What I’m Watching: Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation: Season 3, Episode 10 “Soulmates” (B+)

I’m continually impressed by this show manages to incorporate traditional sitcom plotlines and not make them seem forced or even the slightest bit out of place. In her post-Chris dating spree, Ann’s recommendation to Leslie that she create a profile on an online dating site, especially following the failure of any romance with Ben to materialize, makes sense. Tom having created twenty-six profiles, each with a different middle initial, also makes sense and is quite hilarious. I love that this show can have Leslie kiss Tom after he refuses to stop bugging her, and then he can comment on how skilled a kisser she is before the show just goes back to normal. I never get tired of seeing Tom’s excited face that adorns the opening credits. Andy and April tagging along with Chris and Ron to the health food store was great, and I can’t think of a more fantastic platonic television relationship than that between April and Ron. Like Leslie’s kiss with Tom, their marriage has just become a fact of life: nothing much has changed, and both characters are still just as magnificently antisocial and unmotivated as ever. It’s interesting to see Chris transformed into more than just a health nut and someone who, like Ben used to, actually implements policies and serves as the bearer of bad news. I like how Ben and Leslie seem to be on the same page now that both parties are aware that the other is interested and that nothing can occur at the moment, and I look forward to seeing their friendship blossom.