Parks And Recreation: Season One & Two Review
I have found the perfect man and this man is called Ron Swanson. From his bushy moustache to his mischievous grin when something goes wrong in the government he is most definitely my new crush. But who is Ron Swanson I hear you ask? What the hell is Parks and Recreation?
This is one of those reviews I took on the off-chance having no prior knowledge of the show. Parks and Recreation is based in fictional Indiana town, Pawnee, and follows the exploits of the parks and recreation department. The only thing I did know about this show is that the star of the show, Amy Poehler, is a big name in US comedy currently, named alongside Tina Fey and Chelsea Handler (who I’m still not sure I know anything about). The show comes from the folks who translated The Office to The Office US (Greg Daniels and Michael Schur) so you can expect more of the same format; talking heads to the camera, spy camera shots. If you can’t stand that style of show steer clear. If you do, read on.
I think it would be agreed across most reviews of Parks and Recreation that season one does not kick off to a strong start. We are introduced to our lead Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and her work colleagues, her new best friend Ann Perkins (Rashida Jones) and Ann’s boyfriend Andy (Chris Pratt). It is not to say that season one isn’t amusing to watch at times but at only 7 episodes long it feels unsure of itself, the characters and their relationship to each other haven’t quite found their place and you are kind of left scratching you head asking what the show is and is it just a female led version of The Office. However Leslie Knope is no David Brent and if you stick with it into season two you will be rewarded.
Season two is where I really fell in love with this show and now having reached the end I find out there are two more seasons and another airing in America I am a happy lady. Leslie, whilst bordering on annoying in season one becomes endearing, her relationship with Ron becomes central to the show, Andy and April are adorable and to be honest I would watch anything with Rashida Jones in. If you are a fan of American comedy shows there are appearances from some great faces, Will Arnett and Rob Lowe to name two.
My stand out favourite thing and possibly the reason why I just adore this programme now is Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman). The character of Ron just gets better and better as season two goes on and the episode featuring his ex-wife Tammy (Megan Mullally) will make you wet yourself.
I can even compliment the extras on this DVD boxset which are extensive; I even enjoyed listening to the commentaries.
Lauren Cracknell