SISTERS, Sisters

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: 'Sisters' on Blogcritics.

As of today, the film Sisters is available to own. Released in theaters late last year, the movie tells the story of two messed-up female siblings who come together one last time in their childhood home to throw a huge party and recapture what they’ve lost. With an impressive comedic cast, it’s a new twist on an old genre, the party film, with the young-at-heart instead of the young (though they certainly aren’t old, either).

The stars of Sisters are the great Tina Fey (30 Rock) and Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation). Tina is Kate, the fun-loving sister that can’t hold a job or a place to live, and has alienated her daughter, Haley (Madison Davenport, Shameless). Amy is Maura, the uptight one who can’t keep a husband. While Maura is admittedly more responsible, her issue of not knowing how to loosen up is a problem, too, and so the two must help one another, each rubbing off on the other.

That sounds like a very familiar formula, and it is. Even mixing it with a party film (most of the running time takes place at a celebration on a single night) isn’t novel. Nor is the basic love interest for Maura, James (Ike Barinholtz, The Mindy Project), whose only defining characteristic is that he’s nice to Maura because he likes her, and knows how to fix things for her.

What makes Sisters unique, though, is the exact manner in which it tackles this premise. By putting all the characters around forty-ish, it adds a new element. And while Maura and Kate may be the only party-goers with full personalities, seeing their high school chums fall back into old patterns and stereotypes and reopen old wounds is satisfying, too, like a school reunion, but in a totally wild setting. It took awhile for me to start appreciating exactly what makes Sisters special, but by the end of the two hours (yep, it’s a full two hours, not ninety minutes like most comedies), I think I finally understood it.

Helping the film’s appeal along is a stellar supporting cast, which includes many Saturday Night Live alum and cast members, joining fellow players Tina, Amy, and the movie’s scribe Paula Pell, who created some of SNL‘s most memorable late ’90s characters. Those actors are Bobby Moynihan, Kate McKinnon, John Lutz, Chris Parnell, Rachel Dratch, and the incomparable Maya Rudolph. Toss in Samantha Bee (The Daily Show), Jon Glaser (Delocated), Renee Elise Goldsberry (The Good Wife), Matt Oberg (The Onion News Network), Greta Lee (New Girl), John Leguizamo (Moulin Rogue), WWE wrestler John Cena, and Life in Pieces couple Dianne Wiest and James Brolin, and you would be hard-pressed to find a better ensemble.

I guess Sisters isn’t for everyone, and if you don’t get that bizarre take on a relatable familial chemistry that it’s going for, you may be left confused. But once you embrace the madness and just let yourself enjoy the performances, it becomes a fun way to spend a couple of hours.

As far as extras go, there are tons. Besides an unrated version of the movie itself and the expected deleted and extended scenes, there are outtakes, unused improv moments, and behind-the-scenes material to explain what the filmmakers are doing. There’s also an interview with writer Pell, commentary with her, the director, and the two leads, and and an extra on special effects. It’s quite a lot for a release such as this, and thankfully much of it is showing us more of the funny performers in their element.

As always, I recommend blu-ray over DVD. Visually, there are some bright Florida colors and the dark light show at the party that beg for good contrast. In the second half of the film, there’s a lot going on with the audio, from dialogue to music to ambiance, all mixed together. In a testament to the overall quality, I detected no flaws in any of it during my HD viewing, and I never had trouble understanding what the characters are saying. I can’t help but think a standard definition experience would be harder to stomach, needing the crispness to balance everything out appropriately.

Sisters is available now on blu-ray, DVD, and digital download.

Be Sure to Attend WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: FIRST DAY OF CAMP

Article first published as WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: FIRST DAY OF CAMP Review on Seat42F.

I love that we live in the modern age where television can be done in many different models, not just the strict, twenty-some episodes per year for an indeterminate number of years commitment. If things had not been shifting as they are, we would never get a gem like WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: FIRST DAY OF CAMP (premiering this week on Netflix) due to actor availability alone. Just look at the cast list, which includes Janeane Garofalo, Jason Schwartzman, Paul Rudd, Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Christopher Meloni, Amy Poehler, Bradley Cooper, H. Jon Benjamin, John Slattery, Josh Charles, and many more. It would not have been possible to get them all together in a longer-format series.

WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: FIRST DAY OF CAMP is actually a prequel to the 2001 film, Wet Hot American Summer. Whereas the movie covers the last day of the year at Camp Firewood, the eight-episode series is set eight weeks earlier, to the first day of the season. Practically all of the adult actors from the original, both major and minor characters, reprise their roles, with a new batch of kids tossed in, and a ton of guest stars who are often as famous, if not more so, than the central cast.

The question might occur to you, as it did me, is this necessary? The movie is terrific; I just re-watched it last night and laughed frequently. But it’s also irreverent, with a loose plot and relatively under-developed characters. It succeeds because of the jokes and the performances, not because of its depth.

Well, if the new version were an exact copy, I’m not sure it would work. Sure, we could enjoy a goofy sitcom over a longer period of time, but it would certainly get tiring if binge watching, as many Netflix subscribers prefer to digest their shows. Instead, WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: FIRST DAY OF CAMP builds a much more complex story (i.e. can of vegetables), interweaving a number of running subplots, intriguing mysteries, and origin stories fans may not have known they even wanted.

Lest you worry that will take away from the style of humor that worked for Wet Hot American Summer, it does not. The silly gags are still present, Arty (recast) still the radio station, and the characters are the same as they ever were. They just have a little more to do, and what they do sometimes (but not always) has a little more importance. Continuity remains intact, as much as it ever was.

Given the short bits this four-hour comedy is broken up into, not everyone can show up right away. Most of the biggest stars are back in episodes one and two, with a lot of the smaller ones joining in episode three. The original ensemble is supplemented mostly by cast members from writer David Wain’s other TV show, Childrens Hospital (which also has Wet Hot American Summer stars), and Mad Men alum, along with Wain himself, so it takes even longer to get around to everyone.

Yet, it doesn’t feel crowded. Sure, Michael Ian Black, for one, doesn’t have a lot to do in the first few installments, but I’m optimistic that will change as the season goes on. Like the movie, WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: FIRST DAY OF CAMP jumps around a lot, and that allows for lots of subplots.

Most importantly, though, it just feels like the magic is back. True, the actors don’t pass for sixteen-year-olds, but they didn’t in 2001, either, and the only adds to the conceit. I was enjoying the show so much, I couldn’t stop to write this after one or two episodes, and barely tore myself away after the third. As someone who loves the film, I think this iteration adds to, not takes away from, the work. I hope we eventually get to see even more of this terrific summer of 1981.

WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: FIRST DAY OF CAMP was released last Friday on Netflix.

"One Last Ride" for PARKS AND REC

Article first published as TV Review: 'Parks and Recreation' Series Finale - "One Last Ride" on Blogcritics.

