What I’m Watching: Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation: Season 6, Episode 11 “New Beginnings” (B+)

It could be argued that this show is very cyclical, in that its characters are easily able to reclaim their jobs after having to vacate them for an undefined amount of time. Yet this show manages to make the most of the second time around, enabling them to transform and not stay static. It makes sense that no one would be able to top Leslie in her job, and therefore Ron would be happy to offer it back to her at whatever point she asked. Making a big stink about the dog lookalikes was a typical move, and telling Tom that she knew best before ultimately sabotaging her own presentation to let him shine was a nice moment of growth for her. Ben getting pranked by Donna, April, and Andy was quite hilarious, as was the disturbing extent of the prank he had prepared for them. The fact that April respected him because of the fake blood was terrific. Ann and Chris' extended trip to the jewelry state was the least effective plotline of the episode, mainly because it's clear that they're leaving soon and might be better to have them interact with other characters before they leave. Whether they get married or not is immaterial, as this episode proves, because their relationship with each other is strong enough basely solely on their semi-similar quirks, which have been more than established. However much they’ve happened in the past, Ron’s moments of realization that his life is not as off the grid as he would like are always entertaining.