Sure, everybody might love Raymond in this endearing, zany family sitcom. Yet, there’s certainly a case to be made for Ray’s quirky brother Robert (Brad Garrett) being the unsung star of the show; the anchor from which much of the comedy is derived, thanks to his witty zingers, goofy mannerisms, and wacky facial expressions. He possesses a lighthearted, almost cartoonish way about him, along with an often solemn demeanor and jealousy for his brother that makes him stand out amongst this colorful cast of characters.
It’s no coincidence that some of the funniest episodes during the 9-year run of Everybody Loves Raymond happen to be those that are centered around or prominently feature Ray’s spiteful, goofy brother. Let’s take a look at 10 of the best and funniest episodes of Raymond that star the neglected sibling, Robert.
Robert’s Divorce
One defining attribute of Raymond’s brother is his lack of success and somewhat bad luck when it comes to women. This streak of misfortune is pretty much traced back to its roots with this classic episode, which flashes back to Robert’s first and ultimately doomed marriage to his rude and condescending first wife, Joanne.
This showcases Robert in prime, awkward and goofy form, though it also closes out emphatically with a satisfying moment that takes the form of a heated throwdown between Joanne and Robert’s overprotective mother, Marie (Doris Roberts). But let’s face it - this is one of those few times we as an audience are on team Marie full stop, as she tells Robert’s abusive ex-wife off.
Traffic School
There’s much to find funny about this over-the-top episode that stars a stern Robert attempting to teach a course in driving to his family with a simultaneously goofy and eerie looking dummy.
The dummy, cheekily named “Traffic Cop Timmy,” is given a rather smarmy personality by makeshift ventriloquist Robert as he poorly attempts to use the doll to provide the lecture to his family, who aren’t taking this particularly seriously. Ray’s brother really begins to come into his own with his dynamic sense of humor throughout this late-season-2 episode.
Lucky Suit
When it comes to comedic performances for Brad Garrett, there are few episodes that showcase these strengths than “Lucky Suit,” a laugher and squeamishly uncomfortable Robert story from start to finish. There’s much that’s chuckle-worthy about this one, from the humorous faces from an angry, uncomfortable Robert, to the fact that Ray’s brother takes his lucky suit so seriously during his interview for an FBI job.
Marie also shines here, especially when she takes it upon herself to visit the FBI headquarters in a desperate, silly attempt to recruit her son for the position. Much like with “Robert’s Divorce,” these two actors play off each other very well, despite (or maybe because of) their vastly different characters.
Robert’s Rodeo
Poor Robert just can’t seem to catch a break. Not only does he tend to fall into situations that aren’t too ideal, but he’s also often humiliated in the process. Such is the case with “Robert’s Rodeo,” in which he finds himself hopelessly trying to outrun a charging bull, only to get gored directly in his rear end. Not only this, but the chase even makes the news, which we see following the end of this episode - making for a particularly amusing payoff.
While this wacky scenario makes Robert the “butt” of quite a few jokes, it’s also somewhat endearing, as it shows Ray’s willingness to go out of his way to help his brother out and be there for him while stuck in the hospital.
The Ride-Along
This episode begins with plenty of those typically funny one-liners Raymond had become known for by ‘98, along with plenty of ribbing between the two Barone siblings. But, much like our previous entry, it also reestablishes the strong bond these brothers share, even if it’s something of a “love-hate” relationship at times. In a rare turn of events and bit of role-reversal, Raymond feels some envy, in addition to pride, as he witnesses his brother take charge of an arrest during a hold-up.
“The Ride-Along” still has plenty of that lighthearted humor, but it’s a rare episode that shows a deeper, serious, and even badass, side of Robert.
Stefania Arrives
As an amusing follow-up to Robert’s romantic escapades in the similarly funny “Italy” episodes, his whirlwind romance with an Italian woman, Stefania, shines in a less glamorous light when she visits him in America. The once charming woman who Robert believed to be his dream girl quickly grows on his nerves as she begins acting overtly childish and abrasive. Basically, as Robert says, “Stefania is annoying.” Naturally, this sets the stage for some humorously awkward moments and situational comedy.
To further complicate things, Robert has to deal with Stefania’s intimidating father and the fact that most of his family finds him nuts for wanting to break things off with her - especially Frank. Robert’s patience basically reaches its end when she insists on having a hot dog when he has none, comically bursting open a bag of pretzel nuggets and sending them exploding throughout his apartment.
Robert’s Wedding
This two-parter is chock-full of depth and lovable traits that make it a must-watch for fans of the show. It’s got it all; drama and conflict between (and within) the families of Barone and his fiance Amy MacDougall, funny performances by much of the cast, and even a goofy dance between the bride and groom to top it off.
After the rollercoaster ride of emotions and events that comprise this wedding, it’s only fitting to break the ice and ring in the next chapter of Robert’s turbulent life with an animated dance number to the tune of Elvis Presley’s “A Little Less Conversation.” This is one of those heartfelt episodes that will coax quite a few laughs and joyful smiles.
Robert’s Date
Basically, the comedy somewhat writes itself when you’ve got the towering, uptight Robert sporting an over-the-top 70s-style blazer and trying to act hip, or as his brother puts it, “ethnic.” Such is the case with this absolute laugher, “Robert’s Date.”
What’s the reason for the usual stiff Robert’s newfound cool, easygoing demeanor? It can be traced back to his partner Judy, who had taken him out dancing to a club, causing the impressionable Robert to desperately try and “fit in” with the scene. This leads to a rather uncomfortable, but nonetheless funny scene in which Ray, Robert, and Judy meet for dinner in an attempt to delicately tell him to cool it with the act, while Robert initially thinks she’s looking to date him.
She’s The One
This hilarious episode, which follows Robert as he tries his luck in going out with yet another woman, is about as wacky as it gets - and yet it’s a total classic. Basically, this episode can be summed up best by a cheeky quote by Ray’s downtrodden brother - “I finally meet a girl who has absolutely everything I ever wanted, and she’s the Frog Woman of Massapequa.”
Yes, as it so happens, the woman that so charms Robert is an oddball who’s strangely obsessed with frogs, to the point of harboring tons of them in her home, and even eating flies - which Raymond notices, to his shock. There are few moments of this show more memorable than the woman telling him “we all come from frogs” just before Robert escapes out her bedroom window.
The Cult
As you might imagine based on the title, this episode involves Robert getting involved in an unusually cheery, Hawaiian shirt-wearing group called “Inner Path;” essentially a cult that frequently breaks into back-pats and synchronized clapping. It wouldn’t surprise many viewers that an impressionable, quirky Robert would succumb to this.
Yet, the plot actually takes a clever turn, as we discover his induction was just a ploy to get the squabbling Marie and Debra to work together and make peace as they try to win him back. This episode manages to be creative, heartfelt, and over-the-top hilarious all at once.
