Malcolm in the Middle (TV Series)

Reese Comes Home (2004)

Jane Kaczmarek: Lois Wilkerson

Photos 

Quotes 

• Lois : You know, sergeant, you and I aren't so different. I mean if you think about it, we both have the same job. Taking a bunch of mindless irresponsible teenagers and turning them into something vaguely useful to the world.

• Lois : Did you make everone suffer for what the one kid did?

  Sgt. Hendrix : Of course, but it never lasts, does it? It is stunning how much punishment they require.

  Lois : Tell me about it. I'm amazed I get anything else done... Did you ever try the opposite?

  Sgt. Hendrix : What do you mean?

  Lois : Give one of them special privileges for no reason.

  Sgt. Hendrix : How does that work?

  Lois : It's really pretty neat. The others don't know why he got special privileges, so they start doing everything right just to catch up. And then the one you singled out starts getting suspicious and paranoid and he starts informing on the stragglers.

  Sgt. Hendrix : Pretty good. You mind if I steal that one?

  Lois : Be my guest. You know another good one? Let them pick punishments for each other. It exercises their creativity and keeps them from ganging up on you.

  Sgt. Hendrix : Nice!