This episode of Parks and Recreation starts out innocently enough. Ron (Nick Offerman) is concerned that the internet knows too much about him when he sees advertisements specially tailored to him. Once April (Aubrey Plaza) shows him Google Earth, he’s had enough and he tosses his desktop into the trash. Typical.
Things quickly heat up until we get to what everyone’s been waiting for – Ben (Adam Scott) and Leslie (Amy Poehler) reveal their relationship to Chris (Rob Lowe). Chris is uncharacteristically upset, setting up separate ethics trials for Ben and Leslie, even though he loves them.
Ben proves that he’s the best boyfriend ever when he gives Leslie a custom-made Lil’ Sebastian toy before her trial, and promises he’ll be right on the other side of the wall. I cannot get over them. Hilariously, Chris is so stressed out by the trial that he has totally outdone himself on the supplements and exercises, apparently to stave off depression. Poor thing. Leslie thinks she has the trial in the bag, she admits to the relationship, but aside from dating Ben, she has broken no other rules. Chris pulls a shocker by saying he fully believes Leslie is receiving special treatment from Ben and is guilty of bribery, complete with 14 witness’ testimony. Gasp!
Leslie gathers her team, and Ron finds out Chris has one star witness who could end up getting Leslie fired. Ever the perfectionist, Leslie sails through the trial. She expertly proves all of the allegations against her are false, even with April testifying in a distinctly Janet Snakehole manner, and Chris bringing up her previous “relationship” with Tom (Aziz Ansari).
At last, Chris calls in his star witness – Tammy 2 (Megan Mullally). Ron could smell her coming. I was fearing the worst, but she left as quickly as she came, once Chris realized her evidence was totally made up. Leslie thinks she’s in the clear when the real star witness walks in – the maintenance man who saw Ben and Leslie kissing at Lil’ Sebastian’s funeral! He tells the court everything, the lies, the spa gift certificate, everything. Leslie has nothing, she thinks she’s about to get fired.
The council comes back with their verdict – two weeks paid suspension. What? That’s when Chris reveals Ben sacrificed himself for Leslie’s job. He took full responsibility for the bribing and resigned, but not before declaring that he loves Leslie on the record. Like I said, best boyfriend ever.
Looks like the lying and sneaking around is over, but so is Ben’s time at the Parks department. This was an excellent episode, with just the right amount of suspense mixed in with the humor. I’m thrilled that it seems like Ben and Leslie’s relationship is going to be a permanent thing, so long as Ben can stay in Pawnee.
Some of the episode’s highlights were Ann (Rashida Jones) sending Leslie supportive texts every 30 seconds, because they have the most adorable friendship ever, and Mullally’s cameo. Tammy 2 is always amazing. It’s really the little callbacks that make this show awesome.
What did you guys think of the episode? What do you think will happen to Ben? Leave us a comment and let us know.
Published: Dec 1, 2011 09:23 pm