Ep 16. The Game

Ray Barone, a sports writer from Long Island, is in the midst of a feud with his older brother, Robert, a New York City police officer who also lives on Long Island. The conflict between the two siblings has been ongoing for years, and often centers around their parents, Frank and Marie, who frequently take sides in their arguments.

In this episode, titled "The Game," the Barone family is gearing up for their annual board game tournament. This event has been a tradition in the family for years, and everyone is excitedly preparing for the big day. Of course, as with everything in their lives, the competition is heated, and the Barone family takes their games very seriously.

As Ray gets ready to defend his title as reigning champion, he receives a phone call from work. He's a little annoyed that he has to take the call on his day off, but he listens as the voice on the other end of the line asks him to cover a basketball game that night. Ray declines at first, pointing out that it's his day off and he has plans with his family. However, the caller insists, adding that it's an important game and they really need him.

Ray hangs up the phone and starts to feel conflicted. He knows that his family is counting on him to be there for the game, but he also doesn't want to let down his colleagues at work. As he tries to figure out what to do, he confides in his wife, Debra, who advises him to make a decision based on what he really wants, rather than feeling pressured into doing something.

Meanwhile, Robert is preparing for the tournament in his own way. He's been working on a new strategy for months, and he's convinced that he's finally going to take down his little brother and claim the title for himself. Frank and Marie are also getting ready for the big day, and they're both determined to win at all costs.

As the tensions mount and the competition heats up, Ray continues to struggle with his decision. He knows that he can't be in two places at once, and he's torn between his loyalty to his family and his sense of duty to his job. In the end, he has to choose - and the consequences of his decision are far-reaching and unexpected.

"The Game" is a classic episode of Everybody Loves Raymond, full of humor, heart, and family drama. The Barone family is at their best (and worst) as they compete for the coveted title of board game champion, and the episode is a hilarious and heart-warming look at the complexities of family relationships. Whether you're a fan of the show or just love a good comedy, this episode is not to be missed.