MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 20, ON FOX

When Lois buys a brand-new king-sized bed, Hal thinks that her motive is to put more distance between them and refuses to sleep in it. Moved to tears by an opera he sees on television, Dewey is inspired to write his own operatic masterpiece, “The Marriage Bed,” which is based on his parents’ fight and turned into a school production. Meanwhile, Malcolm and Reese build their own street luge board; and Jamie falls head over heels for the baby girl across the street but is crushed when he discovers she is seeing someone else on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Opera”

[Tobias]

Still no Francis...

Poor Jamie...

Looks like Stevie's found an interesting hobby. Is it just me, or is Malcolm's voice getting whinier with each passing episode?

Loved Hal's baby proofing the kitchen. But I'll bet if Malcolm gets a seventh season, Jamie will be around Dewey's age when the show first started.

"Hope Dewey doesn't embarass himself." Funniest quote of the night. I also love how the one kid's sign (the one that bites people) keeps changing.

[Stewie]

I like that Dewie writes music and is teaching his class algebra. Nice touch.

They could dump Malcolm and replace him with Dewie. Malcolm is a bit spent as a character anyway.

What's the name of the opera that Dewie saw on TV? It's a famous one (the kind of thing you always here in mainstream entertainment when they hear/see an opera).

[MovieGuy]

HAL BECOMES PARALYZED WITH FEAR ON
“MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, MARCH 6, ON FOX

Hal is named executor of his neighbor’s living will and must decide whether to keep him on life support or pull the plug. In attempting to make the decision, Hal discovers he is incapable of making decisions on his own because he always defers to Lois. Hal literally becomes paralyzed – from the waist up – with fear over deciding what to do. Meanwhile, Craig asks Malcolm, Reese and Dewey to teach him how to fight dirty since a bully from his childhood is coming to town. What the boys don’t realize is that the bully is Craig’s own father on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Living Will”

Worst this season. Just an excuse for Bryan Cranston to do physucl comedy.... That sucked.

C

[Martianinvader]

Yeah, it wasn't that good....Hal being paralyzed from the waist up was funny though. That was clever and great.

The veins on that old guy weren't real, were they? If so...eww.

[MovieGuy]

I think the veins were real.

I'm kind of confused. My whole family agreed that the Hal story was stupid. Paralyzed from the waist up? I thought it was just a way to have him do pyshical comedy. And my family thought the boys' story with Craig was good. Yet people everywhere are flipped. Hmm. Oh, well. If you enjoyed it, I don't care.

[Master Moron]

So...Hal's decision was to make the patient into a scarecrow?

[Master Moron]

So...Hal's decision was to make the patient into a scarecrow?

[MovieGuy]

HAL AND LOIS’ INNERMOST SECRETS ARE REVEALED
ON “MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, MARCH 13, ON FOX

When Hal and Lois realize how little time they spend together, Hal turns the garage into a private Tiki Lounge, where he and Lois can retreat. During this uninterrupted time together, Hal and Lois discover shocking secrets about one another. Meanwhile, Mr. Herkabe cons Malcolm into joining the Booster Club. Malcolm decides to auction off embarrassing stunts for each Booster member to perform, but much to his surprise, he actually ends up raising a lot of money for the school on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Tiki Lounge” Sunday, March 13

Not bad, but, not great, either.

B

[Ultra Mike]

A pretty okay episode. When I heard Booster Club I was thinking like some sort of football think from the King of The Hill episode on before this. Oh well, Booster can mean many different things. I guess it makes sense more "reality based" Lois wouldn't believe in a heaven and more "fantasy based" Hal would be mad at her for that. I liked the Reese-Jamie subplot. So is Jamie now smarter then him too? (Getting him in trouble for writing on the wall). Oh well.

BEST PARTS: The first Booster Club meeting, Reese trying to get Jamie to smoke (must of seen that Family Guy cutaway where Stewie smoked to be cool), Hal desperatley wanting a "grey" at least to work with on the heaven argument, Malcolm audtioning things of the Booster club off and them being happy he's making so much money (surprised he didn't try to get revenge on the teacher though).

GRADE: 3 Out Of 5 Stars.

Oh and 100 Posts. Woohoo or something.

[MovieGuy]

Well, for some reason Fox.com has this week's description as last week's so tonight's ep is called "Ida Loses A Leg".

And Francis returns finally.

[MovieGuy]

Really funny ep.

Reese and Malcolm storyline was, I think, the best part.

8/10

[Martianinvader]

Remember the episode two weeks ago when Hal had to decide whether or not to pull the plug on a veg? I wonder if they would have been allowed to run that episode if it had been slated for this week or later.

