On Thursdays, I go through classic series with a critical look at each season. Today I am looking at Season Three of Parks and Recreation!
PARKS AND RECREATION: SEASON THREE
2011
16 episodes
Season Three of Parks and Recreation did not premiere until midseason due in part to star Amy Poehler's pregnancy and in part due to NBC's programming decisions. Some of the season was filmed immediately after season two to accommodate hiding the pregnancy. This season finally has the cast in place with the permanent additions of Adam Scott and Rob Lowe and the departure of Paul Schneider. This is the first season where the show is consistently firing on all cylinders pretty much week after week. It never goes back to the problems of the first season or the occasional unevenness of the second season. The third season is when Parks and Recreation became a classic.
Starring
Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope (16 episodes)
Rashida Jones as Ann Perkins (16 episodes)
Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford (16 episodes)
Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson (16 episodes)
Aubrey Plaza as April Ludgate (16 episodes)
Chris Pratt as Andy Dwyer (16 episodes)
Rashida Jones as Ann Perkins (16 episodes)
Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford (16 episodes)
Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson (16 episodes)
Aubrey Plaza as April Ludgate (16 episodes)
Chris Pratt as Andy Dwyer (16 episodes)
Rob Lowe as Chris Traeger (15 episodes)
Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt (16 episodes)
Jim O'Heir as Jerry Gergich (16 episodes)Retta as Donna Meagle (16 episodes)
Andy Forrest as Kyle (4 episodes)
Jay Jackson as Perd Hapley (4 episodes)
Jaima Williamson as Wendy Haverford (3 episodes)
Mo Collins as Joan Callamezzo (2 episodes)
Eric Isenhower as Orin (2 episodes)
Megan Mullally as Tammy Swanson (2 episodes)
Blake Lee as Derek (1 episode)
Phil Reeves as Paul Iaresco (1 episode)
Helen Slayton-Hughes as Ethel Beavers (1 episode)
Johnny Sneed as William Barnes (1 episode)
Andrew Burlinson as Burly (3 episodes)
Ben Schwartz as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein (3 episodes)Jaima Williamson as Wendy Haverford (3 episodes)
Alan Yang as Chang (3 episodes)
Alison Becker as Shauna Malwae-Tweep (2 episodes)Mo Collins as Joan Callamezzo (2 episodes)
Kirk Fox as Joe (2 episodes)
Darlene Hunt as Marcia Langman (2 episodes)Eric Isenhower as Orin (2 episodes)
Yvans Jourdain as Councilman Howser (2 episodes)
Natalie Morales as Lucy (2 episodes)Megan Mullally as Tammy Swanson (2 episodes)
Mark Rivers as Rivers (2 episodes)
Colton Dunn as Brett (1 episode)
Josh Duvendeck as Ben (1 episode)Blake Lee as Derek (1 episode)
Mara Marini as Brandi Maxxxx (1 episode)
Will McLaughlin as Officer Killnose (1 episode)
Mike Mitchell as Bjorn Lerpiss (1 episode)
Antonia Raftu as Elizabeth (1 episode)
Pamela Reed as Marlene Griges-Knope (1 episode)Phil Reeves as Paul Iaresco (1 episode)
Helen Slayton-Hughes as Ethel Beavers (1 episode)
Johnny Sneed as William Barnes (1 episode)
Cooper Thornton as Dr. Harris (1 episode)
Harris Wittels as Harris (1 episode)
The Parks department reopens but only for maintenance so Leslie convinces Ann to go on a date with Chris to get more money for the department. Ron and Andy each coach a youth basketball team.
Season three kicks off with Adam Scott and Rob Lowe officially joining as series regulars (though Lowe was not originally intended to be a regular). This is a good episode to bring together the department again and I'm glad they didn't spend any real time on the shutdown because I don't think they would have mined a lot of comedy there. I think the show is still trying to figure out how to fully incorporate Chris and Ben because of the way they were brought in. It's a good episode that ushers in a great era but not indicative of the brilliance still to come.
RATING: 5.5/10
32. Flu Season (1/27/11)
Leslie gets the flu that's going around when she needs to plan for the Harvest Festival. Ron has Andy fill in for April while she is out with the flu. Ann torments April at the hospital and Chris also gets the flu.
This episode has some fantastic moments by Amy Poehler who just nails being sick and then drugged up. She has so many hilarious bits and the comedic timing is just perfect. Rob Lowe also plays sick quite well and it's a good episode to develop the Chris and Ann connection more. This episode puts together some different combinations as there isn't a ton of one-on-one scenes between Ron and Andy and also April and Ann but ultimately allows for some solid growth in the three romantic relationships that are the center of the rest of the series.
RATING: 8.5/10
Leslie gets the flu that's going around when she needs to plan for the Harvest Festival. Ron has Andy fill in for April while she is out with the flu. Ann torments April at the hospital and Chris also gets the flu.
This episode has some fantastic moments by Amy Poehler who just nails being sick and then drugged up. She has so many hilarious bits and the comedic timing is just perfect. Rob Lowe also plays sick quite well and it's a good episode to develop the Chris and Ann connection more. This episode puts together some different combinations as there isn't a ton of one-on-one scenes between Ron and Andy and also April and Ann but ultimately allows for some solid growth in the three romantic relationships that are the center of the rest of the series.
RATING: 8.5/10
33. Time Capsule (2/3/11)
Leslie organizes a time capsule for Pawnee but ends up with a man who chains himself to a chair in her office if she won't put "Twilight" in the capsule. Andy tries to break up April and Eduardo with Chris' help.
This episode hasn't aged all that well because of a tremendous emphasis on "Twilight" which was a huge deal in 2011 but really isn't thought about too much now. I'm also not a big fan of Will Forte's character in this episode. I think Forte can be funny but he tends to pick characters that are super weird. That works in a stray SNL skit here or there but not so much when he's a focal point as a prominent guest star. However, there are some very funny moments with another great town hall scene.
RATING: 3.5/10
This episode hasn't aged all that well because of a tremendous emphasis on "Twilight" which was a huge deal in 2011 but really isn't thought about too much now. I'm also not a big fan of Will Forte's character in this episode. I think Forte can be funny but he tends to pick characters that are super weird. That works in a stray SNL skit here or there but not so much when he's a focal point as a prominent guest star. However, there are some very funny moments with another great town hall scene.
RATING: 3.5/10
34. Ron & Tammy: Part Two (2/10/11)
Tom starts dating Ron's ex-wife Tammy as revenge for Ron dating Tom's ex-wife but Ron and Tammy end up together again. April fills in as Chris's assistant. Leslie has an argument with the police.
Megan Mullally is too ridiculous as Tammy Swanson at times but boy it leads to some really funny Ron moments. I love the sight gag of how Ron looks after his night with Tammy. I will say that while I appreciate the humor, I do feel like it's also a little too far out of bounds for the Ron character and stretches believeability maybe a little too far. There are some great Jerry moments in this episode especially when he turns up at Tammy's bridal shower. Having April as Chris's secretary was a good idea but it isn't given a lot of material.
RATING: 4.5/10
Tom starts dating Ron's ex-wife Tammy as revenge for Ron dating Tom's ex-wife but Ron and Tammy end up together again. April fills in as Chris's assistant. Leslie has an argument with the police.
Megan Mullally is too ridiculous as Tammy Swanson at times but boy it leads to some really funny Ron moments. I love the sight gag of how Ron looks after his night with Tammy. I will say that while I appreciate the humor, I do feel like it's also a little too far out of bounds for the Ron character and stretches believeability maybe a little too far. There are some great Jerry moments in this episode especially when he turns up at Tammy's bridal shower. Having April as Chris's secretary was a good idea but it isn't given a lot of material.
RATING: 4.5/10
Leslie goes on a media blitz to help promote the Harvest Festival and Ben struggles when people bring up his past as an 18 year old mayor. Andy offers to do everything April hates for a month to keep her from taking a job with Chris in Indianapolis. Ann wonders about her future with Chris.
This is a great episode to develop Ben Wyatt as a character and it's easy to feel a little sad for him when it makes it clear how traumatized he is by his past as a young mayor. I did start to feel in this episode like the show has dragged on keeping April and Andy apart maybe a little longer than they needed to. Although there are some funny moments in this episode, it was starting to feel a little forced so I'm glad this episode finally moves forward with them. This episode is also notable for introducing Crazy Ira and the Douche as the two most obnoxious radio hosts ever. They're good in small doses and fit a funny role as part of the Pawnee media.
RATING: 7/10
36. Indianapolis (2/24/11)
Leslie and Ron go to Indianapolis to get a commendation for bringing back the Harvest Festival. Ann worries that Chris is cheating on her. Tom invites everyone to the Snakehole Lounge for the launch of a new perfume. Andy worries about not having any money now that he's dating April.
This episode has a ton of things going on, almost every character has their own stories even within being paired off. Some of the stories are pretty good and others are only okay, but these episodes never work as well as when the team is working together to accomplish something. The most fun plot is Andy and April trying to get as much free money and stuff as they can but this episode also has one of my favorite Ron Swanson quotes about all the bacon and all the eggs. The most irritating story is the Ann and Chris one which isn't all that believable or funny. This episode was intended to be the last for Rob Lowe but he rejoined after a one episode hiatus as a permanent regular.
