- Flashback to when Robert got divorced.
- While eating out, the Barones see Robert's ex-wife, Joanne (Suzie Plakson), dining at another table, leading Ray to tell Amy the story of what led to Robert's divorce five years ago. This is the first time they have seen her since the divorce was finalized. Robert never old Amy about Joanne or the story of their divorce. So, Ray fills her in while Robert is in the restroom.
In the flashback 5 years ago, Robert's wife Joanne is very mean to Robert and also to Debra and Ray when they visit. They had just moved across the street to Marie and Frank. At the time Debra had just delivered the twins and was super happy have Marie across the street as she had promised that she would be happy to babysit the kids, whenever Debra wanted.
Joanne insults Robert choice in movies (Joanne says that they have the exact opposite taste in movies, music, TV shows etc.), constantly puts him down as he is not making enough money (she complains that they cannot even afford new furniture and hence have to put up with the old furniture that they inherited from Frank and Marie), also interrupts & slaps him when he touches the food to his choice (as a force of habit, but Joanne calls it crazy chin). Robert spends nights with Ray and Debra just to be away from Joanne. He tells Ray and Debra that he has to be really careful to return home when Joanne is sleeping, since she goes ballistic if her sleep is disturbed. Debra tells Robert to speak to Joanne. Robert says that he is not the easiest person to live with as he is hairy, smelly, and kind of an animal. Frank also says that he doesn't like Joanne, but Marie says that it is not their place to meddle in their children's lives. Debra says that it is not meddling if you love and care about the person. Robert says that they don't know about their private life and that he has chemistry with Joanne.
Finally, Robert asks her to behave. Joanne had asked Ray to leave citing that he is not the best influence on Robert. Joanne wanted Robert to study for his sergeant exam. Robert wants Joanne to apologize to Ray (Joanne had said that Ray had a voice that sounded like a wounded cow and that when he ran, he looked like he was holding a pencil between his cheeks). But Joanne asks for a divorce instead and asks Robert to move out of the house. Marie walks in at that time. Marie tells Joanne that she was a showgirl in casinos in Atlantic city and has no respect for her and throws her out of the house. Joanne accuses Marie of being a manipulative woman.
After the flashback, Joanne comes over to the table and hands Robert her business card. Joanne says that she is back in town and wants to catch up with Robert over a meal. He initially throws it away, but later takes it, indicating that he may be considering getting back with her. Ray sees that.
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