watch José's video here!: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z7qeZ7x8t9fZfqs.html

I have watched every ep of this show and I had completely memory holed that Mark was even a character.

Okay, new headcanon: Between season 1 and season 2 Leslie sees her doctor and gets an official ADHD diagnosis and begins taking Adderall. That’s why in season 1 she’s kind of foggy and impulsive, but later she starts to mellow out and become more competent. For real it looks like my own life progression as I’ve gone from useless undiagnosed ADHD person to medicated homeowner.

I always felt that Anne was the real love interest in parks and rec, not a romantic one mind you but their friendship feels like the heart of the show

Paul Schneider, who played Mark Brendanawicz, was the one to voice that he didn't feel his character fit into the series and suggested he leave to make room for another character.

The fantastic thing about Parks and Rec. is that every main character has a satisfying upwards arc. They all end better than they've started. And since they've all started in public service the fictional world were they live is improved.

The first is only six episodes, and I'd say the show is more or less where it needs to be by the sixth episode, so people really shouldn't skip it. And Amy Poehler is great through the whole thing. She pretty much carries it while all the other characters catch up to her later on.

Mike Schur and the writers explained in different interviews that they felt after season one that it was not so much Leslie that needed changing but the way the other characters reacted to her. And it does resonate with what differentiates The Office and Parks and Rec. Parks and Rec shifts and becomes joyfull and wholesome once Leslie's co-workers start supporting her projects while keeping their personality and find their own development. I love this perspective shift. Parks and Rec is uplifting. It was also inspired by The West Wing but being kind of the opposite having the smallest stakes compared to the White House staff but being as dedicated civil servants for a city of lunatics!

"That's because the show is not about the park..." it's about the recreation

I love how important friendship is to Parks and Rec. As much as I love the romances in the show, it feels truer to life how much the characters grow through their friendships. (Also this made me think differently about the beginning of the show; I 100% have made people start later in the series when recommending it to them 😂)

The wild residents are completely spot on to real life. I have worked in local government for 20 years and wild shit has happened in my time, including seeing someone throw a dead rat at an employee, received a manifesto which was submitted as a petition then turned over to the police, and finding a man living in the city basement in secret.

I don't think Mark got ret-conned. He just left their lives, like a normal work friend sometimes does

I agree and I'll say Ron hiring Leslie was a move on his part (which her being there for 5 years before REALLY doing anything proves). Ron hired her cus she had the talk but he 1000% believed she couldn't folllow through (similar to Mark). The difference is when Leslie started to prove herself and fully fight for her beliefs Ron changed HIS mindset to align with her. Unlike Mark who was set in his negativity

I've seen this entire show twice and on my third viewing, and I saw it very late with no idea about the discussions about changing Leslie's character in the show, it all seemed very natural character development for me, it wasn't forced and the fact that the entire second season is a consequence of the first season finale's Leslie rejection of Mark, it makes sense. I love this show, specially the show finale. It was one of the few perfect TV show finale of all time. This and Veep.

Anne is such an underappreciated character sometimes. I've seen people describe her character and her plots as "boring" but she's really the compass that keeps everyone else direct and centered. She's this unique fusion of being skeptical and contrarian, but it's coming from a place of care and concern, which you don't really see in media in general.

This is awesome. Can you do one for Abbott Elementary?? I see so many similarities to parks and rec except Janine seems to have something believably worth fighting for compared to Leslie's loyalty to the people of Pawnee, which never made sense to me.

Yes. Please do separate Ron and Andy videos!

I completely forgot about season 1 Leslie. Similarly, Michael Scott from the Office had no redeeming qualities at the beginning and was impossible to empathize with. They had to make him more likable to save the show.

I actually really like Mark’s character. He represented a weakness in Leslie and when he stopped being that he got his own growth. When binging it seems much more natural but I get how people see this taking way too long in real time

Wait, why does Mark not being mentioned at all later in the show ruin your point? It seems like it emphasizes that Leslie has moved past that part of her life.

I wouldn't say that Andy becomes one of the most lovable characters on the show. He develops, to be sure, but his "charm" still resides in being childish to the point of pettiness and random cruelty, which is one of the most notable things he and April have in common even after their marriage.

I feel like I'm the only person who loves the first season, so this video hit home right away. We are Mouse Rat and this is The Pit!

All those characters you talked about doing a whole video on? Do that. Do every one of those characters. I love this show and your channel so much!

