Season 4 Episode 8 "Smallest Park"

Now, in this episode Leslie is organizing a small park project that she has been planning. As you can see in the above project, when I say small park I'm talking max five people can fit on it. After Ben tells Leslie that once he finishes with the small park project he'll spend less time in the Parks department, Leslie purposefully puts more time into creating the park than needed. Making the community meetings long, creating picket signs for people to hold around the small lot, you name it.

Meanwhile, Andy becomes interested in taking classes at the local college where April attends. Andy never went to college and he wants to delve into that experience, however that experience became short lived when they found out how expensive college really is. April appeared clueless saying that her parents usually paid for her tuition. Oh April, weird, pretty, slightly scary April. How naive you are about the realities of how much debt goes into a college education.

Still wanting to take a course though, Andy randomly selects a class from the course catalog; and what's the class you ask? Women's Studies. Despite being reluctant at first, Andy goes to the class and is actually in awe of the material covered. Helping Andy with the finances, Ron offers to pay for the class.

Tom and Jerry are assigned the task of creating a logo for the Parks Department and are coming up short-handed. Most of the time just leading it to Tom making fun of Jerry. Until both agree to make the logo a throwback to the 1970s, giving homage to a simpler time in the Parks Department.

The "Keep Ben Around Longer" plan that Leslie orchestrated is slightly going south when Ben finally puts a stop to it and tells Chris, their boss, that he doesn't want to work with Leslie anymore calling her a steamroller. I know I didn't get the metaphor either and what the heck is a steamroller? So what they mean is Leslie just rolls past other people's thoughts, and is too caught up in doing everything on her own she doesn't anyone else's feelings.

I have personally met who go through life that way, and it is sometimes not easy to hold a conversation with them. But that doesn't mean those people are bad they're just very passionate, and strong leaders. They don't intentionally mean to discount anyone else's ideas.

Thankfully Leslie has her best friend Ann to tell her the truth of how she is. Seeing how intense she can get, Leslie decides to meet Ben at the small park that she finished making. She finally realizes that she needs to back off and that in order for them to move forward they can't be together. Although, they both know that's not true.

Leslie tells Ben there is another option for them; say screw it and fess up to their secret relationship to Chris and face the consequences. The whole speech leads to Ben and Leslie finally kissing each other knowing that they can't live without the other. See, I told you it was meant to be I cannot think of two people more perfect for each other than Ben and Leslie. Their love lives on forever!!!

Season 4 Episode 7 "The Treaty"

Ben and Leslie are excited to be asked to run the Model U.N. at the local high school, after finding out that the club would be taken out due to lack of attendance. Ben is Peru, Leslie is Denmark, Andy is Finland, and April is the moon. This brings Ben and Leslie closer together, to which they're happy about as they have both agreed to be friends. I mean who doesn't want to be friend with their exes right? No awkwardness at all, and plus you know the other person really well. Yeah, no thank you. To me exes being friends just doesn't work out unless you're Jerry and Elaine from Seinfeld, because oddly enough that friendship worked out.

Since the end of Entertainment 7Twenty, Tom has been reaching out to various people to help him kick off a new business. However, all those attempts have failed and Ron offers Tom his old job back. Not wanting to return to the Parks department, Tom declines Ron's offer in order to pursue his own passions of starting his own business. 

Ron starts to interview new candidates for Tom's jobs, but all of them seem to be inexperienced to hold Tom's position. Tom takes notice and tells Ron, but Ron sees all the candidate's potential. Meanwhile, Chris is still trying to figure out why Jerry's daughter isn't returning his phone calls. Donna suggests that Chris is too available, and should make himself more hard to reach. However, Chris says he doesn't see himself hiding his feelings. I mean she's not returning your calls, take a hint Chris she's not into you anymore move on. People want to cling to one person, when that person is probably having fun with someone else. If you become hung up on one person, and they don't feel the same way your just wasting your time; to me at least. 

Anyways, Leslie and Ben are partaking at the Model U.N., when Leslie is called away by her campaign advisors to take a few photos with some of the students. Frustrated with how long she's taking, Ben decides to cut Leslie out of the treaty Peru and Denmark planned together. This does not end well, as I know Leslie she is not one to take things lightly. My point being she decides to call war against Peru.

