Malcolm in the Middle seems, compared to other sitcoms, to be truly out of control, especially at the time. Incredible things happened that only just scratched the surface of reality. Hal was involved in most of them. However, for one gag, Bryan Cranston put himself in danger.
What is Malcolm in the Middle? From 2000 to 2006, Malcolm in the Middle told the story of Malcolm and his family. At first glance, it seems like a classic sitcom, but Malcolm in the Middle was distinctly cheekier and more anarchic.
This was not only due to the boys but also to the family’s father Hal, portrayed by Bryan Cranston. Regularly, Hal experienced the most curious stories of the entire series. However, for a gag, he went a bit too far and risked his health.
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Dangerously Painted
Which episode is it about? In episode 14 of season 2, Hal is confronted with his miserable job. It goes so far that he has himself excused for allegedly being sick. In his free time, he finally wants to paint a picture he has had in his mind for years. To give the picture the final artistic touch, he completely envelops himself in paint.
However, that was not a good idea, as it can have serious consequences for one’s health, as he revealed during the Graham Norton Show during the release of the movie Argylle.
I was completely wrapped in blue paint. Completely, from head to toe. That’s how the Goldfinger woman died. It’s not safe because your body can no longer regulate heat as all your pores are covered.
At one point during the shoot, his body is said to have slowly shut down
. He was then quickly packed up and taken to the shower.
By the way, the thing about the Goldfinger woman is just a myth, as Entertainment Weekly explains. Shirley Eaton, the actress of the said woman, is still alive.
That was not the only thing Cranston had to endure. He recounts how the show’s writers tried to find something that Cranston would not do in Malcolm in the Middle. As an example, he mentions the moment when his entire body was covered in bees. This happened in season 1, episode 14.
Even today, Malcolm in the Middle is a fascinating series that completely turned the family sitcom genre upside down. The family in the series is as far from a perfect family as possible, yet familial themes and togetherness are well depicted. Behind the scenes, however, not everything was great for Frankie Muniz: Malcolm did not appear in 2 episodes because he walked off the set in protest
