Parks and Recreation season 5

Season of television series

The fifth season of Parks and Recreation originally aired in the United States on the NBC television network, from September 20, 2012 and concluded on May 2, 2013. This season consisted of 22 episodes. It stars Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, and Rob Lowe, with supporting performances from Jim O'Heir and Retta.

Season 5 focuses on Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and her staff at the parks and recreation department of the fictional Indiana town of Pawnee. Although not having an overarching storyline like Season 4, this season details the aftermath of Leslie's role as a Councilwoman in Pawnee, and her rivalry with councilman Jeremy Jamm (Jon Glaser). Other storylines include Ben Wyatt (Adam Scott) and April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza)'s career move to Washington D.C., Ann Perkins (Rashida Jones)'s attempts to get pregnant, the progress in Ben and Leslie's relationship, Andy's attempts at becoming a police officer, and Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) meeting single mother Diane (Lucy Lawless).

Cast

Main

• Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, is a council woman for the town of Pawnee, with a strong love of her home town, who has not let politics dampen her sense of optimism; her ultimate goal is to become President of the United States.^[1] Poehler departed from the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live, where she was a cast member for nearly seven years, to star in Parks and Recreation.^[2][3] It was only after she was cast that Daniels and Schur established the general concept of the show and the script for the pilot was written.^[4]
• Rashida Jones as Ann Perkins, a nurse and political outsider who becomes Leslie's best friend and also becomes more involved in Pawnee government through her friendship with Leslie.
• Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford, Leslie's sarcastic and underachieving subordinate who seeks to present himself as extremely hip and trendy and always has a scheme in the works.^[5]
• Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson, the deadpan parks and recreation director who, as a libertarian, believes in as small a government as possible. As such, Ron strives to make his department as ineffective as possible, and favors hiring employees who do not care about their jobs or are poor at them.^[5] Nevertheless, Ron consistently demonstrates that he secretly cares deeply about his fellow co-workers.^[6]
• Aubrey Plaza as April Ludgate, a cynical and uninterested parks department intern who eventually becomes the perfect assistant for Ron, but leaves the department with Ben Wyatt.
• Chris Pratt as Andy Dwyer, a goofy and dim-witted but lovable slacker; he is April's husband.
• Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt, Leslie's boyfriend, and later husband, who leaves Pawnee for Washington, D.C., to join a political campaign.
• Rob Lowe as Chris Traeger, an excessively positive and extremely health-conscious government official.^[7]

Starring

• Jim O'Heir as Jerry Gergich, a sweet-natured but painfully incompetent longtime city employee who is the main target of the office's petty unkindness, yet enjoys his life as the husband of a gorgeous woman and the father of three beautiful daughters.
• Retta as Donna Meagle, a no-nonsense administrative assistant in the department, who comes from a wealthy family, and frequently mentions her many boyfriends, both past and present.

Production

Season five featured cameos from senators Olympia Snowe (left), Barbara Boxer (middle), and John McCain (right)

Filming

Portions of the season premiere "Ms. Knope Goes to Washington" and later episode "Leslie vs. April" were shot in Washington, D.C. in July 2012.^[8] These episodes featured cameo appearances from senators Barbara Boxer, Olympia Snowe, and John McCain, and then Vice President Joe Biden.^[9]

The tenth episode of the season, "Two Parties", featured scenes shot in Indianapolis at Lucas Oil Stadium and St. Elmo Steak House in December 2012.^[10] This episode included cameos from Indianapolis Colts players Andrew Luck and Reggie Wayne and owner Jim Irsay,^[11] Indiana Pacers players Miles Plumlee and Roy Hibbert,^[12] and Newt Gingrich.^[13]

Writing

The fourteenth episode of the season, "Leslie and Ben", was initially written to serve as the season finale of a 13-episode run as the writers were unsure how many episodes would be commissioned. Eventually, 22 were ordered and the episode "Women in Garbage" was shown earlier in the schedule despite being written as one of the season's "back nine".^[14]

Episodes

^† denotes an extended episode.

Reception

Joe and Jill Biden with cast members

The fifth season of Parks and Recreation received highly positive reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, the season has a 95% approval rating with an average score of 8.72 out of 10 based on 21 reviews. The site's critical consensus reads, "Heartfelt yet hilarious and snarky yet good-natured, Parks and Recreation remains one of the best sitcoms around and only continues to improve".^[35] Amy Poehler received her fourth consecutive nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.^[36]

