The TV Chick

Let me start off this post off by saying, I adore Amy Poehler. She was a genius on SNL, and I was incredibly sad to see her go. The first season of Parks and Recreation (if the small run is technically called a season) was decent, but it seemed to all be about “the pit.” I was hoping that they could branch out from the pit and just focus on the characters, and I am absolutely delighted to say that they did just that.

The premiere episode (titled Pawnee Zoo) has a hilarious cold open, which I posted on the site last week. The rest of the episode is just as amazing. It centers around the Pawnee Zoo, a marriage ceremony for 2 penguins, and the trouble Leslie gets herself into just by opening her mouth. There’s even a rendition of Poker Face, and a scene in a gay bar. I don’t want to spoil too much, but I will say that this is Poehler at her prime. I’ve seen her in many improv shows, and she is best just being herself (even though her character work is brilliant). I felt that she shined through in this premiere episode, and I was laughing the entire time. The supporting cast was also fantastic, and I have very high hopes for this season.

The second episode (titled The Stakeout) centers around Leslie and Tom (Aziz Ansari) tending to the new community garden inside the pit. They soon discover someone has planted marijuana amidst the vegetables and go on a stakeout to find who is the culprit. Meanwhile, Ann (the lovely Rashida Jones) goes out on a date with Mark (Paul Schneider) with Leslie’s permission. This episode was also brilliantly written and kept up the pace from the premiere. I thought each storyline came together very well, and I really found myself enjoying the episode. Louis CK also guest stars!

I thought this show might have been one of those that built up on my DVR until I got a chance to watch it. But, I am pleased to say that this will be on my “must watch” list. Thursday night on NBC is really proving its return to glory with 30 Rock, The Office, Parks and Recreation and Community. I don’t care if they aren’t the number 1 network, this is certainly a number 1 lineup.