RATING: 5.5/10
Leslie and Ron go to Indianapolis to get a commendation for bringing back the Harvest Festival. Ann worries that Chris is cheating on her. Tom invites everyone to the Snakehole Lounge for the launch of a new perfume. Andy worries about not having any money now that he's dating April.
This episode has a ton of things going on, almost every character has their own stories even within being paired off. Some of the stories are pretty good and others are only okay, but these episodes never work as well as when the team is working together to accomplish something. The most fun plot is Andy and April trying to get as much free money and stuff as they can but this episode also has one of my favorite Ron Swanson quotes about all the bacon and all the eggs. The most irritating story is the Ann and Chris one which isn't all that believable or funny. This episode was intended to be the last for Rob Lowe but he rejoined after a one episode hiatus as a permanent regular.
RATING: 5.5/10
37. Harvest Festival (3/17/11)
The Parks department finally hosts the Harvest Festival but the main attraction, Li'l Sebastian, wanders off and the Wamapoke tribe threatens to put a curse on the festival. April tells Andy she loves him and he doesn't say it back.
This episode introduces another legend in Pawnee - Li'l Sebastian. I think this whole concept is hilarious - from the entire community's obsession (and Ron's giggling) to Ben's complete confusion. Unlike the previous episode, this is a great one for bringing the entire department together as well as some of Pawnee's media for the same story. I also want to use this episode to give some love to the many murals we see during the run of Parks and Recreation. They are so detailed and so clever and there's a great reveal in this one of a 1973 witch burning.
RATING: 9/10
The Parks department finally hosts the Harvest Festival but the main attraction, Li'l Sebastian, wanders off and the Wamapoke tribe threatens to put a curse on the festival. April tells Andy she loves him and he doesn't say it back.
This episode introduces another legend in Pawnee - Li'l Sebastian. I think this whole concept is hilarious - from the entire community's obsession (and Ron's giggling) to Ben's complete confusion. Unlike the previous episode, this is a great one for bringing the entire department together as well as some of Pawnee's media for the same story. I also want to use this episode to give some love to the many murals we see during the run of Parks and Recreation. They are so detailed and so clever and there's a great reveal in this one of a 1973 witch burning.
RATING: 9/10
38. Camping (3/24/11)
Leslie takes the department camping to come up with an idea for a follow-up to the Harvest Festival. Chris returns to fill in as city manager and Ann wants to talk about where things stand with them.
For perhaps the first time in the show, Leslie doesn't have an idea what to do (she's worried she's a one hit wonder in a great reference to Len's "Steal My Sunshine"). It's fun and different to see her struggling with something she's always good at. There's also some really funny moments - everything about the bed and breakfast (including Ben's final talking head) and Andy's disastrous attempts to try to provide a good camping experience for April. Once again, this episode works so well because it has the whole team together even if there's smaller stories within the larger framework.
RATING: 8/10
Leslie takes the department camping to come up with an idea for a follow-up to the Harvest Festival. Chris returns to fill in as city manager and Ann wants to talk about where things stand with them.
For perhaps the first time in the show, Leslie doesn't have an idea what to do (she's worried she's a one hit wonder in a great reference to Len's "Steal My Sunshine"). It's fun and different to see her struggling with something she's always good at. There's also some really funny moments - everything about the bed and breakfast (including Ben's final talking head) and Andy's disastrous attempts to try to provide a good camping experience for April. Once again, this episode works so well because it has the whole team together even if there's smaller stories within the larger framework.
RATING: 8/10
Andy and April throw a party on their one month anniversary and actually are planning a surprise wedding. Ben debates going back to Indianapolis or taking a job in Pawnee. Ann goes to a singles bar.
This episode begins with one of the greatest cold opens in the series with Ron pulling his own tooth. As funny as that gag is, the reaction from everyone else is even better. This episode also marks the first appearance of Orin, April's super weird friend. Even though sitcom history is filled with unique settings for a wedding, this is a pretty clever one and there's something so sweet about it. Andy and April's relationship is a really heartfelt part of this show and this is perfect for them. Ann at a singles bar is a pretty useless B story.
RATING: 9/10
40. Soulmates (4/21/11)
After being turned down by Ben, Leslie goes on a dating site and ends up matched with Tom. Ron and Chris have a competition of turkey burgers vs. regular burgers.
