The TV Chick

So, I was pretty sure that Parks and Recreation couldn’t get any better. The last couple of episodes have been amazing. First, with Ben and Leslie finally getting back together. And then, the hilarious ethics trial that involved Leslie and Ben officially declaring their love for one another. I still have both of those episodes on my DVR. Tonight’s episode is even better. Seriously. It made me cry and well, that’s a hard feat for any comedy.

The episode centers around Leslie not knowing what to do with herself while she is suspended from her job. She becomes Citizen Knope and forms “PCP,” The Parks Committee of Pawnee, to try and be active as a private citizen. She also gets everyone in her department the most kick-ass, thoughtful Christmas presents. She also invents “salgar” — salt and sugar, mixed together. Which is hilarious and intriguing. It’s a productive time for Leslie! Meanwhile, Ben is struggling with trying to find a job and keep himself busy as well. He’s not sure he wants to settle on a boring accounting firm job, though. Who could blame him?

And just when Leslie thinks she can focus on her campaign to keep busy, her campaign advisors tell her that as a result of the ethics trial, she is polling super low. They don’t think she has a shot at winning. I don’t want to spoil the end (the part that made me cry) but let’s just say that the Parks Department comes through big time for Leslie. It was a beautiful moment that literally is making me teary-eyed as I write this.

What I love most about Parks and Rec, which I have called to many of my friends the best comedy on TV right now, is just how invested I feel in the characters’ lives. That’s not an easy thing for a television show to accomplish. Not only does it make me cry but it makes me laugh out loud as well. I believe we can all see a little bit of ourselves in the Pawnee bunch and I think the show has truly found its voice. The friendships and the relationships and the antics all work so well to form a show that is both heartwarming and hilarious. I can’t wait for everyone to see tonight’s episode. (And to know that I’m not the only one who cried!)

Be sure to tune in tonight at 8:30 PM to NBC for an all new episode of Parks and Recreation! And if you just can’t wait, check out a video preview here: