Malcolm Loses It

[KurtfromPitts]

In this two-hour TV-movie continuation of "Malcolm In The Middle"-though it's dramatic-Malcolm is expelled from Harvard for something that, as it turns out, he had nothing to do with. His being cleared, however, doesn't stop Lois from continuing to criticize him. Sent to his room, Malcolm, remembering so many past confrontations with Lois, finally suffers a nervous breakdown. Hal and Reese try calming him down to no avail. Finally Malcolm files for emancipation [Lois responds by threatening to have Malcolm institutionalized]. The court hearing sequence that follows utilizes footage from various MITM episodes. Francis testifies as a hostile witness, eventually recounting his past differences with Lois. Finally the judge rules in Malcolm's favor and throws out Lois' request, ordering that LOIS be put away, causing Lois to throw a temper tantrum. In the coda, Malcolm settles down in his new digs when Hal pays him a surprise visit. Hal loves his son's new place and tells Malcolm he is divorcing Lois, having her committed to an insane asylum, and filing for custody of Dewey [Reese is moving to downtown Los Angeles with hopes of becoming a filmmaker]. Also featuring Robert Wagner as Malcolm's attorney, Howie Mandel as Lois' lawyer, and Kathie Lee Gifford as the judge who calls Lois a sorry excuse for a mother.