Tonight marks the return of one of the funniest shows on television, NBC's Parks and Recreation, and we could not be more excited. Now in its third season, Parks has emerged out of its first season growing pains into a hilarious and refreshingly optimistic ensemble comedy.
Grounded by a subtle yet punchy performance from former Saturday Night Live star Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, the show is at its best when it frees itself from cynicism and embraces the "glass half full" outlook on life. Who can forget the hilarious "Telethon" episode in which Leslie organizes a charity event and forces herself to stay awake throughout the night by indulging in sugar-filled snacks? Leslie's unrelenting desire to make the town she inhabits a better place is portrayed with such positivity that it leaves us viewers feeling better about ourselves.
Of course, the show would not be the same without the excellent supporting cast that surrounds Poehler. There is Aziz Ansari's Tom Haverford, who rather inappropriately speaks like a hustler straight from Queens, and the overly macho Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) who is always around to remind people just how manly he is. New to the show this season is Rob Lowe - are there any women who don't like Rob Lowe? - who may appear normal enough in the beginning, but we all know how that will end up.
It is difficult to pinpoint the strongest aspect of Parks and Recreation, whose humor, sometimes, is drier than a desert. The series, though, also shows an affinity for true laugh-out-loud surprises. If it continues to exhibit the promise that it did throughout its second season, then be sure to reserve your Thursday nights at 9:30 for the residents of Pawnee, Ind.
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