Parks And Recreation Review: “Second Chunce” (Season 6, Episode 10)

I mentioned earlier that Tom Haverford received a windfall – Dr. Saperstein finally bought Rent-A-Swag, so he’s got plenty of money. After deliberating, he decides to use the money as an investment fund for up-and-coming business projects, and hears a series of useless ideas from Pawnee’s morons. Has there ever, in the history of television, been a town made up almost completely of village idiots like Pawnee seems to be? He decides not to invest in anything but, inspired by the experience of working with local business, gains a few ambitions of his own. In a nice reflection to Leslie’s story, and a big deal for Tom’s character arc, he decides to follow April’s example and create her own job role. He goes to Ron – underused in this episode, in my opinion – and, besides gifting him a talking tissue dispenser, gets his blessing for his new role of Pawnee Business Liason. Ron, not a fan of French words but keen on business, thinks its a great idea.

This is a big deal for Tom. We’ve seen him running businesses before, but to actually look within his workplace and take action on bettering his own circumstances while also helping Pawnee could be his Great Leap Forward. In neat counterpoint to Leslie he finds the scope for his ambitions within Pawnee’s council system, gaining a new job title and department as a result. I’m excited to see where this goes, frankly – it looks like he’s finally catching up with Babyface.

Jerry also gets a chunk of money, being an original investor in Rent-A-Swag, and I loved seeing his clean, renewable energy source destroyed in a hail of snot and hurled to the floor. The constant and willing denigration of such a smart, talented man cracks me up every time, and the fact that it was Jerry’s support that made Leslie not want to carry out her own campaign for re-election was brilliant. The fact that everyone was dead against it – even Ron, whom she admits gives the sagest of advice (until it goes against her wishes) – did nothing to dissuade her until Jerry put himself firmly on her side was hilarious. In fact that whole scene was great, and was the only ensemble scene in the episode – small moments like that make you realize what a great cast this is, and they’re not all together often enough for my liking.

Chris and Ann’s scenes were a little flat, but that’s because the rest of the episode was so great. They found out that they’re having a baby boy, and Dr Saperstein was great as usual, but there just wasn’t enough comedy there for me. After Chris’ metaphorical adventure in Ron’s woodshop two episodes ago, and his dealings with Leslie last episode, he seemed to have very little to do here other than be his usual doting, healthfreak (with emphasis on the freak) self. Of course he and Ann are moving to Michigan soon, so it’s not like they can open any more story threads or do anything too drastic – the focus from here on out will be winding down their story, readying them for their move. Unfortunately this doesn’t make for exciting television, but their relationship feels real enough and they make for nice company on screen together, it’s just not exactly laugh-a-minute.

Random Robservations:

• Dexhart’s pseudonyms slayed me – “Enrique Dynamite, Ben Berstanke, Lee Harvey Teabag, and Anthony Weiner.” Perfect.
• Some strong Jean Ralphio action here too.
• “”I’m Perd Hapley, and I just realized I’m not holding my microphone.” Did anyone else not notice, and would never have noticed had he not pointed it out?

It was a strong episode overall, and a satisfying start to the new year. I can’t wait to see how Leslie and Tom’s stories end up panning out, which I guess we will see more of next week, unless something terrible happens to us all. See you then for more Parks and Recreation!