Parks and Recreation brings a smile to my face every time it’s on. Yes, last season suffered from a bit of wheel-spinning, stranding the show in a static phase that soured my opinion of the show. However, this premiere is a nice return to form, setting a new direction for the show’s characters.
The cold open is among the best in Parks history. The show truly understands its characters, something that seems to slip away from other shows as the seasons wear on (due to necessity of plot, which makes this episode even more impressive because it gives the show a new direction). This scene doesn’t get too sappy, but it’s the right amount of sweet. Ron Swanson is not the guy who needs an elaborate wedding; he truly cares for Diane, and the quicker they get it done, the better. Leslie is someone who wants to make everything perfect for everybody, and her childlike glee at the events unfolding is a joy to watch. It’s sweet, and more importantly, it’s true to her character.
Flashforward to a month later. Several storylines are prominent throughout, the main one being a trip to London. Leslie has to give a speech before the International Coalition of Women in Government, where she has to come to terms with the fact that her political career means ignoring the general awfulness of many people around her. It’s a very important moment for her character, one which Ron Swanson is every a bit a part of as her.
We also have Ben and Andy visiting Lord Covington (the great Peter Serafinowicz), and Covington and Andy’s interactions are absolutely hilarious. It’s a way to write Pratt out of the show for a while, but it’s incredibly well done.
Back in Pawnee, Chris and Ann are trying to tell everyone about their pregnancy, and Tom finds out that his main competitor is Jean Ralphio’s father. Both work well in the context of the episode, and fill out what is a very sweet and hilarious one hour premiere.
Part 1 Grade: B+ Part 2 Grade: B+
Overall: B+
Other thoughts:
-Henry Winkler is fantastic.
-Chris and Ann’s storyline ties in well with Leslie’s, as they continue to look for assurance that, yes, this is a good marriage. These are similar storylines, and I’ll be sad when the two leave.
-Ron visiting the Lagavulin distillery is really beautiful.
-I enjoy Ron’s hatred of Europe. “Fine, enjoy the fact that your royal overlords are a frail old woman and a tiny baby.”
-“Let’s go see if it was a goose.”
-Jerry imitating breastfeeding…oh, man.
-“Hogwarts is fictional. Do you know that? It’s important to me that you know that.”
-“Do you not think that, or do you not think that?” Welcome back, Perd.
Credit to NBC and Parks and Recreation for all pictures. I own nothing.
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