[Quagmire]

Remember the episode two weeks ago when Hal had to decide whether or not to pull the plug on a veg? I wonder if they would have been allowed to run that episode if it had been slated for this week or later.
Definately not. In fact, I doubt that one airs again anytime soon.

The leg episode was pretty good. Got some laughs out of me.

[MovieGuy]

Well, hopefully this week people will talk about the episode and not tie in current events to episodes from weeks ago.

BE WARY OF YOUR HOUSEGUESTS
ON “MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, MARCH 27, ON FOX

After Hal forbids Dewey from inviting his classmate Chad over for a sleepover, Dewey quickly finds out that his father had good reason. Not only does Chad shred Dewey’s clothes with a hatchet, he also discovers a naked picture of Lois that Hal was desperately trying to hide. Meanwhile, Malcolm and Reese find out that they are not as popular as they once thought on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Chad’s Sleepover” Sunday, March 27 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT).

http://inlandempirestrikesback.net/v-web/gallery/albums/mitmseason6/res997431190.jpg
Pretty funny episode. However, I don't like the fact that in the past two seasons, they've been bleeping or blurring stuff. Why not just not have the front of the picture in the shot.

[90'sCartoonMan]

Did Chad's...shall we say, habits...seem different in this episode? Or is it just because we're getting more of a spotlight on him. I liked when he hissed at Hal. The picture thing was funny, but those stupid previews sort of ruined it for me.

[Stewie]

Did Chad's...shall we say, habits...seem different in this episode? Or is it just because we're getting more of a spotlight on him.Well, the OCD-like qualities are new to me, but we never did see much of him before. The only thing we knew was that he bit people, and was weird. I think this could have been him all along but we didn't see him closely enough to know it.
I think it's hilarious. There but for the grace of God go I.

[Stewie]

Piama!
(That doesn't seem right. How do you spell that?)

EDIT: I didn't see all of it (the end, I'll pick it up later), but what I did see I liked. Lois and Piama starting to get along. (I generally like Lois, but don't understand her treatment of Piyama.) Francis and Hal bonding. It's as though the characters are developing.

[MovieGuy]

Piyama!
(That doesn't seem right. How do you spell that?)
It's Piama.
GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING
ON “MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, ON FOX

When Francis and Piama choose to celebrate Francis’ 21st birthday at the house, Hal is reminded of a promise he made to his son as a young child, involving a motorcycle trip that Lois quickly forbids. Hal and Francis have no choice but to sneak off for their wild adventure, leaving their women behind. Confessions between the two are made over a 21-year-old bottle of scotch that Hal had been saving for this special moment. Meanwhile Malcolm, Dewey and Reese are held captive in their own home by a bully who has no idea what he’s doing on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “No Motorcycles” airing Sunday, April 3 (7:30-8:00 PM ET /PT). (MIM-618) (TV-PG L)http://inlandempirestrikesback.net/v-web/gallery/albums/mitmseason6/res2130621783.jpg

[90'sCartoonMan]

Wow, so now Hal has to take Dewey in a rocketship? Hal doesn't think ahead, does he? That 5 minutes thing was the funniest part. Malcolm getting a lucky break, for once, turned out to be not-so-lucky, huh?

[Martianinvader]

There's no way Francis is 21. MALCOLM looks 21 for pete's sake...Francis is married and "responsible," I had him pegged at 25 or later.

[Tobias]

Francis dropped out of school and emancipated himself at the beginning of season 3, so 21 sounds just about right.

As for Malcolm and Reese, are those two ever going to graduate high school? They're only about two to three years apart from Francis.

[STARTOUNZ]

As for Malcolm and Reese, are those two ever going to graduate high school? They're only about two to three years apart from Francis.Well, it was announced that Fox renewed MITM for another season, so it's likely they'll still be in school for at least another year. If next season is the final one, we could assume Malcolm will graduate early and go to college and Reese will drop out and probably still work at the meat factory unless of course Lois forces him to at least finish high school with some sort of dignity (if not mediocrity). As for the age difference between Frances, Reese, and Malcolm, it's most likely Francis is 4 years older than Reese assuming the former was 16 years old when the pilot episode aired. Malcolm is 1 year younger than Reese, but well ahead of him education-wise. He should have graduated by now, but because the family's so poor, he'd likely have to wait another year until more colleges start offering him scholarships. So as long as they don't consider an eighth season, things should work out as planned.

[MovieGuy]

MALCOLM HELPS A SQUATTER
ON “MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, ON FOX

Malcolm discovers a man, Norm, living in the Lucky Aide. He agrees to keep Norm’s secret as long as he provides Malcolm with tidbits on his new crush, a fellow Lucky Aide employee. Meanwhile, when Reese takes a job as an exterminator, he quickly learns that to drum up business he must infest the neighbors’ lawns, and chooses caterpillars as his weapon. But instead of spreading the caterpillars, he has a change of heart and begins to nurture them, ultimately leading to his own menagerie of butterflies on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Butterflies” airing Sunday, April 10 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT).

