Live from Pawnee: A Parks and Recreation Fan Rewatch Podcast
S04E20 - The Debate
S04E19 - Live Ammo
S04E18 - Lucky
S04E17 - Campaign Shakeup
S04E16 - Sweet Sixteen
S04E15 - Dave Returns with Robert B. Weide and Eric Pierpoint
por Live from Pawnee
This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode we finally see Leslie and Bobby Newport go toe to toe! The day of the debate is finally here. Ben gives everyone final assignments, and helps Leslie continue to prepare for the debate. Before the debate starts, they discover Bobby Newport is freaking out, thinking this may be good news. The debate starts. Leslie is prepared and confident, but Newport campaign manager Jennifer Barkley is strangely calm. As the debate rolls on, 3 things become apparent: 1) Bobby is spouting a combination of broad prepared answers, combined with bouts of utter nonsense. 2) Bobby is still charming, his nonsense is largely unoffensive, and the crowd (including moderators Perd Hapley and Joan Callamezzo) seems to be swayed in his direction. 3) Leslie going on the offensive with attacks against Newport makes her seem like a bully, prompting Ben to tell Leslie to ease back a bit. Meanwhile, Ben has assigned Chris, Ann, and Tom to be the Knope Campaign Spin Team. Tom is upset because Ann once again broke up with him (for reals this time), and it appears that Ann and Chris have been acting very close, further upsetting him. Later in the Debate Spin Room, Chris opens up to Ann and tells her that he wants to give their relationship another chance, which Tom witnesses, further upsetting him, and causing him to undermine their efforts at positive spin, by lashing out at reporters. Finally, Ben has assigned Andy, April, Ron, and Donna to hold a viewing party of the debate at TRFKAB for Leslie's donors. Everything seems to be going okay ... until they turn on the TV, ready to watch the debate ... and they get a screen telling them their cable service is off ... apparently SOMEONE forgot to pay the cable bill. With none of them knowing what to do, and wanting to keep the attention of the donors, Andy ... starts acting out movies he likes. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... Can Ben come up with the right pivot strategy? Can Chris convince Ann to get back together with him? How will the donors react to Andy's one man show? Will Leslie win back support from the audience? Will Tom's grumpiness cause the Knope Spin Team to fail? Can Ron help them to get the cable working again? What is Jennifer Barkley's secret weapon? Loyal podcast viewers, Amy Poehler wrote this episode, and it shows ... one of the best of the entire season, and maybe the entire series. Don't miss it! Many thanks to our sponsor Entertainment 720 and their award-hopeful film: "Identity Crisis: This is Mouse Rat".
This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode that is, perhaps, the clearest homage to the West Wing in the entire series! Learning the Parks budget is going to be cut, Leslie convinces retiring Councilman Larry Pillner to reconsider. Ben is nervous about this action since they didn't discuss the possible ramifications. Ben's nervousness turns out to be justified when Pillner decides to, instead, cut the budget of an animal shelter instead, giving the animals only days to live. Bobby Newport's campaign manager, the cheerful, smart, talented, and deadly Jennifer Barkley goes on television to label Leslie an animal killer ... so Leslie adopts all of the animals to save them. In desperation, Leslie and Ben talk to Pillner and convince him to change the budget yet again, and instead release employees on retainer. This also backfires when Pillner goes further and cuts numerous employees, including Ann. Meanwhile, despite her best efforts, April has become frustrated and miserable trying to fill in for Leslie in the Parks Department. When Leslie ends up adopting animals from the shelter to save them, April decides to hold an adoption fair at a park for the displaced shelter animals. April takes charge, spearheading the event, and feels pretty good about it ... but, as the day goes on, doesn't seem to be meeting the quotas she was hoping for. Finally, Chris reveals that Ron is among the finalists for Assistant City Manager, but he first asks Ron to join him at a yoga studio for a meditation session. Ron initially balks at this, but Chris insists this is a critical step. Ron finally agrees to go, spending the day with Chris ... but while Chris cheerfully meditates, Ron is grumpy, refuses to smile, refuses to sit, and in fact, refuses to meditate at all. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... How can Leslie and Ben stop the Barkley express from eviscerating them on television? Does Chris offer Ron the position of Assistant City Manager? Has April found her true Passion Project? What is Ron's answer to Chris' teambuilding exercise? Does Councilman Pillner have a lesson to impart to Leslie before he retires? What will get cut ... the Parks budget, Ann Perkins, or innocent puppies and kitties? Will April find homes for all the animals ... if not, how will she handle the news? What potential political troubles does Chris learn about later? Faithful podcast viewers, tune in for some great stories, character development, and Bradley Whitford to boot! Many thanks to our incredible sponsor, from LFPTV, "Pawnee - What If?".
