Every year as Thanksgiving rolls around I do a special sitcom article. Either a review of a single Thanksgiving episode, or an overview on an entire run of Thanksgiving episodes from a specific series. This year I decided to focus on Everybody Loves Raymond since they had a Thanksgiving show almost every year. Just like my Friends article last year, since I already reviewed the series there is no need for an in depth look at these episodes. This is a ranking. ELR Thanksgiving episodes were usually special, but which episode was better?
#8.”No Thanks”
This is actually a classic episode, when Debra tries to one up Marie by showing that her little insults don’t bother her. Leading to one of the best Marie/Debra scenes in the series. So if it’s so classic why so high? Because it’s a Thanksgiving episode for maybe three minutes.
#7.”Debra’s Parents”
This is easily the worst. The only thing going for it is that it is a Thanksgiving episode from start to finish. Otherwise we get a forced excuse to get Debra’s parents together one last time, and all they could do was make them horn dogs.
#6.”Older Women”
If you want to check out my original review I had a whole rant for what happens in this episode. It’s a typical “men can’t look at women anymore once they’re married” argument made worst with an aggravating retcon.
#5.”Marie’s Vision”
Marie reluctantly gets glasses and when she does, begins pointing out things she notices on the others. The episode kid of forgets it’s a Thanksgiving episode by the end, but the final scene between Marie and Frank is one of there better one’s.
#4.”Fighting In-Laws”
This is the episode where we find out that Debra’s perfect, Connecticut parents aren’t so perfect after all. The highlight being a scene where Debra struggled with getting the turkey into the oven. It’s great to watch Lois and Warren drop their facade and really go at each other.
#3.”Turkey or Fish”
While it’s a true Thanksgiving episode, it is kinda hurt by being a season one episode. So we have elements in it that would never appear again the series. Like weepy Debra, an apologetic Marie, and other relatives besides Frank and Marie. It didn’t take long for the creators to realize Frank and Marie were all you needed.
#2.”The Bird”
I guess I chose this episode as #2 because it’s the one of the few that feels like a Thanksgiving show from start to finish. These others episodes tend to get hijacked, and while the episode does become a debate after Pat kills a bird (long story), it never strays from being about the holiday. Even featuring the kids putting on a play all about the first Thanksgiving.
#1.”No Fat”
This is one of my favorite episodes, even though it’s a bit unconventional. Marie has become obsessed with dieting, just in time for Thanksgiving! She tries to serve a tofu turkey with less than thrilled results. And is then upset to find Ray ordered a Thanksgiving dinner from a restaurant. What really makes this episode great is the tag. Marie has given into temptation and raided the restaurant food. And it’s a sweet scene as the family gathers to eat a “real” Thanksgiving dinner. The other reason this is #1 is that it’s the only one that is just our five main characters. No in-law’s or anything appear.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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