Ernie Lang, ’s uncle and ’s brother, is a difficult, unreliable man. Frequently in conflict with his wife, , Ernie finds himself in other trouble, too, both with his employers and with the law; he even capsizes his after he refuses to follow Bob’s instructions. Despite his destructive tendencies, Ernie’s mother, , and brother, Bob, care for and protect him. Bob even intervenes to save Ernie’s marriage with Cleo multiple times.