This week Mark and Allen break down the first Episode where Andy is clean shaven, which is also the one and only episode written by Nick Offerman! Leslie is preparing for an interview with famous morning show host Buddy Wood, whose interviews tend to be the lucky charm that gets candidates elected. When Buddy cancels to cover a breaking story, Ben is upset and buries himself in campaign busy work, while Leslie, Tom, and Ann decide to blow off some steam at a bar, where they get drunk. Ben calls Leslie and tells her the interview is back on if she can quickly get to the Pawnee Municipal Airport. A still somewhat drunk Leslie makes her way there and meets Buddy. Unfortunately, things do not go well. Buddy is disgusted by Pawnee, is very condescending in the interview, and ends up pressing Leslie on the "affair" between her and Ben. Meanwhile, with the help of April and Ron, Andy prepares for, and then passes, his final exam in women's studies, earning a grade of "P". When Ron suggests they go out for a celebration dinner, Andy invites the women's studies Professor, Linda Lonegan, to join them. At the restaurant, April spots Chris eating alone, and invites him to join them. Chris accepts, and ends up having a lot in common with Linda, seeming to hit it off. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... Does Leslie successfully hide her inebriation from Buddy Wood? Will Chris and Linda end up being an item? How many steaks does Ron end up ordering? Why does Donna call off her plans to stay with Jerry and stuff envelopes? Will Buddy end up airing the disastrous interview? Can Tom somehow help out with the infamous hot-tub-limo? What are the pros and cons of a super-baby? Can Ann and Tom break their record of how long they can go without breaking up? Loyal podcast viewers, tune in to see how Leslie deals with Buddy Wood - he is a complete jerk sandwich. Many thanks to our amazing sponsor, Scully's Bar and Grill.
This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where we first see the great Pawnee TV show, "The Final Word, With Perd"! Leslie is catching up to Bobby Newport in the polls, resulting in the firing of his campaign manager. Ben has Leslie try to secure the endorsement of Ned Jones, President of Pawnee Seniors United. Ned is impressed with Leslie's plan to install ramps for senior citizens all over Pawnee, but saves his endorsement until after he meets with Bobby's NEW famous campaign manager, Jennifer Barkley, who typically works in national elections. Although Jennifer is courteous and dislikes Bobby, she later trashes Leslie on television. Leslie announces her "Ramp Up Pawnee" plan to members of Pawnee Seniors United, but is upstaged by Jennifer, who announces Bobby's "Rise Up Pawnee" plan using electronic lifts instead of ramps, which Ned loves. Meanwhile, Chris tells Ron that with Leslie spending less time with the Parks Department, he will need to hire a deputy director. When Ron balks at this, Chris asks him to prove they can function without Leslie by quickly finishing one major project. Ron decides to take up Ann Perkins' proposal of creating sanitary water fountains, as Pawnee's citizens have a habit of wrapping their entire mouths around the spout. Ann rallies the gang to try and brainstorm a few potential ideas, but one thing leads to another, things quickly go off the rail, and everyone gets into a huge water fight. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... Can Ben rise to the occasion and out-think Jennifer Barkley? Can the gang deliver a solution to the water fountain dilemma? Who gets the endorsement of Ned Jones, Leslie or Bobby Newport? Does Chris end up hiring a deputy director? How did JJ's Diner get a new cappuccino maker? Will the Parks Department END up with a SHAKE up? Podcast viewers, we've seen Leslie Knope antagonists before, but NEVER one like this! Could Jennifer out-maneuver Leslie? The stakes are getting higher - tune in to find out! Many thanks to our incredible sponsor, often imitated but never duplicated, "JJ's Diner".
