Talk:Malcolm in the Middle/Archive 1

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Archive 1

removed the statement

I removed the statement "Although, in one episode Reese successfully managed to get all the answers wrong in that school year's final exams, so he wouldn't have to graduate and leave school for yet another year. This also means that he could have had a perfect score if he had wanted to, hinting at an above-average IQ" from Reese's section. This does not follow logically at all; just because Reese could produce obviously incorrect answers does not at all imply he could have arrived at the correct ones. Chris1435 21:26, 7 June 2006 (UTC)

Bit late, but you're wrong - the questions were true/false. So by expertly revising so he could get all the questions wrong, he could of course have gotten 100%. 80.177.211.43 21:43, 24 June 2007 (UTC)

About the things in the opening sequence, I know where the head being assembeled came from. It was a thing about robots that was hosted by Scully from X-Files that I watched in school once, but I don't know what it was called. ??? 64.136.49.225 (talk) 04:23, 11 September 2005 (UTC)

It says there are 5 children, but only 4 are listed in the cast. What gives? [[User:Meelar|Meelar (talk)]] 19:18, 26 July 2004 (UTC)

I don't know, but there are definitely five children.

Francis (oldest brother, works on a farm) Reese (second oldest, is in the army) Malcom (is a genius) Dewey (is actually the middle child now) Jamie (the baby)--FarQPwnsJoo 03:50, 2 September 2004 (UTC)

Actually, Malcolm was never in the middle until Jamie was born, as he then had two older brothers and two younger brothers. Really, it was 'Reese and Malcolm in the Middle' until then. Of course, I realize with Francis being absent from their day-to-day lives, Malcolm was in the middle of those at home... and then I even always took the title to double as Malcolm always being in the middle of everything it seemed. In all, I am just babbling, and know I'm not helping in any way. :) Fieryrogue 19:01, 1 June 2007 (UTC)
After the finale I thought that the middle may mean more of the middle class type, seeing as that's the kind of people his mother wanted him to help. Which leads back to the fact that the reason he was supposed to help these people is because he came from the same upbringing i.e. in the middle. Slipp —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.117.45.141 (talk) 04:39, 28 June 2008 (UTC)

Family Name

I could swear they called the whole family the "Hies" (in the German syndicated episode where all the neighbours are celebrating a big street party because the "Hies" were absent). 83.65.123.15 (talk) 15:39, 21 August 2006 (UTC)

I've never heard that name applied to them (did I miss an episode?). I always assumed they were nameless (just as their town and state is). -- Yossarian 07:54, 5 November 2004 (UTC)

The family name is the subject of much lengthy debate. Check out the discussion page for MitM on [www.imdb.com/ IMDb] — Preceding unsigned comment added by Adambisset (talk • contribs) 18:33, 11 November 2004 (UTC)
AH! Gracias. -- Yossarian 23:57, 11 November 2004 (UTC)
The name is indeed "Wilkerson" - Francis wears the name on his school uniform on the pilot episode. You can see it best in the scenes where he is on the phone with the family.
--EmiOfBrie 04:25, 4 October 2005 (UTC)
Yeah, just because the one scene where it was said was cut, doesn't mean they refuse to say the name. Maybe they just did not like the scene. Is there any proof that they removed it from 'fraid of typecasting? or is that just a theory? and is there any proof that they just hoped re-run viewers will miss the name-tag? or is that a theory too? I honestly think they just did not like the Wilkerson Joke scene, and did not remove it to hide the last name, but then that is now my theory. I will wait to see the truth. -- AlexTheMartian | Talk 22:31, 5 December 2005 (UTC)
The name is infact Wilkerson and i know this becuase SKY ONE referenced it in one of their adverts for the show. 84.66.181.223 (talk) 01:15, 15 January 2006 (UTC)
Officially, they don't have a last name. Linwood originally wrote it as Wilkerson, but then decided he didn't want them to have a name after shooting the Pilot. Nonetheless, sources such as BBC have picked up the unofficial Wilkerson name. (Source: Season 1 DVD commentary) On the set, the actors actually say their last name is Nolastname as a joke. (Source: BryanCranston.com) 24.208.49.7 (talk) 17:38, 17 April 2006 (UTC)
In the episode Company Picnic (season three), his new boss calls Hal "Mister Landon" (I don't know how that is spelled)... --kauan 14:09, 22 July 2006 (UTC)
Was that the _English_ Version? I saw the same episode in German just now and the boss called him Landon, but sometimes this changes while translating. -- RichiH (talk) 07:14, 5 June 2009 (UTC)
In the English version of that episode, the boss calls him Landon, but that is not his name. It's one of the plot points of that episode - the boss mistakes him for Landon, the department manager, and Hal is too embarrassed to correct him. Hal pretends that he is Mr. Landon, and tries to get everyone else to play along. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Xsmasher (talk • contribs) 20:26, 5 June 2009 (UTC)
Haven't sky one show a documentary about the making of Malcolm in the Middle where the crew and castmembers talk about the family - reffering to them as Wilkersons? --Alan Frize 19:14, 6 August 2006 (UTC)

I remember them using the name wilkerson elsewhere in the show so I am not sure that it is as secret as this article makes it appear-mfair4d

in the episode when hal became the leader of the home owners group he was showing his business card to lois and they read 'president Wilkerson' when looking at it(couldnt find its name in the episodelist)Cleverca22 04:32, 2 May 2007 (UTC)

Driving Permit age

While 15 may be the "typical" minimum age, it is not universal. My daughter is 14, and will be getting her permit next week. This is North Dakota, and I know that, in some states, you have to be 16. 24.220.106.110 (talk) 00:23, 8 July 2005 (UTC)

Actually 16 is the normal minimum age, only a few states(I think less than 5) have it lower than that. So 15 is not typical, 16 is. Spyke 01:07, 15 May 2006 (UTC)

