As is the eventual fate of all good TV shows, Parks and Recreation came to a close Feb. 24. After nearly six years of community projects and campaigns, series star Amy Poehler and her supporting cast gave their final performances as Leslie Knope and her beloved co-workers.
Despite the recent death of series co-producer Harris Wittels, the show finished with just as much optimism as it’s always had, with the cast of the show sending a heartfelt message to Wittels in the final moments of the last episode. Throughout the years, Parks and Recreation has gained a huge following and I believe I speak for many when I say that it’s sad to see it go.
Parks and Rec had a rocky start. Conceived by Greg Daniels and Michael Schur, the show was meant to be a companion show to The Office, which the pair had previously worked on. The show focused on government worker Leslie Knope and her mission to try to make the town of Pawnee, Indiana a better place.
The group is often forced into strange situations by the government, other agencies, and the unruly residents of Pawnee, but the first season struggled with an inconsistent tone and subpar writing. In fact, it looked at times to be nothing more than a weak imitation of The Office. Fortunately, despite the criticism, Parks and Rec was picked up for a second season.
Whatever potential the network saw in the show, it was onto something. As it moved into its second season, Parks and Rec’s realized its true potential, shedding off the shadow of The Office and finding its own identity. Poehler’s character became smarter and the the comedy got funnier. Where The Office was hilariously awkward, Parks and Recreation was hilariously heartwarming. This change in tone made the show something worth watching, and it gave the cast something to keep building on.
To be blunt, Parks and Recreation is successful because of its characters. They are the reason the show stumbled in its early stages and the reason it soared in later seasons. Each member of the ensemble is well-developed, with his or her own personality and story. The show’s comedy is derived from the characters’ reactions to the situations they’re placed in, and Parks and Rec does a good job of making those characters relatable and interesting. Viewers who care about the characters also care about the show.
In addition, Parks and Recreation is simple, well-written fun. The comedic timing is spot-on and the plot of each episode is creative and entertaining while remaining realistic. The series has never dipped in quality since its beginning, a rare feat for television.
Though Parks and Recreation has sung its swan song, the show has cemented itself as a landmark in the comedy genre, a show that will inspire and entertain the masses for years to come.