Parks and Recreation, the last great sitcom in NBC’s once-proud legacy of comedy, came to an end this week with the hour-long “One Last Ride.” In it, the Parks Department gang goes on one final mission, while we see flash forwards to the futures of all of our main characters, as well as several secondary characters. It’s an emotional triumph.

As the episode opens, many in the group are getting ready to leave Pawnee, Indiana. While they have all moved on, none currently employed at the office in which they so memorably worked together, they’ve stayed in touch and still lived nearby. But now, some are moving halfway across the country, and it’s a true end of an era. Leslie (Amy Poehler) plans on commemorating it with a very in-depth recounting of their time together.

Thankfully, Leslie’s plan, which most of the others find boring, is interrupted when a citizen shows up to ask to get a swing fixed. Despite the fact that the Parks Department isn’t yet open for the day and that none of them have any authority to help, Leslie sees this as a chance to recapture their glory days, and as has happened so many times, the rest grudgingly agree to assist.

Leslie is the glue that holds them all together, and while she can be annoying, without her, they wouldn’t have built the family they all cherish so much. That’s why she and her husband, Ben (Adam Scott), get the lion’s share of the focus in “One Last Ride,” with hints that Leslie eventually becomes President of the United States after serving successfully as governor of Indiana. Her dedication and her persistence helps them all, and at the end of the day, they do all realize and value that.

The various other futures, which are shown in different years to give us a more complete view of the characters’ timelines, are appropriate. All the characters end up happy, professionally fulfilled, and romantically satisfied. It may not be realistic to have such across-the-board success, but with Leslie behind them all the way, often popping back into their lives when they need her, it makes sense that this particular group would defy the odds and do well for themselves. Donna (Retta), Ron (Nick Offerman), Tom (Aziz Ansari), Andy (Chris Pratt), April (Aubrey Plaza), even Garry (Jim O’Heir), who, despite his plethora of names over the run, I still think of as Jerry, end up where they should be. This fixing of the swing is not the last time they are all together.

The central cast of Parks and Recreation is strong, but the series has always benefited from a solid second and third string. “One Last Ride” pays tribute to that, too, with flash forwards for Craig (Billy Eichner) and Jean-Ralphio (Ben Schwartz), and appearances from Chris (Rob Lowe), Ann (Rashida Jones), Lucy (Natalie Morales), Joe (Keegan-Michael Key), Perd (Jay Jackson), Mona-Lisa (Jenny Slate), Ethel (Helen Slayton-Hughes), Gayle (Christie Brinkley), Jen (Kathryn Hahn), Brandi (Mara Marini), Dr. Saperstein (Henry Winkler), Joe Biden (himself), and more. What’s notable about all of these guest stars is that they slide seamlessly into the main narrative, not distracting or disrupting the main story. Not everyone that arguably should be included is, but that’s OK because they aren’t the point of the finale. They are all well used, and while it doesn’t feel like a role call is being conducted, we’re left with quite a significant list who are involved.

Similarly, the futuristic technology included is a fun touch, but not all that important to what’s going on. This has been a trend all season, as these episodes have been set in 2017, and other than one really funny bit, the tech isn’t essential to any scene.

The hour ends far too soon, taking us back to the present setting of the show. It’s an installment full of humor and heart, one that makes fans laugh and cry, and captures both the spirit and the core point of Parks and Recreation. All told, I couldn’t imagine a more perfect way to send off the odd comedy about a bunch of misfits who achieve great things as a team. It will be sorely missed, both because of its own merits, and because it leaves the network that brought us Seinfeld, Friends, and The Office without another sitcom of this level of quality.

‘Louie – The Complete Season 3′ DVD Review

Article first published as ‘Louie – The Complete Season 3′ DVD Review on Blogcritics.

FX’s Louie is a very odd show. Written, directed by, and starring Louis C.K., it’s semi-autobiographical, semi-comedic, and semi-dramatic. There is nothing ‘semi-’ about its quality, though.  Perhaps best described as an extended vignettes (occasionally running into multiple episodes), interspersed with Louie C.K. stand-up bits, the show defies easy definition, but it’s always compelling, insightful, and authentic in ways no other TV show comes close.


The third season of Louie was recently released as a three-disc DVD set. The 13 episodes run a gamut in terms of story, but the usually somber, and frequently pathetic, tone is consistent. Louie is a divorced father of two young girls who tries to date and interact with the world while maintaining a career as a stand-up comedian. A few events in this season give him hope that he can finally improve his standing, but as one expects, that never quite happens.

Louie and the Ladies

A major theme in of season three involves Louie’s interactions with females. His daughters, Lilly (Hadley Delany) and Jane (Ursula Parker) are a big part of that, of course, but he also goes on dates with various women, including Liz (Parker Posey), Maria (Maria Bamford), and Laurie (Melissa Leo, who won an Emmy for the role). Louie doesn’t understand the opposite sex, this much is clear, but he really tries. He does understand that women are all different, though, and he tries to give his daughters the freedom to be who they want to be, as long as they also end up as good people. Finding a steady girlfriend could help him provide the girls with a role model, but the task proves difficult. This is dealt with quite heavily in the two-parter, “Daddy’s Girlfriend.”

The Life of a Standup

Another thing Louie ponders is getting his own talk show. In the three-part “Late Show,” Louie interviews to be David Letterman’s possible replacement (this was before Letterman announced he was stepping down and Stephen Colbert was replacing him in real life). Finding out he may just be being used as leverage against the network’s first choice, Jerry Seinfeld (himself), Louie begins to wonder how much he really even wants the job. Should he fight for it, or is he better off staying out of the late night game, as Jay Leno (himself) advises? Louie seeks the counsel of many of his peers, but is still torn.

Does this mean Louie is afraid of success? I don’t think the real Louie is, or he wouldn’t be working so hard to make Louie. He gets complete creative control of the process, and even takes a year off or shortens a season as he sees fit, and the viewers and critics still flock back. But you have to wonder what success means to Louie the character.

Other episodes are stand-alone. Louie has a horrible day in “Something Is Wrong.” He develops an awkward friendship with a lifeguard in “Miami.” He is one of only two people to attend a funeral for a terrible guy in “Barney/Never.” He makes up (again) with Marc Maron (himself) in “Ikea/Piano Lesson.” He freaks out about seeing his estranged father in “Dad.” He confronts the death of a sister (Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation) and travels to China in “New Year’s Eve.” All of these and more are really interesting, thought-provoking installments, and while continuity between them may not always be present, they are great in their own right.

The only complaint I have about Louie – The Complete Season 3 is the same one I’ve had about Fox’s other recent releases: no bonus features. I’m sure Louie could give us some really neat insight into his process if the studio had let him. And also, this season only gets the DVD treatment nearly two years after it finished airing, rather than a timely Blu-ray release, as past seasons have seen. Louie and Louie deserve better.

Louie – The Complete Season 3 is available now.

