Any "Bunny" Remember These?: Forgotten TV Easter Specials

The Bugs Bunny Easter Special (1977)

 By Michael Lyons

These television Easter specials are like jellybeans buried under the fake grass at the bottom of the basket, and have faded into obscurity.

Unlike Christmas, Easter has never brought with it a plethora of TV traditions (the shortlist would probably be It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown, and Here Comes Peter Cottontail), which makes these specials even more interesting to seek out. 

The First Easter Rabbit (originally aired on April 9, 1976)

 

Rankin/Bass, the studio synonymous with so many Christmas specials, brought us this Easter Rabbit origin story, narrated by Burl Ives (Sam the Snowman from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer) as the Rabbit who tells the story.

 

The First Easter Rabbit centers on Stuffy (Robert Morse), a stuffed rabbit given to a young girl named Glinda as a Christmas present.  In a sad, dark turn, Glinda is diagnosed with Scarlet Fever and all of her belongings, including Stuffy, need to be burned to stop the sickness from spreading.

 

Stuffy is rescued by a sprite named Caliope, who takes him to Easter Valley (located at the North Pole and Santa himself watches over it).

 

Stuffy and the other rabbits of Easter Valley face Zero, the evil ice wizard, and his sidekick Bruce the Snowball, who are trying to capture the Lily of Easter Valley.  If they do, there will be no Easter.

 

The First Easter Rabbit is told in comforting Rankin/Bass 2D animation, with great designs by artist Paul Coker, Jr.  Also, the studio's stalwart voice actor Paul Frees is featured as several characters, including Santa.

 

Irving Berlin's Easter Parade is utilized so well in The First Easter Rabbit, during a lovely finale that plays out in pure’70’s springtime animation.

 

Bugs Bunny's Easter Special (Originally aired April 7, 1977)

Also called Bugs Bunny's Easter Funnies, this special is about the Easter bunny feeling under the weather, and Granny knowing who would be the perfect substitute - Bugs Bunny!  She heads over to the Warner Bros. studio lot to find Bugs and encounters the Bunny and other members of the Looney Tunes canon busy making their movies.

Daffy Duck is eager to help but always winds up in the wrong outfit (such as an Easter basket).

The special is indicative of many Bugs Bunny specials from the decade, in which classic Waner Bros. cartoons are bridged with new animation (that doesn't always match or have a heck of a lot of continuity).

Ah well, we get to hear the wonderful vocal work of legends Mel Blanc and June Foray and watch scenes from some of the funniest cartoons ever made.

 A Family Circus Easter (originally aired April 8, 1982)

From a time when almost every newspaper comic strip was getting its own holiday special comes this animated adaptation of cartoonist Bil Keane's popular strip.

The special centers on the kids Jeffy, Dolly, Billy, and PJ on the night before Easter.  They're all concerned that their baby brother, PJ, won't be able to find any eggs during the hunt the following day.  With mom and dad asleep, the kids then sneak out in the middle of the night to hide the eggs and attempt to catch the Easter Bunny.

And that, essentially, is the special's entire plot (reflecting the comic strip's simple charm).  Unlike the comic strip, there is a moment of psychedelic and surreal animation.

The kids look through an Easter Egg viewer (like a kaleidoscope or view master) and see a colorful, magical Easter village, complete with the Easter Bunny (voiced by Dizzie Gillespie).  It includes a musical number that goes on too long and ethereal animation that seems entirely out of place with the rest of the special, but it's still fascinating to watch.

 

Each of these shows are great to look back on. They provide perfect Easter season viewing, and also give us a glimpse at a time when TV produced specials for seemingly every holiday, and we all waited for them eagerly in front of the television!

Happy Easter!

*My new book, Drawn to Greatness: Disney's Animation Renaissance is now available on Amazon, click here: Drawn to Greatness

 

**And, check out more of my writing on my website: Words From Lyons

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pitch Perfect: The 70th Anniversary of "Singin' in the Rain"

By Michael Lyons

 

"Singin' in the Rain emanates joy." - Jeremy Arnold, The Essentials: 52 Must-See Movies and Why They Matter

This brief statement sums up this musical masterpiece perfectly.  Singin' in the Rain is one of the perfect films.  It is meticulously crafted with dance numbers that shine brighter than ever, music that has woven its way into our collective film fabric, sharp comedy, and an almost indescribable, cheerful glow from the first to last frame.

This movie is good for the spirit.

