Ep 14. Hal's Friend

Hal's Friend is the fourteenth episode of the fourth season in the American television sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. The show follows the dysfunctional family of Malcolm, a gifted but socially awkward teenager, and his parents, Hal and Lois, and his three younger siblings.

In this episode, Hal reconnects with an old friend, Trey, whom he hasn't seen in years. Trey was Hal's college buddy who once set Hal's hair on fire during a party, but the two haven't talked since then. Hal is ecstatic to see his old friend when he spots him at the store and invites Trey to come to a barbecue at the family's home.

At the barbecue, Trey seems to be a hit with the family, and Hal is thrilled that his friend is getting along so well with everyone. However, Trey starts to make himself a little too comfortable in the household, and Hal finds himself getting irritated by his constant presence. To make matters worse, Trey is also putting some strange ideas into the heads of the kids.

Meanwhile, Lois is dealing with her own problems as she tries to keep the house clean for her sister's upcoming visit. Her plans are derailed when she discovers that the family's refrigerator is broken, and she has to find a way to get it fixed before her sister arrives. Her attempts to fix the fridge herself only lead to more chaos and mess in the house.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise between Hal and Trey, and the kids start to act out. To make matters worse, Lois's sister arrives earlier than expected, and she's less than impressed with the state of the house. In a desperate attempt to impress her, Lois enlists Malcolm and Dewey to help her clean up the house while Hal tries to get Trey to leave.

Overall, Hal's Friend is a classic episode of Malcolm in the Middle that highlights the show's trademark blend of zany humor and heartfelt family moments. The episode is filled with hilarious gags and witty one-liners, but it also touches on themes of friendship, loyalty, and family. Fans of the show will love seeing Hal's goofy antics, Malcolm's sarcastic quips, and Lois's no-nonsense attitude as they navigate the chaos of everyday life.