References

1. Dawidziak, Mark (April 7, 2009). "'Parks and Recreation': New NBC comedy is uneven but promising". The Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on October 14, 2012. Retrieved June 17, 2011.
2. Stasi, Linda (April 9, 2009). "Raiders of the Lost 'Park': Amy Poehler quit "SNL" for "Parks and Recreation"". New York Post. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2009.
3. Grossberg, Josh (September 16, 2008). "Amy Poehler Moves Up SNL Exit". E! Online. Archived from the original on March 27, 2011. Retrieved June 15, 2011.
4. Itzkoff, Dave (March 26, 2009). "It's Not 'The Office.' The Boss Is a Woman". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 11, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2009.
5. Tobias, Scott (April 23, 2009). "Parks and Recreation: Season 1: Episode 3: "The Reporter"". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on November 24, 2010. Retrieved April 26, 2009.
6. Snierson, Dan (January 27, 2011). "'Parks and Recreation' scoop: Amy Poehler and co-creator Mike Schur dish on Leslie's big gamble, romantic possibilities, and tonight's episode 'The Flu'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 9, 2011. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
7. Kandell, Steve (January 21, 2011). "Parks and Recreation Recap: Maintenance Mode". New York. Archived from the original on October 3, 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
8. Holpuch, Amanda (November 8, 2012). "Joe Biden to appear on Parks and Recreation hot on the heels of victory". The Guardian. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
9. Snierson, Dan (November 7, 2012). "Vice President Joe Biden to guest on 'Parks and Recreation'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
10. Hayden, Maureen (January 14, 2013). "'Parks and Rec' episode shot in Indianapolis airs Thursday". News and Tribune. Archived from the original on June 6, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
11. Trapasso, Chris (January 17, 2013). "Andrew Luck, Reggie Wayne and Jim Irsay Join 'Parks and Rec' Crew". Bleacher Report. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
12. Beaton, Andrew (January 20, 2013). "Miles Plumlee cameos on Parks and Recreation". The Chronicle. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
13. Carlson, Erin (December 4, 2012). "'Parks and Recreation' Creator: Newt Gingrich Cameo 'Was Completely Random'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
14. Sepinwall, Alan (February 21, 2013). "'Parks and Recreation' co-creator Mike Schur on writing the perfect finale (again and again and again)". HitFix. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
15. Bibel, Sara (September 21, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings:'The X Factor' Adjusted Up; 'Wipeout', 'The Next' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on September 24, 2012. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
16. Kondolojy, Amanda (September 28, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'Grey's Anatomy', Adjusted Up; 'Parks & Rec', 'Up All Night', 'SNL: Weekend Update', 'The Office', 'Glee', 'Scandal', 'Rock Center' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 1, 2012. Retrieved September 29, 2012.
17. Bibel, Sara (October 5, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The X Factor', 'Last Resort', '30 Rock', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'The Office' Adjusted Up; 'Two and a Half Men', 'Person of Interest', 'Scandal', 'Elementary' 'Rock Center' & 'The Next' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 7, 2012. Retrieved October 6, 2012.
18. Bibel, Sara (October 19, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Vampire Diaries', 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Grey's Anatomy' & 'The Ofifice' Adjusted Up; '30 Rock', 'Up All Night' & 'Scandal' Adjusted Down Plus Final Baseball Numbers". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved October 20, 2012.
19. Kondolojy, Amanda (October 26, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Vampire Diaries' Adjusted Up; 'Parks & Rec', 'Up All Night', 'Rock Center', '30 Rock', 'Person of Interest' & Beauty & the Beast' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on October 29, 2012. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
20. Kondolojy, Amanda (November 9, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings:'The Big Bang Theory', 'Vampire Diaries' & 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up, 'The Office', 'Parks & Rec', 'Scandal' & 'Rock Center' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 12, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
21. Bibel, Sara (November 16, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Grey's Anatomy' & 'The Office' Adjusted Up; 'Last Resort & 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on November 19, 2012. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
22. Bibel, Sara (November 30, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; 'The Vampire Diaries', 'Two and a Half Men' & 'Beauty and the Beast' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on December 3, 2012. Retrieved November 30, 2012.
23. Kondolojy, Amanda (December 7, 2012). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The X Factor', 'The Vampire Diaries' and 'Glee' Adjusted Up; 'Two and a Half Men', 'Elementary', 'Person of Interest' and 'Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on December 7, 2012. Retrieved December 7, 2012.
24. Kondolojy, Amanda (January 18, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; 'Rock Center' Adjusted Down, No Adjustment for 'American Idol'". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 21, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
25. Bibel, Sara (January 25, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Glee' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on January 27, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2013.
26. Bibel, Sara (February 8, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Community' & 'The Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up; 'Person of Interest' & 'Elementary' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved February 8, 2013.
27. Bibel, Sara (February 15, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Zero Hour', 'Big Bang Theory', 'Community', 'Idol', 'Elementary' & 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 17, 2013. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
28. Bibel, Sara (February 22, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'Parks and Recreation', 'Grey's Anatomy' & 'Elementary' Adjusted Up; 'Beauty and the Beast' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 25, 2013. Retrieved February 22, 2013.
29. Kondolojy, Amanda (March 15, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol' & 'Community' Adjusted Up; 'Elementary' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 18, 2013. Retrieved March 15, 2013.
30. Bibel, Sara (April 5, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Two and a Half Men', 'The Office', & 'Wife Swap' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' & 'The Mindy Project' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 8, 2013. Retrieved April 6, 2013.
31. Kondolojy, Amanda (April 12, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'Hannibal' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 14, 2013. Retrieved April 13, 2013.
32. Bibel, Sara (April 19, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Vampire Diaries' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Glee' Adjusted Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 22, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2013.
33. Kondolojy, Amanda (April 26, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Vampire Diaries', 'The Big Bang Theory' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 30, 2013. Retrieved April 27, 2013.
34. Bibel, Sara (May 3, 2013). "Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'The Vampire Diaries', 'Two and a Half Men', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Glee','Parks and Recreation' & 'Hannibal' Adjusted Up". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 6, 2013. Retrieved May 4, 2013.
35. "Parks and Recreation: Season 5 (2012-2013)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved September 22, 2018.
36. "Parks and Recreation)". Emmys.com. Retrieved September 22, 2018.

External links

• Official Parks and Recreation site at NBC.com
• Parks and Recreation at IMDb