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Academic Octathalon

‘Academic Octathalon’

Season 4, Episode 16 -  Aired April 13, 2003

Malcolm and his classmates travel to an academic competition. Reese tries to get out of going to a dance with Alison. Dewey claims he no longer loves his father after Hal says he's too big for piggyback rides. Meanwhile, Francis's argument with Piama spreads.

Quote from Mr. Herkabe

Mr. Herkabe: Someone I know was a busy little team player last night.
Malcolm: It just came to me what the right thing to do was.
Mr. Herkabe: I've never been prouder of you than at this moment. We never spoke.

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Quote from Mr. Herkabe

Mr. Herkabe: You gave everyone the test, didn't you?
Malcolm: In fingertip semaphore, this means...
Mr. Herkabe: I know what it means!

Quote from Malcolm

Alison: I got the nicest dress for the school formal. It's satiny and long, and-and what's that color between pink and purple?
Malcolm: Mauve.
Alison: Oh, sorry. [moves]

Quote from Reese

Alison: Reese, did you get your tux yet?
Reese: Uh, the dance is in two days. Of course I got my tux.
Alison: Good. Hey, look at this. It's my dress. Isn't it amazing?
Reese: Are you sure this is going to fit because you're so fat.
Alison: [laughs] Oh, you're such a goofball sometimes. Anyway, I really like these bows. Maybe I should get matching shoes, but I don't want it to look too outfit-y.

Quote from Francis

Francis: Hey, honey, you won't believe the day I had.
Piama: I had a pretty interesting day, too. I had to wear these filthy clothes to work because you forgot to pick up the dry cleaning again.
Francis: For crying out loud, I just got off a 12-hour shift. The last thing I need is for you to... You know what? Let's not do this.
Piama: Do what?
Francis: Fight. We argue way too much.
Piama: You're right.
Francis: Why can't we just both shut up for once and give ourselves time to be in love with each other? Let's just not talk about it.

Quote from Stevie

Malcolm: Guys. Guys, you're not going to believe this. Herkabe actually wants us to cheat.
Lloyd: What? That isn't right!
Dabney: Yeah, he's not supposed to write it down. That's a paper trail.
Malcolm: You guys are in on this?
Lloyd: Malcolm, you have no idea. This is big. This goes further than you know.
Malcolm: Further than you guys?
Kevin: Oh. Then you do know.
[The group block Malcolm's way]
Stevie: Are you in... or are you... out?

Quote from Dabney

Stevie: We're sorry... we tried to... make you cheat.
Dabney: You're our moral compass, Malcolm. We'd like to make it up to you somehow.
Lloyd: Let's all pick him up and carry him to the bus on our shoulders. [
All: Yeah!
Kevin: Actually, I should sit this one out. With my middle ear condition...
Lloyd: My scoliosis.
Dabney: I forgot my orthotics.

Quote from Francis

Francis: [on the phone] Yes, Mr. Cutler, we have your reservation right here. Hey, what time is it there in Australia? Canceling? Oh, no. Well, it's a shame to let one argument with your wife spoil... Sure, you can ask me whatever you want.
Piama: [enters] Hi, honey.

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