Writer:	Philip Rosenthal
Director:	Will Mackenzie
Star:	Ray Romano (Raymond Albert Barone),  Patricia Heaton (Debra Barone),  Brad Garrett (Robert Barone),  Doris Roberts (Marie Barone),  Peter Boyle (Frank Barone),  Madylin Sweeten (Ally Barone),  Sawyer Sweeten (Geoffery Barone),  Sullivan Sweeten (Michael Barone)
Recurring Role:	Monica Horan (Amy)
Guest Star:	Diana-Maria Riva (Sarah)

The twins' teacher, Miss Sarah, compares and contrasts the boys' work several times during her conference with Ray and Debra. In reality, it is very inappropriate for teachers to compare siblings--or any students, for that matter. (edit) Poor Michael was always the more "difficult" twin in this show. Recall season one's episode "Frank the Writer," where Robert got upset because Geoffrey gravitated to him but Michael was "standoffish." Now, in this episode, Michael's having trouble in school while Geoffrey is progressing normally. (edit) The twins are in pre-K this season, but since they were almost two when the first season started, they should be about six in this fourth season. Ally's age was knocked down two years in this season, also. They must have wanted the kids to stay a little younger. (edit)

Frank: (about Michael being held back) Hey, we thought that holding little Ray back wasn't such a big deal, but who's to say? You could have been a year ahead in your life right now. That car you've been saving up for, you could be driving it today! You could have married Debra a year sooner, had the kids a year sooner, which, for your information, would put Michael on the right track, and we wouldn't be having this conversation!
Debra: All right, now you listen to me, Frank! You want to help the kids? Then why don't you start by setting a decent, moral example? None of this matters, do you hear me? They're four. We just want them to be happy and healthy! (edit) Debra: That was the school principal on the phone.
Ray: And?
Debra: And they think Michael should stay in preschool another year.
Ray: Oh. And Geoffrey, too?
Debra: Mm-hmm.
Ray: (long silence) Well... that's okay, right? It's just like what we talked about. We want them happy and healthy. (pause) We still want that, right? (edit) Debra: Look, if it bothers you so much, think of it this way: Michael is the way the twins should be, and Geoffrey is exceptional.
Ray: Geoffrey's your favorite, isn't he? (edit) Ray: You left me back?!
Marie: Left back for love.
Frank: That and you were slow. (edit) Miss Sarah: Girls just often mature faster than boys.
Debra: But Geoffrey's developing on schedule.
Ray: Oh, my father will love that.
Debra: What are you...? Shut up!
Miss Sarah: Excuse me?
Ray: No, it's just that my father thinks that Geoffrey has...you know, homosexual tendencies. (edit)

Apparently, the school decides at Christmastime that it's best to keep the twins in preschool for an extra year. Why would they be determining the events of the following year now, before the kids have had a real opportunity to develop and improve? In reality, teachers do not begin official assessment until January, and in that case, the twins have not had a fair chance to be considered for kindergarten next year. Kids tend to learn and produce a great deal from January to May, especially at this age. (edit) When Ray is in the kitchen with Michael at the beginning of the episode, helping him cut paper, look closely at the little actor playing Michael. There is a brief moment where he looks directly at the camera. (edit) The twins make a Cleveland joke during their comedy show, and that is actually the town in which Patricia Heaton grew up. (edit)

This episode does not have any allusions. Add some now!