Ep 17. Meeting the Parents

Ray Barone is a sports writer who lives with his wife, Debra, and their three children in Long Island, New York. The Barone family is close-knit, with Raymond's parents, Frank and Marie, living just across the street. In season 7 episode 17, titled "Meeting the Parents," Ray's brother Robert is planning to introduce his girlfriend, Amy, to their parents for the first time.

Ray is excited to finally meet Amy, but he is also a bit jealous of Robert's relationship. He feels like he doesn't have the same level of romance and passion in his marriage, so he tries to spice things up with Debra. However, his attempts at romance are not well-received, and Debra accuses him of only wanting sex.

Meanwhile, Robert is feeling anxious about introducing Amy to his parents. He is worried that they won't approve of her, or that they will be overly critical. He asks Ray for advice, but Ray is not very helpful. Eventually, Robert decides to just go for it and bring Amy over to meet Frank and Marie.

When Amy arrives, everyone is on their best behavior. They chat over appetizers and make small talk, but the tension is palpable. Frank and Marie are clearly not impressed with Amy, and Robert is getting increasingly anxious. Ray tries to lighten the mood with some jokes, but they fall flat.

As the evening wears on, things only get worse. Robert and Amy start arguing, which only makes Frank and Marie more disapproving. Debra tries to intervene, but her efforts are unsuccessful. Eventually, Robert and Amy storm out, leaving everyone else in an awkward silence.

The next day, Ray tries to smooth things over with Robert and Amy. He apologizes for the way things went down and offers to talk to their parents on their behalf. Robert is grateful for his brother's support, but Amy is still feeling hurt and embarrassed.

In the end, Robert and Amy decide to break up because they don't feel like they can overcome the disapproval of their families. Ray and Debra talk about how fortunate they are to have each other, despite their flaws and disagreements. They vow to work on their relationship and cherish what they have.

"Meeting the Parents" is a classic episode of Everybody Loves Raymond, featuring the show's trademark blend of humor and heart. It explores the complexities of family relationships, particularly when it comes to introducing significant others to parents. It also touches on themes of jealousy, insecurity, and the importance of communication in a marriage. Overall, it's a relatable and entertaining episode that will resonate with viewers of all ages.