The Best Episodes Written By Dave Richardson

Parallel stories pit Malcolm against a bullying, obnoxious new kid and Francis vies with his intimidating, military-school commandant, who's presenting sex-education lectures. Meanwhile, Hal takes heat after cutting down a tree.

Malcolm and his Krelboyne classmates enlist the help of Hal for a school project, which involves a robot, and an enormous swarm of bees. Lois visits Francis at his school after he becomes injured and soon clashes with Spangler.

While Hal secretly takes the boys to the stock car races, Lois desperately searches for her missing paycheck. Francis at military school is keeping a boa constrictor as a pet.

Charlie is visited by the ghosts of his ex-girlfriends while Alan and Jake are on a road trip.

Alan goes to great lengths to be able to get Lyndsey a nice birthday present.

Rose and Alan discover each other's secrets. Meanwhile, Charlie's desperate to get some time alone with Rose.

After moving in with Lyndsey, Alan continues to have a rendezvous with Melissa at Charlie's house.

Upon his release from the hospital, Alan is met with a slew of challenges that test his ability to cope.

Alan has trouble accepting Lyndsey's seedy movie past, and Walden tries to cheer him up by throwing a party.

Walden receives divorce papers from Bridget, but forgets his depression when he meets a girl who looks eerily like her.