For anyone unfamiliar, Singing' in the Rain is set during an age when Hollywood was transitioning from silent films to "talkies."  Gene Kelly plays famous movie star Don Lockwood, who has to segue to this new age in the movie, with his recurring, on-screen co-star Lina Lamont (a hysterical Jean Hagan), who, unfortunately, has a voice that's a better fit for silent films.

Their attempt at a sound film is, at first, met with disaster until Don and his best friend and former dance partner, Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor in a hilarious, physical performance),  and love interest Kathy Selden (luminous Debbie Reynolds) come up with an idea to make the film a musical.

But will Lina agree to have Kathy as her substitute singing voice?

Directed by Kelly and Stanley Donen, Singin' in the Rain was conceived by MGM producer Arthur Freed as a way to use the studio's catalog of songs.  And, what songs they are!

Among them:

"Make 'Em Laugh," performed by O'Connor, ranks as one of the most staggering and gravity-defying dance routines in film history.  The dancer's ability to leap over furniture and through walls is filled with humor and talent that is just plain humbling, not to mention hysterical.

"Good Morning" isn't just incredible to watch as Kelly, Reynolds, and O'Connor dance with precision (in one, almost seemingly continuous shot), but the song has rightly become one of the world's most positive and feel-good tunes.

"Broadway Melody" is the epitome of the heyday of MGM musicals - bright, colorful, and filled with Kelly's astonishing dancing acrobatics.

Then, of course, the title song, "Singin' in the Rain."  One of the most iconic moments in music and film history, and with good reason. Not only is it beautiful dancing, but it's also beautiful filmmaking.  Plus, when Kelly starts the song with his "Doo-dee-doo" intro, you feel like you're about the be visited by an old friend as the torrential song and dance begins.

Released on March 27, 1952, at Radio City Music Hall in NY and then on April 11th everywhere, Singin' in the Rain marks its 70th anniversary this year.

Now is the time to revisit this amazing film, whether it's been too long since you've last seen it, or you've always wanted to watch it.  We could all use the "joy" that this movie provides.

As Gene Kelly declares during his most famous scene in Singin' in the Rain, after watching it, even time and time again, you will no doubt say:

"I'm Happy Again!"

*My new book, Drawn to Greatness: Disney's Animation Renaissance is now available on Amazon, click here: Drawn to Greatness

**And, check out more of my writing on my website: Words From Lyons

 

 

Pushing the Envelope: Memorable Oscar Acceptance Speeches

Bob Hope (left) attempts to jokingly steal Marlon Brando's 

Best Actor Oscar for On the Waterfront.

By Michael Lyons

Cheers, jeers, and tears.  This has all happened at The Academy Awards.  The show has always brought the unexpected with it.

From emotional moments to kitschy dance numbers and political statements, there have been so many unforgettable moments on The Oscars telecast, but one thing has remained consistent: memorable acceptance speeches from the winners.

With the 94th Academy Awards scheduled for this weekend, it's the perfect time to reflect back on just some segments of the acceptance speeches we can't forget:

"I may have the baby right here!"

 - Eva Marie Saint (who was nine months pregnant at the time), Best Actress, On the Waterfront

"...it is a long journey to this moment..."

 - Sidney Poitier, Best Actor, Lillies of the Field

"I'll just say what's in my heart: Ba-Bump, Ba-Bump, Ba-Bump, Ba-Bump.

 - Mel Brooks, Best Original Screenplay, The Producers

Carmine (right) and Francis Ford Coppola

"I want to thank my son Francis Ford Coppola for being up here because without him I wouldn't be here. However, if I wasn't here he wouldn't be here either, right?"

 - Carmine Copolla, Original Dramatic Score, The Godfather II (1974) 

"Well, I guess this proves there are just as many nuts in the Academy as anywhere else."

 - Jack Nicholson, Best Actor, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

"...I can't deny the fact that you like me.  Right now, you like me!"

 - Sally Field, Best Actress, Places in the Heart (1984)

"I would like to thank anyone who ever punched or kissed me in my life and everybody who I ever punched or kissed."

 - John Patrick-Shanley, Best Original Screenplay, Moonstruck (1988)

"They forget, they forget to ask you to go out there and you...you do all these...things.  Like, for instance, you go out there and do these one-arm push-ups..."

 - Jack Palance (before leaving the podium to do one-arm push-ups on stage), Best Supporting Actor, City Slickers (1991)

"You broke my streak."

