Of course it's "unnecessary" ... the original was pointless nonsense
and almost all reboots / resurrections / remakes are complete crap
anyway.
'Malcolm in the Middle' Reboot 'Life's Still Unfair'
Is Totally Unnecessary
----------------------------------------------------
Twenty-six years after its debut on Fox, the hit sitcom "Malcolm in
the Middle" has returned as a four-episode miniseries reboot on
Disney+. The show, which is titled "Malcolm in the Middle: Life's
Still Unfair," catches up with Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) and his
family as they gear up to celebrate Hal (Bryan Cranston) and Lois'
(Jane Kaczmarek) 40th wedding anniversary. Like the countless
reboots that have been conjured up throughout the past decade,
from "The Conners" to "Will & Grace" and "Fuller House," the
original cast (except for Erik Per Sullivan, who portrayed Dewey in
the first series) reprises their roles. Yet, neither the nostalgia
nor the whimsy present makes this revival feel worthwhile.
With original "Malcolm in the Middle" creator Linwood Boomer at the
helm, as "Life's Still Unfair" opens, fans are given a rapid-fire
recap of some of the most memorable moments of the earlier show.
From there, the audience catches up with Malcolm himself. Breaking
the fourth wall, he declares he's happy and successful. The Harvard
alum also shares that he can be productive even when he's surrounded
by idiots. In addition to running his charity business, Malcolm also
reveals that he's a single dad to his teenage daughter, Leah (Keeley
Karste), and he's in a loving relationship with his girlfriend,
Tristian (Kiana Madeira). However, he explains he's able to thrive
because he's chosen to have very limited contact with his parents
and siblings. In fact, he's already concocted a plan to avoid
attending Lois and Hal's soiree.
Malcolm has seemingly turned over a new leaf, but the rest of his
family are exactly who they've always been. Hal remains loving,
emotional and completely oblivious. Meanwhile, Lois is just as
fearsome and controlling as ever. Though she and Hal still treat each
other tenderly, in "Life's Still Unfair," she's on a rampage,
determined to plan the perfect party despite her children (and Hal's)
continued antics and any financial strain it's causing them.
The siblings are exactly who fans will remember them to be (for the
most part). Eldest son Francis (Christopher Masterson) and his wife
Piama (Emy Coligado) remain in a happy marriage, but the couple now
lives in Hal and Lois' garage, so it's a bit too close for comfort.
Second-born Reese (Justin Berfield) has, unfortunately, as expected,
not amounted to much. However, he and Hal do spend a great deal of
time doing odd jobs around the house. Dewey (now portrayed by Caleb
Ellsworth-Clark) has taken his musical gifts across the globe and is
primarily seen in this show via video chat. Fifth son Jamie (Anthony
Timpano) now works for the Coast Guard. And finally, Kelly (Vaughan
Murrae), the baby Lois was pregnant with in the series finale, is a
thoughtful teenager, trying to keep sane in their chaotic household.
Though Malcolm has effectively distanced himself from his family, his
choices all come to a head after Lois and Hal make a surprise visit
to his home, demanding his presence at their anniversary party. This
drop in reveals numerous secrets and lies Malcolm has hidden from his
parents, Leah and Tristian. Composed of just four 30-minute episodes,
"Life's Still Unfair" feels more like a reunion special bursting with
cameos than an actual reboot.
This finale certainly has a heartfelt moment or two, but the show
overall is wholly unnecessary. Aside from Cranston and Kaczmarek, who
remain pitch-perfect nearly three decades later, none of the other
jokes truly land or reveal anything significant about the original
sitcom - the majority of the comedy in "Life's Still Unfair" feels
clunky and forced. Still, there is one notable delight in the series.
The final episode ends with a charming and heartfelt (albeit chaotic)
display that will make even the most reboot-fatigued viewer crack a
smile or two. Yet, as the credits roll, it's quite clear that "Malcolm
in the Middle" was of a different era. And that era is long gone.
All four episodes of "Malcolm in the Middle: Life's Still Unfair"
premiere on April 10 on Hulu.
<
https://au.variety.com/2026/tv/reviews/malcolm-in-the-middle-lifes-still-unfair-review-35110/>
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