16 is the normal minimum age for a DRIVER'S LICENSE. 15 is typical for a learner's permit. TeamGoon 04:44, 2 August 2006 (UTC)

i recived my learners permit in IL at 15, but couldn't get my full liscence till i was 16. 70.224.62.230 (talk) 21:42, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

where they are from

I think the family is from Minneapolis because on an episode called "monkey," after Reese batted a home intruder, he was honored with a cap that has the acronym MPD. I searched it that lead me to the Minneapolis Police Department. The family must then be from Minneapolis. However this does damage the claim that Hal had driven four hours to get to Francais' military school after refusing to be his alibi in other episode because Minnesota that state where Minneapolis is is up north while Alabama is way down south making that trip impossible. Also being from Minneapolis, Minnesota does diminish the other claim that it takes Francais eight hours to visit them from Texas. So maybe where the family is from is as fictional and non-existing as the family. Another possibility on where the family is from is they might from Montgomery, Alabama since the police department also uses MPD. It also fit the traveling time frame diffrence. This however does take away from show's satire of the south especially in that episode where Francais volunteered at a beauty pageant. 66.65.170.201 (talk) 12:24, 28 July 2005 (UTC)

"MPD" means they could be from any city that starts with "M". Doesn't have to be Minniapolis or Montgomery, but literally any "M" city. --Omninode 10:53, 18 August 2005 (UTC)

Yeah, Los Angeles County itself contains 6-7 cities that start with the letter "M". and most of the proof it is in California. it is like The Simpsons, you dont know where it is, but there are hints. -- AlexTheMartian | Talk 22:20, 5 December 2005 (UTC).
The M stands for Milbrook--we find out that the area they live is in a series of three counties because there's many episodes with various landmarks named "Tri-county this" and Tri-County that. In Reese Joins the Army, Hal tells the cop that he's from the Milbrook bomb squad.

On that note, the reference about the Arizona Cardinals water bottle probably shouldn't be a reference - many times, we've seen American football pennants and other merchandise in the boys' room. 86.7.133.42 (talk) 14:21, 6 July 2006 (UTC)

Um, hasn't there been more than one episode that showed a California license plate on Hal's car? I know the one where the bee was coming after him for revenge after Hal destroyed his nest showed the plate fairly clearly.

Whoops. On reviewing that episode, Hal's is actually a license plate from a ficticious state. I can't make out the second work in the fake state, but the first one is "Cherokee."

There is an episode where the family drives to Burning Man, in an RV borrowed from one of Hal's co-workers. The license plate is Californian.

--- you can't really count license plates as proof since the show is shot in california they are going to have californian license plates.

In the episode "Vegas" Lois is mad at Hal and when they are leaving Hal asks, "Ten hours of silence?" meaning they live about ten hours from Las Vegas, NV.

They also live somewhere with warm weather year around. In the christmas episode there is no snow and there hasnt been snow in any episodes. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.74.89.174 (talk) 20:33, 15 August 2008 (UTC)

Prosthetic face

Just like to say this (and I will edit the page, correcting this error) the prosthetic face wasn't a prosthetic face being constructed. It was in an episode where the people at Francis's military school found out his was birthday and traditionally shaved all the hair of his body. He had a date that night so he started to use a marker to draw hair. So while I see where you could easily mistake that I thought you would like to know why I'm editing this page. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Slipp (talk • contribs) 08:25, 3 December 2005 (UTC)

The person who wrote the above text must have a screw loose, when the guy is referencing a prosthetic face he is talking about the opening credits where two hands push two parts of a head upwards and together, this clip is ovbiously a clip from a sci-film or TV show. 84.66.181.223 (talk) 01:12, 15 January 2006 (UTC)

Its never going to be said where they live. Their just going to give clues that contradict with eachother.

Hey! After spending a good solid weekend researching all the sources of information for the Opening Title sequence almost a year ago, Ive returned to see if any discsussion has arose from my hard work. Reading the above, I have replace the mistake of the Prosthetic Face thingy (i had no idea how to describe it) back into the article in hope that one day someone will come across and fill in the blank, as well as for the skiing dude on fire - the best sample ever!

Ok, the blank has finally been filled. The "prosthetic face" is actually the head of a robot that is being assembled in the episode "Liar!" from the BBC series "Out of the Unknown". Stills can be found at [1]. Credit where credit is due... I found the link between Malcolm in the Middle and this TV episode at [2]. --Larryingram4924 04:20, 4 December 2007 (UTC)

Award Winning Episode?

Didn't one of the episodes win a certain award? I thought it was the bowling episode were the screen is split in half throughout, displaying what would happen if Malcom went bowling with his mum or dad. I couldn't see any information about it in the artcile. Zooba 14:16, 18 December 2005 (UTC)

Yep. The bowling episode won an Emmy

If Boys Were Girls also won an Emmy.

Good Article?

This article has no references, so why is it listed as a good article? One of the criteria for a Good article is references --ChessManXI 11:27, 27 December 2005 (UTC)

God Damn it! There must be references! REFERENCES!!!!!

There should be more infomation on the characters. A LOT MORE! AND GOOD EXTERNAL LINKS. I LOVE TE SHOW AND I WANT THE PAGE TO BE GOOD! Imzy

Each main character has there own page. Wikipedia thinks that is enough. see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_in_the_middle#External_links Tjpeople

Characters missing from episodes?

"Bryan Cranston (Hal), Justin Berfield (Reese) and Erik Per Sullivan (Dewey) are the only actors to appear in every episode."