 - Al Pacino (who had been nominated eight times before winning), Best Actor, Scent of a Woman (1992)

"This moment is so much bigger than me.  This moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll.  It's for the women who stand beside me, Jada Pinkett, Angela Bassett, Viveca Fox.  And, it's for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance because a door tonight has been opened."

 - Halle Berry, Best Actress, Monsters Ball (2001)

"Call your mom, call your dad.  If you're lucky enough to have a parent or two alive on this planet, call 'em.  Don't text.  Don't e-mail.  Call them on the phone.  Tell 'em you love 'em, and thank them, and listen to them for as long as they want to talk to you."

 - J.K. Simmons, Best Supporting Actor, Whiplash (2014)

And, we should thank these and other Oscar winners who have inspired us with their gratitude and have allowed us to dream our own dreams.

Happy Oscar Weekend!

*For more of my articles, visit my website, Words From Lyons: Words From Lyons

**And...my new book, Drawn to Greatness: Disney's Animation Renaissance is now available on Amazon!: Drawn to Greatness

Green Peace: The 70th Anniversary of "The Quiet Man"

Left to right: Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne

in The Quiet Man

 By Michael Lyons

 

“No one would dispute that The Quiet Man has earned the right to be called a classic. But it's gone further than that. It's a film that people love, which is only fitting because so much love went into it.”

-Leonard Maltin, The Making of The Quiet Man (1992)

 

And all of that love is up there on the screen in director John Ford's magnificent film.  From a pitch-perfect script to a cast that allows every character to shine through the screen and a setting that could increase tourism to Ireland.

The Quiet Man is a wonderful film.

It finds itself connected to and shown around St. Patrick's Day, thanks to its rich immersion into the country and culture in Ireland.  And, it is perfect for this time of year, but it's also an excellent film.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of The Quiet Man, so if the time of year isn't the perfect time to watch or revisit this fantastic film, this milestone certainly is.

Directed by John Ford, the legendary director responsible for most of Hollywood's classic Westerns, The Quiet Man was a change of pace for him and a very personal one at that.  Ford wanted to celebrate his Irish heritage, so he bought the story rights to The Quiet Man in 1933.

The film is a leisurely-paced story that is never dull but filled with many relatable moments and messages. Ford's frequent collaborator John Wayne plays Sean Thornton, an Irish-born American who returns to Innisfree, the small town of his birth in Ireland.  While there, he falls for the fiery read head Mary Kate Danaher (the radiant and feisty Maureen O’Hara) and causes quite a commotion in the community, upsetting Mary Kate’s brother Will (Victor McLaglen, perfect as a blustering, but lovable lout), a bullying farmer and landowner, which results in a final fight between the two of them that goes on for almost ten minutes!

Throughout it all, The Quiet Man is loaded with colorful characters that we come to know as close friends and neighbors by the film’s end.

 

This is thanks to one of the finest supporting casts ever assembled. The amazingly impish Barry Fitzergald gives new meaning to scene-stealing as Michaeleen “Oge” Flynn, the village matchmaker and bookmaker; stalwart actor Ward Bond is quietly understated (and very funny) the knowing village priest and Mildred Natwick perfectly proper as the spinster widow Tilane.

Left to right: Barry Fitzgerald and John Wayne

in The Quiet Man

With a good portion of the film produced on location, The Quiet Man brings the majesty of Ireland to life.  From scenes of a train pulling into a small station, sheep crossing a rolling green field, a “wee humble cottage," and the winding streets of a small village, the Emerald Isle is on full display here with scenes that look more like beautiful paintings.

 Ford won an Oscar for “The Quiet Man,” which was released on June 6, 1952 in London and Dublin and August 21, 1952 in the U.S.  The movie influenced an entire generation of filmmakers, most notably Steven Spielberg, who featured a scene from the film as part of a pivotal moment in “E.T. - The Extra-Terrestrial.”

The Quiet Man movie poster.

 With its rich celebration of Ireland, it's no wonder that The Quiet Man is so closely entwined with St. Patrick's Day.  For many years, this author grew up watching the film on WPIX in New York on March 17th.  This year, Fathom Events brought The Quiet Man back to theaters for St. Patrick's Day and the film's 70th anniversary.

 

The Quiet Man is a tale of family, tradition, and life’s real treasures.  And like all wonderful films, appreciation for this classic grows with each passing year and every St. Patrick's Day.

