When Frank gets a few anecdotes published in Reader's Digest, he submits his writing samples to Ray's editor, hoping to get his own column in the newspaper.

Ray gets tired of being treated like a kid at his father's poker game, so he decides to ignore his father's advice and ends up losing all his money.

When Ray and his family play a game of Scruples after their cable goes out, they find themselves arguing about honesty. To make matters worse, when Ray complains to the cable company about the disruption in service, he is informed that he has an illegal hookup.

At a big surprise party for Frank and Marie's 40th. wedding anniversary, Ray is shocked to learn that his parents were once separated for a year and that they might have gotten divorced, if Frank hadn't returned because Ray broke his arm.

When Marie crashes and ruins her Tupperware party, Debra decides that she's had just about enough of her mother-in-law's constant interference. She puts pen to paper and writes a letter to her mother-in-law.

Robert proves to be a crashing bore when it comes to teaching traffic school, so he decides to practice his presentation on the Barone family, which drives them crazy. In an attempt to lighten things up, he puts in an assist-officer call to Traffic Cop Timmy, a puppet dressed as a policeman.

Robert has moved into a new apartment, and Raymond is jealous. Not because of the apartment, but because everywhere he looks, beautiful women are coming out of the woodwork, and they all seem to come by Robert's apartment.

When Ray confides to Debra that her constant need to cuddle and “be on top of him” when they are sleeping is causing him many sleepless nights, Debra is more than happy to comply with his request to give him his space in bed.

Jennifer, Debra's free spirited sister, shows up at the Barone household with rosary beads and prayer cards as gifts for the kids. When she announces her intentions of becoming a nun, Debra accuses her sister of going through yet another phase.

Debra throws the Barone family into turmoil when she creates a dish that everyone likes. Ray can't believe it when he tastes Debra's braciola, his wife has finally cooked something he likes. But Marie is not happy when she sees the effect Debra's cooking prowess has on Ray, Robert, and Frank.

Robert finds himself in the most unlikely position of having to choose between his girlfriend Amy, ex-wife Joanne, or Italian summer love, Stefánia. Robert decides that honesty is the best policy when it comes to his relationship with Amy, so he tells her about his recent reunion with ex-wife Joanne, which does not go over well with Amy. To make matters worse, when Amy runs to Debra for consolation, Debra mistakenly spills the beans about Robert's recent fling with Stefánia.

Robert starts to date a 22 year old woman and Marie and Debra don't think it's right. Things take a turn when he finds out that she's really 19 and she finds out that he's really 43.

Ray buys Debra an elaborate Christmas gift in the hopes that she will be so impressed, she will let him go on a weekend golf trip with his buddies. Ray believes he has the whole scenario worked out. However, he doesn't figure on the even more extravagant gift that Debra has purchased for him.

Held captive at Frank and Marie's during a snowstorm, Debra, Ray, and Amy actually find themselves having a great time. Then Debra makes a nasty comment to Frank which totally upsets the good mood. This causes Marie to defend Frank and finally reveal her true feelings for Debra.