As you can see the situation got a little out of hand based on the photo above. As there war continued on, Ben and Leslie realize all the students have left and the both of them are kicked out for their behavior. Now, Ben says he doesn't see himself being friends with Leslie because of all that has happened between them. However, Leslie proposes just simple five-minute conversations a day to ease into the friendship.

In other news, Ron follows Tom and finds out that he's been working at Macy's at the cologne section. Tom seeing as he can't do better at the moment finally agrees to go back to the Parks department. So almost everything goes back to normal. I mean will Leslie and Ben get back together? Well I sure hope so, they are both into each other and it is obvious they can't live without each other. But, for now Leslie and Ben's relationship will have to be put on hold.

Season 4 Episode 6 "End of the World"

It's the end of the world as we know it, or that's what the local Pawnee group called the Reasonabilists believe. The group is led by a man named Herb, who always predicts that the world is going to end every year.

. 

In order to commence the end of the world, the cult hosts a late-night vigil every year at the park. This kind of annoys Leslie, but she humors them by letting them have the park for the day, with a park permit of course. Chris asks Leslie and Ben to accompany him to the vigil, and Leslie is excited to being forced to be close with Ben. However, Ben doesn't want to start anything as it might be awkward between him and Leslie. I feel sorry for Leslie. She always trys to mend her relationship with Ben, and he kind of keeps pushing her aside. I know that she's on city council, and he works with her, but come on man they need to get back together; they belong together.

Since they're not involved with each other, Pawnee journalist Shauna Malwae-Tweep, decides to ask Ben out Leslie is somewhat jealous of. However, Leslie takes the high road and lets Ben go, but that doesn't stop her from meddling in almost every little conversation that Shauna and Ben try to have with each other. Though Ron intervenes and gives Leslie helpful words of advice and she knows that she cannot interfere with Ben's love life. 

Tom is taking advantage of the end of the world concept, by throwing a party to commence the end to his company Entertainment 7Twenty. At his party there's a live caged tiger, a flying money machine, and gift bags with lavish gifts in them. Although his business is put to an end, Tom sees his old flame Lucy, and is not as upset about his business ending. They even share a kiss when the party ends in the morning. Even though I really don't care for Tom, it would be nice to see him in love and happy. I definitely thought Lucy was the perfect person for him also. She's down to earth, kind, and funny. She's totally out of Tom's league, but she likes him and that's all that matters.

Andy and April have been keeping themselves busy, by checking off things from Andy's bucket list. Also, Chris is surprised to find Jerry's daughter ignoring his calls. Oh dear Chris, you're not perfect in everyone's eyes. There there, things will look up. As for Andy and April, they were able to accomplish a reasonable amount of stuff from Andy's bucket list. 

Also, surprise surprise the world didn't end! I know I was just as shocked as everyone watching, you can imagine how Herb felt. Not to worry though, he predicted that the world is actually going to end May 20th, so be prepared.

Season 4 Episode 5 "Meet 'n' Greet"

In this episode of Parks and Rec, Leslie is trying to garner more support from the business community. She entrusts Tom to talk her up, due to his business savy, and Tom tells Leslie the guy she wants to get the most support from is the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, Martin Kernston. He even creates a folder about Kernston, to help Leslie learn more about him.

However, once they get to the convention, Leslie notices images from Tom's business everywhere; even seeing his face on a few of the logos. Once Tom goes on stage to give his presentation, he begins to talk solely about his business rather than promote Leslie. Realizing this, Leslie ends his presentation and angrily twists Tom's nipples til he yelps in pain.

Now I don't mean to go against Leslie, but did she really think Tom would do a good job promoting her? I mean even when he was spewing his ideas all he talked about was his business. Also, Tom is a pretty selfish person. His actions make me dislike about 75% of the time throughout the whole series.

While all this is happening, April and Andy decide to throw a Halloween Party without letting Ben know. Coming home to see all the decorations, Ben is unamused and upset that know one he lives with respects his space or letting him in on their plans.

.

What were everyone's costumes you ask? April was a sumo wrestler after he lost the weight, Andy was a boxer/MMA fighter, Ann was an eggplant, Ron was a pirate, Donna was a cop, Jerry was Mr. Potato head, and Chris was Sherlock Holmes. Now of course Ben didn't dress up because he didn't know about the party and wasn't really on board when he found out. 

