Live from Pawnee: A Parks and Recreation Fan Rewatch Podcast
S02E22 - Telethon
di Live from Pawnee
This week, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that has Joan Callemezzo, Perd Hapley, MC Martin Housely, and Joe from the Sewer Department all under the same roof! Given a 4 hour programming block (2am to 6am) for the 24-hour "Pawnee Cares" diabetes telethon starting that night, Leslie (who has already been up for 24 hours) gets everyone involved, including sending Tom as the body man for retired basketball player Detlef Schrempf. With time to kill, Tom brings Detlef to the Snakehole Lounge, bringing a LOT of business in, but resulting in owner Freddy refusing to let him go. Several "talents" go on-air, including songs by Mouse Rat, Ron's chair-caning demo, and accountant Barney demonstrating QuickBooks Pro. Remembering that Mark told her earlier he plans to propose to Ann, a desperate Leslie tells Mark he should do it on-air. Folks, this is what we're here to do, get the bottom of such riveting questions, like ... Exactly how tall is Tom? Will Mark propose to Ann on the air? What precisely is sleep-fighting? Can Detlef Schrempf make it to the telethon? Will Leslie fall asleep before her programming block is over? What the **** IS Perd Hapley doing on-air? Loyal podcast viewers, this episode is absolutely chock-a-block full of guest stars - you won't be able to keep track of them all! 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 finally introduces us to April's family and casa Ludgate! Forced to deal with 93 meetings in a single day (due to a mistake by a guilty and embarrassed April), Ron enlists the aid of April, Andy, and Ann. As the day progresses, meetings are handled with mixed results: Ron just silently listens saying as little as possible, and is on the verge of snapping; April embraces complete fantasy (e.g. Ron is dead and she's his daughter); Andy struggles to not make promises (and is also just Andy); and after revealing she is a nurse, Ann provides several free medical consults. Meanwhile, Leslie attempts to help Ron, but her first meeting reveals that Turnbill Mansion is being altered by Jessica Wicks while planning an extravagant birthday party for her new husband, the wealthy Nick Newport Sr, founder of Sweetums. Leslie and Tom spring into action to mitigate the damage as best they can. They find several extreme alterations are already done, and Leslie is outraged to learn Jessica plans to demolish a gazebo in the backyard. Viewers, we have never avoided the tough questions, and we're not starting now, such as... Will April earn back Ron's trust? How can Leslie prevent the destruction of the gazebo? Does Andy promise away the entire city? Will Tom get sufficient time to suck up to Jessica Wicks? Can Ron make it through the day without exploding? Stay tuned folks, this will be a doozy! Many thanks to our sponsor, the one and only Sweetums: "If you can't beat 'em, Sweetums!"
This week, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that introduces the three men that preceded Ron as Pawnee Parks Director! Working on the Pawnee Summer Catalog, Leslie puts together a reunion between Ron Swanson and his three Park Director predecessors. She hopes it will be a joyous occasion and plans to write a letter about it for the catalog. However, they all suck. None of the four men get along with each other, and they each have their own less than admirable traits: Clarence (sexist), David (litters, doesn't care about parks), Michael (obsessed with marijuana), and Ron is...well... Ron. Meanwhile, Tom has been tasked with taking the cover photo for the Summer Catalog, and convinces Ann and Mark to pose for photos at a community park. Tom is repeatedly frustrated with Ann, who has a difficult time appearing happy. When the photos are finished, Ann agrees that she looks miserable and asks that the pictures not be used. Mark appears concerned that Ann's unhappiness is a reflection of their relationship. Additionally, April and Andy have been hanging out more and growing closer. After helping Leslie set up the Park Director reunion picnic, Andy asks April to get drinks after work, and she quickly agrees. But when they arrive at the bar, the bouncer notices April appears to be underage, and her ID confirms she is 20... which makes Andy uncomfortable. Loyal viewers, as always we tackle the hard-hitting questions so you don't have to, such as... How does one accurately convey "slithering"? Why would anyone eat anything other than breakfast food? What exactly IS Tom thinking in that hi-res photo? Will Leslie's letter ever get written? Does Andy get over his discomfort with April's age? Folks, you don't want to miss this one. NOTE: Our intern, Constantine, has requested that those who join us please bring sufficient bacon for trail snacks... we don't want any tantrums. Many thanks to our inimitable sponsor, JJ's Diner.
This week, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that reveals the secret to Jerry's approach to life (you'll have to wait until the very end). When Jerry gets mugged while refilling the park's hummingbird feeders, Leslie feels bad about how much they make fun of him, and urges the gang to refrain, while also working with LOUD park security ranger Carl to try and make the parks safer. Going on Pawnee Today, Leslie says the Pawnee government failed the parks, security is poor, and they need more funding. Although angering City Manager Paul Iaresco, the TV stunt worked, causing Mayor Gunderson to offer $2,500 towards fixing the park. However, at a press conference Jerry makes a confession to Leslie that perhaps things happened a little differently than he said. Meanwhile, we observe some odd love-triangle-esque interactions and behavior from Ann (who says Andy is a fun person but completely reliant on others), April (who likes Andy, and plain doesn't like Ann), and Andy (who is a dim-witted but loveable goofball). After Andy is accidentally knocked out by Ron during a self-defense class, Ann brings Andy gifts at the shoe shine stand to help him feel better... also making April jealous. However, we've seen Andy think of others lately... particularly April. Once again, we address the toughest questions known to mankind, such as... What is the confession Jerry makes to Leslie? Will the gang continue to make fun of him? Is it okay to attack a criminal's bean bag? Did the movie Avatar truly live up to the hype? What exactly does "walking Lord Sheldon" mean? Loyal viewers, this is a memorable episode for sure - don't miss it! NOTE: Our intern, Constantine, asks that if you join us, please refrain from getting breakfast burritos... it could be unpleasant for all involved. Many thanks to our awesome sponsor, the Ron Swanson Self-Defense and Self-Respect Couse (or RSSDSRC).