"Moving Up" in the PARKS AND RECREATION World

Article first published as TV Review: 'Parks and Recreation' - 'Moving Up' on Blogcritics.

This week’s season finale of NBC’s Parks and Recreation, “Moving Up,” is nearly a perfect episode, and would have served extremely well as a series finale. Leslie (Amy Poehler) contemplates taking a huge job opportunity in Chicago, which would mean leaving the town of Pawnee, Indiana, which she doesn’t want to do. Meanwhile, the long-awaited Unity Concert unfolds, and the rest of the ensemble have strong development, too.

Leslie is the main character in Parks and Recreation and usually has the biggest stories. “Moving Up” is no exception. For most of the hour-long double episode, she is wavering back and forth over a life-altering choice. She’d really like the opportunity to run the National Parks Service in the Midwest, but that means abandoning the town she loves at a crucial time, as they are still reeling from the merger with Eagleton that she is instrumental in. If she does go, Councilman Jamm (Jon Glaser) will likely dismantle her accomplishments. To add insult to injury, her co-workers have added a plaque for her to the founder’s statue with a quote from her reinforcing her dedication to the place. How can she leave?

Yet, on the other hand, Leslie is a dynamic player that must keep growing. City Council didn’t work out for her, but she can’t just go back to the local Parks Department. For her to advance, she has to leave the small pond she’s been swimming in. Her husband, Ben (Adam Scott), is supportive, but also helps her to realize this, knowing she won’t be happy if she passes this up. Leslie can’t stay stagnant. She needs to step up and tackle the next challenge, and I’m not just talking about the triplets she is pregnant with. She has to accept the job, a huge promotion that she has worked hard for and deserves. Even Michelle Obama (herself) weighs in on the decision, urging Leslie to take the job.

“Moving Up” has the perfect solution when Leslie tells Grant Larson (Brady Smith) that she wants the position, but wants to move the office to Pawnee. Parks and Recreation doesn’t take the easy way out and just drop this bit and move on. Instead, in true Leslie fashion, she creates a strong argument as to why this is a good idea, complete with thick binder, and in the face of the evidence, Grant has to agree. No one can stand in the way of Leslie when she sets her mind on something, pursuing it doggedly. She gets to stay in the place she loves and perform her dream job.

The closing moments of “Moving Up” are set three years later, Leslie running a busy department and firing an inept employee (Mad Men‘s Jon Hamm). I really hope the next season of this show sticks to that new timeline, as there are hints of an event set up here that provide a dangling mystery. Though, if it starts just a little earlier, Hamm’s cameo, as funny as it is, might actually feel justified, providing an opportunity for Hamm to be a recurring player in season seven.

How else could one ask for Parks and Recreation to end? Leslie gets everything she wants and everyone is happy. This is how it should be.

The rest of “Moving On” is a love letter to the town and the people that populate it, too. The concert itself features a number of terrific musicians, many with ties to the series, and a huge tribute to Li’l Sebastian. Local celebrities, recurring characters, participate, too, and then all head to Tom’s Bistro, which Tom (Aziz Ansari) has made a success, allowing Tom to rub his accomplishment in Dr. Saperstein’s (Henry Winkler) face in front of his children (Jenny Slate and Ben Schwartz), bringing Tom’s arc full circle.

Others get their due, as well. Ron (Nick Offerman) finally defeats Tammy’s (Megan Mullally) hold over him, happy with his new family and loving it, and publicly comes out as saxophone player Duke Silver. Andy (Chris Pratt) gets to reunite with his band, whom he misses. April (Aubrey Plaza) shows new-found maturity and is totally blissful in her marriage, which her and Andy decide to dissolve so they can wed all over again. Donna (Retta) is right in the thick of things, being her awesome self. Ben earns the town free Wi-Fi and is gifted the copyright to his successful game by the accounting firm that worships him. And Larry (Jim O’Heir), formerly Jerry, is now Terry and working for Leslie.

So, all is right in the world. Parks and Recreation has been treading water a bit this season, making recent episodes less compelling, but this is resolved in a single hour. These developments not only illustrate beautifully who the characters are and how far they’ve come, but propel them forward with new, interesting stories. I don’t know if this is done because the show’s fate was in doubt (it has now been renewed), but one could not have asked for a better season finale, highlighting what this show has accomplished thus far and really stoking enthusiasm for next year.

PARKS AND REC Bids Goodbye to "Ann and Chris"

Article first published as PARKS AND REC Bids Goodbye to "Ann and Chris" on TheTVKing.

NBC's Parks and Recreation bids farewell to two of its long-term main characters this week as "Ann and Chris" move away from Pawnee. In true Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) fashion, she throws her bestie Ann (Rashida Jones) thirty parties in one, and then there's an even more touching surprise on top of that. Meanwhile, the guys try to match Chris' (Rob Lowe) thoughtful parting gifts.

I am sad to see Ann and Chris go mostly because the other characters are sad to see them go. Ann has never been my favorite, but I'll miss Chris' eccentricities, which were always funny. Their roles have pretty much run their course, and it's wise to send them off now, before they go stale. Plus, their departure will affect the other characters, which should add more forward momentum to the rest of the season.

Leslie is the most upset because Ann is her best friend. For five years they've been nearly inseparable, always in each other's lives. Perhaps, though, this will be the boost Leslie needs to kick her career back into high gear, channeling her grief and extra energy into a campaign for another office. Or maybe she'll make a new best friend that isn't so much of an enabler to Leslie's craziness, though Leslie is a force of nature not easily swayed.

The parties are perfect for Leslie, but I even more enjoyed that Leslie's final gift to Ann is the ground breaking of the park that started their relationship. It's a nice way to tie things back together in the end, and exactly the sort of thing that Leslie would do for someone she cares so much about. The fact that a grump city official (Chris Bauer, True Blood) stands in their way, leading to several obstacles and the natural return of a few familiar faces in this important episode, only makes the end result mean more, and demonstrates the love she and Ann have for one another.

April's (Aubrey Plaza) heartfelt farewell to Ann is much more toned down, as is appropriate, but shines through as a memorable moment, too. They've always shared their connection to Andy (Chris Pratt), which actually has stood between them, rather than bringing them together. But April is developing as a person and it's nice that she sees past the guy and can admit some small shred of emotional to Ann. Nice, too, that Ann understands April enough not to push her past her limits and be grateful for what she gets.

"Ann and Chris" is unusual because the guys and girls are, mostly, split up during the installment, a grouping the series doesn't do too often. But then, it always makes for an interesting dynamic when they do.

Donna (Retta) is part of neither grouping, unfortunately, but given the way the story plays out, that makes sense. She wouldn't really fit on the girls' mission, and she would also seem out of place with the boys, so for once, she just doesn't belong here. But she's still a fantastic character, and her goodbye butt squeeze to Chris is hilarious.

