Tuesday, Feb. 24, marked the end of NBC’s fan-favorite series “Parks and Recreation,” as its loyal fans said goodbye to Leslie Knope and all of the other eccentric residents of Pawnee, Indiana who graced the small screen for seven seasons.
“Parks” was a one-of-a-kind series that always managed to perfectly balance unabashed silliness with sweet sentimentality, forcing us to fall in love with the characters not only because they’re hilariously quirky, yet relatable.
Contrary to popular belief, the show wasn’t always that way; those who stuck with it since it debuted can probably testify to that. Since it was originally written as a spin-off of “The Office,” the first season of “Parks” worked hard to replicate the dry satire of that series with less than stellar results.
Many of the jokes fell flat, and the characters were more mean-spirited and incompetent than humorously misguided. Honestly, it was painful to watch, mainly because of the wasted potential and the fact that, quite frankly, it just wasn’t a good show.
However, by the second season, life within the corridors of Pawnee City Hall was very different, proving once again that change can be a good thing. Leslie became less of a Michael Scott clone and blossomed into the confident, waffle-loving politician that we’ve grown to know and love. Other characters, ranging from major to minor, adopted their own personalities and banded together to create one of the funniest ensemble casts in sitcom history.
It’s weird to think what “Parks” could have been if it continued to go down the path that was set during the first six episodes. The show was never considered a massive rating success, but its enthusiastic fan base repeatedly convinced NBC to keep it alive after frequent threats of cancellation during season one.
Besides, I can’t imagine a world without the music of Mouse Rat (formerly Scarecrow Boat), the dope fragrance of Tommy Fresh cologne and everyone’s favorite miniature horse, Lil’ Sebastian. Where would we be if we were never introduced to “FBI agent Burt Macklin,” “Janet Snakehole” or Jean-Ralphio?
These memories that we shared with the characters wouldn’t have been possible if the cast and crew behind “Parks” didn’t loosen up the reins and allow the show to become what it was always meant to be: a sometimes odd, but ever optimistic slice of life in the American Midwest.
It may not have a plethora of Emmys or accolades to its name, but it will forever have the hearts of the fans that faithfully tuned in week after week, and that’s as “awesome sauce” as it could get.
