S06E14 - Anniversaries

This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where we first hear about the Unity Concert AND we first see Jim O'Heir and Retta in the show's opening credits! With both Pawnee and Eagleton citizens still not happy about the towns merging a few months ago, Leslie goes on Wamapoke County Public Radio to convince people  the merger was both a good idea and a success. After several callers criticized the merger, Leslie determines the merger needs a win, something symbolic and happy for people to focus on. Later, while looking at a local newspaper, Leslie notices a couple from a Pawnee-Eagleton marriage celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. She whips up a plan to use this couple as a symbol that Pawnee and Eagleton can come together and unite, including interviewing them on Pawnee Today. Unfortunately, it becomes clear this is not exactly a loving couple ... in fact, they both despise the other. Meanwhile, Ben plans a big day of celebration with Leslie to commemorate their one-year anniversary, but to surprise her, and to ensure she makes that "dopey surprised face" he always seems to make when she gives HIM gifts ... he decides to do it the day BEFORE their actual anniversary date. Ben enlists the help of Jerry, who has the most successful marriage of the entire gang, to help him orchestrate things. Unfortunately, with Leslie concentrating on all this crazy merger stuff, Ben and Jerry are unable to lure Leslie to the secret events they have set up, and Ben is unsure what to do. Finally, Ron goes to the Pawnee Animal Shelter to adopt a dog for Zoe and Ivy. Passionate about animals, and Director of Animal Control, April helps him out, but is frustrated and annoyed to learn that, once again, Donna has left work without any advance notice. Unsure how to approach disciplining Donna, April talks to Ron, and then finally decides to submit an anonymous bad review via Yelp that chastises Donna for being absent ... Something which Donna is rather unhappy about. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... Does the Pawnee Today interview with Joan Callamezzo go smoothly? Did Jerry screw up any of Ben's plans? How does Donna react to the bad Yelp review? Will the DeMarcos be the symbol of Pawnee/Eagleton unity Leslie is looking for? What gift did Ben ultimately give Leslie? What gift did Leslie ultimately get for Ben? Will April and Donna resolve their differences? Will Derry Murbles murder his new co-host? Who ended up making the dopey surprised face? What idea does all this internet / IP address silliness give Ron? Loyal podcast viewers, can Parks and Rec maintain their quality storylines now that Ann and Chris have left? Tune in to find out! Many thanks to our amazing sponsor, "Thought For Your Thoughts" with host Derry Murbles.