Episode 68 of "Malcolm in the Middle"
s04e05 Forwards Backwards
Title: Forwards Backwards
Original Air Date: 12/01/2002 on Fox
Director: Levie Isaacks
Writer: Maggie Bandur
Guest Stars: Timm Sharp (Dean), Bonnie Burroughs (Fake Mom), Angee Hughes (Woman Guest), Oscar Nunez (Ranch Hand), Kevin Dunagin (Male Guest), Marquis Scott (Ricky), Trieu Tran (Bob), Tom Tartamelia)
Plot Outline:
As Malcolm's birthday approaches, Lois reminds him that he and Reese have never celebrated their birthday without being grounded. Unable to ever get along, we see in flashbacks Malcolm and Reese one-upping and outsmarting each other by seeking revenge with practical jokes. Throughout the day, the boys continue to outdo each other until Lois finally reaches her breaking point after a go-kart incident ... and once again Malcolm is grounded for his birthday. Meanwhile, Hal is determined to buy a comic book for Malcolm as his present but has major issues with the store clerks.