Parks And Rec (Season 5)

After two phenomenal seasons, Parks And Rec had to dip in quality somewhat. Despite that, the fifth season is still really good overall, only suffering from some unfortunate network interference.

Season 5 was originally intended to have 13 episodes and it absolutely shows. The first 14 (13 + Women In Garbage) episodes of the season form a pretty perfect storyline about Leslie and Ben reuniting and getting married, while Leslie deals with being part of the city council and her new rivalry with counselor Jamm (I hate Jamm by the way). Most of the episodes throughout this first segment of the season are excellent, I'd genuinely put Season 5A on par with Seasons 3 & 4. However, the season got nine more episodes, one of which was placed fairly early on, resulting in a Season 5B that felt a bit more aimless. There were some storylines like Leslie learning that the citizens want to recall her and Tom's unhealthy relationship with Jean-Ralphio's sister, but it felt nowhere near as well plotted-out as the first fourteen episodes. And while there were some great episodes, Season 5A was far and away the better season.

Despite my gripes with the season's structure, Parks And Rec's Season 5 still pretty much nails the humor and tone of the series. The characters are still incredibly likable this season, even moreso in the case of Chris and April. Chris's arc about going through depression is incredibly well-executed, and April has developed far enough that seeing her actually try to work and put in effort is exciting. This also might be one of the series' most lighthearted seasons, in a good way. All of the wedding proceedings for Leslie and Ben lead to some of the most heartwarming moments in the whole show. And I while I may not love Season 5B, it's also absolutely hilarious at times, between the Animal Control department, the Sapersteins, the adorable sing-along of Time After Time, and the Star Wars filibuster episode. 

There were a lot of really memorable episodes this season, but particular in 5A:

Halloween Surprise: This episode was just plain adorable. Ben returning to Pawnee and proposing to Leslie in the house that they wanted to get together is such a sweet and iconic moment in the series.

Ron And Diane: I really like Diane, she's absolutely perfect for Ron, so seeing her finally meet Tammy 2 was such an exciting prospect. And the fight between Tammy and Leslie was absolutely hysterical. We also get to see Jerry's family in full and just how happy his life actually is.

Two Parties: Two Parties feels like the quintessential Parks And Rec episode. The main plot about Leslie stopping Jamm from ruining the lot is fun and satisfying, but I really like the subplot about Ben and the boys all having their own ideal bachelor parties. There's no conflict or drama, it's just half of the cast having fun and being friends with each other. It's this time of warm-hearted comedy that's why I love this show so much, and the fact that the episode was able to be so adorably sweet and genuinely funny is a testament to how excellent Parks And Rec's writing is.

Emergency Response: The penultimate episode of Season 5A is easily one of the show's funniest episodes (and it's even funnier post-2020). Seeing the department completely fail at preventing a fictional pandemic is just so funny to watch, there are so many hilarious lines throughout. Yet, it also manages to have a really emotional ending, with Leslie and Ben deciding to get married now and Chris learning Andy failed the police test.

Leslie And Ben: Ron punched Jamm in the face! Oh, and Leslie and Ben get married but that's not as important. All jokes aside though, this is easily one of the sweetest and most satisfying episodes in the series. It's not as funny as Emergency Response, but it gives Leslie and Ben the memorable wedding they deserve, and I'd be perfectly fine if this was the season finale.

Animal Control: This episode was just plain hilarious, between Ron trying to work while being sick, and April trying to get a new Animal Control department. Both of these storylines are great, with Ron at his comedic best, and I like how April gets to show off her intelligence in resolving the Animal Control conflict.

Overall, Season 5's first fourteen episodes are excellent, probably one of the sweetest and most heartwarming stretches in the series. Season 5B, while funny, just doesn't compared and feels tacked-on.

4/5 Stars