[Martianinvader]

You know how they could bring this show's focus back to Malcolm again? If they gave him a girlfriend, and I mean one that sticks. Longer than one or two episodes--he just doesn't have luck. I thought "Wendy's pretty, I hope this is the start of something" but it was yet another joke at Malcolm's expense.
There's plenty of satire about finding a serious relationship that this show hasn't examined yet. Give the kid a break; get him a true girlfriend. He's certainly old enough...

[Stewie]

I don't know if I'd like that. I think Malcolm is basically spent as a character. It's better that they spread the focus on all the others.
If anyone needs more attention from the writers, it's Francis.

[90'sCartoonMan]

Malcolm's always annoyed me as a character, thank goodness we have Hal. I liked Reese in this episode, it figures he'd get along with them better when they're catepillars and not butterflies. I liked how Lois got to be mean and nice at the same time. Poor Malcolm, but it's his fault for not seeing that his actions can be interpreted as stalking.

[MovieGuy]

A HELPING OF MUSIC TO SOOTHE THE SOUL
ON “MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE”
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, ON FOX

Cloris Leachman Guest-Stars

Malcolm thinks that enrolling in a music appreciation course will give him an easy A, but he’s rudely awakened when he receives an F on his first assignment. To salvage his grade-point average he turns to Dewey for some much-needed tutoring. Meanwhile, after Lois hadn’t received a call from her mother in weeks, she discovers that Ida has made some new friends at a community center that suits her perfectly. Lois’ visit to the center turns disastrous when she’s forced to make a special festive dessert – leave it to Ida’s dance to mend their rift. During Lois’ absence, Hal and Reese find something in common, or so they thought who has no idea what he’s doing on the MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE episode “Ida’s Dance” airing Sunday, April 17

[Martianinvader]

Hmm. It's occurred to me now that I can't name a single comedy in the last 20 years where the parents of the main family were nice people. TV families ALWAYS get stuck with rotten mothers. ALWAYS.

I guess nice ones just aren't as funny, but Leachman's character pushes it way too far. Everything she says is a black-hearted insult and every act she takes is one of pure hate and evil. I've never liked that character at all. I'm with Malcolm's family--she's gotta die.

[Stewie]

Reese yelling/barking at the mailman was pretty good.

Dewey cheating on Lois with another mom seems displaced. (Did they already do this?) It's the kind of thing that would make sense a few years ago when he wasn't so self-sufficient.

Hal's thing isn't working for me. Maybe it'll get better in the last ten minutes. How he got into it was pretty good though. He said, "...you know." like a teenager who doesn't know what to say. And the lady took it as advice.

...

Wait a minute, he just smashed the door. On going to the bathroom, "So this is something we can't overcome?" This is good.
And he's using his motivational crap to potty-train Jamie. That's not bad.

Reese is awesome. That guy just asked Stewie if he wanted a gun. Hal is dressed much snazzier than he was before.
"Did you know Michael Jordan didn't even see a basketball until he was 30 years old?" Amazing.

[Master Moron]

I liked the Reese plot better when the Oblongs did it.

[Martianinvader]

How many animal species has Reese bonded with at this point?

My two favorite moments in this one were Dewey's "I'm seeing another mom" confession, and the point where the motivational speaker got everyone to the point where they were sobbing about themselves, and right when he was about to deliver the uplifting portion, his cell rang and he left the room. THAT IS SO RIGHT! :D This exact scene has likely actually happened in many states.

[90'sCartoonMan]

For an episode with no Malcolm plot, this was pretty good. Hal made less and less sense, it was funny. Then again, I can sort of see what he means.

I liked Dewey's "It's not love, just snacks" and Reese's "What?! What?! What?! What?!"

[Master Moron]

What? No special "ANIMATION DOMINATION!" talkback? Anyway, I thought the ending of this episode was pretty funny with Reese crashing through the supermarket and everything. The rest of the episode...not so much...

[90'sCartoonMan]

Poor Malcolm, you're all alone in your non-animated world.

This episode had some funny moments, most notably the ending. I liked the Stash (did they use old footage of Reese, Malcolm, and Dewey?).

Unfortunately, 2 and a half hours of cartoons has taken over my brain, and I can't remember much (although I'm sure my favorite jokes will come back to me in a couple days).

[Tobias]

This episode was a lot funnier than it has been for most of the season. I wonder what episode that footage of Malcolm, Dewey, and Reese was from?