Ep 17. Cruising with Marie

Ray is excited about an upcoming trip on a sports writing assignment on a cruise ship and looks forward to getting away from Debra and the kids for a while. However, his plans come to a halt when Marie announces that she and Frank will also be taking the same cruise. Ray is disappointed and tries to come up with excuses to avoid being around his parents during the trip.

As they board the ship, Ray's anxiety builds as he observes his parents' every move. He tries to distance himself from them by pretending to be interested in other activities on the ship. However, Marie continues to insert herself into Ray's plans and even insists on joining his dinner reservation with Debra.

During the dinner, Marie criticizes everything from the food to the service, further adding to Ray's stress. Meanwhile, Debra is enjoying herself and encourages Ray to loosen up and have fun. Ray eventually takes Debra's advice and tries to enjoy the cruise, but his relaxation is short-lived when he discovers that Marie has signed him up for a couples dance lesson.

Ray begrudgingly attends the dance class with Marie, but his irritation turns to embarrassment when Marie proves to be the only competent dance partner, much to the amusement of the other couples in the class. Ray finally reaches his breaking point and confronts Marie about her constant meddling in his life.

Their argument is cut short when the ship hits rough waters, causing everyone to stumble and fall. Marie hurts her ankle in the chaos, and Ray realizes that he still cares for his mother despite their ongoing conflicts. He helps her back to her cabin and spends the rest of the night taking care of her.

The following morning, Ray and Marie have a heart-to-heart conversation and express their mutual love for each other. The cruise finally comes to an end, and Ray returns home with a newfound appreciation for his mother and a better understanding of their relationship.

Overall, "Cruising with Marie" is a humorous yet heartwarming episode that delves into the complicated dynamics of family relationships. It showcases Ray's struggles to establish boundaries with his overbearing mother and the inevitable conflicts that arise when two strong-willed individuals clash. Despite the humorous moments, the episode ultimately highlights the importance of family and staying true to one's roots.