Plot summary
Malcolm is depressed, and the family goes to the zoo. Reese battles a goat, while Malcolm and Dewey end up in a tiger pit. Dewey calms Malcolm long enough for Reese to save them by tossing the goat in the tiger pit. This experience makes Malcolm see his life in a whole new light. Lois' ex-boyfriend, Matt ( Tim DeKay ), works at the zoo and his demonstration of a tarantula on Hal results in Hal getting a nasty bite. While Hal recovers, Matt inadvertently reveals to him that Lois actually had a third boyfriend, leading to a serious confrontation between Hal and Lois. Francis and Piama's road trip across America results in them meeting a German couple named Otto ( Kenneth Mars ) and Gretchen ( Meagen Fay ) who offer Francis a job at their dude ranch, the Grotto.
Credits
Adapted from Wikipedia contributors, Malcolm in the Middle season 4. HTML formatting and reference markers removed.