When Max's stove breaks, Caroline tries to return some expensive rings to Barney's department store, but discovers her surname is no longer an asset at the store where she used to get special treatment.
Malcolm tries to dumb down to attract a cute, non-intellectual girl while Hal rents a steamroller and becomes addicted to crushing things.
Malcolm requires medical treatment after trying to keep his opinions to himself. Meanwhile, Reese goes on a date with his girlfriend and Craig.
Hal takes a second job at a stereo store, but has a hard time fitting in with the younger employees. Meanwhile, the boys meet their match in the astute new babysitter.
While Hal spends a wild night with an old school buddy, Malcolm tries to liberate Dabney from his mother's control and Francis spends a night in the company of Otto.