What I’m Watching: Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation: Season 6, Episode 13 “Ann and Chris” (B+)

Because we’ve known that Rashida Jones and Rob Lowe were leaving this show for a while now, it’s been feeling like a buildup to this point. Fortunately, their final episode is actually quite sentimental, and a good way to say goodbye to these two characters. The guys trying to do better than their three-pan gift card was entertaining, and I think Ben’s idea of a “buddy box” yet to be filled was great. What Chris put in each of the boxes was sweet as well, and he’ll be remembered fondly for his enduring and endless positivity. I most enjoyed the gifts Ron gave, emphasizing the level of effort put into the two handshakes he shared with Chris and only slightly complimenting Ann, which brought her to tears. Ann went out with a bang, proving to be much more memorable than she’s often given room to be, pushing Leslie to help accomplish the groundbreaking that she so wanted to get her as a parting gift. Hints of a romance with Perd and headlocking one of the show’s villains were high points, and I especially loved her ability to get April to mumble “I love you too” when Leslie wasn’t listening. It was fun to see Chris Bauer, better known as hapless sheriff Andy Bellefleur on “True Blood,” as the city employee who just didn’t want to do Leslie and Ann any favors. Leslie will have to find a new best friend now, but something tells me that she’ll do just fine with Ben, April, and the rest of the gang.