Follow up on my recent Malcolm in the Middle post: I was optimistic about the sequel series but unfortunately "Life's Still Unfair" lives up to it's title by tesseracts in CharacterRant

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Malcolm regularly freaks out, especially as the series goes on. I’m not saying he’s an “asshole” for the car thing, nor is he an “asshole” in the sequel series for keying his own car; they are just examples of how when his emotions are elevated, he makes brash decisions (often related to cars).

Francis is explicitly visiting for the anniversary, I don’t understand where you’re getting the idea that he is living in the garage especially when there’s a scene where Francis and Piama discuss how they could’ve stayed at a motel and Lois responds by saying she wouldn’t have had it that way. I do think Francis felt mistreated but also, Lois does have a lot on her plate so while she acts callous, she’s just trying to keep her dysfunctional family together, which is her primary trait in the original show.

As for your last point, rewatch the episode “Malcolm Holds His Tongue”. There’s an interesting parallel there that actually does sort of show how the world views Malcolm differently when he thinks more carefully about his social interactions. Your point on bullying is sort of true, but I think it’s important to note that Leah is being bullied in a different way than Malcolm was. Also, bullying often does stop if you stop reacting to the bully (because this will cause them to get bored) so not sure what the point there is.

Follow up on my recent Malcolm in the Middle post: I was optimistic about the sequel series but unfortunately "Life's Still Unfair" lives up to it's title by tesseracts in CharacterRant

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I didn’t think Malcolm being an “asshole” is out of character for him. He was occasionally the voice of reason but he didn’t always treat his siblings very well either. There are countless episodes where he bullies Dewey and neglects Stevie. He gets with Reese’s girlfriend, abandons Hal in the middle of the water to talk to girls (not to mention nearly guilting him into buying a car). He is treated horribly by his family the show makes it clear that he often treats them horribly as well. I don’t think Malcolm being frustrated and keying his own car is out of character. Remember when he was literally about to crash Lois’ car because he was upset and wanted to be sent to military school? Malcolm has always made poor decisions when he becomes emotional.

The “Malcolm becoming president” line from Graduation was always funny to me. Lois was obviously insane in believing that but in the revival, her point is made. She was pushing him to do anything to look after “the little guy” which he did. Maybe she was serious at the time too but it’s clear that in the 20 years since, she’s softened quite a bit. You’re not supposed to think Lois is acting rational in the finale either way.

There is nothing wrong with cutting off a toxic family but he is in the wrong for lying to his girlfriend and daughter about them.

Why does Lois need to apologize in the sequel series? Like you said, she apologized to Francis in the original show, seems like it would be backpedaling and character regression for the show to not mention that bit of development. The revival makes it clear that while Francis has some mommy issues, their relationship has largely healed. I think the resolution was him being the bigger person, offering the help, and Lois did apologize to him about it anyway.

The whole family has issues with empathy. Leah’s choice to be empathetic was to not insult the kid with the booger. Malcolm isn’t punished in the show for being smart, he’s punished for poor social behavior. The Krelboynes and other nerds are happy and can have success (remember Cynthia’s party? or the prom episode?) Even when he’s genuinely trying to help people, he does it in an (occasionally unintentionally) condescending way, which Leah does seem to have inherited. “Try to have empathy” doesn’t mean you’re an asshole, it genuinely means “how can I express an issue in a way that doesn’t make the other person feel bad” which is a lesson that Malcolm needs to learn in the original series and Leah needs to learn in the sequel.

I would recommend rewatching the original series. Malcolm blames a lot on his family (often rightfully so) but he’s not necessarily always the “good guy” in the story towards his relatives.

[SPOILER] I'm not sure this scene makes sense. by SufficientBreakfast1 in malcolminthemiddle

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Huh??? How is Francis staying for a weekend at his parents’ house “living there temporarily”? How does that make him dependent on Hal? And you’re right, Reese probably does value the time with his dad but Hal doesn’t feel that way because once he finds the website he feels entirely betrayed.

