Parks and Recreation - Ben Davis

Hit it out of the Park

Pawnee, Indiana is a quaint town, not well-known for much other than their long history of producing obsese children due, in part, to the saturation of marketing from Sweetums, Inc and the popular eatery Pawnch Burger.  This is the home base for the hit series Parks and Recreation.  Leslie Knopp, played by Amy Poelher, is a passionate government employee responsible for maintaining the parks and helping to create engaging recreational activities for the citizens of Pawnee.  Her less than passionate co-workers round out the cast.  You'll meet Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) who is the Director of Parks and Recreation whose goal is to limit government involvement and create capitalism and a free market.  His melancholy personality is something you'll learn to love about him.

The series begins with an aggressive public forum where the citizens lash out about their frustrations with the Parks and Rec department.  Leslie Knopp addresses their concerns by promising to convert a bankrupt construction company's pit with a beautiful new park.  During this meeting, a friendship is birthed between Leslie and Ann Perkins (Rashida Jones).  This thread of friendship becomes a common thread in all seven seasons.  Leslie's passion for improving the quality of life is unmatched.  

Other key characters include Ann's dead-beat ex-boyfriend, Andrew Dwyer played by Chris Pratt, who ends up marrying a moody millennial intern, April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza).  Energetic entrepreneur Tom Haverford (Aziz Ansari), push-over Jerry/Larry/Terry/Gary Gergich (Jim O'Heir), and secretary Donna Meagle (Retta) round out the office crew of Parks and Recreation.  The duo of City Manager and accountant played by Rob Lowe and Adam Scott become important to the story line as the series moves along.

The only reason I really wanted to dive into this show was because I am a huge Chris Pratt fan. As I began to watch the show more, I began to notice the theme that one should always pursue their passion and goals, even when the world around them tries to stand in their way.  Leslie Knopp was often criticized by the citizens of Pawnee, but she persevered through each criticism and pressed on.  Accountant Ben Wyatt was well known for his 'Ice-Town' mishap where he bankrupted an entire town when he was just a teenager.  He did not let that incident define him.  These are just two examples of how the theme was evident.  The characters supported each other through various trials and defeats and learned from one another as their friendships grew.  

Based off of your interest in Parks and Recreation, you may find the following enjoyable:  The Office, Guardians of the Galaxy, Meet the Millers and Saturday Night Live.