Review
Parks and Rec follows a parks department in Pawnee, Indiana in a mockumentary style as made famous by the Office. The show is anchored around Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), an ambitious parks employee whose commitment to her friends is only outmatched by her commitment to the parks department and the great city of Pawnee. Knope works for the government hating libertarian parks director Ron Swanson. Ron is often a hurdle for Leslie but ultimately has her best interests in mind. Ron Swanson provides the most quotable moments in the show. Rashida Jones plays Knope’s best friend, and makes you fall for her while doing it. Chris Pratt is a hilarious goofy office shoe shiner. Aziz Ansari plays the fan favorite Tom Haverford who is always out to become a business mogul. The remaining characters all play important roles. The show is similar to the Office’s early years in that screen time is well divided among all involved.
The entire first two seasons are based around Leslie’s attempt to build a park. While the writers seem to struggle to make this work early, they find a formula that works midway through the first season start cranking out great episodes. Towards the end of season 2 new character’s played by Rob Lowe and Adam Scott are introduced. They make an immediate positive impact on each episode.
The only downside to watching Parks and Rec on Netflix is that you have to stop at season 2. And trust me, you’ll want to see more right away.
If you’re still not convinced this gem from Ron Swanson in season 3 will surely push you over the edge.
About the Author
I totally agree with this review. The show starts very weak, as I remember it when it originally aired I was not a fan to date. That all changed after being hooked giving it another shot on Netflix. The truly best parts of this show are random moments of aziz ansari’s character Tom Haverford and his interactions with everyone and simply every single word that comes out of Ron Swanson’s mouth. I give concur with a must watch.
“On second thought I want you to bring me all your bacon and eggs, now no i don’t mean alot of bacon and eggs. I mean all that you have cook it and bring it to me.”
I’m about to make your day so much better.
Hulu.com.
Season 3.
Yes.
Definitely a must-watch. I actually think Aubrey Plaza (as April Ludgate) is one of the better characters (particularly in the more recent seasons, where she interacts with Ron more)… she plays a role written specifically for her personality. Brilliant.
Also, you’ll begin to notice in later seasons, that the map of Pawnee, IN is actually the map of Muncie, IN, flipped upside down and inverted. So, yeah.
Great review! Yes season 1 was a bit slow but after watching the 2nd and 3rd season you pick up on the subtle touch the writers used and you can really see how much character development went into the show. Now excuse me I have to hop in my go-go machine and go to Chuck E. Cheese(which has a better business model than the government)