What? Has there been any episodes that Malcolm himself wasn't in? Elaborate? LR 212.242.32.26 (talk) 18:13, 11 January 2006 (UTC)

I think I remember watching eppisodes that Malcolm was not in it -- AlexTheMartian | Talk 01:53, 5 February 2006 (UTC)
Technically, it was the Season 4 episode "Clip Show II". Malcolm himself didn't appear; only clips of Malcolm were shown.--UltimatePyro 02:01, 5 February 2006 (UTC)

He was in that episode, but only for a few seconds right at the end

Article removed from Wikipedia:Good articles

This article was formerly listed as a good article, but was removed from the listing because it does not cite its sources. Extraordinary Machine 16:41, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

I believe I've removed the controversial/unconfirmable "facts" listed in the article page now. The remainder should be able to be found by watching the show itself.

Answers.com

I just signed up being interested in the wikipedia project. So, please be gentile. Why does answers.com have this exact article posted on their website? Isn't this wikipedia unique content? http://www.answers.com/topic/malcolm-in-the-middle —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Ausme0 (talk • contribs) 08:12, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

Hi Asume0, welcome to Wikipedia. All of the text in the articles is available under a licensing scheme called "GFDL", or "GNU Free Documentation License". This means that the text is available for anyone to copy, free of charge, as long as Wikipedia is identified as the source of the material and that the copied text remains under the GFDL. So it's OK if answers.com copies this article verbatim on their website, as long as they abide by the GFDL. So no, the Wikipedia content is not necessarily "unique", as it can be copied by anyone else. — EagleOne\Talk 18:32, 1 March 2006 (UTC)

Name that episode!

I'm not sure if this is the proper forum to ask, but I have tried looking everywhere else and can't figure it out. Does anyone know the name of the episod where Malcolm takes on a teacher who is giving the students grades for names, and malcolm ends the experiment by pushing all of the students over the edge by making them recite prime numbers? that stuck with me somehow, and I can't find the name. 69.180.146.181 (talk) 23:01, 19 April 2006 (UTC)

Episode 302 (second episode of season 3) "Emancipation" is the episode that introduced ex-Krelboyne Lionel Herkabe (played by Chris Eigeman), who tried to create class competition by calling on the kids by a dynamically-changing class rank, posted in front of the class together with their grades. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ray921 (talk • contribs) 05:26, 17 June 2006 (UTC)

Similarites to The Wonder Years

This shows seems similiar to the Wonder Years. A suburban boy who's character started the show in middle school. He talks to the audience (similar to the voice overs with "older Kevin" in the Wonder Years. His best friend Stevie is similar to Kevin's best friend in that Kevin's best friend was allergic to so much and very smart, just as stevie is very smart (though moved to second place in the smart class when Malcolm was added) and has problems breathing and is in a wheelchair. I think there are probably other similiarites also.I remember thinking about how similar the show was to the Wonder Years when I first saw it, and I think I rember others talking about it, too. Anyway, do you think it is appropiate to make a section about the similarities? User:Crd721 10:08, 21 April 2006 (UTC)

this show is not like the Wonder Years whatsoever so please don't —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Tonetare (talk • contribs) 12:34, 10 August 2006 (UTC).

Krelboyne

Should this link specifically redirect here? The word is a lot older than this series. The 1960 film The Little Shop of Horrors has a character surnamed Krelboyne (according to the IMDb, the naming of the Krelboynes on this series is a reference to the film), and the article on that film says that the surname is also a slang term for a nerd or dweeb. (Ibaranoff24 23:19, 7 June 2006 (UTC))

What is a krelboyne? why would they use that name from a movie for a this show? and just... I never heard this. could someone explain the whole usage of krelboyne to me please. Tonetare 22:57, 15 August 2006 (UTC)

The characters in this show refer to Malcolm's gifted class as the "krelboyne class," and as a shorthad for geek or gifted. I can't recall an adult in the show using the term though - is this the official name of the class, or just what the boys / students call it? Xsmasher (talk) 17:54, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

Sections on Hal & Victor and Ida

These sections need an extensive rewrite. There are numerous errors and it is generally poorly written. The ridiculously long sentences need to be changed also. Someone with a good knowledge of the show should rewrite these to an acceptable standard. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.41.213.150 (talk • contribs) 19:07, 18 June 2006

I took a couple of whacks at them (you're right, they were in pretty awful shape). I'm not at all familiar with the show, however, so someone who's actually watched an episode of it should probably do some further work there. Still, they read a little better now, and I dumped some of the more confused bits entirely. -- Captain Disdain 19:27, 18 June 2006 (UTC)

TMBG

I know that the song "Older" was indeed in the show somewhere, but I can't remember where. If anybody could help me by telling me which episode and part of the episode the song older was in that would be great. User:Slipp 21:25, 21 June 2006 (UTC)

According to this list [3], the song appears on the soundtrack, but is never played in an episode. --kauan 22:14, 23 July 2006 (UTC)

show descriptions incomplete

This article really doesnt say what the show is about. As a fan of the show i find this article very inadequate. I think the overview should make it more clear it is essentially about how the interesting characters of the family deal with everyday events. The humor of the show tends to be driven by the traits and realtionships of the main characters more so then because any "action" is happening plotwise. For this reason I think the sections describing the characters need to be really improved and detail thier essential personality traits instead of telling what happens to them plotwise like it does now. For example Lois's never ending desire to always do what she believes is right despite if the unintended consequences end up being more substantial then what was corrected is a recuring theme in at least half the episodes of the series. This is key to understanding the concept of whole show and is much more important then to mention things like specific plot points or what her employment is which frankly are inconsequential spoilers which should be deleted. Not understanding this focus on the characters is the explanation for comments like below were people say the show isnt funny.

