Parks and Recreation Reviews

"I don't want this parks department to build any parks, because I don't believe in government. I think that all government is a waste of taxpayer money."

Parks and Recreation debuted in 2009 with a six-episode first season, and it drew criticism even before it hit the airwaves, with many denouncing it as nothing more than a rip-off of The Office. Certainly, there are similarities, as Parks and Rec is a workplace-based show which plays out in a faux documentary style, and it was created by the men behind The Office. But it didn't take long for the show to take off, swiftly finding its own voice and style after a few episodes, and settling into a comfortable groove. Populated with a cavalcade of superlative actors perfectly playing colourful roles, and blessed with razor-sharp writing and strong technical contributions right down the line, Parks and Rec is a genuine winner; an endlessly enjoyable and insanely quotable television show that deserves your attention.

Set in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, the show focuses on a group of government officials from the Parks and Recreation department. The deputy director is Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), a bubbly, optimistic woman who loves her town and feels determined to do good things. In the first season, Knope proposes to build a community park on an abandoned lot located next to the home of nurse Ann Perkins (Rashida Jones) and her live-in boyfriend Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt). The director of the parks department is cynical libertarian Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), who detests the government and abhors his colleagues. Also working with Leslie is underachieving goof Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari), as well as uninterested intern April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza), among others. As the show progresses, it introduces health-conscious government official Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe) and the socially awkward Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott), the latter of whom develops a romantic relationship with Leslie. The show mostly concentrates on the everyday antics of these people, with Leslie navigating the frustrating world of bureaucracy and dealing with the eccentricities of both the townsfolk and her friends. A number of larger story arcs are pursued too, with Leslie running for city council and with Andy eventually developing a sweet relationship with April after being dumped by Ann.

That's about the best synopsis which can be provided for the first five seasons without spoiling the experience. Indeed, Parks and Recreation is the type of TV show that you should watch without knowing how things will pan out, as it's easy to get emotionally invested in these characters and care about what happens to them. One of the show's key strengths is the way it develops all of the characters so effortlessly. It's a massive ensemble and it should be difficult to keep tabs on them all, but you get to know each and every one of them, and you'll never mistake one supporting character for another. It also helps that Parks and Rec is so damn funny. Comedy is subjective, to be sure, yet this reviewer laughed heartily and frequently while working through the seasons. The show is highly quotable; it's no surprise that Ron Swanson quotes appear on t-shirts.

The large selection of writers and directors (including Bridesmaids director Paul Feig, The King of Kong helmer Seth Gordon, Arrested Development veteran Troy Miller, and even Poehler) pack a huge amount into every episode, working to keep the storytelling taut but effective. Literally hours of material is excised from each season, demonstrating that only the best stuff was left in the bite-sized 20-minute episodes. Some episodes are more successful than others of course, and there is some plodding from time to time, but Parks and Recreation is for the most part smart, sharp and consistently funny, emerging from the shadow of The Office to become its own independent entity. The faux documentary style makes for involving viewing, with big laughs generated from both the ridiculous situations that occur as well as the direct-to-camera interviews interspersed throughout.

What's most remarkable about Parks and Recreation is the cast; every member of the group is so entertaining, astutely-written and perfectly-performed that they could all front their own show. The production's secret weapon is Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson. This is a career-defining turn from Offerman, infusing his iconic role with a distinctive personality and many quirky traits. Swanson is the best character in the show, and that's saying something, with Offerman turning a potentially one-dimensional curmudgeon into a brilliant character with an unlimited armoury of side-splitting one-liners. Equally good is Amy Poehler, who's almost always on-screen, and who seems utterly incapable of taking a false step or sounding a contrived note. Poehler has a gift for comedy, and she understands the character of Leslie Knope to her very core. It's the sincerity of the acting which really sells it, as Poehler commits to saying and doing some of the most outlandish things. Also memorable is Aubrey Plaza, who nails the deadpan style of comedy as the jaded April. April hates everything and everyone, and it's uproarious to see her projecting her hatred for the world on those around her. April becomes Ron's personal assistant, which is a match made in heaven. Chris Pratt was meant to leave the show after Ann dumps him in season one, but his dumb, underachieving, goofily charming Andy became a fan favourite, and was given a permanent spot in the ensemble. Pratt is terrific, making Andy a believable, endearing character.

