Parks and Recreation (2009-2015)
Created by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur
Parks and Recreation tells the story of a mid-level bureaucrat, Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), in the parks department of Pawnee, a fictional town in Indiana, along with her team: Ann Perkins, Ron Swanson, Ben Wyatt, Tom Haverford, Donna Meagle, April Ludgate, Andy Dwyer, and (yes, also includes) Garry Gergich.
Similar to The Office's single-camera setup, and without the studio audience or laugh track, Parks and Rec staged the look of an actual documentary. But unlike the former, the latter sometimes features two separate camera angles on the same person during interviews, several jump cuts, and more intimate scenes outside of the parks department's office. Though creators initially wanted a spin-off of The Office, what they ended up with is equally entertaining. Seven years later, we are, once again, forced to face the fact that all good things must come to an end (or you know, NBC naturally decides to end a glorious era of another exemplary series).
Set in 2017, the seventh and final season offered a different approach, but a very much worthy closure for the fans. Major life events such as April and Andy having a baby, Tom becoming a world-renowned author after the fall of his restaurant expansion, Donna starting a foundation for education, and Garry getting elected as mayor for one hundred years anointed our rivers of tears as tears of happiness. While Ron, with the help of Leslie, eventually led the life he wanted. So whether they are working for the government or a non-profit organization, in the fictional, but remarkable town of Pawnee or elsewhere, we are assured they are better than fine. The characters we watched come together in a mission to turn a horrifying pit to a beautiful park evolved into humans we all adored.
Hence, Leslie's speech could not sum up the show's vision any better:
Do the work worth doing with the team of people you love.
Because in spite of its occasional shares of mocking political scandals and such, the show was never about politics. But rather, gave us an optimistic take on public service, and probably a little bit more of wishful thinking. Nonetheless, it created some instant classics like "Galentine's Day" and "Treat Yo' Self." It consistently reminded us of the beauty of breakfast foods, and the importance of work and friendship, and things in between in a way it never preached. Most importantly, it temporarily erased the cynicism in all of us with the presence of the best public servant in the form of Leslie Knope. Ergo, despite getting our hearts broken by its hurried conclusion, the one-hour finale was a satisfying send-off for the series.
Might be too sentimental, but my love for what used to be the 21st century's NBC's Big Three (The Office, 30 Rock, Parks and Rec) will remain in my heart forever and always.
(photo is not mine; credits to owner)
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