While traditionally men are less in touch with their feelings, and Parks and Recreation even has Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), the much-admired stereotype of this, the male side of "Ann and Chris" is just as moving as the female side. Chris gifts each of his male friends a special present that demonstrates how well he knows them. They chip in for a gift card for him, which they quickly feel bad about as not being personal enough and resolve to correct. Except for Ron, that is, who thinks his two handshakes are plenty.

Of course, Ben (Adam Scott) is the one that eventually saves the day, knowing Chris the best. And what he comes up with includes everyone else, especially Ron and Gary Jerry Larry (Jim O'Heir). So it works in ending this subplot appropriately for them all, with not a single person feeling left out.

The very end of "Ann and Chris," with Leslie telling Chris he's almost good enough for Ann, the whole group watching the couple drive away, and Ron offering Leslie copious amounts of breakfast food to numb her pain, is about as emotionally satisfying as Parks and Recreation has ever gotten. The whole half hour is a love letter to these characters, not just Ann and Chris, but the whole ensemble, and their love for each other. The last scene is perfect, and while I'm supremely glad this isn't a series finale, it's great that two important players are sent off right.

Parks and Recreation will return to NBC Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. EST after the Olympics.

PARKS AND REC Faces a "New Beginning"

Article first published as PARKS AND REC Faces a "New Beginning" on TheTVKing.

NBC's Parks and Recreation has made a lot of strides with its characters in the last year, many of them finding new purposes and new jobs, and some even planning to move away to start new lives. In "New Beginning," though, it's really only two characters who start something fresh, and one of them realizes that, while she thinks she can go back to her past, that past no longer exists.

Leslie (Amy Poehler) is the main character of Parks and Recreation, and most of the stories do revolve around her, with the rest of the cast supporting her. But that changed when Leslie when away and took a job on the City Council. Leaving the Parks Department behind, which she deserves credit for building into a functioning governing agency (according to Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman), who is a harsh critic of such things), everyone else was forced to move on, too. Which throws Leslie for a loop when, recalled from the council, she resumes her former job.

It's a little odd that there is still a job for Leslie to come back to. I would think she should have been replaced by now or the position eliminated. But then, as Ron would surely point out, government moves slowly, and Ron is certainly in no hurry to replace her. So I guess it sort of does make sense.

When Leslie last held this seat, she had to push everyone along. Ron hired slackers like Tom (Aziz Ansari) and April (Aubrey Plaza) because he preferred that nothing get done. Leslie understood that those two needed to be forced into accomplishing work, and found a way to get them to do so. Having been out of the office, she doesn't see that they maintained the efforts she made them rise to, even without her behind them anymore. This is a big realization for Leslie, and one that she's slow to come to.

What this means is that Leslie isn't needed here any more. She did the job, and now that job no longer needs done. Ron will let her stay so she can collect a pay check and because he cares about her, but Leslie will soon grow very restless with this step back, not fitting in, and her personality necessitating projects to pour her passion into.

I was a little disappointed when, at the start of "New Beginning," Leslie returned to her office, believing the series was resetting everything back to a status quo of a year or so ago. It's pleasing then, to see that this is very clearly not the case, the plot existing to demonstrate the growth of the characters and as a way station until Leslie launches into her next arc. It's a touching pause and evaluation.

Ben (Adam Scott) is the other person starting a new job as he takes over as city manager. Used to being the "hammer," he now finds himself trying to fill Chris' (Rob Lowe) friendly shoes, and does have trouble being mean to the people under him who have come to be his friends. Which leaves him totally befuddled when Andy (Chris Pratt), April, and Donna (Retta) haze him with an elaborate prank.

It's fun to see Ben out of his element, struggling to find an equilibrium. Since he has worked for city government before, it isn't immediately obvious just how hard it will be for him to start this new position, it requiring things from him he hasn't given before, a fresh outlook rather than a repeat of past gigs. The prank stuff is not only funny, checking the laughter box for the sitcom this week (especially when he tries to retaliate), but also very revealing about Ben's character.

Lastly, Ann (Rashida Jones) and Chris debate whether to get married or not. They only start thinking about it because of a casual remark from Larry (Jim O'Heir), so should they really be jumping into something that neither was considering? "New Beginning" forces them to figure out how they belong together, something the audience may still have been puzzling themselves, and tells us who they are as a couple. It's nice.

I am bothered that Jerry now seems to be permanently Larry. I admit, it was funny to learn that Jerry wasn't his real name and that the staff just calls him whatever they want. But I've gotten used to Jerry, and the changed name still throws me. I wish this had been the thing that Parks and Recreation recalled.

These wonderful character explorations are what makes Parks and Recreation more than just your average sitcom. While consistently struggling in the ratings, it has built itself into a beloved critical darling. These people are compelling, and their stories are authentic and entertaining. If you haven't been watching, please do. And if you have, encourage your friends to start tuning in, or we may not get a season six. This show deserves a season six. There's so much more that must be seen, especially concerning Leslie's career.

Parks and Recreation airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

PARKS AND RECREATION Skips Over to "London"

Article first published as PARKS AND RECREATION Skips Over to "London" on TheTVKing.

For the season six premiere of NBC's Parks and Recreation, our favorite city employees hopped across the pond to "London" so that Leslie (Amy Poehler) could receive a civic award. It was a fun and funny trip, with some big opportunities, nice emotional moments, and a couple of major turning points. What a fantastic start to the year!

"London" begins with the quickie proposal and wedding of Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) to Diane Tammy Lewis (Lucy Lawless). Just kidding about that middle name, by the way, but when Diane calls herself that I literally yelled at the screen; awesome bit. Anyway, no sooner does Ron pop the question than they rush upstairs, coincidentally running into April (Aubrey Plaza) and Leslie on the way, whom they invite to be best man and maid of honor, respectively. A few minutes later, before the opening credits even begin, the ceremony is done and they retire to their individual homes to celebrate the reception separately, or so Ron orders.

This is a perfect wedding for Ron's character. He has such an easy relationship with Diane, who loves Ron for who he is and has similar sensibilities. She rolls with the punches when his friends get involved, though he keeps the whole thing in check and on course. It's a little hokey that the exact two people who should be invited to attend get to, but that's easy to overlook in such a perfect sequence.

Then, it's off to London, England. Leslie has been down on herself. She tries to win the voters over one by one to avoid being recalled from office, but despite working her rear end off, nothing seems to be helping, and leaving the country is used against her. Frustrated, and feeling out of her league next to her fellow winners (including a mostly-accent-less Heidi Klum), Leslie unloads, complaining about the residents of her fair town that do not appreciate her. The moment is, of course, webcast, and bumbling Jerry (Jim O'Heir) has even arranged a viewing party, so the blunder does not escape notice.

It's hard to blame Leslie for her outburst. Even though Ron advises her to be the adult and treat her represented public like her children, any one would get upset at what Leslie is going through. All she does is try to help the people she's been elected by, and no one notices, always dumping on her. It's not fair.

