Pat's Secret

The penultimate episode of 'Raymond' ever, and what a good episode it is.

Yes, the first half feels like a backdoor pilot for a Robert and his in-laws inspired spin-off, but its so well played, particularly by Brad Garrett and Georgia Engel that you almost forgive the relative absence of the other characters.

In typical 'Raymond' fashion the second half is like a series of fireworks going off, with secrets being revealed on all sides.

Not all of the 9th series episodes were brilliant, this one certainly is.

At the time of this review, it is especially sad to note that the six actors who portrayed the parents of Debra, Ray, Robert, Peter and Amy are all deceased since the passing of Fred Willard in 2020, and the premature death of adorable Sawyer Sweeten a few years before that. But watching this episode again today reminded me what comedic geniuses Georgia Engel and Fred Willard were, and this last series appearance was a fitting tribute to both of them. Fred Willard's last comment was priceless. Rest In Peace, Doris, Peter, Kathryn, Robert, Georgia, Fred, and Sawyer. You gave us so much joy those 9 special seasons.

Would everyone loves Raymond even be funny without Robert and his world,