Another pivotal cast member is Aziz Ansari, who's extraordinarily funny as Tom Haverford. Rashida Jones plays more of a straight man in the show, but she's no less valuable than the rest of the cast; she's extraordinarily beautiful and she has a flair for comedy. Retta and Jim O'Heir also feature here as Leslie's co-workers, and both are given times to shine. Rob Lowe and Adam Scott are introduced in the second season, and they're great. Scott brings real depth to his role, while Lowe is pure comedy dynamite. Parks and Rec has seen its fair share of guest stars as well; Will Forte, Pamela Reed, Justin Theroux, Nick Kroll and Ben Schwartz all appear, while Paul Rudd shows up to play Leslie's political rival in season four, and Offerman's real-life spouse Megan Mullaly plays Ron's second ex-wife Tammy. Patricia Clarkson is Ron's first ex-wife, also named Tammy, and she's excellent; her ice-cold, uncaring demeanour frightens everyone...except April, who grows to idolise her.

To be sure, Parks and Recreation hit its peak in its second and third seasons, but although signs of fatigue are beginning to emerge, this nevertheless remains one of the most enjoyable shows on TV. It's delightful to spend time in the company of these characters, and it's interesting to see which paths they tread. With season six right around the corner, this reviewer will continue to watch. And if you haven't seen a single episode of this show, give it a shot - you won't regret it.

8.1/10

first off: everyone will tell you or have told you that ehh its a office US rip off. Why bother?
second off I do not care for what people say regarding tv shows at all. I would have worried a bit, a tiny teeny bit if I was being told that it was a rip off of "family guy" or "90210" because those shows I don't care about at all but the office US has been pretty good: would I mind an office rip off? hmmm no, I don't think so.

Now that I have addressed the elephant in the room so let me answer that and say that no it's not a rip off of the office.

There are many similarities. Both have same producers/ production company. (Do tell if I am wrong here) Both follow the mokumantry style that we see nowadays a lot in tv shows. But other than that, both are pretty much very different. I am disappointed that it is not a rip off as I was told/warned about but it has its own thing going and I like it a lot.

Note: I have been an avid viewer of the office UK and then US version. I am not following the current season because it has gone boring. I don't enjoy it much now. (Just to make sure that I know what I am talking about :) )

The main thing that this show makes you laugh about is how Leslie is so positive and energetic to make a big change but she is in a department which no one usually cares about. Her positivity and energy always meets up with tons of office works and committees and meetings etc. Season 1 was kind of drag and I was little disappointed but I like to give tv shows chances because I know that unlike movies they keep evolving themselves and after season 1, I decided to give season 2 a go and I could not stop laughing at it. I mean in season 1, I would smile or something and in season 2, I am pausing it to laugh. lol
Its a rare thing to laugh like that since I do not laugh at big bang theory, modern family, family guy, the simpsons, its always sunny in philedelphia, the office and even south park is being boring these days. All of these tv shows I now watch just to fill time and look at their ratings! These all are huge and yet getting un-funny.

For me, Park s and recreation is a fresh drop of comedy in modern tv and I look forward to its episodes. Great show :)

The first season is quite uneven but this show really picks up stride in seasons 2 and 3. The ensemble cast is impressive and entertaining and are able to take the departures of key cast members in stride. The story lines stay fresh and interesting and the town of Pawnee is fleshed out by goofy side characters and odd bits of background information.

Parks and recreation is nothing short of an Office rip-off, with a female character portraying Michael Scott. All the other characters are however there own unique selves. While watching this show it's difficult not to notice the fact that almost literally every gesture, phrase, or mishap the main character Leslie does is ridiculously identical to that of Michael, and that just isn't good. If she was funny however, it would be a different story. Amy Poehler just doesn't cut it for me. It's as of she's trying too hard, where as Steve Carell in The Office is naturally hysterical. I found myself laughing more and enjoying more of the other characters, for example Ann Perkins and Tom, they are actually genuinely pretty funny. Bottomline: If you enjoy "The Office" type shows, then give this show a whirl, just don't expect a whole lot, and give it a few episodes to sink in.

7.2/10