Ann and Chris (Season 6, Episode 13)

Among the most improbable feats Parks and Recreation pulled off during its golden years was its ability to effectively service almost every member of the cast each episode. As those years went on, though, it became increasingly clear that the story’s of some of these characters had run their course, or that their role within the show’s ecosystem had been supplanted. That the episodes after “Ann and Chris,” in which Rashida Jones and Rob Lowe left the show, kept Parks going without missing a beat was as good an indicator as any that the cast needed to be trimmed down. Jim O’Heir and Retta getting bumped up to regulars helped cushion the blow, and gave deserved propers to two of the show’s key supporting players. All the same, “Ann and Chris” makes for a lovely goodbye, one that could easily have doubled as a series finale. By committing to its belief in people growing and changing, Parks forced Leslie to say farewell to her best friend, Ann Perkins. Leslie and Ann’s friendship finds a beautiful grace note in the pair breaking ground on the Pawnee Commons, which Leslie pinkie promised Ann she would create during the show’s very first episode. “Ann and Chris” is a wonderful and sad pause for reflection by Parks, a moment of looking back before the show’s final year would see it looking ahead.