"Parks and Recreation" is lit-RA-lly the best show ever

If you watch NBC's "Parks and Recreation" you knew to say literally in a Chris Traeger voice. And that it is literally the best show ever.

I can definitely call "Parks and Rec" my favorite show and for so many different reasons. It has made me cry, laugh and cry from laughing. The characters are wholesome yet corrupt and devious. The plotlines are ridiculous yet weirdly believable. It’s just your regular Parks and Recreation Department in your town.

I started rewatching "Parks and Rec" this Saturday night with my friend Franny and I know that we have no regrets. The show premiered its series finale in February and I don't think I was ever so sad to see a show end. I refused to watch the show’s finale on TV because I knew that I wouldn’t be able to handle that kind of sadness.

The show takes place in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana where it was once the fourth most obese city (now the ninth) in the United States with infestations of raccoons in local hospitals and parks. Local government aid is much needed in Pawnee, obviously.



Leslie Knope is the kind of character that feels like your best friend. She’s a waffle-lover, she scrapbooks and wants the best for everyone in her life. Leslie is the ultimate feminist icon. She works with a group of men who do not really care about their job and just sweat masculinity.

She pushes herself to become part of the “boys club” in an episode in season one and another where she hunts just as well as her boss, manly-man, Ron. Leslie accidentally marries two male penguins in season two and then also accidentally becomes an advocate for gay rights then starts partying at a gay bar. She compiles the Harvest Fest which saves the town financially in season three. She runs for city council in season four, beating out the son of local businessman, proving her worth. All while being flawlessly hilarious.



Leslie has that overzealous, excited attitude that we would all hate in someone if we knew them in real life but on TV it’s, simply, really funny. She cares too much. Her coworkers don’t care enough. She has her weird quirks and interests. Leslie is obsessed with Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton (then again, who isn’t?).

Like Ron Swanson, I used to believe that local government was a waste of time and money but after watching nothing but "Parks and Rec" for some time I changed my mind. I definitely believe in government and consider myself an active participant in politics and news but I always used to say local politics did not matter when there is a state government. I really don’t know what I was thinking (thanks Town of DeWitt for the two parks in my neighborhood!).

The show is able to convey the small town all-American setting with absolutely ridiculous characters that are the opposite of small town. Not only are the characters extremely lovable and relatable, "Parks and Rec" shows us that maybe local government is important.

It’s hard to see a show like this go. It’s like saying goodbye to your best friend when they go off to college. But I can thank my Netflix account for keeping me in touch with my best friend. The show is about change, friendship, and so much more about the importance of life.

I aspire to be like Leslie Knope. I have said too many times that sometimes I relate to Leslie too much. She gives you everything she has, is awkward and loves her job and helping people more than anything else. We should all want to be Leslie Knope. We all need a Leslie Knope. 

And I absolutely consider Leslie Knope my ultimate feminist icon.