Part 5: Representation on Network Television; "The Return of Ray" on the CBS Series "Mom"

Part 5 will continue to focus on the character of Ray on the CBS series Mom. This short article focuses on Ray (portrayed by Leonard Roberts), and the Season 4 episode titled "Lockjaw and Liquid Diet", which premiered on May 11, 2017.

Part 5: The Return of Ray

On the season four finale we learn that Ray was not only a one time appearance.?So often on sitcoms there are guest appearances and new characters introduced that never return.?The second appearance of Ray establishes more of a persona for the character.?The episode still does not center on the character, but he becomes a person in the season finale titled “Lockjaw and a Liquid Diet”.?This episode is primarily dealing with a plotline surrounding Bonnie needing legal assistance for dealing with back taxes owed to the IRS.?The fourth season finale airs just over a month after Ray’s first appearance.?However, we must note that the world of scripted television does not always follow the same timeline as reality.?It is implied that three months have passed since Bonnie and Ray have discovered each other as siblings.

In a scene where Bonnie is discussing with her girlfriends (Alcoholic Anonymous group) her need for a lawyer, one recommends “what’s his name, your half-brother”. Bonnie states that she had just met the guy, and did not want to hit him up for a favor.?The script returns to the jokes centered on the fact that Bonnie’s newfound brother is African American, and more of a dialogue acknowledging his homosexuality comes into play.?One female character, Jill, states;

“I wanna meet your big time, half-Black, half-brother.” Christy states, “Calm down, he’s gay.”?Jill returns with “Are you sure he’s not half-gay? He’s half everything else.”?

This episode, as the previous, has many one liners regarding his character and identification.?

Ray, still portrayed by actor Leonard Roberts, appears onscreen with less than ten minutes remaining in the nineteen minute episode.?Bonnie, still jealous of her newfound brother’s life, picks up a framed picture of Ray and a handsome white man.?At this time she states, “I mean, who is this, your boyfriend? Is he a model?”?Ray quickly responds, “He’s my husband. And yes.”?Ray is more as at this point established as a successful lawyer.?He is well dressed in every scene so far.?He has a large office further implying his success, and he is married to an equally handsome and successful man.?His character is continually shown as one portraying a non-threatening heteronormative lifestyle.?This scene, even though somewhat centered on Ray, is mostly spent discussing Bonnie’s case with the IRS, as well as Ray complimenting Christy’s notes on the case.?Christy, herself a student and hopeful future lawyer, assists Ray with the case.?

The majority of the jokes during this episode again do focus on Ray’s race and sexuality, some jokes delivered by the character of Ray.?At the end of the episode Bonnie, Christy, Ray, and the supportive group of friends to the lead characters are out celebrating.?Ray and Christy were able to strike a deal for Bonnie to pay off her taxes.?Again, Ray is dressed very nicely and carrying himself with professionalism.?In this scene Ray is the visual focus, centered at a table in a restaurant.?At this point Ray comes out to the group, stating “I’ve gotten to a point where… I’m snorting coke every day.” The women all embrace him, almost cheering “welcome to the family”.?It is clear based on Ray’s mannerisms and attire that his drug addiction is due to his career, and corporate climate, and not linked to his racial background.?The writers are very careful in not creating this association of drugs to African Americans.?This scene also establishes that the audience will again see Ray in the future.

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