As a reminder, my new book, "Drawn to Greatness: Disney's Animation Renaissance" is now available at Amazon: Drawn to Greatness

And visit my web site: Words From Lyons

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's Good to be Bad: The Most Off-Beat Villains from the original "Batman" TV Show

Left to right: Vincent Price as Egghead and

West as Batman on the 1960s TV series, Batman.

 By Michael Lyons

Dark, brooding, gritty.  All words that have been used to describe director Matt Reeves' highly-anticipated The Batman, the latest film incarnation of the DC superhero that arrives in theaters this week.

However, if your preference for Batman is something somewhat lighter and a little more retro, you may consider binge-watching the classic 1960s Batman TV series.  It would help not just to satiate the need for all things Batman that's now gripping everyone, once again, but it would also serve as a lighter...much lighter... alternative to the new film, The Batman.

As anyone who has casually watched the 1960s TV version of Batman knows, the series which famously starred Adam West as the Caped Crusader and Burt Ward as Robin had a tone that was equal parts campy and equal parts parts fun.

The series also had an incredible cast of recurring, traditional Batman villains and actors who guest-starred, playing them, including The Penguin (Burgess Meredith), The Joker (Cesar Romero), The Riddler (played by both Frank Gorshin and John Astin, in different episodes) and Catwoman (portrayed by both Julie Newmar and Eartha Kitt, in various episodes and Lee Meriwether in the feature film).

There were also a number of other, memorable, non-traditional Batman villains.  Each of them came with an offbeat, interesting, sometimes eyebrow-raising, villainous intent or power, and all of them were portrayed by an impressive roster of guest stars (the series was so popular that many actors and actresses were happy to be a part of it!).

Only the original Batman series could have gotten away with these criminal personalities.  Talk about light-hearted, at times comical, and as far from the tone of 2022's The Batman as you can get, these villains added so memorably to this classic TV series. 

  

It's the perfect time to look back at just some of them.

 

The Archer

Portrayed by Art Carney (yup, Ed Norton from The Honeymooners), who played the role of a villainous Medieval archer living in modern times.  He threatened Gotham City with his marksman skills and a Robin Hood-like outfit.  He also speaks in "Olde English"-like language, which Carney peppers with a Norton-like tone.

Black Widow

No, it wasn't Scarlett Johannson, it was none other than Hollywood legend Tallulah Bankhead as this villainess, who attempts to use giant spiders to off the Dynamic Duo.  As cool as that sounds, the full-throttle, throaty performance that Bankhead delivers is the best part.

The Bookworm

Roddy McDowall, of Planet of the Apes fame, is this bespeckled bad guy, who sports thick glasses, a headlamp, and incorporates books, or famous sayings, into all of his dastardly deeds.  Each one read with true, over-the-top relish by McDowall.

Chandell

This flamboyant, piano-playing villain was played by Liberace, who portrayed...well...Liberace, as a villian.

Egghead

Horror movie icon Vincent Price goes for it in an egg-shaped bald cap and egg-colored suits as this villain, who somehow incorporates eggs into all his nefarious actions against Batman.  Ridiculous? Yes.  Amazing to watch this actor in every campy scene? Absolutely!

King Tut

A mild-mannered Yale professor, who thinks he's King Tut?  Of course, he's a villain and played with great theatricality by talented character actor Victor Buono.

Louie the Lilac.

A villainous florist played to comedic perfection by Milton Berle.  He is also a gangster who wears a lilac-colored suit, and his minions are called "Flower Children."  Oh, how '60's and oh how fun!

Ma Parker

Inspired by real-life criminal figure Ma Barker, this jailbird matriarch, played by Shelly Winters, plans on using prisoners to take over Gotham City.  Ironically, the character seems like a close relative of Lena Gogan, the villainess she would play in Disney's 1977 film Pete's Dragon.

Shame

A parody of the famed film western, Shane, Cliff Robertson plays a wild-west cowboy committing crimes in modern-day Gotham City.  He is also has a henchman, a Mexican gunman who, for no reason, speaks with a British accent.  The best part of this villain is that Batman gets to deliver the line, "Shame on you, Shame."

Siren

This villainess has the power to sing a song at such a high note that men are forced to do what she says.  However, the best part is watching actress Joan Collins vamp it up in what seems like an audition reel for her later work on Dynasty.

These are just a few of the unbelievable villains that appeared on the Batman TV series.  Some of the others included the Mad Hatter, Lola Lasagne, Colonel Gumm, and Zelda the Great.

