Ep 3. The Sitter

On the third episode of the third season of Everybody Loves Raymond, titled "The Sitter," Ray and Debra decide to have a romantic night out while leaving their three kids with a babysitter. However, their plans go awry when they realize the babysitter they hired, Veronica, is a little too controlling. Veronica has strict rules for the children and Debra, which they find absurd.

While Debra starts to feel uncomfortable with Veronica's rules, Ray seems more easily won over as he finds her to be the perfect nanny. As the night goes on, Debra's annoyance with Veronica grows, leading to some comical and tense moments with the two women. Meanwhile, Ray tries to pour on the charm to pacify the babysitter and ensure she stays for future date nights.

Meanwhile, Frank and Marie are house-sitting for Ray's friend, Hank, who has a luxurious home with all the modern amenities, including a high-end entertainment system. However, Frank and Marie find themselves struggling to work out how to use the gadgets, leading to hilarious attempts at trying to figure things out and disagreements on what program to watch.

As the night progresses, Ray and Debra's plans take a turn for the worse as Veronica's strict rules and high standards cause the couple to miss their dinner reservation. When they return home, they find the babysitter has gone above and beyond by tidying up the whole house, something that frustrates Debra as it implies she cannot take care of her own family.

Throughout the episode, tensions rise as Debra and Veronica clash over their parenting styles, leading to a dramatic climax that finally sees Debra stand up for herself. The episode concludes with the couple realizing the importance of finding a babysitter they both agree on and who respects their parenting philosophy.

Overall, "The Sitter" is a relatable episode, both for parents who have dealt with overly strict babysitters and for those who have struggled to navigate new technology. With amusing subplots and relatable conflicts, it's another successful installment in the Everybody Loves Raymond series.