Live from Pawnee: A Parks and Recreation Fan Rewatch Podcast

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode that introduces us to the heir to the Sweetums candy fortune, Bobby Newport!  Bobby Newport, heir to the Sweetums candy fortune, enters the City Council race (despite a complete lack of political interest or experience) and is immediately WAY ahead of Leslie in the polls. Since Bobby refuses to debate Leslie, Ben pushes for a negative campaign attack ad during the highly rated Pawnee vs Eagleton high school basketball game. Leslie always dreamed of running a clean campaign and is very uneasy with this approach, but Ben thinks pointing out Bobby's shortcomings is the only way she can come back in the polls. They decide to have Leslie make a positive ad, Ben make a negative ad, and let the gang decide which one they like best - with the winner airing on TV.  Meanwhile, Chris asks for Ron's help in delivering bad budget news, which the anti-government Ron is VERY happy to do. However, afterwards Ron becomes uncomfortable when Chris asks him out to lunch. Over time, Chris continues to offer seeming overtures of friendship, and Ron continues to avoid Chris' overtures of friendship. On a hunch, Donna suggests to Ron that *maybe* Chris misses Ben, who he was close friends with, and, was always the one to deliver bad news.  Finally, when Andy gives himself a possible concussion, he and April go to Ann for medical advice, who reminds them they both have health insurance (Andy maybe for the first time), so stop being idiots and go see some freaking doctors. They initially meet with rude Dr. Harris regarding the concussion, but after Andy tells him all the ailments and injuries he acquired over the years, Dr. Harris gives them several referrals, and April and Andy prepare to spend the rest of the week going to multiple specialists for both of them.  As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... What does Leslie think of Bobby Newport? Is Ron's automatic office door fast enough to stop Chris? Exactly how does Andy give himself a concussion? Who will win the ad-off, Leslie or Ben? Does Chris actually drug Ron? How do April and Andy deal with their insurance deductible? Loyal viewers, this episode is a great one!  Be sure to tune in!  Many thanks to our amazing sponsor, Pawnee Super Suites.

Mark and Allen are (mostly) taking the week off to take care of our families and some related housekeeping after some recent losses for both (Allen's Mom and Marks Mother-in-Law). But, the guys did not want to leave you hanging and decided to put together a special mini-Episode featuring their favorite Top 5 "Commercials" to date! If you know the show, then you know that we frequently have Ron Swanson on to help us with our sponsor ads (totally real) and occasional bust out something fun and different as well. With over 60 spots to date, we think they picked the five best so far! So, strap in, kick-back, and enjoy the special episode! Enjoy!

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode that introduces us to Champion the three-legged dog! Leslie and the gang are planning a comeback for her campaign, and despite Ben's experience, Leslie fears he may remind voters of the scandal, so Ann is asked to be campaign manager. The gang organizes a rally at the Pawnee Sports Building. However, as they drive a large truck with their supplies to the rally, an officer pulls them over and makes them abandon the vehicle (nobody has a commercial license). They cram what they can into Leslie's car, but have to leave most of the supplies behind, and must make do with what they have. Meanwhile, Ann manages to land high school basketball legend "Pistol" Pete Disellio, who is willing to endorse Leslie, but is tired of talking about his one famous game, and doesn't want the campaign to associate him with basketball or his nickname. As Ann tries to talk him into dunking the ball during the rally, Pete opens up more and more about his life problems, and Ann gets more and more uncomfortable. Finally, Chris visits an unshaven Ben at home, where he's clearly trying to adjust to unemployment. Chris sees Ben involved in several dubious "hobbies", but Chris believes Ben is depressed, using the hobbies as a distraction. Ben eventually throws down the gauntlet, intending to prove to Chris how NOT depressed he is by showing him the claymation video he created over the last three weeks. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... Is Champion the three-legged dog a better kisser than Andy? What does Chris think of Ben's new calzone-related dining idea? Who ends up crying harder, Pistol Pete, or Ann? Will Ben's "clay-maish" serve to bolster or weaken his "I'm fine" argument? What unfortunate choice does Leslie make for her rally theme song? Loyal viewers, this episode is chock-a-block full of meme-worthy moments - tune in so you don't miss any of them! Many thanks to our wonderful sponsor, Derwin Ham Loaves.

Mark and Allen last caught up with John as part of their coverage of Season Four's episode "Citizen Knope". Check out our full conversation with John this week covering his span as Barney Varmn over six seasons of Parks and Recreation and even hear a little about his other works including Star Trek and The West Wing!  Listen this week to hear the entire interview with John as we speak to him from his home in San Francisco and get a peek into the man behind the laugh!  Once again, we apologize that  someone...we won't say who, but it was totally Constantine, spilled Dr. Pepper on the mixer and screwed up Allen's audio. But, the interview is so good, we promise you won't regret checking this one out!