However Andy, being the kind friend that he is, puts Ben into a headlock until he tells him what's wrong. This leads to Ben actually fighting back frustrated with Andy, and accidentally elbowing Andy in the nose breaking it. This situation reminds me of when I used to fight with my older brother, and would sometimes snap which led to me leaving him with a bruise or mark on his face. Sometimes, when you get pushed the wrong way you just snap. Thankfully, that hasn't happened to me lately and don't plan on it anytime soon.

Now, Leslie tries to persuade Martin Kernston to support her; apologizing for Tom's selfish behavior. However, Martin declines leading Leslie to be furiated with Tom and almost drowning him in the hot tub attached to his limo.

Tom apologizes for his actions and tells Leslie that his company is bankrupt. Feeling guilty, Leslie also apologizes to Tom, and takes him out to eat. Later on, Tom creates a campaign video that moves Leslie to tears; making Leslie thankful to have Tom around. See this is why I said 75%, and not 100, for how much I didn't like Tom. He has some good moments. 

Now, Ben goes with Andy to the hospital and apologizes for his actions and has a heart-to-heart with Andy. Andy realizing Ben's issue promises to show him more respect. In the end no matter how difficult a situation we get into with our friends, we end up finding the best in each other and resolving our issues.

Season 4 Episode 4 "Pawnee Rangers"

In this episode we accompany Leslie and Ron in the wilderness where each of them have their scout groups; Ron's Pawnee Rangers and Leslie's Pawnee Goddesses. In Leslie's group they have different activities such as archery, puppet making, and team building exercises. Where in Ron's group they literally sit out in the wilderness and listen to silence.

Personally, I think Ron is being too hard on the boys by only giving them beans from a can to eat, having them hunt for their food, and giving them large tarps to build their tents. I understand that Ron embodies masculinity and tries to instill that in the group, but they're only kids; let them have fun and don't throw them in the wild Ron, come on.

Meanwhile, Donna and Tom have their annual "Treat Yo Self Day," where they literally buy whatever they want and treat themselves to a luxurious day. I've had myself one of those days and let me tell you it is amazing to treat yo self to everything you were intimidated to buy before. Okay in all honesty it's gone on for more than a day, and happens almost every other week. But a guy's gotta eat right? I'm going to be real honest, sometimes I get too lazy to cook and am stuck in the library for almost the entire day. So if I'm starving, I'm treating myself to a big hot meal.

Anyways, Donna and Tom go on their shopping and spree and invite Ben to come along; seeing how sad his life has become since he and Leslie broke up. Now, they take Ben but all he ends up buying is white socks. I know right? Donna tells him that this day is where he can buy anything he wants. So, what does a single mid-30 year old guy buy you ask? A life size Batman costume. I know, I know nerd alert!! However, this new found confidence lasts for about 30 seconds when Ben starts to break down in tears in the costume. 

Going back to Leslie and Ron in the wilderness, Ron's Pawnee Rangers want to do more exciting activities but Ron won't seem to prevail. Meanwhile, Leslie's Goddesses are having a blast in the cabin they rented out. The Pawnee Rangers even go to Leslie to ask if they could be a part of the Pawnee Goddesses, to which she obliges but Ron is upset by.

So, Leslie being the good hearted person she is talks to Ron about it and they end up reconciling. Bringing the two scout groups together. Once again my bestie Leslie is there to save the day, which really gets to me. 

Season 4 Episode 3 "Born & Raised"

Hello all! I hope you all had a nice and relaxed Thanksgiving break. I am happy to be back and continue to inform you about the misadventures of the crazy Parks and Rec crew of Pawnee, Indiana.

In this episode, Leslie has written a book called "Pawnee: The Greatest Town in America," that talks about all the great things and history behind the city of Pawnee. She hopes the book will gain high sales, and help promote her campaign for city council by being part of Joan Callamezzo's book club.

Now I know what your thinking, who the hell is Joan Callamezzo? Not sure if I mentioned this before but she is the host of “Pawnee Today,” and always tries to stir up drama between Leslie and her Parks and Rec gang. So, of course not that big a fan of her.


Joan actually reminds me of another character from another show I watch called Baby Daddy. In the show there’s a woman named Mary Hart who has her own talk show and is stuck up and doesn’t care about others. Much like the talking stick with an outdated hair do that is Joan Callamezzo.


Anyways, Leslie is trying to promote her book when she finds out that an anonymous source found an inaccuracy in Leslie’s seemingly perfect book. This made me upset, because I thought of course Joan Callamezzo, being the pariah that she is, is going to find out what that inaccuracy is before Leslie does.

