
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 spends the entire day cooking with Marie in an attempt to improve their relationship; Frank and Robert accompany Ray to a car show.

Ray and Debra discuss whether to hold Michael back for another year of pre-kindergarten.

Ray thinks a family portrait would be the perfect gift for his mother, until the family gets together.

Ray cancels his plans with Robert, but later feels guilty when Robert is injured and lands in the hospital.