"The Third Letter" continues the exhausting adoption process begun by social worker Amanda Wilkerson (Barbara Sharma). In need of three letters of reference, Ed has no trouble receiving two from Louie and Della, but the third remains elusive. An angry confrontation with Hector Ramirez (Rodolfo Hoyos) over a damaged muffler results in Amanda's withdrawal of the application, on the grounds that no foster parent is allowed to discipline by spanking. Raul smooths things over with the Ramirez so that he'll compose the third letter of reference on Ed's behalf. Ed isn't too thrilled to lose a brand new muffler, but Amanda is able to process the application. It's patently absurd to assume that a man in his 60s could so easily adopt a child, but that's what audiences were expected to swallow. No wonder fewer were watching week after week.