Malcolm in the Middle: Hal Grieves / Season: 7 / Episode: 14 (2006)

Hal gets a devastating phone call that his father has died, but because he never knew his father well he doesn't shed a tear. In an attempt to overcompensate with his kids, Hal takes the boys shopping, lets them miss school and offers to buy Malcolm a new car until Lois steps in. Hal's buddy Abe thinks that a phone call from a cast member of Star Trek: The Original Series will cheer him up.