Frankie Muniz
Jane Kaczmarek
Bryan Cranston
Christopher Masterson
Justin Berfield
Erik Per Sullivan

Created by:
Linwood Boome

2000-2006
Comedy
Fox
TV-PG

“Malcolm in the Middle” manages to be both irreverent and old-fashioned at the same time: The dialogue is irreverent, but the presentation is fairly old-fashioned. It’s an interesting combination that’s executed well. And, it’s actually funny.

In a way, it reminds me of “Everybody Hates Chris,” which started its TV run five years after this show’s start, if “Everybody Hates Chris” were set in white suburbia and didn’t have Chris Rock’s narration.

“Malcolm in the Middle” is a well-paced, well-written, and well-edited show. And Frankie Muniz does a pretty good job as Malcolm; his straight-to-camera delivery is effective. As with all sitcoms, every episode isn’t very funny. But I like the energy. I hope it lasts.

Verdict: Very Good

About: (Source: malcolmmiddle)

Created and executive produced by Emmy Award-winning writer Linwood Boomer, this inventive half-hour series is seen through the eyes of Malcolm (Frankie Muniz), a regular kid trying to navigate his way through life despite the various obstacles thrown in his way–a complete misunderstanding of girls, an eclectic group of classmates and the constant burden of masterminding plans to get himself and his brothers either into or out of trouble.

Although Malcolm has a genius IQ, he cannot seem to make any sense of the opposite sex, much less his embarrassing family. Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) is the outspoken, opinionated Mom, and her creative punishments and tough-as-nails approach always prevent the boys from slipping one past her. Hal (Bryan Cranston), a dad who is a certified legend in his own mind, is perfectly content to let Lois “wear the pants”, but often finds himself creating more chaos than his four boys combined.

Reese (Justin Berfield) has mastered the art of a perfect blank stare, but has made up for his lack of intelligence with deviance. Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson), Malcolm’s oldest and favorite brother, has grown accustomed to life away from the family, whether it’s at a military academy or a dude ranch. And then there’s Dewey (Erik Per Sullivan), who just doesn’t know any better than to look up to his brothers. Hopefully, he’ll catch on before it’s too late.