The arc of Season 9 has Debra secretly buying a house in Manhattan to escape Marie. When Ray finds out, he goes behind Debra’s back to cancel the deal. The betrayal is real. For two episodes, the show stops being a comedy. Ray sleeps on the couch. Debra won’t look at him. Marie finally admits she is overbearing.
As the show progressed, the characters continued to evolve, and their relationships with each other became more complex. Seasons 4-6 are notable for their exploration of deeper themes, such as Robert's struggles with weight and self-esteem, and Frank's declining health.
The final season; Frank and Marie briefly attempt to move to New Jersey. The series concludes with "The Finale," where Ray faces a minor surgery scare.