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!
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