22. Reese Joins The Army (Part 2)

Complete story — includes the ending

The company uses Hal as a scapegoat. As Lois' mental instability worsens, Francis enlists Malcolm to forge their father's signature in a document that would declare Lois mentally incompetent, emancipate Malcolm, and give Francis and Piama custody of Dewey and Jamie. However, only the missing Reese knows Hal's signature. During a battle simulation, Reese's team is captured because he has trained himself not to think, but he escapes by recalling how he avoided being grounded by his parents and devising an elaborate prank. Malcolm finds evidence that destroys the prosecution's case against Hal but infuriates Lois and snaps her back to normal. She reads a letter form Reese stating he has graduated basic training at the top of his class and received a "reward", which he learns means being deployed into combat in Afghanistan.