‘Parks and Recreation’

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“Parks and Recreation” is just about as sincere as any show on television. Co-creators Greg Daniels and Mike Schur have clearly been working to make it as genuine as possible.

Of course, this is accomplished in part through the show’s colorful collection of characters, each of whom has been crafted with so much heart. It is difficult not to fall in love with the infectious enthusiasm of characters like Leslie Knope and Andy Dwyer or become enamored with the goofiness of Tom Haverford and Jerry Gergich. And even behind the deadpan seriousness of Ron Swanson and April Ludgate, there’s still a whole lot of love to be found.

While much of this season displays how rich each character is, one episode in particular stands out. In it, a bachelor party turns into a night of male bonding. The idea is simple — “Tonight, everyone gets the bachelor party they never had.” The parties are perfectly suited to the specific interests of each male character on the show. Ron takes the guys to a steakhouse, Tom takes them to a new age bar and so on. It’s nice to see that, even in the midst of all the show’s important plot developments, the writers are able to take time to show us just how much these characters value their friendships and care about one another.

— Jeremy Pick