Parks & Recreation & Write-Ups

Parks & Recreation & Write-Ups is a watch-through topic created by TheCodeisBosco in May 2011. So far, all episodes from Seasons One and Two have been covered; Season Three write-ups will be available as soon as possible, though it may be a long wait, as the S3 DVD isn't set to be released until September. Season Four write-ups are also planned, which means that this watch-through will enjoy a longer lifespan than the ill-fated Seinfeld one from a few years back.

Episode Write-Ups
Episode #1: "Pilot"

Original Air Date: April 9, 2009

Rating: 7.0/10 (funny enough, this is the same rating I gave Seinfeld's pilot)

Best Quote: "I'm from Bennettsville, South Carolina. I'm what you might call a 'redneck.'" - Tom

I watched this episode when it originally aired, but as I found it rather mediocre, I decided not to commit to the show. It's promising, then, that I enjoyed it a fair amount more this time around! First and foremost, I liked Amy Poehler a lot - Leslie Knope is cute as a button, and she had some legitimately funny moments (such as the clavicle discussion with Ann). Tom is also funnier than I remembered him being, and in general, the writing really isn't bad at all here. It's occasionally pretty rough around the edges, but there's clearly potential.

My quibbles with the pilot... most notably, I just don't like Rashida Jones. There's always been something about her that grates on my nerves a bit. Also, while Ron Swanson is clearly a fan favorite, I have a sinking feeling that his appeal is going to fly over my head. Aside from all that, and a few moments that lack polish, this really is a rather solid pilot. I'm glad I decided to give this show a shot!