The focus on characters with the plot sometimes seemingly about nothing important to me really is reminiscient of Seinfeld - except it is a family not adults. I borrowed this from Wikipedia on Seinfeld. I think this can almost word for word describe Malcolm in the Middle as well:

"Another attribute that makes Seinfeld exceptional is that in almost every episode, several story threads are presented at the beginning, generally involving the various characters in separate and unrelated situations, which then converge and are interwoven towards the end of the episode in an ironic fashion. Due to the densely-plotted construction of the storylines, attempts to summarize the action in a given script are generally more verbose than one would expect for a sitcom. Despite any separate plot strands, the narratives show "consistent efforts to maintain [the] intimacy" between the small cast of characters. "Much of Seinfeld's plot and humor hinge on outside personalities threatening—and ultimately failing—to invade the foursome, ... especially where Jerry and George are concerned." (Gantz 2000" 24.147.160.12 (talk) 17:55, 11 July 2006 (UTC)

I also disagree with some other posters below that the family is disfunctional and I think that description should be removed from the article. Compared to so many other TV familys it is practically a model - thier are 2 parents who both have jobs and actually give a damn. I think people confuse thier individual disfunctional personalities (which is basically what the show is about) with saying it is a disfunctional family. It isnt the same. 24.147.160.12 (talk) 11:43, 13 July 2006 (UTC)

Victor and Ida

Ukraine? do we care?

Also, some wikipedia adict left the final paragraph reading:

"Not much is known about Victor, except that he left his home at a young age and that he was in the war. Victor had another family, but kept it a secret from Ida. This family was introduced dur"

Not even "dur......Aaaaagh!"

Can the previous be restored? Not to mention that it says "this family." They're all related!--24.27.26.179 00:56, 26 July 2006 (UTC)Carlos

I don't like the fact that Ida was racist on the show. Wasn't her personality bad enough without having to have her be racist. A person can be only so hateful Tonetare 22:58, 15 August 2006 (UTC)

What the hell are you guys talking about? Cite your sources when giving your stupid opinions! You people are idiots. Ida? Racist? Go back and sneak under your rock...LOTRrules 20:52, 14 August 2007 (UTC)

Opening credits

im pretty sure the animated guy on the hoverboard in the opening credits is from the flash gordan animated TV series, but im not 100% sure. "In 1996, Hearst Entertainment premiered a Flash Gordon (TV Series) animated television series. This version turned Flash and Dale into skateboarding teen-agers" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_Gordon 70.224.62.230 (talk) 21:39, 7 August 2006 (UTC)

also i think the dude on fire running into the tree is from the "Wide World of Sports" TV show from australia. see http://www.jumptheshark.com/w/wideworldofsports.htm first note. i think also Ask Yahoo did a thing on it. http://ask.yahoo.com/20060213.html, is that the same thing? 216.43.215.230 (talk) 03:51, 15 August 2006 (UTC)

Mysteries

There is a mystery section in the article. Right after it, there is another section explaining how the location of the family is a mystery. WTF? Wouldn't it make more sense for the location to be a subsection of the former? Lgrinberg 02:18, 11 August 2006 (UTC)

Also- the mystery over Jamies gender is actually pretty stupid as it clearly states in some episodes that he is a boy and in the article itself it contradicts it. Conor 15:46, 17 August 2006 (UTC)

Location of The Grotto Ranch?

The main article lists it as being in Texas. Can anyone confirm that? There was an episode in either season 4 or 5, in which The Grotto has to lay off a bunch of workers because tourists are flocking to nearby Roswell. Wouldn't that indicate that the ranch is in New Mexico? 72.72.145.114 (talk) 21:20, 21 August 2006 (UTC)

I always got the impression that it was New Mexico, and I only heard it was in Texas from this article... so it might need verification. If it is southwest Texas, Roswell can be pretty close, they are neighboring states --AlexTheMartian | Talk 20:04, 26 August 2006 (UTC)
I've noticed that too. I remember in one epoisode Francis saying something about mexican culture, and not being able to fit in.

I always thought that it was in New Mexico, not only because it is near Roswell, but also because Otto and some other employees have a symbol on thier uniforms that is similar, if not identical, to the New Mexican flag.

Why did this show end?

I do not know the reason why "Malcolm in the Middle" ended. Low ratings? Because they decided to call it quits? Why was this show taken off the air? Could someone who knows the story please give me an answer? This is very sad. Especially since there do not seem to be plans to release the other seasons on DVD. C&R 19:35, 11 September 2006 (UTC)

Concerning Dewey's age: I remember an episode where Dewey started his first day of school, in which he also learns how to play the piano (in 15 minutes a day). I'm pretty sure they mentioned it was his first day of first grade, except I am almost positive that this occurs at least in season 3 or after. It appears to contradict the fact that Dewey started his first day of first grade in the first season. I don't remember the details very well, but what are your opinions on Dewey's age?

hangfromthefloor 21:13, 26 September 2006 (UTC)

--Short answer: The show was supposed to be about kids, and they aren't kids anymore. --Long answer: The show ended because it was about Malcolm being in the middle of his family. They kept finding ways to keep Francis a part of the show and, in the last two seasons, reasons to keep Reese around, but once Malcolm graduated high school it simply wouldn't make sense to continue. The dynamic of the show was heavily based on the relationships of adolescent siblings. If they are all working or in college the basis of the show no longer exists. Remember Boy Meets World...somehow Mr. Feeny manages to to stay with the group from elementary school all the way past college...it gets a little stale after a while. I was a big fan of Malcolm but I agree that this was the perfect time to end it. How can we be told Malcolm is a genius for 7 years and then not see him go off to a prestigous college after graduation? It had to end.

Toner?

