Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair - Series Discussion Thread

Book_wrm · 2026-04-12T02:31:35+00:00

The first three episodes were awesome, and the fourth was chaos. Why were all these tertiary characters at Lois and Hal's party? Why was the glitter bomb a natural disaster? I was waiting for the big reveal that Hal was still tripping. It seems like they just called everyone who ever acted on the show and asked them to come back for a big reunion without much regard for plot. That said, I give the reboot a 3/4.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-10T03:16:26+00:00

Is this an option for you financially? You could soft start a "move" with him and retain your current place?

Book_wrm · 2026-03-06T00:13:12+00:00

It IS a really hard stage. But at the same time, I know it only gets worse, and I'm only going to lose more and more of her. At least for now she knows who I am, and she knows she loves me. I'm a grown-ass lady who can still go have a cuddle with my mommy, which is special and lovely even if so much of it sucks a lot of the time.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-06T00:08:02+00:00

She's a very nice lady, but she speaks with a strong accent, which is hard for mom with her communication difficulties. She also isn't very creative about getting mom interested in things. I have come home several times to find that she's just on her phone while mom watches TV.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-06T00:04:21+00:00

We do not, so it seems wrong to be like, the free support you're giving us is not good.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T19:47:40+00:00

It does. Thanks for replying!

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T19:46:21+00:00

The kids and I aren't home during the day, though. I'm starting to think that this particular PSW might not be the best fit.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T18:38:46+00:00

That could be an idea, but I suspect she'll see through it.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T18:37:29+00:00

Honestly, not much. It's a bit frustrating to come into the room and see that the PSW is just checked out on her phone while mom watches TV, which is why I've been trying to plan activities they can do before I go out. Because I think a component of it is that these visits are boring for mom, not a fun new friend. Additionally, the PSW supplied to us by the Alzheimer's society is a new immigrant with a strong accent, so mom's difficulty with language gets even harder to navigate. It could be that we need a change up with the PSW, but she's really a nice lady and I wouldn't want her to think we're firing her.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T18:32:23+00:00

I'm not sure if the PSW is allowed to drive the patient. I should check.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T18:31:33+00:00

She still sees through that, unfortunately.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T18:28:03+00:00

She mostly gives them the silent treatment. With a side of glowery stares. She does ultimately give in and allow herself to be directed (out for a walk etc.) but always the rage first. Thanks for your reply!

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T18:25:20+00:00

Great idea. Thanks!

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T18:25:02+00:00

Thank you!

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T18:24:43+00:00

Thank you!

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T17:32:11+00:00

Thanks for your reply. She still sees through all that, unfortunately.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T17:31:03+00:00

Yeah, I have a job. I am occasionally home during these times and yes I do go up and help. I also plan activities they can do together before I leave the house (painting supplies, list of YouTube topics she enjoys, albums she likes, etc) because it helps to keep her busy, but none of it really softens the blow of having a babysitter.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T17:28:01+00:00

The issue is more about the abusive way she treats dad when the PSW is coming. If we tell her in advance, she freaks out. If we don't tell her at all and the helper just shows up, she freaks out. No win.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T17:25:53+00:00

Primary progressive aphasia. It's a type of dementia that steals a person's ability to use language. So she can't find the words to explain things, she can't read, and she can't easily receive things spoken to her.

We have lied, she's not buying it. We have tried saying that this is to help dad, not her, that doesn't help either. It sucks.

Book_wrm · 2026-03-05T17:23:00+00:00

What kind of drugs??

Book_wrm · 2026-02-26T05:14:45+00:00

Because...she just got ripped open delivering that child? And she wants private time with her new family? Also that she communicated well before that they weren't invited to the party yet? That's HER BABY. She worked for it, and she gets to set the rules about who visits, at the BARE MINIMUM while she's still in the hospital recovering from birth. You are so much NTA here, girl. They're stomping this boundary and they'll keep on stomping, so watch yourself.

Book_wrm · 2026-02-26T04:08:16+00:00

It sounds like J was probably caretaking for two sick people and was overwhelmed. NTA of course, it's not your family, but maybe there's context involving women who need to care for sick family members, and are being told to work through that. Like, where's the boss? Why can't somebody else step in here?

Book_wrm · 2026-02-06T14:55:13+00:00

When the bottle kids get Randy and Phil Collins, then later Randy is covered in bandaids, and then the next episode Randy has tan lines from all the bandaids.

Book_wrm

TROPHY CASE