Parks And Recreation Review: “Farmers Market” (Season 6, Episode 12)

Chris’ crimes of being understanding continue this week as he actively tries to help Anne come to fore in the previously unmentioned monthly “whine and cheese” meeting in which the guys in the office – Tom, Retta, and Jerry – bitch about their problems to Ron who, while physically present, listens to Willy Nelson throughout with comically over sized headphones. It’s ostensibly a way for the staff to air their grievances to Ron but in this episode it just seemed like a way to shoehorn in the other characters without really giving them anything to do. After Tom’s victory last week it would have been great to see a little bit of the business liaison stuff here, but nope. Nothing. In the end, the group tire of Anne’s complaining so much that Donna turns it into “cigars and sushi”, which of course means that Anne has to leave.

I really wish they’d give Donna more to do. If Leslie’s going to continue on her annoying trajectory, and Anne is leaving soon, then it falls to Donna to be the interesting female character in the office. It seems like the writers are positioning April to become Andy’s manager full time, which would be great, but would leave a giant April-sized hole in the office. Donna could fill that hole, and the department desperately needs that if Leslie is going on to bigger and better things. If Donna could be positioned as the alpha female, and Tom given a much juicier storyline, I think the show could survive Ben and Leslie leaving, if that were a spin-off anyone would actually want to watch, which I doubt. I don’t want to countenance the idea of an April and Andy spin-off which, conversely, would cripple the show.

Wasn’t Andy great with those kids? They genuinely seemed out of control at first and his gentle songs of toilet humor seemed to becalm them. Chris Pratt’s performance is so great that it seems totally believable that Andy wouldn’t understand that the inappropriate part of “Sex Hair” wasn’t the “hair.” And his introducing Bert Macklin via song must surely make that particular persona one of the most longstanding alter-egos in television. Most regularly used, at least. That whole scene was fantastic and is yet more proof that the real stars of the show are April and Andy. I could watch them all day.

I feel like I’m being really harsh on the show for an episode whose crime was merely not being great. Parks and Recreation is still a fun show, and certainly in better half of what’s currently on television, it’s just sad to see a show that seemed to pride itself on originality and a progressive nature falling back on tired stereotypes. I just want Leslie’s old zing back, but that’s bound to start to fade after six seasons of frankly outstanding material. If Leslie doesn’t come back down to Earth with a bump at some point this season, the show is creatively moribund. I’d say the chances of that happening are pretty high, given that the show has been given the go-ahead for a seventh season. Some conflict must crop up this season – I’m crossing my fingers for a Ben/Leslie divorce – but who knows what will happen.

Random Robservations:

• This episode confirmed it – Adam Scott has the best hair in television.
• Will Mr Johnny Karate supersede Bert Macklin?
• Jean-Ralphio watch: NO JEAN-RALPHIO. WHAT?

See you next week for more Parks and Recreation!