Ep 15. Reese's Apartment

Reese's Apartment

In episode 15 of season 5 of Malcolm in the Middle, entitled "Reese's Apartment," the audience gets a glimpse of life outside the Wilkerson household as Reese moves out and sets up his own apartment. In the previous episode, Reese had lost his job and took it out on the family, leading Hal and Lois to kick him out of the house. The episode begins with Reese living in a shabby apartment with barely any furniture and no food in the fridge.

Reese is struggling to make ends meet and is unable to afford anything beyond a cheap, run-down apartment. His only companion is a fish, which he names Steve. As Reese sits in his apartment, he hears music blasting from the neighbor's apartment. He goes to confront the neighbor, only to find a young woman named Janine. Reese is immediately smitten by her and they hit it off.

However, it becomes clear that Janine has a shady job, which involves greeting men at her apartment and receiving payments for it. Reese tries to tell her to quit the job, but she refuses to listen. Meanwhile, his brothers try to help him financially, but their plans backfire, causing Reese to spiral deeper into debt. Desperate to make some quick money, Reese turns to Janine, asking if he can help her with her job.

The episode takes a comedic turn when Reese's family members try to convince him to return home, but he stubbornly refuses. Lois and Hal try to send him food and clothing, but he returns them unopened, feeling embarrassed at his situation. Francis offers him a job at the ranch, but Reese refuses, wanting to make it on his own. Malcolm tries to help by giving him a budgeting talk, but Reese is clueless about money management.

As the episode progresses, Reese and Janine plan a heist to steal the neighbor's expensive flat-screen TV. Reese attempts to put the plan into action, but it fails miserably and Reese ends up with a giant hole in his apartment. Meanwhile, Janine is arrested for prostitution, and Reese is left alone to deal with the mess.

In the end, Lois and Hal come to Reese's apartment, where they find him defeated and at his lowest point. They offer to let him come home, but Reese refuses, feeling like a failure. Hal then tells him that they will always be there for him, no matter what. Reese finally realizes that he cannot make it on his own and agrees to come home.

The episode ends with Reese packing up his things, saying goodbye to Steve the fish, and leaving his apartment. The audience is left wondering what the future holds for Reese and his family and how this experience will change him in the long run.

"Reese's Apartment" is a poignant and humorous look at the struggles of growing up and taking responsibility. It showcases Reese's vulnerable side and his willingness to make a change in his life. The episode also highlights the importance of family and the unconditional love they have for one another. The writers of the show have done an exceptional job of weaving comedy and drama seamlessly into the storyline, leaving viewers with a satisfying and heartwarming episode.