Leslie's genuine drive, compassion, and competence really sets her apart for me. The first season making her out to be more bumbling is always a bit difficult to go back to, but I do like this understanding of what changed, how, and why.

I feel like the only one who likes Mark as a character. He worked well as a foil to Leslie's optimism and we got to see instances where he loses some of his cynical shell. He wasn't just a jerk. He was once like Leslie until the system beat him down.

Fun fact! The first episodes of P&R feel so similar to the office, because the original plan was for it to literally be an in universe spinoff. An early plan for the show was an episode of The Office where a used copier would be shipped from Dunder Mifflin in Scranton to Pawnee, and gets delivered to the parks and rec office where things go from there and lead into the separate parks show. It didn’t end up that way but the original plan was literally to have the 2 shows be similar

I remember that at a point in season 2 I realized that Parks & Rec had surpassed The Office, so yes it absolutely hits it’s stride there but I can’t imagine skipping season 1 (or recommending it). You can see the building blocks of something great there and watching it evolve live was a thrill and still is on rewatch. I think you can say the same for a lot of sitcoms, and that’s why it’s always a shame when one with promise gets cancelled before finding it’s groove. A lot of rocky first seasons pave the way for great shows.

“Leslie, it’s not that big of a deal” is a gut punch that makes all season 1 worth it

5:10 I actually liked Mark’s character. With so much zaniness it kind of felt like he balanced the other characters by being boring and normal.

Leslie and Ann have one of my fav on screen friendships, I love this show so much, thanks for covering it! Appreciate your take

Character perspectives on all of them PLEASE

I can always get behind Parks and Rec content.

Yeah when a friend of mine wanted me to try the show. They told me 100% to skip the entire first season. With the perspective you have presented, I might have to go and watch it and see what I think.

i think it's very important what you pointed out about leslie's mom being cold towards her. leslie also have no siblings and her father died when she was ten. before ann she doesn't really have anyone that reciprocates her love and admiration, even though she's clearly tried to put herself out there (all the horrible dates she tells ann about). it's sort of heartbreaking to think about how much love and enthusiasm and admiration she has been giving others (probably her whole life) without getting it back. i really love ann and leslie's storyline, as it was really heartwarming seeing a female character's transformation being facilitated by friendship (almost like a platonic soulmate) rather than the usual romantic relationship. i am currently rewatching parks and rec for the fourth or fifth time and i love season one.

TY for making this! You brought tears to my eyes. I started this show in high school and it ended when I was a college student. You kind of reminded me of how magical it felt. I think for the first time in forever I might rewatch it! And like you mention in your video, I was one of those people who always used to tell others who wanted to start watching to start with season 2. I think season 1 is better when you can go back and feel like you know the characters already. Its more amusing after youve seen later episodes and the cast has figured out their chemistry. But i think it's that way with a lot of shows. First episodes and first seasons are hard

You made a great case for the first season. The way you explained it makes a ton of sense and i would love to see any other character analysis from Parks and Rec

T1J, been a fan for years and so happy to see your videos hit the ol’ algorithm. Keep up the fantastic work.

I always liked season 1- Never knew it wasn't popular.

Just been rewatching. Season 1 makes sense and puts everything is place. Season 2 is a bit all over the place, kicks in when April and Andy get together and when Ben and Chris enter.

loved this video, great defense for the first season and am looking forward to your vid on ron.

I literally two days ago started watching the show over again! I definetly agree with the in-universe charector development of Leslie. I would not skip the first season because you’d miss so many sweet introduction gems. I always thought that Leslie’s success inch by inch furthered her ambition and encouraged her to be more of who she’s wanted to be. All the supporting charectors are comedic gems. 👍

Now I appreciate the first season more! I didn't mind Leslie in the first season, I just wasn't interested in the rest of the characters. Still, she couldn't stay like that the whole show, so it makes sense she changed! Parks and Rec is one of my favorite shows, too.

This was so on the nose. I remember when Parks and Rec came out I gave up on it after the first 3 episodes, only going back many years later on reruns. The changes were very noticeable.

You're editing/set up is killer, I've loved seeing your growth over time, keep up the great work!!!

This was amazing thank you, hope you do more on the show!

exquisite analysis. i loved leslie’s character development over the seasons.

ive been binging ur vids, love ur channel !!!

This happened twice with Shur shows, where they needed to iron things out after the first season

I always thought Leslie’s transformation was gradual and made sense

I actually love you and your vids and i cant believe i didnt subscribe sooner.

just found your channel and love your content!! keep it up boss 😁

yes! more parks and rec videos! i loved this.