In the trivia part of the article, it says that the character Jason Alexander played in friends sold toner over the phone when infact, it was pheobe who was selling toner . Earl was the 'office supplies manager' and did not sell toner, merely he was the customer18:02, 22 December 2006 (UTC)

someone hasn't deleted the mistake, they've just elaborated on it and made some words bolder. the entire section of the trivia bit needs to be deleted or even longer to explain the 'joke' if someone got the wrong end of the stick EARL DOESN'T SELL TONER, PHEOBE DOES

20:28, 23 December 2006 (UTC)

Interesting but no verifiable

I reworded this section....this was what was previously there which was interesting but unencyclopedic:

No, most of this is wrong. The show is set in California, due to the license plates, and the house they film the family in is situated in Cantura street, Studio City, California (my cousins live 3 house from where they film it). (Justinboden86 02:59, 10 April 2007 (UTC))

Where your cousins live constitutes "original research" by Wikinerdia standards. Nanny nanny boo boo. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.163.65.143 (talk) 20:40, 14 June 2008 (UTC)

It was in the first series —Preceding unsigned comment added by Allwrights97 (talk • contribs) 19:47, 20 November 2008 (UTC)

There is a difference between where the show is filmed and where it is set. You are correct the show is filmed in California there is no debate (see: http://www.malcolminthemiddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=1249) there however where it is set is up for alot of debate and is never made explicit. See discussion here http://www.malcolminthemiddle.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=457 Tjpeople (talk) 20:53, 7 December 2008 (UTC)

Unencyclopedic Content

The sheer amount in this article is ridiculous. The Trivia, mysteries and character age sections should be removed entirely, and the setting section should be severely shortened. It also needs much more content on the development of the show, production etc. I'll wait for people to reply of course, but i'll certainly remove it at some point. Essentially it reads like a fansite. The character segment is also far too long, particularly as many have their own articles and alot of it is once again very unencyclopedic speculation. Edit: I removed a lot of it, course it's always there if anyone wants to incorporate any of the info into the rest of the article Slydevil 19:56, 14 April 2007 (UTC)

I agree with you to an extent. However it might have been better if you aloud a discussion here first, before removing such alot of content.Georgeryall 21:49, 15 April 2007 (UTC)

Yeah, that was a bit naughty of me. Thought I would take the 'be bold' thing to new heights. It was slightly more to spur the discussion on quicker before I forgot about this. Thanks thoughSlydevil 23:24, 15 April 2007 (UTC)

I was amazed and disappointed when I went to the page for reference to read the story of the mysterious last name again, only to find it was all removed. "Unencyclopedic" to inform the reader of a clear mystery in a five-time Emmy, Grammy-winning, and three time-nominated Golden Globe TV show? I don't think so. I have restored the story of the Wilkersons. (Note that many episode guides refer to characters as "Piama Tananahaakna Wilkerson", "Walter Wilkerson", "Daisy Wilkerson".) Gekritzl 23:50, 20 May 2007 (UTC)

Hi: I removed the "Characters" section, as there are already main articles on all of the main characters; I based this revision on the "That 70's Show" article, in which the main article itself merely links the characters and their real names to the articles about them. This article was way too long, and I agree, too fansite-ish. I also added a bit about Craig and Jamie, to flesh out the Secondary Characters section so it didn't need to be deleted altogether. I won't even try to take on the Trivia and such yet. If you all don't agree with the changes, feel free to simply revert them completely; however, I think the summary of each main character in addition to entire separate articles is overkill. Oh, and I also took out the "dysfunctional" bit in the main article; that is a harsh judgement of a family I would have loved to have. No one in the family drank excessively, physically abused anyone, neglected the children or had any lack of love for them. This is not a dysfunctional family, and the show doesn't need to be labeled as that (as "Roseanne" didn't deserve that label, either). Weiwuweix 03:47, 19 April 2007 (UTC)Sarah S.

Article is looking good to me now (removed some of the more arguable content, such as references to dynfunctionality, extra info that's irrelevant and uncitable), and now I think it's looking really good. I was looking into renominating it for "Good" status....but that seems to be above my head. Can someone else do that, and see if the "tone" disclaimer can be taken off yet? Weiwuweix 21:06, 19 April 2007 (UTC)Sarah S.

Great work! Looking a lot better, I don't know how to nominate an article, but that sounds like a top idea. Slydevil 15:31, 20 April 2007 (UTC)
I'd say it needs a little more work before nomination. Took off the tags in the Characters section, cause now it's just a few isolated sentences now that need work. ex. "It is alluded that Jamie could be almost "evil." Also that list of networks in the "Broadcast history" section ought to be made into a table. Does there exist a TV-syndication template for this purpose? Squidfryerchef 12:57, 20 April 2007 (UTC)
This article was removed from the Good Articles listing because it did not have enough references. It still does not have enough references, so nominating it for Good Article status would be pointless. The article is only up to about B standard right now. - kollision 13:49, 20 April 2007 (UTC)

Removed the "evil" sentence, although I'm not sure how to reword that or why it needed it (it was hinted at many times in a lot of episodes, so I didn't see it necessary to cite....?). Actually, does anyone object to me removing some of the section "broadcast history" such as what channel it *was* shown on when it was aired? Even if some are current listings for syndicated reruns, it's not "encyclopedic" and they're probably all expired listings anyways. This would cut WAY down on the bulk AND the need for citation (nothing in that section is cited, and wouldn't be worth looking for citation, anyways). I'll wait a few days to do this; I don't really see a reason to leave it, though. Weiwuweix 02:07, 21 April 2007 (UTC)Sarah S.