This week, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that not only introduces Pawnee Animal Control, but also gives us a sneak peak at Ron's Haven! When Mayor Gunderson's dog Rufus (everybody loves Rufus) is bitten by the infamous possum Fairway Frank at Pawnee Municipal Golf Course, mayoral representative Evelyn Roushland asks Leslie to take action. Leslie forms a Task Force (including two burnout Animal Control workers) and searches for Fairway Frank at the golf course. After Andy dives on it and captures it, Evelyn promises Leslie a special favor from the mayor's office. However, Leslie later sees a second possum and fears they have captured the wrong animal. Meanwhile, Ron wants to expand his home woodshop and seeks a quick approval from Mark, who informs Ron an inspection is needed to ensure it meets zoning code standards. During the inspection, Mark finds numerous code violations, frustrating Ron. Ron tries to bribe Mark with a canoe, which frustrates Mark. As always, we face the hard-hitting questions straight-on, such as... Do they confirm Fairway Frank's identity? Will they send an innocent possum to fry? Will Andy become known as a famous possum tackler? Will Ron acknowledge his wood shop needs a tune-up? Will Mark canoe his way up the Swanson river without a paddle? Podcast viewers, there's enough content here to choke a possum... maybe literally! Sit back, relax, and drink it all in. Many thanks to our awesome sponsor, Offerman Woodshop.
This week, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that introduces the inside of the famous Snakehole Lounge nightclub! A letter to the department makes Leslie think she is being named Woman of the Year, but instead it is going to Ron! While Ron knows this is a dumb mistake, he uses it to tease Leslie for caring about "crap like this", fully intending to later recommend her as the rightful recipient. Meanwhile, Tom is doing his best to invest in the Snakehole Lounge, but the shares are $10,000. Dreaming of being a club owner, Tom seeks assistance from several people, including Donna, Jerry, Mark, and the fast-talking Jean-Ralphio. Finally, Andy has been living with bandmate Burly rent free, and is told to change his living habits or move out. This leads April to help Andy find his own place... perhaps one close to April's place so they can carpool to work together? As always, we attack the scariest of questions, such as... How do you create a Bag of Smells, and what would that experiment teach us? What is a Smurf Girl Trophy? How would Tom's face look on legal tender? When will Andy realize April is WAY into him? Loyal podcast viewers, this is a good one, be sure not to miss it! NOTE: Constantine asks you not spill your soup all over everything - take it like a man. Many thanks to our amazing sponsor, Pawnee Super Suites.
This week, 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 that gives us a greater understanding of one of Pawnee's oldest and best known institutions... Sweetums! Sweetums tries partnering with the Parks Dept to market NutriYum Bars to park visitors. Ideologies clash as Ron (consumer choice) squares off against Leslie (public safety). Convincing City Manager Paul Iaresco to hold a public forum as a CYA move, Leslie has one last shot at defeating the proposal. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang helps Tom move out of Wendy's house, which Tom hasn't prepared for at all, to everyone's chagrin. Additionally, during Tom's move, we see April's loyalties split between Andy and the throuple. Once again we tackle the hard hitting questions, such as... what is "turf and turf"? Is it acceptable for one to pour Wild Turkey on their cornflakes? Can a machine be killed? If so, can it come back to life and haunt people? How many boxes can Donna's "baby" hold? (Don't judge, it has a delicate suspension.) Tune in, podcast viewers, although you might want to sit down... you WILL be crashing soon. P.S. Please ignore the punk ass book jockeys. Many thanks to our often imitated but never duplicated sponsor, the one and only, Sweetums.
This week, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that lets us finally peer inside the one area of Leslie's life that has remained a mystery - her house! Having been on several great dates with Justin, Leslie wants to plan their best date ever for when he next comes to Pawnee. It quickly becomes obvious she has bitten off more than she can chew. In desperation, Leslie reaches out to her friends, then to the Pawnee Rec Center teachers. However, the teachers, who days ago had been told the reduced city budget would force 5 classes to close, interpret this as Leslie soliciting a bribe from them in the form of free services. Combine this with potential awkwardness (Andy/Mark, Mark/Justin, Tom/Wendy), borderline gluttony (Ron bringing his own tray of deviled eggs which he does not want to share), underage drinking (April and her friends), and very hot peppers (wait and see), this party could be a royal gala or a powder keg. Which way will it lean? What will happen? Stay tuned, loyal podcast viewers... the answers will be revealed! This is ramping up to be a good one. NOTE: We're not saying we don't trust you... but leave any chewing gum at the door. Many thanks to our amazing sponsor, the William Percy Recreation Center.
This week, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that reminds us all just how awkward being setup can actually be! For starters, while Leslie is interested in Justin, an old attorney friend of Ann's, Ann is clearly saving him for herself and sets up Leslie with a really...interesting...doctor she kind of knows. A really awkward dinner date leads to an even more awkward MRI. Meanwhile, Mark is having a bad day as he suspects Ann's motivation vis a vis Justin AND has to endure 'Marley and Me' to make matters even worse. Finally, and most importantly to Ron, Tom helps Ron search for an taxpayer funded assistant to help save Ron from the taxpayers themselves! We meet lots of unmemorable candidates before meeting "The Worst" of them all - the one and only Jean-Ralphio Saperstein!