u/0rdered-Reordered

I never noticed during the original run, the same basic things happen like 20 times a season:

Something bad happens to Malcolm (almost every other episode)

Hal gets a new hobby

Reese concocts a ludicrous / stupid plan and hijinx ensues

Dewey goes off on his own on some weird sidequest.

Lois comes into conflict with someone/something

This is not a criticism although towards the end of the series it starts getting a little tired out at times