Ep 4. I Wish I Were Gus

In the fourth episode of the first season of Everybody Loves Raymond, titled "I Wish I Were Gus", Raymond's father Frank is feeling down about his age. His old buddy Gus has passed away, and he feels like he's the last one standing. He starts to think about all the things he wishes he had done in his life, including taking better care of his body and playing piano.

Meanwhile, Raymond is dealing with his own problems. His son Michael is starting to act out in school, and his wife Debra thinks it's because they're not disciplining him enough. She suggests they try a strict approach, but Raymond thinks they should be more gentle and understanding. They argue about it, and Raymond decides to get advice from his parents.

When he goes to their house, he finds his father sitting in a chair listening to a cassette tape of Gus playing piano. He tells Raymond how much he wishes he had learned to play, and Raymond tries to encourage him to start learning now. But Frank is skeptical, thinking he's too old to ever be any good.

At dinner that night, Raymond brings up the idea of his father taking piano lessons, but his mother Marie thinks it's a terrible idea. She doesn't want Frank to waste his time and money on something he'll never be able to do, and she thinks Raymond is just trying to get out of disciplining his son.

Raymond is frustrated by his mother's response, but he's also worried about Michael's behavior. He decides to try Debra's strict approach, but it backfires when Michael lashes out at him. Raymond realizes that they need to find a balance between discipline and understanding, and he goes back to his parents for advice.

This time, his mother suggests that they take Michael to church and teach him some values. Raymond is skeptical, but he gives it a try. At church, Michael starts to open up and share his feelings, and Raymond realizes that this is what he's been missing in his approach to parenting.

Meanwhile, Frank has decided to take piano lessons after all. He starts practicing every day, and he's surprised by how much he enjoys it. He even starts to show off his progress to Raymond and Debra, and they're both impressed by how well he's doing.

The episode ends with the Barones all gathered around the piano, listening to Frank play a beautiful version of "Heart and Soul". Everyone is amazed by how talented he is, and Raymond realizes that it's never too late to try something new and reach for your dreams.

Overall, "I Wish I Were Gus" is a heartwarming episode that explores the themes of aging, regret, and the importance of family. It's a great example of what makes Everybody Loves Raymond such a beloved sitcom, and it's sure to leave viewers feeling uplifted and inspired.