PARKS & RECREATION Season Finale: Rock Show

After a pilot episode that earned justifiably mixed reviews, I have been riding a wave of enthusiasm for Parks & Recreation. Limited to only six chapters in its mini-season, I was impressed with the creative team’s focus on shaping meaningful storylines for each of its main characters and establishing a consistent comedic tone within the halls of city government. With Amy Poehler as our tour guide, viewers were becoming familiar with the local flavor of Pawnee, Indiana and the inefficient cast of characters who are entrusted with its care.

With so much momentum to build on, I was disappointed by a P&R finale that forgot the funny and indulged in melodrama. From a hasty twist in the “raggedy” Ann and Andy romance to a disastrous scene at the Pit between Leslie and Mark, the Pawnee crew felt more like a soap opera than a sitcom, and curbed my enthusiasm for its place on NBC’s fall lineup. Greg Daniels and Michael Schur are more than capable of plotting a season filled with moments that made episodes 2-5 so enjoyable, but the finale did raise some red flags about the pitfalls they need to avoid.

Chris Pratt has been a hilarious guest star in P&R’s initial run, and a worthy addition to the cast moving forward. Though his onscreen dynamic with Rashida Jones has never been magical, I was under the impression that the Ann/Andy breakup would be a slow process. During the “Boys’ Club” episode, Andy invested a lot of time and energy to clean both their house and himself. At the time, I assumed the writers wanted us to recognize Andy’s genuine feelings, and to ignore his various shortcomings. Following Andy’s confession that he delayed the removal of his casts, this love story is over. Despite a temporary victory for the aspiring rock star, reclaiming the couch while Ann tended to a fallen friend in the Pit, I am concerned that Andy might not be a permanent resident of Pawnee in Season Two.

Leslie Knope was dealt a double shot of romantic disaster, beginning with a senior citizen and ending with the man of her pipe dreams. Just one week after appearing downright chummy with her Mom in “The Banquet,” Leslie was back to the role of dutiful daughter as her mother arranged a blind date with a spritely 62 year old named George. As Leslie realized that her dinner companion was not there to discuss city planning, Amy Poehler had a number of fun moments to interact with the documentary camera. The rest of the night was a disaster, as our favorite Deputy Director found herself closing the bar with Mark Brendanawicz. After getting a peek at Mark running back to the banquet hall, presumably to find Ann, it was sad to watch Leslie get drawn into his force field. Even when Leslie mustered the self-awareness to refuse Mark’s advances, leading to his treacherous fall into the Pit, I was disappointed that the eternal optimist was being manipulated by another person in her inner circle.

Here is my plea to Greg and Mike. If this show is going to work, Leslie Knope needs someone who will always be on her side. Her mother is a narcissistic train wreck with limited patience for parental responsibilities. Ann is the best friend who is headed for a relationship with Mark. Ron Swanson is a hilarious caricature, but he lacks any appreciation for Leslie’s approach to public service. Tom Haverford is a consummate flirt and enthusiastic networker who does not share any of Ms. Knope’s core values. My suggestion? Cast a male friend for Leslie, perhaps in the area of construction (since we ARE building a park) that will adore and appreciate her quirks. All those in favor of a hot new foreman to chase after Leslie, raise your hand!

Moving into the fall season, Parks and Recreation is well-positioned to be a worthy neighbor to the rest of NBC’s Thursday comedy lineup. Ron and Tom can be counted on for uproarious laughs and Twitter-ready catchphrases. April the Intern will have many chances to show how uninterested she is in her job. Most significantly, there are at least seven more politically incorrect murals to be unveiled to the audience!

Where this show needs to tread lightly, and where the finale fell short, is making Leslie Knope a punching bag in the tradition of Michael Scott. I do not believe that viewers want to watch a professional woman be derided and embarrassed on a weekly basis. The middle episodes of this mini-season were enjoyable because Leslie was not the punchline to every joke. If Season Two is simply an exercise in betrayal, jealousy, and disappointment, we won’t have much more time to visit Pawnee, Indiana. If, however, Leslie Knope triumphs in her quest to fill the Pit and meets a few interesting people on the way, I will continue to champion this show and its remarkable cast.

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts about P&R, and let me know if you can figure out Ron Swanson’s nickname for Leslie’s Mom!

Will you be returning to P&R for a second season? If you are planning to come back to the show, what factors influenced your decision? Did the creative team do enough to separate P&R from its cousins in Scranton? Is Amy Poehler clicking for you as a sitcom star? What were your favorite moments from the finale? Can anyone think of the right name for Andy’s band? I’m eager to read your comments!

How does Erik combat writer’s block? He indulges in Adam Carolla’s new daily podcast at carollaradio.com and reads Bill Simmons’ columns on ESPN.com. Along with covering Parks & Recreation and House for GMMR, Erik is attempting to navigate the addictive world of Twitter (@FreelanceErik).