This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where we are shown Donna's lake house, and told about her famous cousin who is an R&B singer! With Leslie's campaign eating up more and more of her time, Ron asks her to take a leave of absence. Leslie denies she is too busy, but is horrified to find out she forgot Jerry's birthday. Since 64-year-old Jerry's birthday is on February 29th, he has only had 16 actual birthdays, and so Leslie plans to throw Jerry a surprise "Sweet Sixteen" party, with Donna reluctantly agreeing to hold the party at her lake house. Despite being busy with campaign stuff, Leslie STILL manages to arrange the perfect party for Jerry ... except that she was so busy she forgot to INVITE Jerry. Leslie and Ron drive back to get Jerry, but along the way, Leslie learns her new campaign signs are printed wrong. Meanwhile, we see Ann and Tom experiencing some rough patches ... Ann refuses to wear a Kangol cap that Tom got her, making him realize they don't share the same fashion sense. At Donna's lake house, Tom finds out the R&B singer Ginuwine is Donna's cousin ... and ALSO finds out Ann doesn't know who Ginuwine is, causing Tom to seriously worry that they may have nothing in common. During all of this, Tom and Ann separately complain to an annoyed April - the person who set them up to begin with - with each one hinting they are thinking of breaking up with the other. Finally, April and Andy asked Chris to watch Champion the 3-legged wonder dog while they were out of town. While Chris took care of Champion, he took him to PetSmart, got him various toys, got him shots, got him groomed, gave him plenty of exercise, and also taught him numerous tricks. All this combines to make Andy feel a little insecure and inadequate. At Donna's lake house, while walking Champion, Andy lets Champion off his leash despite Chris' protests, and he runs away. Chris and Andy are forced to look for the dog, and Andy now feels more inadequate than ever, concerned that he's a bad dog owner. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... What exactly is wrong with Leslie's campaign signs? How does April deal with Ann and Tom's constant complaining? Can April encourage them to take the final step and break up? Can Andy imitate Chris' German commands to Champion? Can Ron ever convince Leslie to take a sabbatical? Will Andy and Chris ever find Champion, or will he be lost forever? Do Leslie and Ron find Jerry, and if so, where? What is the "oh-no-no" list? Is there some hidden meaning behind Chris' doting on Champion? Loyal podcast viewers, this episode has something for everyone - lake houses, canoes, people in bathtubs, German commands, lots of drinking, family secrets - be sure to tune in and experience all the craziness with us! Many thanks to our wonderful sponsor, "Cakey J's Cheesecake Facility".
This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where we witness the long-awaited return of both Officer Dave Sanderson and Duke Silver! Leslie and Ben visit retiring Police Chief Trumple in hopes of winning his endorsement for City Council. While at the police station, they run into Officer Dave Sanderson, who's visiting from San Diego to attend Trumple's retirement party. Leslie invites Dave to dinner with her and Ben. At dinner, Dave privately tells Leslie [a] he is still in love with her, [b] he wants her back (even though Leslie is with Ben now), and [c] he may stay in Pawnee permanently to become the new Police Chief. Meanwhile, Andy has finished Leslie's campaign theme song "Catch Your Dream" and asks the gang to join him and his band, Mouse Rat, at Doubletime Studio to sing it. Hearing this, Ron realizes it is the same studio where he records as Duke Silver, and privately asks April to hide or destroy any Duke Silver evidence she finds there. At the studio, Tom acts like he and Ann are a couple (even though Ann regrets their brief date), and is determined to win her over. Andy, meanwhile, makes everyone sing "Catch Your Dream" over and over, but angrily berates them, insisting it's not good enough. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... Can Leslie get retiring Police Chief Trumple's endorsement? Does Tom successfully woo Ann? What will Ben do when he finds out Dave is in love with Leslie? Will the gang find out about Ron's secret identity as Duke Silver? Will Leslie leave Ben for Dave? Can Andy record the perfect campaign theme song for Leslie? Tensions flare as things get real ... and real funny! And as if that weren't enough, we also feature clips from oun interviews...that's right, we said interviews with an "S" as in multple...with episode Director Robert B. Weide AND recurring guest star Eric Pierpoint a.k.a. Chief Trumple himself! Loyal viewers, don't miss out on this great episode! Many thanks to our amazing sponsor, "Chez Chez La Rue".
