We’ve reached the midway point of Parks and Recreation‘s final season, and while the show’s first six episodes have been fun reflections on how far these characters have come, “Donna and Joe” is more about where these characters will go in their futures. It’s a big episode, not just for Donna who finally ties the knot with Keegan-Michael Key’s Joe, but also for Ben, who gets approached by Jennifer Barkley (returning guest star Kathryn Hahn) to run for Congress, an offer he drunkenly accepts when he and Leslie let loose at Donna’s rehearsal dinner.
Ben’s decision to run for office is an unexpected but welcomed turn for Parks and Recreation to take in its final season, as it not only gives the series more momentum heading into its final six episodes, but it also allows for Ben to have an opportunity at redemption. Even though he’s been one of the most pragmatic and effective leaders in Pawnee’s local government for years, Ben still hasn’t forgiven himself for Ice Town and his failed attempt at being mayor at such a young age. This is his chance to erase that smudge from his record and prove how much he’s learned from those actions in all the years since.
Furthermore, what’s so crucial about this storyline isn’t the fact that Jen or Leslie believes in Ben but that he believes in himself. The scene where he and Leslie are surrounded by reporters, hounding Ben for answers to their questions, isn’t just one of the best scenes in the episode (Adam Scott absolutely kills it here, showing just how good of a Congressman Ben could actually be), but it’s a turning point for Ben’s character. For the first time in forever, he’s not bogged down by the sins of his past but is instead proud of his current accomplishments and optimistic about what the future may hold.
Leslie has her job at the National Parks department, Ron is running his own business, Tom has become the mogul he’s always dreamed of being, Andy is enjoying himself on his Johnny Karate TV show, and Donna has finally found love. It’s now time for Ben (and hopefully April as well in these final episodes) to go after his dream and do his best to see it through, and I can’t wait to watch how it all unfolds.
Other thoughts:
– In a similar story to Ben, Tom is also looking towards the future, but the future of his romantic life with Lucy, not his professional carreer. I loved Ron, who can never lie, spilling the truth out about Tom’s visions of marriage and children to Lucy every time he saw her, and Tom and Lucy’s conversation at the church before the wedding, where he told her he was “all in,” was sweet and touching. It was a really nice B-plot for the episode.
– You want to what was also great? April Ludgate shutting the Meagles down, especially her singling out of a crying Ginuwine (who Andy did his best to comfort). I also loved that she let Lavondrius come in at the end to cause some much needed drama for Donna. Who knew people could hold such big grudges about microwaves?
– Andy notices that Donna’s family is aggressive but in a passive way and wishes there was a term to describe that, which is why he comes up with “nicey-meaney.” Man, I’m going to miss this show.
– Let’s just always let Ben get drunk and dance, because that whole scene between him and Leslie totally bumped this episode up an extra star.
– Leslie called “8675309” 100 times, proving yet again why I love Leslie Knope so much.
– Ron tells Tom he has never lied, well that he probably has never lied. “You could construe camouflage as a lie.”
– After three straight weeks of back-to-back episodes, I really missed having another half-an-hour of Parks and Rec to watch last night. It made my job of reviewing the show easier, but it felt like something was missing from my Tuesday night.
– Jerry/Larry/Terry finally gets called “Garry,” and it’s all thanks to Donna. Loved her smile to him there.
– “Typhoon, I am interested, but now is not the time.” I want a Parks and Rec spin-off featuring Craig and Typhoon.
What did you think of last night’s episode of Parks and Recreation?
[Photo via NBC]
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