So, what does Leslie do when she’s caught in a jam? She calls upon her Parks and Rec crew to get her out of it. Specifically, she calls upon Ron, April and Ann to fact check her book.

Ann tries to use this time to become closer with April and Ron, but both do not prevail and continue to disregard her. This makes me feel sorry for Ann, because she really is a genuine and nice person, but Ron and April still want nothing to do with her.

Following this incident, Leslie appears on “Pawnee Today,” only to be told by Joan that Leslie was not born in Pawnee like she states in the book. Leslie then becomes to be heckled by residents of Pawnee, wanting to see her birth certificate.

Leslie shows her campaign advisors a short form of her birth certificate, but the birth certificate only lists the county she was born in. So, Andy accompanies Leslie to Eagleton to retrieve her birth certificate and learn that she was in fact born in Eagleton and not Pawnee.

Leslie becomes devastated about being born in Eagleton, but Chris comes to the rescue when he tells her it doesn’t matter where she was born just how dedicated she is to Pawnee. Hearing those words, Leslie goes back on “Pawnee Today” and admits to being born in Eagleton, but does not let that discourage her love for Pawnee.

This had upset because the media can try anything to make a genuinely good person look bad. My good friend Leslie should not endure so much stress from the people in her town. People in her town that whine all the time, make me worry for the future when there are still several adults who have nothing better to do than complain about everything.

Season 4 Episode 2 "Ron and Tammys"

So in this next episode of Parks and Rec, Ron becomes entangled with his heathen of an ex-wife Tammy 1. Who ends up bringing out a different side to Ron Swanson. Now I’ve know Ron since the beginning, and let me tell you he does not wear fluorescent colored polos, and have a clean shaved face. Also he hates interacting with people, so the caption above is very misleading about Ron’s personality.

I say Tammy 1, because Ron has had multiple ex-wives who are named Tammy. Even his own mother’s name is Tammy, which I find a little disturbing that he would marry two women with the same name as his own mother. Aside from that fact, these women can literally turn Ron into a completely different person.

Now Ron being one of Leslie’s friends, causes Leslie to ask Tammy 2 if she could help make Ron snap out of it. However, even Ron’s crazy ex-wife, Tammy 2, is afraid of Tammy 1, because Tammy 1 threw acid on Tammy 2. So, Leslie goes for the big guns and asks Ron’s mom, Tamara nicknamed “Tammy,” to come and persuade Ron to leave Tammy 1.

Ron’s mom, and Tammy 1, challenge each other to a drink-off, by drinking the highly alcoholic Swanson family liquor. However, if Ron’s mom wins she plans to bring Ron back to their family farm. Not wanting to see Ron go, Leslie enters in the drink-off to prevent Ron from leaving.

Once Leslie begins drinking though, she becomes inebriated right away and gets very sloppy. April joins in for a bit, however after one sip she spits out the drink and falls to the floor. Seeing what his friends are doing for him, Ron steps in and finishes the whole jar of the liquor. He then tells Tammy 1 to get lost and his mom that he can’t go back to the farm with her.

On the other spectrum, Ben looks over the finances for Tom and Jean-Ralphio’s business called Entertainment 720, and notices that the two are wasting large amounts of money despite having no income. With these facts, Ben predicts that the company will go bankrupt within the month. Tom and Jean-Ralphio however ignore Ben’s warnings. However, later on Tom goes to Ben’s office and apologizes to him realizing he was right about his prediction.

See this is why I don’t really care or talk about Tom or Jean-Ralphio that much. They’re both selfish, fake, and think they’re so great with the ladies. I don’t know how the people from the Parks department can stand them, but whenever I meet people like them I never usually get along with them.

Meanwhile, Chris and Ann are working on a PSA together, with Chris doing 50 takes all of which are exactly the same. Ann says they’re all great, but Chris thinks he could do better. Eventually, they shoot the final cut for the PSA after six hours.

There were a lot of events going on in this episode. Such as: the Tammie’s, Tom’s over-spending, and Ann getting tired of Chris trying to be perfect all the time. However, in the end everything works out for the best, and everyone comes together. Which is why I really love and enjoy watching this show, because seeing everyone come together like a family, makes me feel good inside and know that everything is going to be ok.