Feb. 24 was a sad, sad day for television: the beloved mockumentary sitcom “Parks and Recreation” ran for the last time on NBC with its much-anticipated two-part series finale. The two episodes gave viewers a final look into the futures of their favorite Pawnee characters in a series finale that is literally one of the most satisfying endings to ever grace airwaves.
But be warned—if you haven’t seen these episodes yet, turn back now, as this reviewer simply can’t avoid dropping a few spoilers.
The show first aired in 2009, and chronicles the story of the Parks and Recreation department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. There, a tenacious, breakfast-food-loving, slightly awkward Deputy Director named Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler, “Mean Girls”) and her team of goofy, lovable co-workers and friends worked to make Pawnee a better place to live. Now, after seven seasons, the story comes to a close as the characters go off in their separate directions.
“Parks and Recreation” fittingly ends exactly where it began: with a park. In this final two-part episode, the gang from the Parks and Rec department gets back together for one last job (even though none of them actually work for the department anymore). The team is tasked with fixing a broken swing in one of Pawnee’s parks, which should be simple enough, but, like always, they are met with hiccups and obstacles along the way. They must work together to sidestep the red tape, and, as they do, Leslie takes the opportunity to say her thank yous and goodbyes.
As she goes to hug each of her friends or shake one of their hands, the story suddenly flashes into the future to give viewers a glimpse of where the characters will end up. Each character is given their moment, even side characters like Jean-Ralphio (Ben Schwartz, “House of Lies”) and Craig Middlebrooks (Billy Eichner, “What Happens in Vegas”).
This is the finale’s greatest strength, because it leaves (almost) no loose end untied. But, more than that, the writers of “Parks and Recreation” could not have written better futures for their characters. Perhaps the most poignant future story is Ron’s (Nick Offerman, “We’re the Millers”), who ends up working as an employee for the federal government in a national park.
Anyone who has kept up with the show knows how outlandish this is—Ron is the epitome of libertarian ideals, and has made his disdain for the government very clear throughout the past seven seasons. And yet, as the show comes to an end, this seems like the perfect place for him; he can spend each day in nature, he rarely has to interact with other people and, best of all, it’s a job that Leslie picked out specifically for him.
Leslie and Ben’s (Adam Scott, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”) future is given the most screen time, and rightly so, as their relationship has been one of the major plot lines throughout the series. Both of them find a future in politics, and, based on their security detail at Jerry/Garry/Larry/Terry’s (Jim O’Heir, “Accepted”) future funeral, one or both of them may have even had a term at the White House. This reviewer certainly hopes so.
Long-time fans will also be happy to know that Ann Perkins (Rashida Jones, “I Love You, Man”) and Chris Traeger (Rob Lowe, “The West Wing”) reappear in this final episode, with Leslie pushing her husband away to leap into Ann’s arms when she sees her. Which makes sense, really, because everyone knows that Leslie’s true soulmate could only be Ann.
Outside of these glances into the future, this finale succeeds simply because it stays true to its characters. Tom (Aziz Ansari, “30 Minutes or Less) is still quoting pop culture and coming up with elaborate business plans, April’s (Aubrey Plaza, “Safety Not Guaranteed”) humor is still sarcastic and disturbing, Donna (Retta, “Fracture”) is as fabulous and no-nonsense as ever, Jerry/Garry/Larry/Terry is still bumbling and well-meaning and Andy (Chris Pratt, “Guardians of the Galaxy”) is still his goofy, clueless self.
But, most of all, the shining light that is Leslie Knope has not wavered. Since 2009, Leslie has taught us that being passionate about something can never be bad. She has taught us that nothing is impossible, teamwork is priceless, women are powerful and there is no such thing as too much red tape. She is a woman who cherishes enthusiasm almost as much as she cherishes breakfast food, and there is no better lesson.
“Parks and Recreation” has succeeded for so many years because of these characters and their lovable personalities. Throughout the past seven seasons, viewers have not only watched this show, but also they have become a part of it, and with this finale episode, the audience was allowed to say goodbye to these beloved characters as they were saying goodbye to each other.
It’s a difficult goodbye. But, as Leslie Knope would say: “Parks and Recreation,” you opalescent tree-shark. We love you. You will be missed.