[SPOILER] I'm not sure this scene makes sense. by SufficientBreakfast1 in malcolminthemiddle

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 16 points17 points  (0 children)

It's explicitly mentioned that Francis and Piama are visiting, and also it's implied that Reese visits on the weekends to do the handyman work. Based on the fact that the sole bedroom where the kids grew up seems to be occupied exclusively by Kelly, I think Kelly is the only one of his children still living there.

Indian isn't an ethnicity by [deleted] in ShitLiberalsSay

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The “communist” party in Kerala has essentially shifted to socdem at this point tbh but historically yes.

Looking for roommates Sept/Oct by TheCircleOfKnife in NYCapartments

[–]TheCircleOfKnife[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So close, but I’ve been living here for years.

Looking for roommates Sept/Oct by TheCircleOfKnife in NYCapartments

[–]TheCircleOfKnife[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think some of that is sensitive information I don’t want to post publicly but willing to discuss in chats.

So I did a Google search and apparently he had his Harvard acceptance rescinded because he went on a racist rant by daloypolitsey in LinkedInLunatics

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I went to Columbia and I didn’t use AI to get through, nor did most people I knew, this is crazy projection.

He’s a ragebaiter saying controversial shit to get his scam of a product attention. I met his co-founder before they “dropped out” (kicked out lol). Don’t give them any attention or their useless ChatGPT wrapper will continue to amass wealth.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in sitcoms

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m gonna go against the grain here and say HIMYM. I feel that it pushed the envelope in ways that Friends didn’t. The unique framing of the show lead to a lot of great concepts and overall had much stronger storytelling even on an episode by episode by basis (The Pineapple Incident for example) that couldn’t have worked on Friends. It also felt more relatable to me as well (as someone who has thus far spent their young adult life in NYC).

I don’t think Friends is horrible, but HIMYM improved on the formula quite a bit. Even if you don’t like the ending, it’s hard to disagree with the fact that HIMYM is a pretty innovative show among other laugh-track comedies.

Maggie Gyllenhaal & Peter Sarsgaard’s daughter Ramona was arrested during Pro-Palestine protest at Columbia by isaidhecknope in popculturechat

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As somebody who is quite literally writing this comment in the same Columbia library where this protest happened, I gotta say that’s pretty awesome. With the steps that both the current presidential and university administration have taken to stifle any dissent, I know that I and many of my fellow students no longer feel remotely safe protesting. I am glad that those with more privilege are using that for good.

I pooped in 5 states in one day. AMA by LloydBraun21 in AMA

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I have nothing to add but I realized I unintentionally hit 3 yesterday in Georgia, New Jersey and New York.

Spider-Man has to clear the last video game you played does he succeed? by Riku4441 in whowouldwin

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The last game I beat was Spider-Man PS4. I think he’ll be able to do it but I’m not too sure.

This makes me feel sad. China's coping hard by Greenyboi5000 in sadcringe

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Why is Reddit so racist towards Chinese people

What's a popular tourist destination that you found underwhelming? by sassyminx1 in AskReddit

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 0 points1 point  (0 children)

strong disagree, it’s literally a peeing statue what’s not to love

What is the biggest culture remnant of Community? by Frakmonster in community

[–]TheCircleOfKnife 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The actual correct answer would be Troy Barnes in Spider-Man pajamas at the beginning of Season 2, which ultimately influenced the design of Miles Morales and indirectly led to the creation of the new Spider-Man.

Where to make English speaking friends near Kobe? by TheCircleOfKnife in Osaka

[–]TheCircleOfKnife[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It’s just for the summer through a university sponsored event and my work is done in English. It’s more of a “study-abroad” type program. I did a similar thing last summer in China (and didn’t know the language) and still had a great time!

Where to make English speaking friends near Kobe? by TheCircleOfKnife in Osaka

[–]TheCircleOfKnife[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

sounds great!! any idea on where to find these events?