It should really be renamed then some of the information incorporated into something a bit more verifiable/encyclopedic, "early years" etc. So perhaps we should leave it until somsone finds the time to do that? Up to you. One other thing, I reckon the cast section should be removed - as the main characters, and the main secondary characters (including the actors names) are already in the article. Bit overkill. Slydevil 18:02, 21 April 2007 (UTC)
I would like to keep "Broadcast history", or rather, arrange it into a table of which networks air Malcolm in the Middle around the world.( though this sounds like something that belongs in an infobox ) We may not need to list former and future broadcasters, though. For the "evil" sentence we could mention a good example in a specific episode "for example, Jamie did ABC in episode XYZ" Squidfryerchef 02:28, 22 April 2007 (UTC)

See, the thing about the channel listings is that, besides listing the network (not channel number) that it was premiered on, it has no use. Even if the "channel" listings are current, Wiki isn't a TV Guide, you know? The channel listings add nothing to us "knowing" or "learning" about the show. Saying "It premiered on Fox in the US, and BBC4 (or whatever) in the UK, as well as "TeleSpain" in latin america" etc, would be fine, but saying "in italy it is on channel 4. In England it is on channel 6. In Russia it's on channel 9"----what's that adding? Wiki isn't supposed to be the end-all-be-all of every single bit of info on MitM, it's supposed to be the "relevant" info, right?

Will try to find an example of Jamie being "evil" to cite. And, as far as the "secondary characters" section, it can completely go, IMHO. I only added the Craig and Jamie stuff because I didn't want to just completely delete the Victor and Ida stuff (which wasn't mine, so I was being safe). It can stand to go, though. Weiwuweix 00:41, 23 April 2007 (UTC)Sarah S.

I reckon the Characters section should be kept. It is included WikiProject Television structure guide and all other Television Featured Articles (that I looked at) have one. It just needs to be kept brief (one paragraph) - include actor information and a general character description without any cruft, original research or speculation. The Characters and Cast sections should also be merged, the bit about guest stars could go under a Casting header though. Take a look at Firefly (TV series)#Cast and Arrested Development (TV series)#Characters (both FAs) for a good way to do it. Less deleting, more restructuring! - kollision 04:22, 23 April 2007 (UTC)
Right on, that sounds like a plan! I'll review those articles tonight, and make the appropriate changes. Weiwuweix 20:18, 27 April 2007 (UTC)Sarah S.
Nevermind, it's been done! It looks very nice, too! Weiwuweix 20:20, 27 April 2007 (UTC)Sarah S.
A problem, people (with good intentions), are filling in the recurring characters section. It's just becoming too large. It's simply adding length but not really contributing to the quality of the article. I didn't have the heart to remove what a couple guys 5 minutes ago had just spent writing, hehe. But Something should really be done about it. Slydevil 02:55, 9 May 2007 (UTC)

Edit: *Bashes head on table*, someone just expanded the awards section. I really don't think it's a good idea, per the reasons stated above. Perhaps changing the section to 'achievements' would be better? I reckon we should leave it, until we get more info on the production of the show, origins, impact on popular culture, writing etc..Things like that. Anybody willing to do a hunt? Not forgetting the format section needs expanding. Slydevil 03:52, 10 May 2007 (UTC)

My Apologies for expanding the awards section...I did not intend to but the section was not uniform with other TV Program articles where they state the awards. That's why there was the tag there Perhaps a seperate page needs to be created for the awards of Malcolm...if you notice that's not even ALL the awards...and normally articles only include Emmys, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild. My apologies and if you feel it needs to be reverted that is no problem with me Small5th 03:59, 10 May 2007 (UTC)
No need to apologise, it's very well done, and others still may not agree with me. :-) It's ok for now as the article still isn't that long, and we haven't got any content to replace it with. But thanks for taking the time to try and improve the article. Slydevil 13:41, 10 May 2007 (UTC)
If you actually read the tag I put for the Awards section, it was a request to convert the list to prose. I was looking for something along the lines of Lost (TV series)#Awards. As for the Format section, I wanted something about how the show typically begins with a Cold Open and how each episode is usually made up of several subplots. I'd appreciate it if someone could help me with that since I'm not so good at writing (only formatting). - kollision 13:48, 10 May 2007 (UTC)

There needs to be more info on production and where they show MITM currently and before (IMPORTANT). Imzy 18:41, 3 June 2007 (UTC)

Hey all, original poster here. We can all now look back and laugh at the state of the article just before I invaded. Now that it's seen some big improvements - anything there you want to include of what I deleted? diff Slydevil 18:20, 30 June 2007 (UTC)

DVD Releases

As the article says currently there is no news on the DVD release of seasons 2-7. There have been various illegal site selling them, but no official releases. If you have more information of release dates remember to include references.

One reassuring thing is that they are listed on NetFlicks Tjpeople 15:31, 3 May 2007 (UTC)

Season 2 is on Amazon.com but it hasn't been released yet 15:11, 22 May 2007 (UTC)

American?

Isn't Malcolm in the Middle a cross American/Canadian production? A friend of mine worked on the production and they are adimant that the sitcom is not American (or at least, not fully American). 90.240.156.176 (talk) 22:31, 2 June 2007 (UTC)

Cold open contention

Its not true that the cold open is always unrelated to the main program; in Traffic Jam, the cold open is the family leaving a water park (after receiving a lifetime ban) and Malcolm saying that he envied Dewey being at home with the baby sitter. Its then a cut to Dewey asking a scarecrow for help to get back home; this sets up the main part - Dewey's journey home and the rest of the family's trip and getting stuck in a traffic jam.

Perhaps rephrasing the sentence to something like ...the cold open was, in most cases, unrelated to the main part of the episode.

Apepper 18:00, 4 July 2007 (UTC)

Episode lengths

I think that we should change the episode length from 22 minutes to 21 minutes because almost all episodes are 20-21 minutes long not 22.

