Plot summary
Lois gives the boys money to buy her birthday presents, but they spend most of it on candy and give her cheap gifts. When Hal forgets it is her birthday, Lois runs away and goes to a batting cage. Francis, who had come home for Lois' birthday, convinces an African school student to ditch her bus tour and come with him instead. When he learns what his brothers have done, he disciplines them for their selfishness but decides to stay home with the student. At the batting cage, Hal and the boys throw a party for Lois together, but she isn't impressed. However, when the lead clown hired objectifies her, the family fight with all the clowns, and Lois is touched by their actions.
Credits
Adapted from Wikipedia contributors, Malcolm in the Middle season 2. HTML formatting and reference markers removed.