Malcolm & Eddie - Season 3 Episode 12

When she arrives at the bar for the first time, Malcolm is smitten with Ashley's beauty and charm — until he discovers she's the daughter of his landlord, T.R. Hawkins. Despite the potential for problems, Ashley invites Malcolm to join her at a cocktail party — an idea that T.R. immediately tries to squelch. However, when Ashley refuses to rescind the invitation, Hawkins warns Malcolm to behave himself when he's out with his daughter. Falling in love with Ashley does wonders for Malcolm's disposition. And though Malcolm could not be happier, his landlord isn't. In an effort to stem the romance, Hawkins offers the tight-fisted Malcolm a very generous lease renewal on the condition that he never sees Ashley again. And to insure that Malcolm knows he's serious, Hawkins threatens to throw him out if he doesn't accept. While Nicolette encourages Malcolm to follow his heart and not let Hawkins dictate such harsh terms, Leonard recommends accepting the new lease and finding another girlfriend. Hoping to distract his daughter away from Malcolm, Hawkins gives her an expensive new car as a present for passing the bar exam. But when Ashley invites him out for a ride, Malcolm must reveal that her dad is coercing him. Ignoring the potential financial fallout, he agrees to join Ashley in defiance of her father. Finally, after Ashley offers to represent Malcolm in court, Hawkins has no choice but to back down.