21. Reese Joins The Army (Part 1)

Complete story — includes the ending

Reese's new girlfriend Beth is about as dim-witted as he is. Malcolm initially dislikes her, but they soon grow to like each other too much, and Beth breaks up with Reese. Devastated, Reese runs away and joins the Army under the false surname "Jetson", where his usual antics get him punished until he outperforms other recruits by training himself to blindly obey every command from drill instructor Sergeant Hendrix. Hal's company goes under, and two FBI agents want him to falsely testify against his employer. He refuses, but they arrest him when the employer provides false testimony against Hal. Lois stresses out when she must work overtime at Lucky Aide to make ends meet. Her snappy demeanor and mounting mental instability get her fired. Dewey enters a piano contest and is angry when no one notices.