There's a lot of funny things in this episode including and perhaps the funniest Tom episode to date. His riff on the abbreviations he uses is hilarious (my favorite is calling cakes "big ol' cookies"). There's also hilarious trips to two stores with Chris, Ron, April and Andy to Grain 'n Simple (Chris' favorite) and Food and Stuff (Ron's favorite) and Andy's description of his favorite food (skittles between starbust). This is a great example of an episode where the plot isn't anything special but the writing and interactions between characters are top notch.
RATING: 8/10
After being turned down by Ben, Leslie goes on a dating site and ends up matched with Tom. Ron and Chris have a competition of turkey burgers vs. regular burgers.
There's a lot of funny things in this episode including and perhaps the funniest Tom episode to date. His riff on the abbreviations he uses is hilarious (my favorite is calling cakes "big ol' cookies"). There's also hilarious trips to two stores with Chris, Ron, April and Andy to Grain 'n Simple (Chris' favorite) and Food and Stuff (Ron's favorite) and Andy's description of his favorite food (skittles between starbust). This is a great example of an episode where the plot isn't anything special but the writing and interactions between characters are top notch.
RATING: 8/10
41. Jerry's Painting (4/28/11)
Jerry enters a painting in the art show that appears to feature a topless Leslie. Ben moves in with Andy and April and realizes he needs to teach them how to be adults.
The main plot with the painting has some funny moments (Marcia Langman is always a good foil for Leslie and there's the first appearance of Brandi Maxxxx) but the real humor in this episode comes from Ben moving in with April and Andy. April and Andy's house is hilarious and their reasoning and lifestyle choices is one funny sight gag after another right down to the very end with Andy shooting April with a marshmallow gun. Ron is in a very small amount of this episode.
RATING: 7.5/10
Jerry enters a painting in the art show that appears to feature a topless Leslie. Ben moves in with Andy and April and realizes he needs to teach them how to be adults.
The main plot with the painting has some funny moments (Marcia Langman is always a good foil for Leslie and there's the first appearance of Brandi Maxxxx) but the real humor in this episode comes from Ben moving in with April and Andy. April and Andy's house is hilarious and their reasoning and lifestyle choices is one funny sight gag after another right down to the very end with Andy shooting April with a marshmallow gun. Ron is in a very small amount of this episode.
RATING: 7.5/10
Leslie battles with Eagleton and a former friend of hers when a fence is built in a park that the two cities share. Ron worries about what Leslie is planning for his birthday.
With all the great recurring characters that appear throughout the run of Parks and Recreation, the one I wish we saw more than once is Parker Posey's Lindsay Carlisle Shay. Posey is so delightfully snobby and has such amazing line deliveries ("isn't she trying her hardest?"). Posey and Amy Poehler are such great foils for each other and I'm surprised the character never came back the rest of the run. There's also a very sweet ending to the episode when Leslie gives Ron the perfect birthday party. So much heart and so much humor in this episode.
RATING: 9.5/10
43. The Fight (5/12/11)
Leslie and Ann get in a fight when Leslie tries to get her a government job and Ann doesn't take it seriously. Tom debuts a new drink at the Snakehole Lounge called Snake Juice.
This is one of the most famous Parks and Recreation episodes thanks to the entire department (except Donna and Chris) getting drunk off of Snake Juice. There are so many hilarious moments as they get progressively drunk and there's one of the truly great Ron Swanson moments as he dances uninhibited. This episode also has the hilarious roleplay of Andy and April with a great performance by Aubrey Plaza and there's Jean Ralphio's horrible attempts at raps. It's a truly hilarious episode and also the most important Ann has been to the story in awhile.
RATING: 9.5/10
Leslie and Ann get in a fight when Leslie tries to get her a government job and Ann doesn't take it seriously. Tom debuts a new drink at the Snakehole Lounge called Snake Juice.
This is one of the most famous Parks and Recreation episodes thanks to the entire department (except Donna and Chris) getting drunk off of Snake Juice. There are so many hilarious moments as they get progressively drunk and there's one of the truly great Ron Swanson moments as he dances uninhibited. This episode also has the hilarious roleplay of Andy and April with a great performance by Aubrey Plaza and there's Jean Ralphio's horrible attempts at raps. It's a truly hilarious episode and also the most important Ann has been to the story in awhile.
RATING: 9.5/10
44. Road Trip (5/12/11)
Just as they are trying to figure out their feelings for each other, Chris sends Ben and Leslie on a work road trip. Ron is interviewed by a student on a class field trip. Tom tries to practice a "Know Ya Boo" game show using Donna and Jerry and April and Andy as test subjects.
