Ep 17. The Ingrate

Ray Barone has a lot on his plate in the episode "The Ingrate" from season 8 of Everybody Loves Raymond. With family drama aplenty, the half-hour sitcom focuses on Ray's latest plight and how he navigates it.

The episode opens with Ray feeling unappreciated after Frank and Marie forget to say "thank you" for a recent gift he gave them. Despite the fact that he's hurt by their lack of gratitude, Ray tries to casually bring it up in conversation with Debra. His wife is sympathetic, but she also tells him that he needs to let it go. Ray is unconvinced and continues to stew in his own ego.

As the episode progresses, Ray's discontentment spreads to other areas of his life. When Robert shows up with a card and gift for a random occasion, Ray takes offense and assumes it must be for him. But it's not! Robert quickly corrects him, and Ray is left feeling even more bitter. Later, at a family gathering, Ray tries to show off his new golf clubs, but nobody seems to care or listen. When he finally loses his cool, Debra pulls him aside and tries to help him see that he's being ridiculous. Ray isn't interested in hearing it, though.

Eventually, Ray's quest for validation goes too far and he starts to act out in petty ways. He deliberately forgets to say "thank you" for a gift that Debra gives him, which makes her understandably frustrated. He also begins to reject any future gifts or compliments that his loved ones try to give him, insisting that he doesn't need anyone's approval. This, of course, only makes the people around him more annoyed.

In the end, Ray realizes the error of his ways when he goes over to his parents' house and has dinner with them. They try to make it clear that they really do appreciate the gift he gave them, but Ray is still resisting. It's only when he sees a video of himself in which he's being particularly ungrateful that he has a change of heart. He decides to apologize to his family and try to do better in the future.

"The Ingrate" is a classic episode of Everybody Loves Raymond for several reasons. For one thing, it explores a relatable issue: the desire for approval and recognition from loved ones. Many people can empathize with Ray's frustration at feeling overlooked or unappreciated. The show also leans heavily on physical comedy, with Ray making exaggerated faces and gestures as he tries to get attention. This gives the episode a lighthearted tone that balances out the more serious themes.

It's also worth noting that the episode features a strong ensemble cast. Ray Romano is, of course, the anchor of the show, but he's supported by a talented group of actors who bring their own quirks and personalities to the table. Brad Garrett is particularly enjoyable as Robert, Ray's older brother who is always bumbling his way through life. Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts are excellent as Frank and Marie, respectively, providing a mix of humor and heart.

Overall, "The Ingrate" is a solid entry in the Everybody Loves Raymond canon. It may not be the most memorable episode, but it's a fun and relatable journey that ultimately ends on a positive note.