Todd Giebenhain

When the family takes a vacation to a casino, Hal is banned from gambling and takes Malcolm and Reese on an ill-fated trek into the desert. Meanwhile, Lois and Dewey win a free day of spa pampering and Francis spends a lonely weekend at home.

At college, Sheldon decides to expand his responsibilities and become a dorm resident adviser; Meemaw and Dale make a sketchy business deal; Mary and George Sr. rekindle their romance.

Malcolm gets into trouble with an elderly neighbour, Francis's slacker friend enrols at Marlin Academy, and Dewey trades his backpack for a purse.

Lois and Hal leave the boys with Francis for the weekend, promising that, if all goes well, Francis may not have to go back to military school. However, mayhem ensues and Malcolm requires hospitalisation.

Reese is accused of stealing at his new job, Dewey tries to convince his parents he can keep a goldfish alive, and Malcolm chafes when a super-genius joins his class.

On Monday morning, Malcolm and his brothers convince their ailing mother that it's Sunday.