Ep 6. Robert Needs Money

In "Robert Needs Money," the sixth episode of the seventh season of Everybody Loves Raymond, viewers are introduced to a new issue plaguing Robert Barone- his financial troubles. Robert's wife Amy has just lost her job and his budget is tighter than ever. When he realizes he hasn't saved enough for a new apartment he's been eyeing, Robert tries to find ways to make some quick cash.

Robert enlists his brother Raymond to help him, telling him that he's considering selling some of his extensive comic book collection to make ends meet. Raymond doesn't think it's a good idea but Robert insists on going through with it. He holds an auction in his apartment to sell his prized possessions but things quickly spiral out of control. Neighbors come over to see what's going on, they get drunk and start bidding on everything. Robert is dismayed at first, but ends up becoming caught up in the excitement and starts encouraging people to bid higher.

Meanwhile, Frank and Marie are still bickering about their living situation. Frank wants to move into the retirement community around the corner because it offers free bacon and Marie is adamant about staying in the house they've lived in for decades. Debra offers to take them to the retirement home to tour it and sees the benefit of them living there, especially since they would have their independence and wouldn't be a constant burden to her and Raymond.

As the auction progresses, Robert gets increasingly desperate for cash and sells some comic books that Raymond had given him when they were kids. This leads to a heated argument between the brothers as Raymond feels that Robert is selling things that are priceless memories for both of them. Robert doesn't get why Raymond is so attached to the comic books and thinks he's being ridiculous. Their argument gets so heated that they end up physically fighting, ruining the rest of the auction.

The next day, Raymond comes to Robert's apartment to apologize, telling him that he didn't understand how much the comic books meant to him. Robert comes to the realization that he's not ready to part with his collection just yet- especially not at a fire sale price. He tells Raymond he's going to keep them, even if he has to share his bed with them. Raymond admits he's glad and tells him that he's learned to appreciate him and the things they shared when they were younger.

The episode ends with Frank and Marie revealing they've decided to move out of their house and into the retirement home. The family is initially happy, but their excitement quickly wanes when they realize that they will have to adjust to a new routine without their parents around all the time. The episode ends with them trying to figure out how to navigate this new chapter of their lives.