LEAVE IT TO BEAVER's fifth season found Beaver facing the awkward adolescent years. In this episode, he feels humiliated because his parents are hiring a baby sitter to stay with him while they go out for the evening, despite the fact that he is fourteen years old and feels much too old for this sort of thing. What really makes the episode is the performance of Barbara Parkins as Judy, the baby sitter. With looks that are reminiscent of Annette Funicello, Parkins exudes warmth and sympathy, and a certain cool sophistication, that would win over the most recalcitrant child. Parkins makes such an impression in this part that I can imagine casting agents, after the episode was first aired, jumping to their phones to secure her acting services. Moreover, it's touching to see Beaver bonding with an "older sister" type - one of the few moments in the entire series in which he really opens up to a girl. "With a baby sitter like you, I almost wish I WAS a baby!" Beaver remarks. Judy's warmth is in stark contrast to Gilbert and Richard, who behave like real "rats" as they pester Beaver at home in the hopes of embarrassing him with his baby sitter. Judy shows herself a great sport, sparing Beaver any indignity. This is a perceptive, true-to-life episode, proof that the series still had life in it.