Ep 3. Brother

Ray's older brother Robert is the center of attention in this episode of Everybody Loves Raymond season 2 episode 3 titled "Brother". The show revolves around Ray Barone, a successful sports writer living on Long Island with his wife and three children. Ray's life is complicated by the presence of his intrusive parents and his badgering brother, Robert.

In this episode, Raymond's parents, Frank and Marie, ask him to do them a favor: they want him to talk to Robert about his divorce. Robert's wife left him for a policeman, and the family is concerned about his mental state. Ray reluctantly agrees, but as soon as he arrives at Robert's place, he realizes he's in over his head. Robert is despondent, drinking heavily, and obsessing over his ex-wife.

Ray tries to comfort Robert by telling him he just needs to move on, but that only makes things worse. Robert starts to spiral out of control, and Ray is left feeling helpless. Eventually, Ray realizes that he needs to help Robert in a more concrete way and offers to let him move into their old room at his parents' house.

The situation is complicated by the fact that Robert and Ray have always had a strained relationship. As kids, Robert was always favored by their parents, and Ray has always resented him for it. Robert, on the other hand, has always been jealous of Ray's success. Despite their differences, however, Ray feels a deep sense of obligation to help his brother.

While Robert is living with their parents, Ray and his wife Debra are forced to confront their own issues. Debra starts to feel like Robert is taking over their lives, and Ray becomes jealous of the attention that his brother is getting from their parents. The tensions come to a head when Robert brings home a girlfriend who is young enough to be his daughter.

The show expertly balances humor and pathos throughout the entire episode. There are plenty of laughs to be had, especially in the scenes where Ray tries to offer Robert advice. At the same time, the show doesn't shy away from the very real pain that comes with divorce and the dissolution of a family. This is especially true in the scenes where Robert is clearly struggling with his emotions.

Ray and Robert's relationship is at the heart of this episode, and the show does an excellent job of exploring their complicated dynamic. The scenes between the two brothers are some of the best in the episode, and there's a real sense of catharsis when they finally make amends towards the end of the episode.

Overall, "Brother" is a standout episode of Everybody Loves Raymond season 2. It's a funny, poignant, and deeply satisfying half-hour that explores the complexities of family relationships. It's a must-watch for fans of the show, and a great introduction for anyone who's never seen it before.