This makes me think Leslie will lose the recall election. Despite how far she has come and the fact that this will rob her of a major triumph, it seems to be in the cards that she has far more obstacles to overcome before she gets her happy ending. I have to believe it will all pay off in the end, but we're not at the end, with Parks and Recreation showing no sign of losing steam. So for now, more bad news.

Of course, with Chris (Rob Lowe) slated to be leaving the series in a few months, along with Anne (Rashida Jones), that does possibly leave a vacant city manager job open, and since it's not an elected position, Leslie could slide in and begin working without worry about what people think. I'm just saying...

Speaking of Anne, though, it's great that she and Chris, also beaten down by the lack of caring from the locals when announcing Anne's pregnancy, go to Leslie, knowing she will react with the enthusiasm they seek. This shows that Leslie is the source of support people need, if only they know to go to her.

And it's not like Leslie has given up completely on being her cheerful, helpful self. She still does things for those she cares about. She arranges the perfect (solo) honeymoon for Ron, finding the one place in Europe Ron will enjoy. That is a beautiful gift and a testament to not only their friendship, but the amazing person Leslie is.

One person does notice Leslie's efforts and that's April, the girl who wrote the latter to win Leslie the award. April is really growing up, and her show of faith in Leslie, as well as taking the time to cheer her up proves this. Perhaps with Anne leaving, April can reluctantly step into the position of Leslie's best friend?

Another sign of April's maturity is how she encourages Andy (Chris Pratt) to take a several-months-long job in London with an important man (Peter Serafinowicz, NTSF:SD:SUV). Besides providing a convenient reason for Andy to be gone while Pratt makes a film, it also shows a step forward in their relationship, considering grown up priorities and her putting his needs first. This is huge, and I think they'll weather things OK because they go into it with just the right attitude. Good for them!

The other subplot unfolding in "London" is that Tom (Aziz Ansari) finally figures out who the competition that is running him into the ground is: the father of Jean-Ralphio (Ben Schwartz) and Mona-Lisa, who just so happens to be Anne's doctor. This man (played by Arrested Development's Henry Winkler) wants revenge for how Tom allegedly treats his children, but even exonerating himself from his friends' lies does Tom no good because their dad has now built a successful business he's not willing to give up.

I love the kooky family these three funny actors have built to plague Tom's life. I'm sad for Tom, of course, as he has as many troubles as Leslie in fighting for his goals, more than he deserves, but unlike her, there's real humor in the episodes that bring down Tom. For now, anyway. The longer this goes on, the sadder it gets. Though I'm still not rooting for Jean-Ralphio and family to stay away.

"London" serves just about every one of the central characters well, providing some really good humor and excellent character development. Parks and Recreation is maturing just as nicely as April is, and I'm enjoying watching these people become who they are meant to be, surely dreamers who will eventually see their wishes realized.

Parks and Recreation airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

"Are You Better Off?" With Parks and Recreation

Article first published as "Are You Better Off?" With Parks and Recreation on TheTVKing.

In the fifth season finale of NBC's Parks and Recreation, "Are You Better Off?," Leslie (Amy Poehler) asks the people of Pawnee if they feel they are better off than they were a year ago, when she was elected. At first, she doesn't like the answers of many of her fellow citizens. One person, though, has a definite answer, when they find out they're going to be a parent.

I like the mystery story where Andy (Chris Pratt) attempts to figure out who left the positive pregnancy test at Ron's (Nick Offerman) cabin. He assumes it is one of his co-workers, and with Ann's (Rashida Jones) help, attempts to determine who. It's nice to see Andy and Ann as friends, so different from their early dynamic, and the two don't normally get a lot of screen time together. Plus, this plot opens up a lot of fun possibilities to ponder.

They are several viable options for who might be knocked up, each with varied implications. But "Are You Better Off?" pulls a total shocker when it is revealed that Diane (Lucy Lawless), who is not even on the suspect list, is the one with the bun in the oven, and presumably it is Ron's.

While many of the characters on the show would relish a baby, Ron's main goal is to keep his life the same. I do think, based on how he is with Diane's kids, he'll be a good dad. However, it's not an adventure he seeks out, and it's one sure to change him. I guess we'll have to wait until next year to get his reaction, but if nothing else, it should provide plenty of laughs.

I do feel bad that Ann and Chris (Rob Lowe) have not succeeded in having a baby, though they may not be ready for that yet. They have not proven to be the most compatible couple, and even though they are good people individually, that doesn't necessarily mean they should be bringing a child into this world. I'd rather see them figure themselves out before being tasked with caring for an infant.

At least it's not Mona-Lisa (Jenny Slate) that's pregnant, though. Tom (Aziz Ansari) has a lot on his plate, with his business really taking off, and then being threatened when he refuses to sell. The fact that he's dating Mona-Lisa, who is crazy and a terrible influence, is bad enough. If he were to be tied to her with a child, there would be no escape for him. Tom is getting his stuff together. He deserves to ditch this psycho and find a woman that respects him and treats him right.

I also am glad that April (Aubrey Plaza) is in the clear. She has been accepted to vet school, and seems to be moving up in the world. Like Tom, she is at a critical point in her career, one in which things are going well for her, and she's really coming into her own. When the time is right, I'm sure she and Andy will make interesting excellent parents. But they need time to pursue their own dreams first.

Leslie's story in "Are You Better Off?" is the most introspective. She knows she has fought hard for those she represents, and she is able to brag about positive change that she has helped bring about. Yet, people never agree on everything, and some of the crazies that come out of the woodwork, including many returning Parks and Recreation guest stars, test her mettle and determination.

Leslie takes exactly the right tact in telling them that if they don't approve of her job, recall her. It does make her a bit of a target, and puts her job at risk. However, she works to serve the people of the town, and she wants to make sure she is helping them. Yes, her actions have been in their best interests, but if they don't see that, or don't approve of her, there's not much she can do. Pawnee is filled with adults capable of making their own decisions. Leslie believes in herself, and will work hard to make sure her fellow citizens believe in her, too.

"Are You Better Off?" is sort of an understated finale, much calmer than the election of last season. But it's a nice ending, with good character moments. There are some cliffhanger elements, so this won't make a satisfying season finale, but it does set up some nice arcs for a sixth year without being all about making fans wait.

Parks and Recreation has not yet been renewed, but will most likely return next season to NBC.

Golden Globe's TV Categories Need Updating

Another awards season is upon us, with the Golden Globes just passed, and the Oscars approaching. There will be endless debates about people and films that are undeservedly left off of these lists. This column is not about that.

No, my complaint today is with the Golden Globes in particular, and the way that they treat television. Excellent hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler opened with a joke this year about how TV actors (like themselves) are looked at unfavorably compared to film performers (also, like themselves, though they are less known for film). In an era where the lines between the two have become increasingly blurred, this is an archaic notion, and one that should have been abandoned long ago, as television has moved into a golden age.

