Ep 7. The Babysitter

The Babysitter is the seventh episode of Lilyhammer's first season. The focus is on Frank, a former New York mobster who has relocated to Lillehammer, Norway, under witness protection. The episode starts with Frank insisting on spending some quality time with his kids and is tasked with babysitting them.

Amidst the usual shenanigans of a parent looking after children, Frank decides to throw a pizza party for his children and their friends. During this party, Frank's friend Torgeir offers him a new job proposition. An opportunity to be a member of the town council. Initially, Frank is hesitant and skeptical, but Torgeir urges him to consider it. He eventually pays a visit to the local mayor, but things don't go as planned.

Meanwhile, the police department has their own plans for Frank. They suspect that he's up to his old criminal ways. They start to investigate his every move, tracking his mobile and behavior. Things take a surprising turn when the police officers themselves turn up as the babysitters for Frank's children. They have been underestimating him, believing that he's involved in criminal activities, but instead, he's just a doting father.

As the day goes on, Frank's daughter falls into an unexpected coma, and he struggles to come to terms with taking care of her. He doesn't know what to do, and so his friend Torgeir steps in to take over, promising he can fix it. Frank agrees but later learns that Torgeir has stolen a horse to trade for a vital treatment for their daughter. The problem gets worse when the owner of the horse comes looking for his stolen animal.

To make things right, Frank decides to take matters into his own hands. He sets out to understand the world of local politics to discover how he's going to get his daughter the care that she needs. He meets with the mayor and blows him away, revealing that he isn't just a mere businessman, but someone who can make a difference in their community. Frank offers solutions to the mayor's problems and leaves him impressed.

In conclusion, The Babysitter is a perfect episode of Lilyhammer, balancing humor and heart in equal proportion. It shows the many different sides of Frank and that he's growing and changing in ways that we didn't expect. It's an excellent addition to the first season of Lilyhammer, and it leaves us eager to see more.