Malcolm in the Middle (TV Series)

Victor's Other Family (2004)

Jane Kaczmarek: Lois

Photos 

Quotes 

• Sylvia : Ida, I think you should know that besides the restraining order, I have a knitting needle. All right, it's a crochet hook.

  Grandma Ida : [saunters over to Sylvia]  Listen to me, tough guy. I know about Victor's pension. Victor worked for Paragon Brush from 1960 to 1964. Manitoba law states as common law wife, I'm entitled to that pension.

  Sylvia : I really don't know what you're talking about.

  Grandma Ida : The truth will bust out of the grave and strangle you and your whole family.

  Lois : [walks over to Ida]  Mother, we'll discuss this later. If you don't turn around and leave at one. God forbid me, I'll take off the wig off your head and everyone will see your TICK scars.

  [Ida and Lois glare at each other for a few seconds before turning around to leave] 

  Grandma Ida : It's not over.

  [she leaves the house as Reese comes in] 

• Mr. Dietrich : [facing Ida]  We froze Victor's pension because of the dispute with the other family. But you're absolutely right, Manitoba law states that a common-law wife is entitled to her husband's pension. Even if you're not legally married, you'll still prevail in the case. Of course, you'd have to prove you're a common-law wife with DNA tests of children, lease in both your names, phone bills, that sort of thing. But I think you'd win.

  Grandma Ida : Finally a Canadian who isn't an idiot.

  Mr. Dietrich : The problem is, the pension's only $43.50 a month. Canadian. And what with hiring a lawyer, court costs, other expenses... it would all cost so much, I don't see you breaking even for 20 or 30 years. Do you think you'll live that long?

  Lois : God no! I mean... no.

  Mr. Dietrich : Well I don't think you'll be breaking even anytime soon.

  Lois : [faces Ida as Dietrich leaves]  Well mom, you tried. Let's go.

  Grandma Ida : No, we're going to do this.

  Lois : Weren't you listening? He says you would lose money going after this thing.

  Grandma Ida : I don't care. We're going to get a lawyer.

  Lois : You really hate these people so much that you'll ruin yourself just to get even with them. It's stupid.

  Grandma Ida : [referring to Victor]  He was my husband.

• Lois : You know, Mom, if this thing does go to trial, it might help us if you worked a little bit on your demeanor. You know, when you deal with other people, you could be pleasant and say, "How are you?" And that way people will think that you care about their feelings, and then, they might care about yours.

  Grandma Ida : What the hell are you talking about?

  Lois : I'm just trying to help you.

  Grandma Ida : I know you are , bushka. I'm sorry, there's a lot for me to remember - you can show me more tricks tomorrow.