Also, it's quite funny that a film industry that thinks they are better than television airs their awards shows on the small screen, rather than making people go to the theater to witness the proceedings. Wouldn't that make more sense with the persistent attitude?

I'm not saying everything that graces the small screen is great, of course. But having moved through a decade that brought us Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lost, Battlestar Galactica, The Wire, and The Sopranos, and being well into a decade with Homeland, Mad Men, The Walking Dead, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Justified, and so many others, it is very hard to argue that television is an inferior medium.

I feel like the lack of understanding of television by an awards show that airs on, you guessed it, television, is best proven by a look at their categories.

First, the supporting actor and actress awards are separate from everything else because they do not get divided into two genres: drama or comedy. Well, three, because miniseries is rightly given its own standing. But for supporting players, they are all lumped in together. How do you possibly compare Sofia Vergara's work on Modern Family with Sarah Paulson in Game Change? You don't. You just reward the well respected Dame Maggie Smith, who is in a British miniseries, and ignore everyone else.

The main actor and actress, as well as the best program, are divided into three distinct genres, and they should be. Just as comedy movies are almost completely ignored by the Oscars, you won't catch the Golden Globes giving a supporting performance trophy to a sitcom star very often, if ever. It's completely unfair to put them together, even when effort is made to divide the nominations between all three arenas.

However, this separation has some trouble, too. Calling the comedy category "Comedy or Musical" comes from an era when all movie musicals were light-hearted, thus not belonging in the heavy drama world. That might work for Glee, but Smash and Nashville are every bit dramas, and should not be tossed in with the half hour situation comedies.

Those aside, you used to be able to tell if a series was a comedy or a drama simply by its running time. Dramas are typically hour-long shows, while comedies are half hours. But as HBO and Showtime have entered the arena with Nurse Jackie, The Big C, How To Make It In America, Weeds, and Enlightenment, this is no longer the case.

The problem becomes in how you define these types of series. I look at comedies as programs where the characters act a certain way to get a laugh, and the situations arise just to make the characters do funny things. If there are some jokes, but the main point of the story is an ongoing personal experience that fundamentally gets to the core of a person and forces them to look at themselves, not a humorous device, then it's a drama. I sometimes laugh at Nurse Jackie, but the show is about Jackie struggling with addiction and lies. This is not a comedy.

The Golden Globes haven't gotten wise to the shift, though. Which is probably why these types of series have come in and stolen the trophies from more traditional fare on the broadcast networks.

This year, Lena Dunham's win for Girls kind of throws a wrench into the entire thing. Her series is definitely drama, because serious things happen, and self-reflection is a large part of the story. Yet, Girls provides many more chuckles than its premium peers, and the arrogant, self-involved way in which Dunham's character behaves is inherently comedic. It's really, really hard to put this show in either box.

Which means that she won, of course, over actresses like Fey and Poehler who are following the comedy guidelines in the more traditional sense. Is this fair? Isn't what they are doing two completely different things?

The problem is, how can we solve this conundrum? The bloated Golden Globes is already too long, and diluting the field by adding more genres isn't doing anyone any favors. And yet, it certainly isn't fair that the smarter, bold, definition busting series take away from the broad comedies like 30 Rock and Community that still have something valuable to say, and can be outstanding examples of the art.
I do think we should move the HBO and Showtime series into the drama world. They may straddle the line, especially Girls, but the characters have more in common with broadcast dramas than comedies.

The fact that the Hollywood Foreign Press hasn't seen this, or chosen to do anything about it, just makes them feel out of touch with what really defines a genre. Considering that the purpose of the organization is to serve these programs, exhibiting such a glaring, fundamental fault takes away from their credibility greatly.

And then there's the argument that award shows themselves are dumb, at least for the viewing public, and should be private, industry-only events, and the number of them should be reduced drastically. I do actually agree with this argument, but that's a whole other column. Maybe next year.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first published as Golden Globe's TV categories Need Updating on Blogcritics.

Parks and Recreation goes to Washington

Grade: 86%

NBC’s PARKS AND RECREATION picks up its fifth season months later with “Ms. Knope Goes to Washington.” Ben (Adam Scott) has been working in Washington D.C. with April (Aubrey Plaza) as his assistant. Leslie (Amy Poehler) and Andy (Chris Pratt) go for a visit. April and Andy’s reunion is so intense it should not be shown on camera. But Leslie finds the city she dreamed about less than satisfactory when faced with real politics and the realization that Pawnee, Indiana (one of several Pawness in the country), the place she has poured her heart and soul into, just doesn’t register to these people.

It’s disheartening to see Leslie so upset. She can be a bit cartoonish, to be sure, so it’s kind of interesting to see how such a person deals with reality. Not well, it turns out. Leslie is a very strong person, but in this unfamiliar landscape, missing Ben, who barely has time for her visit, she’s a bit more emotionally vulnerable than normal. Which could by why she snaps at several senators (Barbara Boxer, Olympia Snowe, and John McCain, playing themselves).

What will it take to restore Leslie’s spirit? Well, that’s already well on its way. She may not be able to affect Washington, but there’s still plenty she can do back home in Pawnee, and that’s what matters to her. She finds purpose again.

But there will still be a lingering sadness until Ben gets his tushy back to her, which has to happen sooner, rather than later. The only thing that remains to be seen is how it happens.

Now that Leslie is no longer in the Park Department, actual responsibilities fall to Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman). Chris (Rob Lowe) tasks him with continuing Leslie’s annual thank you barbeque for the staff. Ron sees this as an opportunity to teach the folks what a real barbeque is supposed to be about (the meat, hilariously named Tom), and ends up ruining the entire event. Though, later, with Chris scolding him as only Chris can for the disappointing outcome, Ron makes it up to his team.

One wonders how the Parks Department ran before Leslie arrived on the scene. Ron clearly has his figurehead position in the town, but with the unofficial leader who got things done having moved on, Ron has to step up and actually be in charge. This is not his comfort zone, as he doesn’t like dealing with people. It takes Chris to make Ron realize that the barbeque has a purpose, and isn’t just a frivolous afternoon. Ron can be a softie, but it’s not his default position. There will be a big adjustment here.

It is odd that Leslie and April have not been replaced yet, or that the Parks Department hasn’t fallen apart completely. Arguably the only two employees who do much, what’s going on now that they’re absent? In this episode, “Ms. Knope Goes to Washington,” that is glossed over. Surely it will be a major plot point in future installments, though.

It looks like PARKS AND RECREATION is finally wrapping up the Anne (Rashida Jones) / Tom (Aziz Ansari) romance this week, thankfully. While both deserve to find love, it just doesn’t feel right to see them together. They fake it throughout the half hour, because if they don’t, Tom loses $1000 to Donna (Retta). But it is only an act. Now that that’s over with, it’s time for them to both to move on and find someone more appropriate. Is the casting call out yet? If not, get on it please!

