What I’m Watching: Parks and Recreation (Season Premiere)

Parks and Recreation: Season 6, Episodes 1 and 2 “London, Part 1 and 2” (B+)

It’s a wonderful thing to have this show, which remains my favorite comedy on television, back for a sixth year as it comes closer and closer to airing its hundredth episode. Fantastically, it’s still fresh, and this first hourlong episode was very funny. After seeing the title of the episodes, I wondered how they might get to London, but it worked out perfectly, giving Leslie a chance to be honored for all of her hard work and to still experience the misery of being told that she doesn’t have it as good as others do. Casting Heidi Klum as another recipient of the prize from Denmark was an inspired choice, and she felt just like a European version of an Eagleton resident. April’s obsession with the Mongolian honoree was entertaining, and it was sweet to hear her later read aloud the letter she submitted to the organization nominating Leslie. Sending Ron on a train trip across Europe to discover something that he would actually like was remarkable, and it’s that kind of thing that makes this show so terrific. I love that Andy got along so well with the similarly childish Lord Covington, and their work together in London over the next few months should prove extremely enjoyable. Introducing Henry Winkler as Tom’s mystery nemesis and the father of Jean-Ralphio and Mona Lisa was fantastic, and I’m rooting for Tom to overcome this vindictive new player in his business. Ron and Diane’s wedding was appropriately brief but still nice, and I look forward to seeing where their relationship goes next. Ann and Chris got some big news, and let’s hope that their relationship only gets stronger as the pregnancy continues.