Their menace is nowhere near that seen in Paul Dano's Riddler and Colin Farrell's Penguin currently in The Batman, but the fun that these '60s-era TV villains and the Batman show provided cannot be denied.

So, look to the cartoon Bat-signal in the sky, shout "Holy tongue-in-cheek, Batman!" and "Pow!" you can make these villains part of your celebrations of all things Batman.

 

 

 

 

Thanks for Humor-ing Us: Ivan Reitman, An Appreciation

Left to right: Ernie Hudson, Harold Ramos, Ivan Reitman,

Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray on the set of

1984's Ghostbusters

 By Michael Lyons

In a heartbreaking and heartfelt message, earlier this week, filmmaker Jason Reitman remembered his father, Ivan Reitman, who sadly passed away on February 12, 2022.

Jason's message opened with, "I've lost my hero," as he touched upon his personal loss.  He then reached out to film fans everywhere, in conclusion, stating: "Enjoy his movies and remember his storytelling gifts.  Nothing would make him happier."

There are generations of moviegoers who will gladly oblige.  Writer, producer, and director Ivan Reitman has impacted pop culture, collective memories, and film history.

It's only fitting to honor him by taking a look back at just some of his many memorable films:

Meatballs (1979)

Reitman's first significant directing role was a film that's become a beloved summer-movie rite of passage for so many.  This comedic, coming-of-age story set at a summer camp allowed Reitman to display his deft hand at film comedy and set up a perfect partnership with the director and Bill Murray.

Murray's hysterical, smirking attitude was on full display here in hist first starring role, and Reitman knew precisely how to harness it.  

Plus, Meatballs taught us all the essential sportsmanship lesson of "It just doesn't matter!"

 

Stripes (1981)

With this tale of two slackers (Murray and Harold Ramis) who join the Army, Reitman's skills were on display on a larger scale.  Stripes boasts several hilarious moments that are small (the scene where the whole platoon introduces themselves is subtle comic brilliance) and large (the synchronized marching before the military brass is a classic).

Additionally, it's all placed within a grander plot that showed Reitman's skills to expand what comedy was capable of.

 Ghostbusters (1984)

One of the greatest comedies of all time.  Murray, Ramis, Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson are the titular characters who busted their way into our pop-culture hearts.

With one-liners that seem fresh and funny no matter how many times you've seen it, stunning special effects that bring to life some great specters and exhilarating and scary moments, it's no wonder that Ghostbusters is so beloved by so many.

A long-lasting hit song, toys, cartoons, a sequel, a re-boot, a video game, and a loving follow-up with last year’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife (directed by son Jason) have only proven the enduring power of Reitman's original.

Ghostbusters rightfully has a secure place in film history.  When it comes to the pure comedic comfort food of a movie, we all know who you're going to call. 

 

Legal Eagles (1986)

One of Reitman's overlooked outings.  Robert Redford is an assistant district attorney, who finds himself involved with an off-beat client (Daryl Hannah) and an uptight defense attorney (Debra Winger) during a mysterious case involving missing paintings.

With shades of classic Hollywood screwball comedies, Legal Eagles also had more dramatic moments, with the director proving, once again, that he could skillfully set a comedy against any setting.

 

Twins (1988)

Sure, it was a high-concept idea disguised as a movie, but Reitman at the helm ensured that there were solid laughs and a lot of heart in this film.

Arnold Schwarzenegger (in his first non-action movie outing) and Danny DeVito are unlikely fraternal twins who were separated at birth and reunited after years.

The film is as likable as the two stars, who had great chemistry. Schwarzenegger proved adept at comedy, sparking a movie partnership with Reitman that would continue over the next several years.

 

Kindergarten Cop (1990)

Another entry in the "Reitman/Schwarzenegger era," this time with the action star as a cop who goes undercover as a kindergarten teacher.  Schwarzenegger is somewhat back in his element with more action in this outing, but there's still plenty of opportunities for laughs.

Reitman plays the scenes between Arnold and the kids for all their worth.  The scene where Schwarzenegger screams "Shuuuuuutuuuuuuup!' at a classroom of misbehaving kids is still hysterical.

 

Dave (1993)

Like films from director Preston Sturges, this a throwback to classic Hollywood comedies that make us laugh, think, and comment on society.  Kevin Kline plays the title character, an everyman who looks like the President of the United States and is forced to step in and pose as the leader of the free world

It's a familiar Prince and the Pauper-like story, but there are pleasant surprises here and a nice message about, not just politics, but the role we all play in making the world a better place.

