Li’l Sebastian (Season 3, Episode 16)

The most notable death on the show, and perhaps all southern Indiana history, the loss of hometown mascot Li’l Sebastian casts a pall over the third season finale. Parks and Recreation didn’t focus on death all too frequently, but the passing of Pawnee’s spirit animal, a tiny horse, made for a fitting capper to what was arguably Parks’ finest season. Massive public events provided milestones throughout the show’s run, and the memorial in “Li’l Sebastian” is among the most memorable, featuring a debut for Andy’s “5,000 Candles in the Wind,” and Ron losing his eyebrows in a blaze of glory. For a death-obsessed episode, “Li’l Sebastian” is full of new beginnings, including the birth of Entertainment 720, and the introduction of Ron’s first ex-wife, Tammy I. It also marks a major pivot point for the focus of the show, with Leslie beginning her transition from civil servant to civil leader. Her secret relationship with Ben would be just the first of many new challenges that come with entering politics, but the show wouldn’t have been true to the ambitions of its lead character if it didn’t eventually move beyond the Parks department.