This episode follows two really incredible episodes and it's still good although not at the height of those two. It breaks them up but each story works pretty well. There's certainly some nice advancement of the Leslie and Ben story and some sweetness between them. Also the concept of Ron teaching a young girl about government is a very funny one though I think it could have been mined for a little more comedy. The "newlywed" game also has some funny moments and is good for causing a little tension between Andy and April. We also get a flashback to a 1989-era Perd Hapley!
RATING: 7/10
Just as they are trying to figure out their feelings for each other, Chris sends Ben and Leslie on a work road trip. Ron is interviewed by a student on a class field trip. Tom tries to practice a "Know Ya Boo" game show using Donna and Jerry and April and Andy as test subjects.
This episode follows two really incredible episodes and it's still good although not at the height of those two. It breaks them up but each story works pretty well. There's certainly some nice advancement of the Leslie and Ben story and some sweetness between them. Also the concept of Ron teaching a young girl about government is a very funny one though I think it could have been mined for a little more comedy. The "newlywed" game also has some funny moments and is good for causing a little tension between Andy and April. We also get a flashback to a 1989-era Perd Hapley!
RATING: 7/10
45. The Bubble (5/19/11)
Leslie tries to keep her relationship with Ben a secret when he has to deal with her mother. Chris makes changes to the Parks Department in his role as city manager.
This episode has a really great sight gag with Ron at the swivel desk. The visual of him trying to spin away from a community member is an iconic moment for Parks and Recreation. Ron also has a really nice moment with Chris where it's clear he knows so much about the rest of the department. It's also interesting how the show sort of glossed over an official "define the relationship" moment for Leslie and Ben and they are almost suddenly secretly dating. This episode also marks the first appearance of another great member in Pawnee government - the ancient Ethel Beavers - and she makes a good first impression.
RATING: 7.5/10
Leslie tries to keep her relationship with Ben a secret when he has to deal with her mother. Chris makes changes to the Parks Department in his role as city manager.
This episode has a really great sight gag with Ron at the swivel desk. The visual of him trying to spin away from a community member is an iconic moment for Parks and Recreation. Ron also has a really nice moment with Chris where it's clear he knows so much about the rest of the department. It's also interesting how the show sort of glossed over an official "define the relationship" moment for Leslie and Ben and they are almost suddenly secretly dating. This episode also marks the first appearance of another great member in Pawnee government - the ancient Ethel Beavers - and she makes a good first impression.
RATING: 7.5/10
Leslie and the department plan a memorial when Li'l Sebastian passes away. Tom encourages Jean Ralphio begin a business venture called Entertainment 720. Ron finds out about Leslie and Ben.
Season three ends with one of my favorite moments in the history of Parks and Recreation - Andy's musical tribute to Li'l Sebastian. This of course became an iconic moment with the cast re-creating it on Late Night with Seth Meyers and the quarantine special reunion. I had forgotten until re-watching it where the idea of "5,000 Candles in the Wind" came from. This is also the start of an arc that brings Jean Ralphio into the fold more for awhile and I always love that. If I was grading the song alone it would be a 10/10, but the episode is pretty good too and it springboards the Season 4 story for Leslie.
RATING: 8/10
AVERAGE RATING FOR SEASON THREE:
7.3/10
7.3/10
The Best Episodes
1. "The Fight" (#43) - 9.5/10
2. "Eagleton" (#42) - 9.5/10
3. "Harvest Festival" (#37) - 9/10
4. "Andy and April's Fancy Party" (#39) - 9/10
5. "Flu Season" (#32) - 8.5/10
1. "The Fight" (#43) - 9.5/10
2. "Eagleton" (#42) - 9.5/10
3. "Harvest Festival" (#37) - 9/10
4. "Andy and April's Fancy Party" (#39) - 9/10
5. "Flu Season" (#32) - 8.5/10
The Worst Episodes
1. "Time Capsule" (#33) - 3.5/10
2. "Ron & Tammy: Part Two" (#34) - 4.5/10
3. "Go Big or Go Home" (#31) - 5.5/10
4. "Indianapolis" (#36) - 5.5/10
5. "Road Trip" (#44) - 7/10
1. "Time Capsule" (#33) - 3.5/10
2. "Ron & Tammy: Part Two" (#34) - 4.5/10
3. "Go Big or Go Home" (#31) - 5.5/10
4. "Indianapolis" (#36) - 5.5/10
5. "Road Trip" (#44) - 7/10
Tomorrow: The Friday Five - Top 5 TV news stories of the week!
Next Thursday: A look at the fourth season of Parks and Recreation!
No comments:
Post a Comment