Overall, “Ms. Knope Goes to Washington” is a fun, solid entry, but a tad disappointing as a season premiere. It puts events back to normal, but it fails to make any serious movement on the lingering questions (Will Ben and Leslie stay together? What is the new level of achievement in the Park Department?). A few famous faces doesn’t replace these fundamental issues. I’ve come to expect a bit more from the series, but if it hadn’t been a premiere, I probably would be relatively satisfied, so it feels as little unfair to complain much.

PARKS AND RECREATION returns this Thursday to NBC.

Parks and Recreation election results are in!

NBC's Parks and Recreation has had a heck of a spring, as the characters work tirelessly to help Leslie (Amy Poehler) campaign for Pawnee City Council. It all comes down to this riveting series finale, as Pawnee citzens vote, and a winner is declared. Yep, it's Bobby Newport (Paul Rudd). But not so fast! A recount is triggered, and when the smoke clears, Leslie is, in fact, the ultimate victor!

It's kind of hard to believe that "Win, Lose, or Draw" finds Leslie making a career advancement. The city council members have played very little role in Parks and Recreation thus far, so it's not exactly a natural move within the confines of the show. However, considering Leslie's background and loyalty, it will not be surprising if Leslie makes the Parks Department a priority for the council, which would bring her into the circle of the rest of the characters on a regular basis.

There are also some gaps that are going to need filled. For one, Chris (Rob Lowe) needs to pick a new second in command, since Ron (Nick Offerman) turns down the job. This isn't entirely unexpected, given Ron's penchant to try to keep things as static as possible. He is already going to have to deal with replacing Leslie as his number two. He doesn't want to move offices and actually take on responsibility, too!

Who would be an appropriate successor for Leslie? April (Aubrey Plaza) seems a logical choice. She pretends not to care, but her character has proven her worth many times over. She would make a very different leader of the Parks Department than Leslie has been, but it could be an interesting change. If that is the way Parks and Recreation chooses to go, then April will still need to be replaced, too, leaving room for a new character.

Andy (Chris Pratt) considers a change in "Win, Lose, or Draw," too. While comforting April for the colossal mistake she makes, it comes out that Andy would like to be in law enforcement. Becoming a cop might be a dream too far for the lovable dolt, though maybe not, given some small towns' low standards. However, he could at least become a security guard, albeit a bumbling, ineffective one.

Ben (Adam Scott) also contemplates a move, deciding, with Leslie's encouragement, to accept a job working on a campaign with Jennifer (Kathryn Hahn, who could continue to recur since Free Agents was canceled) in Washington D.C. This is a big step, as Leslie and Ben's careers just happen to be taking off at the same time, in opposing directions. If Ben does well, what's to keep him from staying in the nation's capital, instead of returning home to Leslie? Ben would not be the first boyfriend Leslie has lost to an out-of-town job. But their romance is so sweet. Too bad Leslie is years away from running for national office. Perhaps in the final season...

Ann (Rashida Jones) resists Tom's (Aziz Ansari) attempts to get back together with her in "Win, Lose, or Draw." That is, until she gets drunk and agrees to move in with him. Despite Tom's declaration of no take backs when she sobers up, is there any chance that this will stick? Their romance has been weird from day one, and only gets odder as it continues. Ann is great as Leslie's best friend, but as that is a small, unimportant role, her character is continually beefed up with subplots. Unfortunately, the perfect story has not yet been found for her.

"Win, Lose, or Draw," besides foreshadowing many changes for Parks and Recreation going forward, is also highly amusing. Chris and Jennifer have lots of sex. Jerry (Jim O'Heir) loses track of time and forgets to vote for Leslie. Donna (Retta) fixes April's big disaster in three seconds flat. Chris wisely denies Jean-Ralphio (Ben Schwartz) a job. And Bobby not only doesn't understand the joke he makes when he declares publicly that he is voting for Leslie, he also needs Leslie's help to operate the voting booth equipment.

Parks and Recreation continues to be funny and sweet; realistic and full of dreams. Does anyone really believe Ben didn't write Leslie a concession speech? Probably not. But it's a drama-y sitcom about a group of people striving for the lives the want, and willing to work hard to get them, with a few laughs along the way. The evolution coming next season will only further enhance the world created here, and the show should have no problem continuing for years to come. As the only NBC Thursday night sitcom to get a full season order next year, at least so far (aging The Office has yet to be picked up), it'll have to continue to bring its A game, being the network lineup staple for the time being.

A final note. These past few weeks, extended versions of Parks and Recreation have been available online. I highly recommend checking out these, on average, five minutes longer episodes, as they give more jokes to the delightful supporting cast, who deserve the extra screen time. Hopefully, this trend will continue next year.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! To purchase Parks and Recreation DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

30 Rock goes live again

This week, NBC's 30 Rock is "Live from Studio 6H." Jack (Alec Baldwin) decides that he will save the company a lot of money if they stop filming TGS live. Almost everyone agrees to the scheme except for Kenneth (Jack McBrayer), who locks twelve of the staff in a room and reminds them of the heyday of live television, shown to viewers in clips acted out by the cast. Meanwhile, Jenna (Jane Krakowski) disagrees with Paul (Will Forte) over the perfect proposal, and Hazel (Kristen Schaal) plans a stunt to get herself on air, a la Sinead O'Connor.

Quick question: Is the picture of Sinead that Hazel rips ups actually Tina Fey as Sinead?

This is the second time 30 Rock has gone live, and there's a big difference from the first time. "Live from Studio 6H" feels more like a series of skits than a cohesive story. This is bringing many of the performers back to their Saturday Night Live roots, of course, and they excel at funny shorts. But it does not really feel like an episode of 30 Rock, despite keeping much of the same spirit and tone.

Continuity is not that important this week. Last time a live show was done, Julia Louis Dreyfus (Seinfeld, Veep) played a semi-convincing Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) in a cut scene. This time, Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation) plays Liz without even changing the color of her blond hair! Also, twelve major cast members are locked in a room, and yet somehow they keep slipping out to put on different costumes and perform various bits of "classic" NBC shows. What's up with that?

Yet, story cohesiveness is not the point of "Live from Studio 6H," so it's hard to get upset. The episode is meant to be nostalgic and humorous, and it does both rather well. The various bits play on a number of famous shows such as The Honeymooners and Laugh-In. These are comedy gold. Everything else in the episode is fluff, except for the proposal.

The cast of 30 Rock is fantastic. For "Live from Studio 6H," all the stops were pulled out in bringing even more talented people on board, most having appeared on the show before. Sadly, this means that some of the best supporting players are relegated to background status. However, all of the guest actors are terrific. Jimmy Fallon (Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) kills as a young Jack, and Donald Glover (Community) is the perfect earlier version of Tracy (Tracy Morgan), getting the mannerisms spot on. Jon Hamm (Mad Men) returns, but not as his recurring 30 Rock character. Instead, he participates in a very memorable sketch. Chris Parnell (Suburgatory) is the familiar Dr. Spaceman, and Fred Armisen (Portlandia) manages to stand out without any lines at all. Brian Williams (NBC Night News and a 30 Rock veteran) is great as an old-timey newscaster on the West Coast (Hamm takes the part for the East), and Cheyenne Jackson finally returns to the series!

