Parks and Recreation: Season 3, Episodes 15 & 16 “The Bubble” & “Li’l Sebastian” (B+)
While I’d never complain about having two episodes of this show in a single night, every half-hour installment is so awesome and satisfying that two together just isn’t necessary. I’d rather have it stretched out longer so as to more fully enjoy the season, but alas, sixteen episodes is all we’ve been given, and we’re fortunate enough to have the show returning in the fall this time around. I’m so impressed at how the budding relationship between Ben and Leslie is being handled, with them sneaking around but still managing to get things done in an effective and believable manner, particularly when it came to the funeral. Ben meeting Leslie’s mom was also sufficiently understated and didn’t take up too much of the storyline, which was good. Chris’ failed attempt at restructuring was amusing, and the sight of Ron swiveling around in that chair was pitch-perfect. I’m not sure how I feel about Tom leaving the Parks department, but I think that he’ll be back before long since John Ralphio can’t distract him forever. I’m very intrigued by the introduction of a potential political candidacy for Leslie, and I think that would be a terrific avenue for next season (or the one after that, since she was reassured that there’s no rush and she wouldn’t have to leave her job anytime soon). This has been a simply superb and fantastic season, and it’s hard to pick a most valuable player since all the core people – Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Aziz Ansari, Rashida Jones, Aubrey Plaza and newcomer Rob Lowe – have all been uniformly tremendous. I really hope that Emmy voters finally tune into this show and shower it with some love.
Season grade: A
Season MVP: See above
Monday, May 23, 2011
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2 comments:
Seasons like this are what "As" are for. Brilliant show, brilliant cast, brilliant writing... not much else to say that hasn't been said. Next to "Breaking Bad", this is probably my favorite show on TV right now (although "Mad Men" was awfully good this past season as well). I really hope the fact that it's going to lose its post-"Office" slot in the fall doesn't mean a dip in the ratings and/or the possibility of cancellation. On the other hand, it getting paired with "Community" (a show I'm still catching up on but really like) has created a truly awesome hour of comedy that may prove to be the best hour on network TV next season.
I don't think it's going anywhere for a while. It's a critical hit, and NBC doesn't need to get rid of it.
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