 

Junior (1994)

This time another Schwarzenegger/Reitman outing re-teaming them with DeVito and adding Emma Thompson. Arnold plays the world's first pregnant man in a story that's, yes, another high-concept idea and predictable, but also a lot of fun.

Schwarzenegger is also fully invested in the role and delivers one of his most solid and sweetest performances.

In addition to directing these many memorable films, Ivan Reitman also served as producer or executive producer of such films as Animal House (1978), Space Jam (1996), Private Parts (1997), Old School (2003) and last year's Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

Reitman once said of film: "Movies either work or they don't work and they're either funny, or they're not, and we work very hard.  To achieve that kind of work is really kind of delicate stitching."

We are all thankful for Ivan Reitman's delicate and talented touch as he "stitched" together a legacy of movies that we will always enjoy.

Sources:

brainyquote.com

IMDb.com

 

For the Love of Football: Celebrating The Super Bowl and Valentine's Day with "Everybody Loves Raymond"

Everybody Loves Raymond, Season 6 Opening

 By Michael Lyons

After almost a month and a half of quiet, post-holiday, "do nothing," stay at home days, this weekend packs a one-two punch.

First, it’s the Super Bowl, filled with food, commercials, a half-time show, and, oh yeah, a football game.  And then, without a chance to catch our breath, the next day is Valentine's Day, filled with chocolate, hearts, romantic movies, and, oh yeah, love.

Through the years, several sitcoms have celebrated either The Super Bowl or Valentine's Day, but few have celebrated both, the way that Everybody Loves Raymond has.

The ever-hilarious sitcom has two specific episodes, both of which would make for perfect viewing as we head into this jam-packed weekend of football and romance.

 "Super Bowl," originally aired January 29, 2001

As Ray (Ray Romano) is a sports columnist for Newsday, football often factored into many episodes (in one episode, he accidentally tapes The Super Bowl over this wedding video). Still, in this episode, Ray gets to go to The Super Bowl, when he is sent to cover it for work.

With only two tickets, he elects to take his friend Gianni (Jon Manfrelloti) to California for the big game.  This upsets his brother, Robert (Brad Garrett), his Dad, Frank (Peter Boyle) and Mom, Marie (Doris Roberts), as well as his wife, Debra (Patricia Heaton).

"You take Gianni, Raymond," Robert says sharply.  "Have a grand time.  Hey, why don't you get one of those big 'number one' foam fingers to wave in the air?  'Cause your number one, Raymond.  You're number one!  But remember this...'One is the loneliest number you'll ever do.'"

Ray goes to California with Gianni but, once there, discovers that all the other journalists have brought their wives.  Feeling guilty, he makes arrangements for Debra to come to join him.  Once she is with him, however, it doesn't go well, as Ray is caught between spending time with Debra and The Super Bowl hype that is going on.

An argument ensues, and Ray makes a rash decision (no spoilers here, but if you've seen the episode, you know how shocking it is).  It results in Ray watching the big game from his TV in his hotel room.

As always, it's a well-written show, relatable to many who feel the odd "tug of war" during football season, between their love of the game and their love of their family and how to combine the two.  Oh, and it's hysterical.

 "Silent Partners," originally aired: February 12, 2001

Airing just several weeks after The Super Bowl episode, this is another relatable, funny outing, this time centering on Valentine's Day.

In the episode, Ray and Debra go out to dinner for Valentine's Day and, Debra realizes during the awkward, quiet time in the restaurant that they have run out of things to talk about.  From here, she decides that they need to spend more time together.

Debra wants to watch sports with Ray, and she wants Ray to read the books that she enjoys.  Of course, it doesn't go well.

Ray can't read the book she recommended, as it immediately makes him tired and bored.  "I swear to God," says Ray of the book, "this sucker is like a horse tranquilizer!"

Debra watching sports with Ray doesn't work out any better, as he invites over Robert and his Dad as "buffers."

The show concludes with Ray and Debra seeing Ray's parents eating in the kitchen and not talking to each other.  Instead of it seeming strange, it now seems sweet, as Frank and Marie look comfortable together.

It's a touching moment, but this being Everybody Loves Raymond, there's a "punchline," as Marie comes out of the kitchen and says of her husband, "Ugh!  I can't watch him eat anymore."

Ah yes, love, much like The Super Bowl, can be both exciting and strange.

Happy Super Valentine's Bowl Day!