Thanks, 82.30.11.226 10:27, 9 July 2007 (UTC)

Guest Star List

I thought the list of guest stars might be too hard to read as they were crammed together - some of which I couldn't make out - so I created a list of guest stars by putting bulllet points on it. I think the article is better that way. Any quesries just reply to this or go to my talk page... LOTRrules 20:32, 14 August 2007 (UTC)

Wilkerson / Nolastname

There is currently a move debate going on at Talk:Malcolm Wilkerson, regarding the last name of the family. —AldeBaer 19:23, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

I don't think that "Nolastname" has any currency in the fiction. If I were you, I would argue that Wilkerson doesn't either, rather than say that the case for Nolastname is as strong. Croctotheface 14:06, 4 September 2007 (UTC)

The Simpsons Setting

In the setting section it mentions the show is much like The Simpons, because we don't know the setting..but everyone knows the Simpsons live in Springfield, Illinois on Evergreen Terrace. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.192.223.240 (talk) 20:37, 1 October 2007 (UTC)

Evidence that it's Springfield, IL? Croctotheface 21:09, 1 October 2007 (UTC)

Reverts of Master P's edits

Seems to be an editor trying to revert war with me. Just letting editors know on the page to watch out. The Chatz user may cause a lot of edit warring on this article. Masta P 02:50, 9 October 2007 (UTC)

It isn't a revert war - you edit was contrary to the style guide, which governs (among other things) page layout, formatting, and so on. If I hadn't reverted you, someone else would. (By the way, it's "Ckatz", not "Chatz".) --Ckatzchatspy 03:08, 9 October 2007 (UTC)

WP:3RR violation re: Everybody Hates Chris

It seems that an edit war, including a WP:3RR violation, has been going on over whether the following is relevant to the article:

Another show with similarities to ''Malcolm In The Middle'' that uses no laugh track along with only one camera is ''[[Everybody Hates Chris]].''<ref>http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:0Cj-dmGZvaIJ:www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx%3Fid%3D20070912cw01+single-camera+comedy+everybody+hates+chris&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us</ref> <ref>http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:FWYgiCnI9G4J:sharetv.org/shows/everybody_hates_chris+Everybody+Hates+Chris+no+laugh+track&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us</ref>

I personally feel that this is irrelevant to the article, especially in the lead section, since EHC came after MitM. However, since it is apparently a contentious issue, I'd like to ask for opinions over whether it should be kept or not. mattbuck 10:56, 29 October 2007 (UTC)

Rest assured, it's not an edit war - the 3RR violation was by Foofiles, who has since been blocked as a sockpuppet of banned user EverybodyHatesChris. --Ckatzchatspy 04:08, 30 October 2007 (UTC)

Famous Guest Stars

I don't see why this show (or any, for that matter) rates a lengthy list of names, with no context. Why are they notable? Did that actor's character change a regular character significantly? Is the actor related in a significant way to a regular cast member (i.e. the last name on the list is Kaczmarek's real husband, but that's the only name given any significance) Or is it just "for fun" to have the list (meaning, it's non encyclopedic and unneccessary). At the very least it ought to be formatted into several columns, because it's presently just a long long list of names to scroll past, "hey, we're famous people! we were on this show once! wheee!" 71.164.121.71 06:33, 16 November 2007 (UTC)

This has been debated before, and it stayed. Mitm is often noted for its significant guest stars - thats why they are relevant. People also come looking for info about the show having certain guest stars in mind. Tjpeople (talk)
I'm not sure what "often noted" means, but I have something of a problem with the lack of sources. I also think that, yes, a very long list of names, in a single column, seems sort of like a trivia list. We'd be better served by a few paragraphs about the most significant guest appearances. Croctotheface (talk) 06:46, 17 November 2007 (UTC)

Credits sequence

There seems to be a dispute as to whether the list of clips shown in the credits should be kept. I personally consider it to be non-notable trivia, and completely uncited. I would however accept that it has a place IF it were written in prose (rather than a list), and that all the items were cited. mattbuck (talk) 03:01, 3 January 2008 (UTC)

Episode descriptions

Someone is going around and deleting/creating articles on the individual episosodes again, probably a sock-puppet of User:TNN. The user is User:Mzaincontributor, deleting the bulk of the articles and leaving only a skeleton. Please, anybody with authority, restore the original content and block the vandal Mzaincontributor. Geĸrίtz (talk) 12:25, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

See Red Dress (Malcolm in the Middle). A couple days ago it was a full episode description. Mzaincontributor pulled some trick that deleted the edit history, so we can't just revert. Same with the other episodes from the first season. I wonder what other vandalism Mzaincontributor is doing? Geĸrίtz (talk)

Please use caution before making accusations... Mzaincontributor appears to be creating new articles that happen to have different titles, hence the lack of an edit history. This doesn't appear to be connected to TTN in any way. --Ckatzchatspy 21:10, 9 March 2008 (UTC)
I used caution - a few days ago, the entire episode descriptions were there. Mzaincontributor is using some trick to delete the detailed articles, and make it look like new articles. Geĸrίtz (talk)

Awards and Nominations

I was sick of seeing such a long and redundent list of "Awards" that I copied the Friends page and used their format. This new way reduces space and it looks more presentable and easier to read. They used a smaller font on the Friends page, but you are welcome to return it to normal size if you think it looks better. Small5th (talk) 06:53, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Where does Ida live??

In "Christmas" episode (3rd Season), Lois told Francis while he was at Alaka: "You're going to Whitehorse, you're going to the pharmacy and buy a Christmas card" "You'll visit your grandmother and you'll have a nice Christmas". Later, when Jamie was born, Ida went to Lois' house and said "I'm moving in" and said after that: "My house burned down, it's a mystery". However, we can suggest that, as on "Christmas" episode, her cigarette came out of her mouth and the the carpet burned and later the house. On the episode "Ida loses a leg", Lois goes with her mother to another apartment, so Ida, with no doubt, did'nt live with Susan after she went out of Lois' place when Jamie was born. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Hilanin (talk • contribs) 18:04, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

Hal's family

He referred to his family a couple of times, but actually, they only appeared only once ("Family Reunion") at Season 4, because on "Home Alone 4", they only mentioned Lois' nickname: "Lois common denominator". —Preceding unsigned comment added by Hilanin (talk • contribs) 18:09, 1 August 2008 (UTC)

family background

season 6, episode 18....Ida and Lois say "Noroc!" thats romanian and means "cheers". So I guess it´s not polish. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Raketenaugust (talk • contribs) 14:20, 2 March 2009 (UTC)

Opening credits-giant turtle

I'm pretty sure the three people fighting a giant turtle are men not women...... Maybe this should be changed???? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 131.227.228.91 (talk) 12:23, 21 March 2009 (UTC)

Complete Seasons 1-7 release?

