So, Is Parks And Recreation Getting Better?
We now have two episodes (of a six-episode first season) of Parks And Recreation on which to judge it. This week we met Leslie's mother, learned the extent of Leslie's plan to be the first female President, and, disappointingly, saw the continuation of the dull "pit" storyline. These people need to start sleeping with each other, stat! Aziz Ansari and Chris Pratt were, once again, the best part of the show, and I laughed out loud twice: when Leslie's mother admonished her for standing in the doorway ("it's creepy") and Leslie stepped into the office and announced "Choosing 'in'!" and when Chris Pratt the musician boyfriend told us the name of his band ("Just The Tip"). The show was a little less piloty-uncomfortable this week because we're more used to the characters, but it needs to start taking more risks and crossing the line soon to hold the interest of its talent's fans. So comment party, what did you guys think?
Posted by Lindsay at 1:30 PM in Sitcoms
Tags: Amy Poehler | Aubrey Plaza | Aziz Ansari | Chris Pratt | Parks And Recreation | Paul Schneider | Rashida Jones
I liked it. I think it's starting to come into it's own a bit. It still has a little ways to go, but it's definitely getting better. I laughed out loud 4 whole times.
Also, first?
Score = -9
Second, and seconded.
But, Steve, we don't do that here.
Score = 21
Ha ha. I know I know. I've had a long day at work give me a break!
Score = 3
I liked this episode better. I wish there was more Aziz, just because he's the best part. I think they need to find the balance between over-the-top-characters and genuine feeling plot. But it's getting better.
Score = 2
FILIBUSTER!
Score = 4
Just the Tip gets an A+
Score = 10
Is it just me but does everything about Amy Poehler's acting and delivery in this show seem grafted directly from Michael Scott? A big part of it is the writing too.
Score = 10
I liked the pilot better, but I think I'm alone in that.
A few observations
Aziz needs to stop doing the Jim-looking into the camera thing
Amy Poehler needs to start thinking more ASSSCAT and less SNL
Rashida Jones' character may be too damn cute for a comedy.
Score = 1
Seriously, I was watching an old UCB epsiode last night (the hospital one with the grim reapers "If your shift starts at 4, you should be here at 4"). She's not being used to her full potential.
Score = 0
Earthquake parties! Don't forget Earthquake parties!
Score = 0
It's weird that Poehler is the worst character on the show, considering she's the star.
Score = 6
I was meh about the pilot, but I really didn't like this episode. I just find it uncomfortable, and not in an Office-funny way. Aziz Ansari is great, the lone great thing in the show, but the pit plotline seems like a lame way to force Rashida Jones's character into relevance. If they chose a different project each week to work on, I might be more into it.
Meanwhile, blaming the initial woes on "pilot-itis" is also lame. I can think of more shows with good pilots than not. Personally, I feel like I see way more good pilots that turn out to be bad shows than vice versa.
Score = -2
The sheer lunacy of fillibustering a town meeting (complete with a reading from The Phantom Tollbooth) has given this show a season pass from me. It's like my job; but fun.
Score = 8
I'm a bit tired of the docucom format w/the camera smirks, etc. I find it rarely adds to the humor, sometimes seems forced, or is abandoned. I like both office and this well enough. But I also think the characters in PnR are very similar to the office which doesn't help. However the 'one penis in particular' line in the pilot will keep me tuned in.
Score = 2
paul schneider continues to be adorable and so i continue to watch.
Score = 1
is it just me or was leslie's mom totally the redhead detective from kindergarten cop?
Score = 2
Yes, I totally noticed that too! And then felt slightly ashamed...
Score = 0
sad: i think this thing will end at six episodes. sadder: i will feel some relief at that.
Score = 2
Zzzz....
Score = 2
The Office wasn't actually that good until season 2. It took a while to find it's own voice (though to be fair, that was because it was just rehashing the original at the time). I think it'll just be alright for the rest of this season and get good next year.
Score = 3
This show does not need Rashida Jones' character.
Score = -3
Chris Pratt was hilarious. best line:
"Lawrence...lives with his grandma...which is pretty awesome. He takes care of her I guess but whatever, he's a douchebag."
Score = 8
Loved it. The characters are great. Dare I say it's better than The Office!
Score = -11
I like it a lot. Even the boring pit storyline. But even though this show is great, I see too much of The Office in it. I feel like there should be more ways to differentiate itself from it.
Score = 4
Definitely liked it better than the pilot. I know it was cheap, but I giggled at the pedophile part. This episode seemed less forced or something. I dunno... definitely has potential
Score = 3
About as funny as staring at the ceiling.
Score = 0
I think it is getting better to be honest, though it's still not near the level of The Office yet.
Score = 1
Sorry...can't get past the feeling I'm watching a show starring Michael Scott's cousin, Jim Halpert's city planning older brother and, in some weird Daniel Faraday, not WHEN but IF wormhole time theory bullshit, Ryan Howard and Kelly Kapoor's lovechild of the future.
Score = 3
I'm just happy that Lit is getting some well deserved cash.
Score = 2
that was my vote for best part of the episode.
Score = 0
There is actually a cover band I've seen in New York called "Just the Tip." They play in Hoboken all the time, no joke.
Score = 0
Waitasecond. The pit storyline didn't reach ANY conclusion. (Warning: Spoilers ahead!)
Leslie drew out the meeting so long that there couldn't be a vote taken, which means that the plotline is still very much the main and only tangible focus of the show. Aziz's character bored the hell out of me. He was just a less funny, lazier version of Jim. The only time he was interesting was when he called his connections onto the scene. Anyways, I think Rashida Jones' character is super likable and adds good perspective to the show. All in all, I think it's gonna take two more episodes before I like it. Three episodes before it gets canceled.
Score = 1