Season 4 - Episode Guide

Debra is upset when she sees Ray's giddy reaction to her friend's recently acquired "new and improved" breasts. Anxious to find out whether or not Ray is content with her body as it is or if he would prefer it if she, too, made some minor enhancements to the upper region, Debra decides to conduct a little experiment to determine just how truly satisfied Ray is with her current physique.

Everyone in the family takes sides when Ray and Debra have a senseless argument over a newly purchased can opener.

When Frank starts showing a keen interest in Ray's work, walking around in a cheery mood and not being his usual grumpy self, everyone questions the radical change in behavior. While Debra suggests that it may be because he's getting older, and Marie is convinced he has a "chippy" on the side, Ray uncovers the real reason behind Frank's transformation is he's been betting with the inside information Ray's giving him.

Ray and Debra are discouraged when they realize that their sex life isn't what it used to be. Trying to make themselves feel better, they approach Frank and Marie about what constitutes a "normal" sex life for an older couple, but are left feeling more inadequate when they discover the disturbing bedroom secrets of the elder Barones.

Upon drafting their wills, Ray and Debra must decide who would make the best guardians for their children, but their choice doesn't meet with everyone's approval.

It's a good indication that something is up when Debra's sister, Jennifer, shows up for a visit with rosary beads and prayer cards as gifts for the kids. Unable to share the real reason why she is so upset with Jennifer's decision to become a nun, Debra reacts by accusing her sister of going through yet another phase and not being truly worthy of the calling to the religious life.

When Ray hires his overwhelmingly annoying cousin Gerard to assist him, and Debra points out how alike the two men are, Ray is mortified. When Ray confronts his family to refute Debra's findings, he realizes that he's just made a bad situation worse.

Ray is bewildered, but not altogether displeased when Debra starts initiating sex on a more than regular basis and is even willing to give up his golf game to satiate Debra's desires. But, never able to leave well enough alone, Ray looks for a reason behind her sudden burst of energy and gets a crushing blow to his ego.

Inspired by how well the Barones got along at Thanksgiving dinner, Debra is intent on finding a way to improve her relationship with Marie. When Debra spends the whole day cooking with Marie, it's the perfect opportunity to test out her new "shrug it off and let the criticisms roll off your back" attitude that she feels will win Marie over. Meanwhile, Ray gets roped into having Frank and Robert accompany him to a car show, where he has his own method of getting along with his family.

While discussing the possibility of having to hold Michael back for another year of pre-school, Ray is shocked to discover that he too was left back when he was that age. Once Ray learns of his scholastic past, he is convinced that of all the traits a parent could pass on to a child, his legacy is to pass his stupidity on to Michael. Meanwhile, Frank heads over to the school to sweet talk the kindergarten teacher into letting Michael advance with the other kids.

Ray is thrilled when he hits upon the perfect gift—a family photo that his mom and dad can treasure forever. But, when the day arrives to take the picture, Ray tries in vain to keep the peace when Debra and Marie have very conflicting opinions about the meaning of "family" in family photo.

When Amy raises the notion that Robert's reluctance to commit to Amy may be a result of his being gay, Ray doesn't believe it. But, after further thought—and closer observation of Robert's keen sense of style and panache for interior design—Ray is not so sure anymore.

Ray and Debra have differing points of view on how best to handle the situation when they learn that Ally has been bullying another child on the school bus. Ray thinks Ally's pushiness and "don't take any crap from anyone" attitude comes from Debra. Meanwhile, Debra thinks if she doesn't instill that independence in Ally, she'll end up being a wuss—just like her dad.

Everyone gets on Ray's case because he doesn't go to Sunday Mass. When Ray starts feeling guilty about the good example Frank is setting by attending church, he commits to becoming a regular parishioner. But, when Ray shows up at the church, he quickly realizes what it is that draws Frank to this house of worship week after week—and it isn't the sermon.

Ray feels tremendous guilt when he cancels plans with Robert, who then gets hurt in the line of duty, when he should have been hanging out with his brother. At first, it's all laughs and snide remarks from Ray when he finds out the cause of Robert's job-related injury, but after some prodding from Debra, Ray decides to show Robert just how much he really cares for him.

As Debra and Ray celebrate their 10th anniversary, she discovers that he taped over their wedding video years before with the '91 SuperBowl. Realizing how much he has upset Debra with his careless actions, Ray is willing to go to any lengths to atone—little realizing that it will mean renewing wedding vows in front of family and friends with all the trimmings.

Ray thinks he's being the perfect father by taking an interest in Ally's "Hackidu" hobby and advising her on a card swap. But when he inadvertently gives away her favorite card, he has to pay for his mistake—he just didn't realize how much.

Ray can't believe it when he samples Debra's braciole. Even though her past attempts at cooking seemed to have ruined his taste buds, it's simply delicious. But, when Marie gets wind of Debra's cooking prowess, and sees the effect that the braciole has on Ray, Robert, and Frank, it's war!

Ray and Debra devise a plan to push Frank and Marie into making some new friends, thus leaving the older couple with less time to bother them. It seems like the perfect plan. But, the situation is complicated by the reaction Frank and Marie's new friends have towards Ray.

When Debra realizes that all her time is spent with the kids, Ray and his family, she implores Ray to take the kids out more often so that she can have more time to herself. Of course, this makes Marie think that something must be wrong in their marriage, despite Ray's assurances. However, when Ray spies on Debra to see what she actually does with her "alone time," he is not so sure all is okay.

Still recuperating from his recent run-in with a bull, a cantankerous Robert is driving everyone crazy with his mean-spirited and nasty behavior. When Robert is told by his doctor that he will need two more weeks of convalescing at his parents' home before he can return to living on his own, everyone figures that's the reason for his foul attitude. But Debra gets to the heart of the matter when, playing amateur psychiatrist, she uncovers the real reason behind Robert's cruel conduct.

When Ray witnesses Debra's hypersensitive mood and generally annoyed reaction to everything he says and does, he checks the calendar and realizes it's going to be a long couple of days ahead. In his desire to get a "quick fix" for Debra's womanly problems—thus making his life a heck of a lot easier—he turns a bad situation worse by suggesting that a simple pill will help with his wife's insufferable mood swings.

After losing his nerve on the job during his first day back from medical leave, Robert quits the police force. No one realized how much of an effect the "bull incident" had on Robert's mental state—and his ability to confront fear and the unexpected.

While out for a family dinner, the Barones spot Robert's ex-wife, which prompts them to reminisce about the demise of his marriage. The family tells Amy the truth about Robert's failed marriage to Joanne, but the surprise sighting also brings back some personally harrowing memories for Robert—although, when Joanne suggests the ex-spouses get together, Robert seems interested.