Been subscribed to you for years, glad to see you again 🙂

glad ur getting more recognition!

When Ben and Chris came in at the end of season 2 they were like Darcy and Bigley in PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and Leslie and Ann were Elizabeth and Jane Bennett. Elizabeth wasn't getting over some guy she had a crush on leaving her, she was a strong, independent woman and that's what Leslie became.

Woah the video rec near the end of video is fantastic! i was getting sad the video was ending cause i wanted to hear more about P&R. Also, I think analysis videos about individual P&R character is something i’d love to hear from u!

So I’ve watched the show entirely 8+ times probably, and I respect the first season for what it was because it adds a huge progress in character development. Which is a very important theme, these are normal people finding their purpose in life and where they want to be in the future. The amount of tears shed from the foreshadowing and deep details that can be overlooked. Understanding how the characters feel and change throughout the series is such a beautiful sight and I love love love this show with all of my being especially with the knowing that there are flaws and awful characters, Tom haverford. You can’t find your purpose in one season of your life it takes multiple seasons and these characters have shown me that no matter what path or choice you will make it will all work out in the end. Another detail is the contrast in struggles these characters face, Leslie is a driven hardworking person but she struggles a lot and the town just pulls her down and makes her feel awful, Andy is a good for nothing dead beat that finds his purpose and eventually becomes successful, somehow.

PLEASE make a video about Ron!

This is an amazing discussion of the show! I will listen to you narrate and review ALL THE THINGS.

That's really kind of you to support your friend José like that

In the episode Ron and Leslie, they briefly go over the story of Leslie being hired. It wasn’t that Ron thought she wouldn’t work.

You are really good at this!

i love mark actually i missed him so much in the later seasons sucks they didnt use the plans he made for the park before he left

Yay!! Love this show! Thank you 💕 Also, yes please on more videos on other Parks&Rec characters 🤗

This is the first video of yours ive seen. loved it! looks like im going to bechecking out Jose next. then bac 2 see what else you got for me.

Plug for Jose’s Parks and Rec retrospective - it’s great! 10 out of 10 Lil’ Sebastians!

I loved this essay/retrospective! Such an underrated show

So happy I clicked on this video. This is one of my favorite shows too and it’s my comfort show. If I am going through a rough time I find myself rewatching it from the beginning. Yes , the first season feels like a beat down for Leslie but it’s the friendships, like the one with Ann (that beautiful unicorn) that is the true heart of the show.

great video!

I've seen you in the same comments on P&R clips so I know how much you love this show. It's cool to see you talking about it in more depth

Well you asked soooooo nicely for me to subscribe and I enjoy the sound of your voice so I did!

I have never watched most of the shows you make videos about, but I still watch them 😅

Subbed bc it is also in my top 3 favorite series :)

That was a great breakdown. Thanks for helping me appreciate one of my favourite shows even more

You make great videos, dude! I saw the Joe Shmo video you did and now this one. You've got my sub!

Whats jarring is a lot of the "locals" in the council meetings are like people in those meetings in this current climate!

Maybe the real Recreation was the friends we made along the way

Great video. I would be excited for videos about other characters on this show.

"Ann is on the pill." 😄I forgot about that part! Great video T1J !!

I feel like Mark leaving and never being mentioned again kind of fits with real life in a similar way to your vid saying Leslie’s personality didn’t get retconned but grew organically. Sometimes we do t realize a relationship ain’t good for us for awhile, and then even when we do we think we can change our expectations and then the relationship will maintain. If someone on the other side of that equation moves away… you get busy. Your mind has more space to focus on people who are good for you and new things to do/things you’ve been passionate about. If someone soon enters your life and eventually takes up a position in it that is a healthy version of your misconception about the unhealthy relationship friend… you continue to forget the previous friend who things were weird with at several points before they left. If parks continued to be more like the office, the second to last or final season would have mark return or have someone randomly mention Mark only for Leslie to have a weird melancholy about how she just didn’t attempt to keep in touch with him “but wait I guess I kind of did t want to with how things changed after the night at the pit and then him with Ann… I don’t like that I just didn’t resolve this while he was here and make him better or tell him off!” “Leslie, sometimes we just need people to leave our lives and we don’t know it. You got to have it happen for you and then you had a crazy few years where we all became closer friends and you accomplished more than you would’ve thought possible before. So what if you didn’t get to ‘figure this out’ bike he was here? He was t a good fit as a friend and he didn’t like being here. That’s a win win.” Or something like that

Thanks T1j. I took this show for granted. I wouldn't have said its among my favorites, but it really was. So many quotes, so many odd and hilarious pairings. I've yelled Treat Yo Self as many times as any line from Chappelle show, I cant wait to rewatch it!