This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode where we are introduced to the Hompherman Snow Globe Museum! While hosting "Galentine's Day", Leslie realizes Ann is alone, so she asks the gang to help find someone for her. Chris, still depressed about being dumped by Jerry's daughter Milly, volunteers to DJ the Valentine's Dance they are organizing ... but unfortunately ends up playing depressing, somber music. Ann arrives at the dance, and Leslie unsuccessfully tries to set her up with numerous men. April, who openly dislikes Ann, brings her creepy friend Orin as a "date", leading Leslie to harshly criticize her. Tom steps up to help Ann out, making Ann feel better with his humorous efforts. While talking to Leslie, Chris tells her he is sad because he believes Milly was his soulmate, but Leslie cheers him up with a pep talk, but says he is also at fault for being single since he dumped Ann. Meanwhile, Leslie gave Ben a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt, filled with intricate riddles hidden all over Pawnee in order to discover where she wants to meet him that night. Ben has trouble right off the bat, but thankfully, Andy and Ron decide to help Ben out. Despite Ron's claims to the contrary, he appears to be rather excited with the prospect of, and suprisingly good at solving, riddles. While in general they make good progress, it comes to their attention that there are 25 clues in total. Fearing they will never get done in time, they agree to split up and find the riddles out of order, in hopes of more quickly finding the last one. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... Will Chris snap out of his funk? How does Ron solve the mystery of the cryptex? Is Ann compatible with any of the men at the dance? How does Leslie use Pizza Hut to her advantage? Where is the final meeting place, and can Ben get there in time? Loyal podcast viewers, season 4 has been on a roll, and we think this episode will be no exception - come see if we're right! Many thanks to our wonderful sponsor, "JJ's Diner".
This week Mark and Allen break down the Episode that introduces us to Ricky's Rock and Roll Bowling Alley! Leslie witnesses a focus group participant named Derek say he won't vote for her because "she doesn't look like someone he could go bowling with". Despite Ben urging her to not let it get to her, Leslie obsesses over winning Derek's vote in particular, even going so far as to have her campaign hold a bowling night for the public. At the event, Leslie good naturedly challenges Derek to a game of bowling, letting him win while providing free food and beer. However, at the end of the game, when asked if he will vote for her now, Derek still says no. Also at the bowling alley, Tom, Ron, and Ann bowl together on a lane, with Tom embarrassing Ann, and ESPECIALLY Ron, with his childlike, two-handed, underhand bowling technique. However, as the game progresses, Tom proves that his technique is quite effective, much to Ron's chagrin. Later, Tom injures his finger when getting his ball, unable to finish the last frame, and leaving the winner in question. Meanwhile, Jerry gets April, Andy, Chris, and Donna to join him in an all-night phone bank at TRFKAB (i.e. April and Andy's house) to raise funds for Leslie's campaign, offering a prize of 2 movie tickets for whoever raises the most money. Chris wants to win so he can go out on a date with his girlfriend, Jerry's daughter Milly. April wants to win because it would take away Chris' happiness. Chris, well in the lead, announces during a break that he's going to ask Milly to move in with him. However, Jerry privately reveals to everyone else that Milly is planning to break up with Chris. As always, we tackle the tough questions, such as ... How does Leslie handle Derek's continued rejection? How many phone voices does April have? Was Ron involved with the accident that hurt Tom's fingie? Can Ben help Leslie and Derek get along, or will he make it worse? Who ends up winning the movie tickets? Is Tom in fact a female bird? Loyal podcast viewers, this episode is filled to the rim with comedy gold and meme-worthy moments - come enjoy it with us! Many thanks to our incredible sponsor, Ricky's Rock and Roll Restaurant.
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.
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.