'Raymond' only really kicked into gear when Amy and her family were written in and especially her brother who, I think, was also in 'There's Something About Mary'. The other great asset in the show was the actress Doris Roberts who played Raymond's mother. As the series went on the writers made her the mother/mother-in-law from hell, which I think she played with superb timing.
Quote: Baumski @ January 1, 2007, 5:58 PM'Raymond' only really kicked into gear when Amy and her family were written in and especially her brother who, I think, was also in 'There's Something About Mary'. The other great asset in the show was the actress Doris Roberts who played Raymond's mother. As the series went on the writers made her the mother/mother-in-law from hell, which I think she played with superb timing.
Interesting, cause I haven't really seen it much onwards when Amy comes in. Will have to check more out.
Agree about Doris Roberts - she plays the part really well.
Amy's brother was played by Chris Elliot an excellent actor and comedian whose father was Bob Elliot of the famous Bob & Ray double act of radio and Tv in the 1950s. It's worth checking out Bob & Ray stuff, they were a very successful act playing deadpan and downbeat comedy and produced 100s of classic bits, much of it improvised. Chris Elliot also appeared for several seasons as a semi-regular on Letterman. I loved his character on Raymond but like mostly everyone Brad Garrett's Robert was the one I liked best. I'm also sorry to hear of the death of Peter Doyle. I think the characters are important in sitcom but even more important are the people you get to play them and the casting on Raymond is an object lesson in that. Many British actors, in my experience, when asked to play comedy think they have to over play it and sell every joke like it's QVC.