Fine I’ll rewatch parks and rec again, you’ve convinced me

God I miss this show. Great job! You got a new sub.

+1 for a Ron Swanson video!

Subscribing hoping you make Ron and Andy videos. Great job, enjoyed this video

No one ever talks about that trailer park boys started the mocumeturary style in 2001 although it's early works cart boy and one last shot also did it in the 90s

I love that you are discussing this. My 17 yo got me into this show only a few years ago and I have such love for it now.

The dog poop fight is probably one of the funnier scenes from season 1

The first season is great, and yes it gets even better, but personally I loved the show from episode one.

As someone who lives in Indiana - this show couldn't actually be more sadly accurate lol.

Great video! Absolutely love Parks and Recs! I too feel that the first season is just as important as the others, even just to see how far the characters have come since then. Well articulated, and wholeheartedly agree!

Great video

This is a great video that perfectly summarizes the 1st season; I never considered the polarities of Leslie’s Mom and Mark. I have a fond memory of the first season of Parks and Recreation and always through it got a bad rap. Thanks for giving it the justice it deserves.

This really reframed the first season. I’m defs gonna give it a rewatch. Thank you!!

I love, love this show. Great analysis.

Funny enough, all this time I've been utterly confused about the appeal for this show... because I never made it past episode 3. Guess I should pick it back up again!

I had a theory that in season 2 Leslie changed and she became hyper competent, efficient and confident in her own abilities. I think it was because her previous best friend Lindsay Carlisle Shay (Parker Posey) tricked and conned her to say no Eagleton job offer and made Leslie believe they’d make Pawnee better together only to take the job Eagleton offered her, and never speak to her anymore and for all intents purposes turn her back on everything she believed in before. So when this happened I think it made Leslie downtrodden and upset believing she’s no longer good enough, she couldn’t trust those she cared about, and didn’t want have self belief which was worsened by; Ron not wanting anything done, Marlene putting her down, Unrequited love with Mark while they share work he didn’t care about what he was doing, But when she then had Ann Perkins become her friend and support her, giving her a chance to prove she would show the government could work by trying to get rid of the pit, yet the other thing they did was they both supported each other and enriched each others lives. She had Ann realise that Andy was being lazy and using her, and Ann made her see that she could succeed without throwing out her values when she calls out Marlene’s dirty tactics. I think Leslie having someone in her corner made her realise she was good at what she did and that when she puts her focus on to something she achieves. The thing that was a winning factor for Parks and Rec was that the characters had positive relationships, without sexual intentions, and they became like a family they didn’t always agree or have same principals but they supported and a lot of that was Leslie’s renewed confidence in herself allowed her to build up those around her: * Leslie and Ann’s friendship was supportive they didn’t always agree but helped each other they weren’t backstabbing or had secret agendas (they both told each other to strive for more, nudged to each other ideal partner) * Ron who couldn’t care less about work or friendships, ended up in a job he loved in charge of Leslie’s National Park, a loving family and children. He was also there to help redirect Leslie’s unending optimism to achievable goals, and at times was like a brother to her, like when he pointed out she didn’t like Justin as he was an ‘emotional tourist’ who only liked collecting stories, she helped him keep the Tammys at bay, she even had him walk her down the aisle. * April and Andy she helped them not only achieve things but also care about stuff, she helped April succeed from an intern who didn’t care to running and improving the animal control department, she then helped her when she realised she didn’t actually feel fulfilled helped her find her new path. With Andy she changed him from being a lazy dreamer who was homeless to a successful man and with both of them let them see that they didn’t have to change the core of themselves to succeed.

1:59 OK, I legit spit my drink out a little. Sometimes the sillyest sight gag you can think of is the one to go with.

I liked Mark as a character. He is the opposite of Leslie, he is jaded and worn down to the point he’s just put himself on auto-pilot. It seems clear that he had enthusiasm at some point, but it was ground down by the Byzantine systems of government. He definitely feels a bit scummy, but I think he could have grown and become likable just like Andy does. Ultimately though, Ben worked better as that role and didn’t carry the bad taste in his mouth that audiences got. (Also I love Ben. So happy for the change anyway)

I had this show recommended to me a lot, and the first episode really sank it for me before I could get going. I'll actually have to watch it now.