Is that true? —Preceding unsigned comment added by BJ08 (talk • contribs) 18:29, 15 August 2009 (UTC)

Stuff added with no header

Dear Mr. or Ms. 71.204.24.194:

You changed my revision to the Malcolm in the Middle article. You may have been correct to do so, but how do you know? Both interpretations are equally plausible. What is the authority for your view?

I’ve made my change twice in good faith. Wouldn’t it be courteous for you to make some mention in the discussion of why you took them out?

If I don’t hear from you I’m going to protest your actions.

OK, I don't have any evidence that I'm correct, other than that it sounds on its face that I am. Since I can't prove it, I'm going to let your interpretation lay. I think it was rude of you to delete two of my changes without comment. It caused me to waste a lot of time. One of the Wiki rules, remember, is "Be polite". —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.146.81.226 (talk) 21:34, 7 March 2010 (UTC) Mastrude (talk) 08:46, 13 January 2010 (UTC)

If you search the web for Krelboynes you'll find it used in other sites like tv.com. IMDB lists "Krelboyne Picnic" as an episode name, and Amazon lists it as a Scholastic Readers book. None of these are reliable sources, but they support the Krelboyne hypothesis. What support do you have for your Krell hypothesis? Xsmasher (talk) 02:21, 14 January 2010 (UTC)

Why is "Mohamud Yusuf" listed as a star of the show? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.143.28.247 (talk) 11:38, 23 August 2010 (UTC)

Wonder why my revision of Fiver's second nightly screening was reverted to 'about 7.30' when it clearly airs at 7.35?

Otto, who runs the "Grotto" ist definitely NOT german! I don't know wich scandinavian country he's actually from, someone who knows, please edit! Maxeem Kammerer (talk) 15:43, 23 September 2011 (UTC)

Are you referring to the character or the actor? Thatotherperson (talk/contribs) 17:58, 23 September 2011 (UTC)

Jaime

You missed jaime the 5th kid. (by Miguel Corral) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 189.180.36.181 (talk) 02:26, 21 January 2011 (UTC)

Infobox → Starring

I'm questioning whether James and Lukas Rodriguez (Jamie) should be listed in the infobox as having a "starring" role. I realize they played a member of the main family but they were around for less than half the series and had exactly one line, as far as I can remember. I think their names should be removed. Thatotherperson (talk) 06:57, 20 February 2011 (UTC)

Sitcom taping via IMDB Incorrect

http://www.cbssc.com/past-prod.htm

Taping of sound-stage shots took place in the CBS Radford studios. In addition to being on the studio's site as a past production, I can personally verify that filming, at least from season 4-5 took place on the lot. I visited during filming of a Chloris Leechman episode, walked through the house (interior), and visited the stables that Francis had on his final job. I also saw the school yard, which was on the east end of the lot, bordering Colfax Ave. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.50.80.36 (talk) 07:16, 23 June 2013 (UTC)

Well that would certainly make sense, considering how much closer that studio is to the other main filming locations than the 20th Century Fox studio. Whoever wrote that on IMDB was likely guessing based on the fact that Malcolm aired on FOX. I've changed the article with your link as the new source.
Thatotherperson (talk/contribs) 09:50, 23 June 2013 (UTC)

Surname

Recent addition of the surname Wilkerson to this article. They did not have a surname in the series. Now, if I'm remembering correctly, the surname Wilkerson was on Francis's name tag in an early episode, and it was also referred to in the Season 1 DVD documentary, "A Stroke of Genius". I feel like this surname could be mentioned in the article, possibly in the premise section, but I strongly disagree with including it in the characters section as they were never referred to as the Wilkersons in the actual series. Melonkelon (talk) 01:21, 23 July 2014 (UTC)

@Screamo4211: Please comment. Melonkelon (talk) 22:02, 27 July 2014 (UTC)
I just found this article from the Chicago Tribune: "The family's last name has never been mentioned directly on the Fox sitcom hit because series creator Linwood Boomer did not want to put any specific ethnic label on the characters. "Malcolm" trivia buffs will tell you that Boomer's original pilot script included the family surname Wilkerson, which appeared in some very early drafts of Fox promotional material and on the military-school uniform worn by Francis (Christopher Kennedy Masterson) in the pilot. A Fox publicist emphasizes that officially the family's last name should be considered a mystery." [4] Melonkelon (talk) 21:17, 13 August 2014 (UTC)

Breaking Bad

Can someone mention the Breaking Bad Alternate Ending that shows Breaking Bad to be a dream Hal (from Malcom in the Middle) was having?

No Joke, this actually exists. [5] 86.46.193.66 (talk) 13:38, 18 April 2015 (UTC)

External links modified (October 2015)

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Genius?

The article says of Reese that "despite being unwilling to think, Reese is as much a genius as his brothers, though in less traditional or obvious ways," but later calls him "a complete moron by birth." These appear to be contradictory. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to say he's unwilling to think, as though he's an intelligent person who is unintelligent by choice. He's portrayed throughout the entire series as below average intellectually. His natural talent as a chef doesn't really make him a "genius" on the level of Malcolm. Sadiemonster (talk) 16:14, 16 February 2017 (UTC)

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School location link wrong

Under Production->Filming, the link for Colfax Elementary in North Hollywood points to Colfax Elementary in Pittsburgh PA. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.251.101.184 (talk) 13:36, 19 July 2020 (UTC)

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