
Ray Barone is a successful sports writer and family man who deals with a brother and parents -- who happen to live across the street. Mom Marie loves to meddle in his life, while older brother Robert sometimes resents his success, and Dad Frank just makes comments and raids the fridge. Nevertheless, Ray manages to keep a bright outlook and a sense of humor, leaving the hard issues to his more-practical wife, Debra.
Debra and Ray feel pressure to show each other a good time on a romantic weekend getaway.
Debra gets a part-time job, leaving Ray to fend for himself.
Ray and Debra try to be nicer to each other; Ray meets Doug at Dr. Becker's office.
Ray urges Debra to go dancing with Robert but becomes increasingly jealous of the situation.