Todd Giebenhain

Leonard's mother is finally nice to him.

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.

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.

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.

The team dives back into investigating a serial killer from the past, attempting to find “The Puppeteer,” who lives with his victims’ bodies before disposing of them. Meanwhile, Brennan works through her guilt over her retirement last year, blaming herself for not stopping the serial killer earlier. However, little does she know she might be in some trouble of her own.

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.