Ep 1. The Cult

In the season 7 premiere of Everybody Loves Raymond, titled "The Cult," the Barone family faces a new challenge when Ray's older brother Robert joins a cult called the "Path of the Inner Light." Initially, no one in the family takes Robert's newfound spirituality seriously, but as he becomes more involved with the group, they begin to worry about his well-being.

Ray is particularly troubled by Robert's involvement with the cult because he sees it as another way for his brother to avoid dealing with his personal problems. He tries to talk to Robert about his concerns, but Robert insists that his new spiritual beliefs have brought him peace and clarity. Meanwhile, Ray's wife Debra is suspicious of the cult's leader, a man named Simon, and tries to do some research on him.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Simon's group is more than just a harmless spiritual community. They require their members to make significant financial contributions and fully devote themselves to the group's beliefs. When Robert begins to realize the true nature of the cult, he wants to leave but finds it difficult to extricate himself.

The Barones come together to find a way to help Robert leave the cult and support him as he copes with the aftermath. Ultimately, the episode addresses the importance of finding one's own path in life and the danger of blindly following others, especially when it comes to matters of faith.

"The Cult" is a standout episode in the seventh season of Everybody Loves Raymond, dealing with more serious subject matter than the show often tackled. It features strong performances from the entire cast and highlights the importance of family support in difficult times.