What I’m Watching: Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation: Season 6, Episode 17 “Galentine’s Day” (B+)

So this show actually aired an episode with this exact same title way back in season two, but rather than repeating itself, I think this installment demonstrates that this show really is still functioning at a very high creative level. With Rashida Jones’ departure from the series, there is a void left for Leslie’s best friend, and thanks to the extensive criteria she has for a replacement and her inability to be with Ben without jumping his bones, it makes sense that she would need to audition new best friends. Bringing Ethel Beavers, some random woman, and Shauna Malwee-Tweep to an off-season Galentine’s Day brunch was entertaining, and of course resulted in April and Ann realizing that she was up to something and Shauna remaining by default as the only option for her best friend. I like that both Donna and Jerry have been given more screen time (and a place in the opening credits), with both becoming more significant players. Ben acknowledging that he likes Jerry was unsurprisingly met with skepticism and resistance, though, for once, he did do something great by helping them to take down the tent monopoly. Ron taking Andy to the dentist after he hurt his tooth was quite enjoyable, and it’s equally great to see Ron in parental mode as it is to see Andy letting his inner child come out. Ron calling Diane to offer to bring home ice cream for all the kids in his life was an especially sweet note on which to end.

What I’m Watching: Parks and Recreation

Parks and Recreation: Season 2, Episode 16 “Galentine’s Day” (B+)

So many shows try to come up with a new way to incorporate the time-honored celebration of Valentine’s Day that it hardly seems like anything new would be possible. Yet the low-key but entertaining Galentine’s Day tradition was pitch-perfect, complimented by Ann’s first time experiencing it and Leslie’s delight at acting out the drama of her mother’s story after hearing it for the umpteenth time. Seeking out the man from the legendary tale with Justin was never going to end well, but it was worthwhile for the way that it exposed Justin’s true nature. I find it incredibly touching that Ron was the one who asked Justin what Leslie thought of the whole situation and that he was kind enough to have the fateful talk with her about him being a tourist and being selfish. It’s another instance of what made this show stand out in its first season finale when Leslie and Mark had a moving heart-to-heart. It makes me so happy that Ron actually cares about Leslie enough to help her realize how she could be happier. The post-credits scene where Justin appeared to be talking to Leslie about how nothing would change and they would still see each other all the time was classic in its revelation that it was not Leslie but Tom worrying about what would become of them. April’s realization that she doesn’t want to have everything she says buried under “fifteen layers of irony,” as she put it, is terrific, and hopefully she and Andy can find true happiness together, at least for a little while. April’s rather condescending conversation with Ann was also a really nice treat.