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode that introduces us to Barney Varmn's accounting firm! Trying to keep busy during her two-week suspension, Leslie attempts to sneak work out of the office to do at home ... unsuccessfully. She then attempts to focus on her City Council campaign, but her advisors tell her to lay low until post-scandal poll numbers come back. Finally, Leslie acts on Ben's suggestion and forms a Citizens Action Committee, the Parks Committee of Pawnee (PCP). Meanwhile, after resigning in disgrace, Ben decides to look for a new job. He interviews with several places, including Barney Varmn's accounting firm, and cologne maker Dennis Feinstein. Despite his impressive resume, Ben seems ultimately unsure what he wants to do next. Finally, when the gang once again receives thoughtful holiday gifts from Leslie, Ron suggests they work together to give Leslie a great gift, and they all collaborate to make her a miniature model of the Parks and Recs office, made out of candy. They are certain Leslie will love their confectionary model ... However, the gang has one last gift for Leslie waiting in the wings. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... What will Leslie's post-scandal poll numbers look like? Will Barney's accounting firm react well to Ben's sense of humor? What precisely is "salger"? Did April really kill the Black Eyed Peas? What role will Jean-Ralphio play in Ben's final decision? Where did Donna get her shiny silver M&M's? Podcast viewers, this is a fantastic episode, be sure not to miss it! Many thanks to our wonderful sponsor, the often imitated but never duplicated JJ's Diner.

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where Leslie and Ben officially reveal their relationship!  When we last left our heroes (i.e. last episode), Leslie and Ben decided to tell Chris about their relationship. When they do so, Chris reluctantly, but stoicly, launches a full investigation and prepares an ethics trial for the two of them, with Leslie's trial first. During her opening statement at the Ethics Trial, Leslie freely admits to her relationship with Ben, but insists they never did anything else wrong or unethical. Chris, however, thinks there may be more going on, and has several witnesses lined up to seek the truth. As the trial proceeds, Leslie manages to deflect most arguments brought to trial. However, rumor has it that Chris may have a killer witness waiting in the wings ... (DRAMATIC STING)  As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... How many herbal supplements does Chris need to take to fight off depression? What happened to the woman in the mural who exposed her elbow? How exactly does Leslie spell out the word "YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY"? Who exactly is the killer witness? What final secret does Jerry reveal during the trial?  Loyal podcast viewers, this is a big one, and the stakes have never been higher. Tune in to find out what happens!  Last week's PSA went so well, Chris talked Ron into (grudgingly) doing another one this week. Be sure to tell us what you think!

In this classic episode of the show AND the podcast, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that not only introduces Galentine's Day, but also Dennis Feinstein's unforgettable perfume line!  When Leslie's boyfriend Justin hears a story from Marlene (Leslie's mom) about Frank "the one that got away", Leslie and Justin track him down to reunite them at the Valentine's Day dance at the Senior Center.  Meanwhile, Andy and his band are nervous about playing "old fogey" songs for the dance.  As it turns out, the senior center ends up being the stage for several relationships to progress (or perhaps regress), including Mark and Ann, Tom and Wendy, our favorite throuple April/Derek/Ben, Leslie and Justin, and of course... Marlene and Frank!  Once again, nothing is safe from us, as we fearlessly pursue the answers to questions such as...  What is the old lady version of flashing?  Is it okay for someone to blackmail you into a date?  What is Leslie's definition of a nooner?  How should a daughter refer to her new step-dad?  (UPDATE: The scientists at LFP Worldwide Headquarters have done some research, and the answer is "Poo-Paw".)  Podcast viewers, tune your dials accordingly for this iconic episode, it's going to be great!  Constantine asks you also stick with us through the rest of the series.  Please don't be a tourist.  Many thanks to our irreplaceable sponsor, J.J.'s Diner.

