Earlier in the season, when Leslie bowled for votes , I did not believe she could win. After her two Clinton-esque campaign scandals, her lack of funds and her lack of public support, I figured we’d watch her crash and burn this season. But, like a phoenix, or candidate dedicated to her campaign, she finally came in at 32% of support compared to Bobby’s 40%.
While this week didn’t feature a lot of laughs, it featured a realistic re-creation of political debate tensions and true-to-life scenarios (including the reporter out to prove his\her “tough” news stance or the non-news reporter who’s there for sheer public lovability).
Although this week didn’t feature much of the gang, it featured Donna’s awesome facial expressions watching Andy recreate films to distract Leslie’s campaign investors from the lack of cable. It also showcased Chris as the most awesome spin man ever. A burning house helps you start over and vomit signifies overflowing energy. Yes, he is the only person you could wish cancer on (or who would wish cancer on himself), and see it as a positive outcome.
This week revisited Ann’s social life and her many men. I loved last season’s slutty yet clueless Ann, but after defining Ann on her own, I wish the writers wouldn’t undo that by re-defining her through ANOTHER relationship … TWO of them. I’m totally over Ann and Tom AND Ann and Chris. I loved season one’s slacker Tom, season two’s player Tom, and season three’s wannabe businessman Tom. But, crazy baby-voiced Tom? Enough is enough. Although I viewed Ann and Chris as the perfect couple, considering Chris dumped her for no reason and then fell madly in love with Jerry’s twenty-something daughter, his sudden about face, a year later is just too long for me to root for him.
Is it me, or did this episode smartly parody a former presidential election and surrounding events? Did Bobby’s boyish portrayal of a charming, down-home guy who might not have a platform, but gosh-darn-it, wanted to make his dad proud sound familiar? What about the pretty politician who, on “feminist” issues, grouped herself with the hardcore Leslie Knope, who did NOT want any of that pairing? Finally, did the blonde politician coming down hard on the charming, good-looking male opponent to public consternation sound familiar? Kudos to the “assault rifle vending machine” candidate and the “adult film star” version of Leslie, who “like Leslie, knows what it feels like to be alone in a room full of men.” Finally, total thumbs up to Parks and Recreation for mocking contemporary news’ incorporation of social media.
Maybe the show didn’t feature tons of laughs, but it featured tons of insight.
Quotes:
“I still have feelings for you. Strong feelings. Emotional, primal feelings.” — Chris
“So you like investing.” — Campaign donor
“We like to dabble. I recently invested in some shirts …” — Andy
“Nothing gets me more pumped than Sarah MacLachlan.” — Leslie
“Does that guy Chris Traeger have a girlfriend? And is his penis long?” — Jennifer, Bobby’s campaign manager
Clacked by An Nicholson 
on Apr 27, 2012 @ 00:06 EST5EDT
