Comments on: PARKS & REC Winter Olympics Awards Ceremony

By: Erik

Erik — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 01:05:50 +0000

Oops, I forgot to address the Justin issue. Though I may not have been a huge fan of the character individually, Justin did have more tangible impact on the P&R team than any previous guest star. Tom found a male role model to snap him out of his divorce funk, Ann was able to confront some authentic “friends with potential” feelings, and Leslie had the opportunity to choose herself over a guy (a sharp contrast from the defeatist stance of Leslie, circa Season 1).

By: Erik

Erik — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 00:59:52 +0000

Billiam: Thanks for starting the discussion! I agree that P&R has benefited from taking fresh approaches to sitcom romance. Season 1 appeared to be a setup to the Ann/Mark/Leslie storyline, and my recaps (among MANY other, more talented writers) warned about the consequences of such a traditional choice.

By avoiding that pitfall, the show was blessed in two ways. First, it allowed Leslie Knope to become the clear leader of Season Two, rather than be dragged into a petty B-level story. Second, Chris Pratt became a more viable part of the ensemble by getting a day job and a new admirer. Where this leaves Rashida Jones remains unclear, though it would be fun to see Ann & Leslie spend some “girl time” lashing out at men. Is the bar still open?

By: Billiam

Billiam — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:18:03 +0000

The evolution of relationships has been interesting. We started with Ann and Andy, with the possibility of an Ann/Mark/Leslie triangle. But now it looks like we might have an April/Ann/Andy triangle. And no one is rooting for Mark and Leslie, either.
Though I did like Justin Theroux’s arc better than you did.

But anyway, this is a show with a wonderful supporting cast: Ron Swanson, April, Tom, and Andy (and a little Jerry).