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where we are finally made aware of Jerry's real name! As Leslie and Ben near completion on their project to build the Smallest Park in Indiana, Ben tells Leslie he plans to have Chris take over Parks and Rec business while he focuses elsewhere, because being around her is too much for him to deal with. In response, and in desperation, Leslie does anything she can to delay the opening of the park, so she and Ben will continue to work together, including such tactics as whipping the Pawnee townspeople into a frenzy so they protest the park. Meanwhile, Chris asks Tom and Jerry to rethink the department's visual brand ... which basically means choose a new font. The assignment is right in Jerry's comfort zone. Tom on the other hand wants to do much more, and ends up going overboard, his suggestions including the remodel of existing buildings, and a reality show. While Tom takes a stand as a dreamer, Jerry (decidedly a non-dreamer) objects and warns Tom this outlandish thinking is what doomed his company. Finally, in an attempt to improve himself, Andy plans to go back to college, starting with one class, but he's having a hard time deciding what to take. April and Ron kind of take up "devil and angel" positions on Andy's shoulders, with April suggesting something easy to get an A, while Ron suggests he take a new subject to broaden his horizons. After trying to adopt each of their approaches, Andy decides to take matters into his own hands, and choose his class at random. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... Can Ann ever get a word in edgewise when trying to help Leslie? Is this truly the end of Leslie and Ben? Will Tom get Jerry to start dreaming? Will Jerry get Tom to calm the hell down? What class did Andy choose? How does Andy plan to pay for his class? Podcast viewers, this is a great episode for character development! Tune in and see for yourself! Instead of a commercial, Ron is doing a PSA for park rental needs.

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode that gives us our first glimpse at the Pawnee City Council Chambers! Leslie is asked to lead a session of Pawnee Central High School's Model UN club, tasked to solve a global food crisis. Leslie takes Denmark, and she invites Ben (Peru), Andy (Finland), and April (South Africa and ... the Moon, LOL) to join her. Leslie is glad she and Ben can get along as friends, but when Leslie leaves a treaty meeting for a photo op for her city council campaign, Ben becomes annoyed and acts accordingly, agreeing to a treaty that excludes Denmark. When Leslie comes back, she is angry, they have words, and she ends up declaring war on Ben ... er, I mean, Peru. Meanwhile, Ron is interviewing Tom's replacement, although he really wants Tom back. Tom claims to have moved on to new ventures, but Ron knows he's working retail at Macy's. Tom joins Ron as he interviews many poor candidates, hoping to agitate Tom into returning, with no success. Finally, Chris' girlfriend (Milly Gergich, Jerry's daughter) stopped returning Chris' calls. Concerned the relationship was in trouble, he forms an impromptu think tank with an enthusiastic Donna and a very unenthusiastic Jerry, looking for advice. He asks Ann to join the mix, and although at first Ann finds it inappropriate, she agrees and ends up getting real with Chris. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... Who will join Denmark's Coalition of the Willing? Why does Ron want Tom back so badly? Will the Traeger Think Tank be successful? What brilliant military strategy does Andy execute? Why does Tom not WANT to come back so badly? Just how real does Ann get with Chris? Will the Moon play a part in the escalating war? Is Tom's career at Macy's secure, or can they come to a compromise? Does Jerry lose his cool and clothesline Chris? Loyal podcast viewers, join us for a nerdy good time! Many thanks to our wonderful sponsor, Flag 'R' Us - a Division of Swanson Industries.

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode that witnesses the official end of Entertainment 720! Local Pawnee group/doomsday cult "the Reasonabilists" predicts the end of the world is coming ... again. Leslie lets them hold an all-night vigil in the park, and Chris wants Leslie and Ben to help him monitor the vigil, making them uncomfortable due to the recent break-up. While interviewing them, reporter Shauna Malwae-Tweep shows interest in Ben. Leslie panics and attempts to dissuade Shauna from pursuing Ben. Meanwhile, Tom and Jean-Ralphio's company, Entertainment 720, is nearing its end. The two decide to spend all their remaining money on an "End of the World" party since the lease is not up until the following day. They go all-out, Tom using his skills to produce the most perfect party ever, including VIP rooms, Executive VIP rooms, Snake Juice ice fountain, craps table, roulette table, pirate ship bouncy castle, a Bengal Tiger, and more!!! Finally, bored with their usual routine, and maybe as a slight precaution to the world supposedly ending, April and Andy decide to shake things up, and complete as many things on Andy's bucket list as possible. (Yeah - Andy has a bucket list.) As the day progresses, we experience the lottery, grilled cheese sandwiches, armfuls of money, and more, until, finally, there is one... big... item... left. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... Will the world end at dawn as predicted? What task does Tom give to Indiana Pacers Center Roy Hibbert? Is there such a thing as stupidity momentum? Does Shauna Malwae-Tweep continue to flirt with Ben? Who finally shows up at the party that makes Tom's night? How does Bert Macklin and Janet Snakehole figure into all this? What in the world is Ron doing at the vigil? Is E720's "End of the World" party considered a success? What is the final item on Andy's bucket list? Podcast viewers, join us for road trips, music, tigers, lizards, and more! We're saving a seat for you. Many thanks to our wonderful sponsor, Mr. Mustache Musical Emporium - a division of Swanson Industries.