And 30 Rock manages to single-handedly kill the "Zou Bisou Bisou" craze started by Mad Men only a few short weeks ago.

Because the show is live, two versions are done, one each for the East and West coasts. Thankfully, in the era of internet, both are freely available to everyone. Only a handful of jokes change, and Cheyenne and Jenna again split the theme song, which makes more sense in the East because Cheyenne's character doesn't return until mid-episode. But the East coast broadcast has a major leg up over the West, because in the East, Sir Paul McCartney gets a fantastic cameo. The West, though, is left to suffer through Kim Kardashian instead.

30 Rock is what it is. "Live from Studio 6H" is not typical, but it will not disappoint long-time viewers who delight in the zany slapstick the series thrives on. Credit must be given to the show for taking such a big chance and playing in such an unexpected sandbox.

30 Rock airs Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

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"Dave Returns" to Parks and Recreation

In this week's episode of NBC's Parks and Recreation, Leslie's (Amy Poehler) old flame, Dave (Louis C.K., Louie), comes to town. He is willing to help Leslie win an important endorsement in the police chief, but he'd also like to rekindle their romance. This doesn't sit well with Ben (Adam Scott), of course. Luckily for Ben, Leslie has no intention of going back to Dave. Also, Andy (Chris Pratt) works on Leslie's campaign song, and Tom (Aziz Ansari) tries to lock Ann (Rashida Jones) into a relationship.

Dave was a fantastic character on Parks and Recreation, and Leslie's first real love interest. It was so exciting when they got together, and depressing when Dave moved away. Plus, Louis C.K. is a great comedian, with a terrific series of his own on FX. It's exciting that he found the time to return to Parks and Recreation in "Dave Returns," given his busy schedule.

However, Leslie is with Ben now, and that relationship, having been given more attention and development, is now the priority. No one wants to see them split up, even by an old, beloved boyfriend. Dave is a great recurring character, and hopefully C.K. will find the time to do some more guest spots. Perhaps if Dave gets the Chief of Police job, it will give him an excuse. That seems unlikely, though, considering that "Dave Returns" ties everything up nicely between him and Leslie. Still, one can wish.

Andy's story is satisfying. Andy often contributes the least on group projects. He tries pretty darn hard to be valuable, but his intelligence is low, and his skills are limited. Music is his forte, and having him work on Leslie's song is a perfect use of the character. Yet, he still struggles. Which isn't unusual for a creative type. Ron (Nick Offerman) is the one who, anonymously, comes in and saves him, adding a saxophone track, without revealing that they share a love of song. It's a cool story, using characters the way that they should be used, without venturing outside of who the people in the show are at their core.

And who would have thought that perfectionist Christ (Rob Lowe) was so, so, so bad at singing? Hilarious! Rob Lowe really goes for the terribleness with gusto!

Also sticking to his defined self is Tom. Tom lets a little sincerity show last week with Ann, which sees them end up on a date together. Tom enthusiastically wants to keep acting like his over confident, somewhat jerky and creepy, self, putting the facade back up, post-date. Ann only wants to be with him if he brings the tone a little lower. She does eventually agree to a second date, but only after he wears her down.

This is a delicate balance. For Tom to be worthy of Ann, he must find his true self. Yet, the character he presents is very enjoyable for the viewing audience. And fans also want Tom to find love. So what happens is that some sort of middle ground must be struck. Tom needs to stay funny, but also not be so insane that Ann cannot be with him. These two characters work well together, but only if things are handled correctly.
Watch Parks and Recreation Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

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"Citizen Knope" demands satisfaction from Parks and Recreation

     "Citizen Knope" is the aftermath of the trial last week's Parks and Recreation on NBC, which finds Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) suspended for her relationship with Ben (Adam Scott). Leslie cannot relax and enjoy her (paid) time off, and gets even more frustrated when her campaign staff quits due to low poll numbers. So she forms PCP, a political action committee, and seeks funding for Pawnee's parks as a private citizen. Chris (Rob Lowe) soon grows tired of the annoyance, and gets Leslie reinstated. As this goes on, Ben looks for a new job after his resignation in disgrace, and realizes he wants to try something fun, rather than take another boring accountant position.

     "Citizen Knope" is unbelievably hilarious. From Ben interviewing to be an accountant to an accounting firm, to Jean-Ralphio's (Ben Schwartz) return, to April's (Aubrey Plaza) Marshmellow Ron Swanson, there are plenty of great jokes. It's hard not to crack up when Andy (Chris Pratt) eats Donna's (Retta) silver-painted M&Ms, and Ann (Rashida Jones) has to tell him to throw up. Jerry (Jim O'Heir) is delighted to recieve socks for Christmas. Tom (Aziz Ansari) makes a word cloud from Leslie's e-mails. A great Easter egg is when The Guild's Robin Thorsen pops up in a too-small role as a mother who ignores her children in favor of her passions. Sound familiar, Guildies?

     But this week's Parks and Recreation also an emotional triumph. Leslie gives the perfect gifts to each member of the staff, as well as Chris. Ron (Nick Offerman) decides everyone must pull together to come up with something to give Leslie worthy of her, a high bar indeed. He suggests a model of the Parks Department that he can build, and Ann takes it a step further, wanting the structure made out of gingerbread. Ron reluctantly consents, but can't build it, so Andy takes over. Everyone contributes, and it becomes a very sweet (pun intended) present that Leslie really enjoys.

     Even more moving, though, the staff pledges to run Leslie's campaign. All of the things that she has done for them over the years has made them all adore her as much as viewing audiences, and they willingly give up their free time to help run a sinking ship. Leslie is choked up, and those at home should be too, especially as Ron announces his new job title, "Any Other Damn Thing You Need." It is a display of just how Leslie impacts lives, and the good that she does. Despite overwhelming odds against her (for now), it seems certain that Leslie is destined to win her office. Which would fundamentally change Parks and Recreation. But growth can be a good thing, and it would not mean her leaving the series, so there's really no argument against it.

     Chris does seem to feel a little guilty for getting Leslie suspended. Much of last week's trial on Parks and Recreation is very clearly Chris reacting because he feels personally betrayed. He is upset that Ben and Leslie are not up front with him about their relationship for a very long time. It's understandable, but then, so are the reasons that they keep things a secret. However, with a little time to get used to the idea, and Ben removing himself as a factor at the office, which must also hurt, as he works closely with Chris, Chris begins to come around. It isn't clear in "Citizen Knope," but it looks like Chris gets the suspension lifted early. He realizes Leslie is a very valuable person and should not be so severely punished, as suspension is for her, for such a small mistake.

    Parks and Recreation, one of the best sitcoms currently running, will retun to NBC in January.

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