When Parks and Recreation is at its best, it can make you laugh and warm your heart. Where this show differs from other sitcoms like Seinfeld or Family Guy
for example, is it isn't afraid to squeeze in some really emotional moments as well. The Office (US) occasionally did this, but Parks and Rec takes pride in their sentimentality. That isn't to say that there is too much, but whenever there is some, it's always very effective. Season 4 is the season that truly
starts this. Now that the characters are fully developed, we are attached to all of them, so it makes the more sweeter moments involving these characters even better.
Season 4's opener, "I'm Leslie Knope" is a great example of how funny while also endearing the show can be. The episode leaves off right where Season 3 ended. Leslie has just gotten a major career opportunity to run for higher office. She is still unsure on whether she should run for office or continue dating Ben and not risk a public scandal. This is the main question that the whole episode is based around. Meanwhile, Ron's other ex-wife, "Tammy One" is in the premises and Ron decides the best option is to get out ASAP. I love how prepared Ron was for this exact situation, and also how fast he can grow a beard, as we see later on in the episode. I think its a smart decision to end the episode right where Season 3 left off, just because there was so many cliffhangers. I don't think they could have done it any other way.
The subplots are great as well. Back at City Hall, an inappropriate email is sent to all the female workers of a man's genitals. Ann, who now works at City Hall as the Public Relations Director for the Health Department, notices that the man who sent the photo actually has mumps. When Ann announces the ironic situation, this eventually leads to everyone at City Hall showing Ann pictures of their junk to see if they have mumps as well. It's very funny seeing how pervy all the men are in the department and watching Ann's reactions to all this. Also we find out yet another incredible trait about Jerry's character at the end of the episode, proving once again why he might be the most impressive man in Pawnee.
This show's cast is very big, but impressively they are able to juggle everyone's storylines so effortlessly. And the cast is so good, that there's never a dull moment. I also forgot to mention Tom's new business venture, Entertainment 720 has officially launched, and Tom is excited about showing off his new stuff. It's a funny storyline just because of how ridiculous the whole idea is, and how nobody really understands what it is exactly. Everything in this episode really works and it does a great job of setting up the main storyline that will run until the season finale.
Quick side note: All my favorite moments in this episode involve Ben and Leslie and it is their relationship that will become the main focal point for the entire season. Ben will become the 2nd major character behind Leslie for the remainder of the series, so if you like his character, you are in luck.
Season 4's opener, "I'm Leslie Knope" is a great example of how funny while also endearing the show can be. The episode leaves off right where Season 3 ended. Leslie has just gotten a major career opportunity to run for higher office. She is still unsure on whether she should run for office or continue dating Ben and not risk a public scandal. This is the main question that the whole episode is based around. Meanwhile, Ron's other ex-wife, "Tammy One" is in the premises and Ron decides the best option is to get out ASAP. I love how prepared Ron was for this exact situation, and also how fast he can grow a beard, as we see later on in the episode. I think its a smart decision to end the episode right where Season 3 left off, just because there was so many cliffhangers. I don't think they could have done it any other way.
The subplots are great as well. Back at City Hall, an inappropriate email is sent to all the female workers of a man's genitals. Ann, who now works at City Hall as the Public Relations Director for the Health Department, notices that the man who sent the photo actually has mumps. When Ann announces the ironic situation, this eventually leads to everyone at City Hall showing Ann pictures of their junk to see if they have mumps as well. It's very funny seeing how pervy all the men are in the department and watching Ann's reactions to all this. Also we find out yet another incredible trait about Jerry's character at the end of the episode, proving once again why he might be the most impressive man in Pawnee.
This show's cast is very big, but impressively they are able to juggle everyone's storylines so effortlessly. And the cast is so good, that there's never a dull moment. I also forgot to mention Tom's new business venture, Entertainment 720 has officially launched, and Tom is excited about showing off his new stuff. It's a funny storyline just because of how ridiculous the whole idea is, and how nobody really understands what it is exactly. Everything in this episode really works and it does a great job of setting up the main storyline that will run until the season finale.
Quick side note: All my favorite moments in this episode involve Ben and Leslie and it is their relationship that will become the main focal point for the entire season. Ben will become the 2nd major character behind Leslie for the remainder of the series, so if you like his character, you are in luck.
