Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair - Nostalgic reunion is flawless
James Cox
So often, reboots or reunions of classic sitcoms are a let-down, but Malcolm in the Middle is a glorious exception.
Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair follows the return of Frankie Muniz's Malcolm as we see how his life has panned out.
In case it's not obvious, there are spoilers in this piece if you have not seen Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair.
In a very on brand move for Malcolm, we soon learn his strategy for remaining sane, and thriving, in life, distance from his family. As much distance as possible.
Malcolm is now the chief of a successful charity and has a teenage daughter who he has hidden from his family.
Of course, Hal (Bryan Cranston) and Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) are not OK with this.
The writing is brilliant, as it was in the original series, and much of the best scenes involve the parents of the unruly family, and no, we do not learn their surname.
As Lois prepares for a huge party to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary, Hal unravels, a plot viewers of the show will be familiar with.
However, this tops anything we've seen from Hal before as Cranston steals the show.
In scenes of absolute brilliance, Hal undertakes a drug-induced 'ego death' where he hallucinates and comes face to face with his inner demons, including 'Evil Hal'.
Somehow, Cranston produces some of his best acting (including Walter White), sweating and naked on the ground in a drug-induced 'awakening'.
So many of the original stars from the show return, which will delight fans. Standouts include Reese (Justin Berfield), Francis (Christopher Masterson) and Stevie (Craig Lamar Traylor).
The youngest member of the family, who made a dramatic entrance at the end of the series, is also a brilliant addition. Vaughan Murrae plays Kelly.
We won't spoil the ending, but the four episodes tie the show up brilliantly.
This includes an emotional scene between Malcolm and Lois where they finally bury the hatchet, and get some real understanding of each other.
All four episodes of Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair, can be streamed on Disney+.
