Why Leslie Was Dumb In Season 1 of Parks And Recreation

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  • Опубліковано 25 бер 2023
  • Get Nebula using my link for 40% off an annual subscription: go.nebula.tv/t1j
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    Parks and Recreation was almost dead in the water after an underwhelming first season. In order to get back on track, the showrunners had to make some changes to their main character.
    José's vide: • Think Local: A Parks a...
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  • Розваги

КОМЕНТАРІ • 417

  • @T1J
    @T1J  Рік тому +85

    watch José's video here!: ua-cam.com/video/1Tn4YKRquNw/v-deo.html

    • @qkranarchist3015
      @qkranarchist3015 Рік тому +2

      Great independently created two-parter! And I adore that you and José talk in each other's episode. I'm here for that kind of creator supportive network. Wouldn't have known about T1J without it.

  • @LindsayEllisVids
    @LindsayEllisVids Рік тому +1979

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

    • @joannalincoln9366
      @joannalincoln9366 Рік тому +63

      Happens to me every rewatch!

    • @iRedEarth
      @iRedEarth Рік тому +84

      It's like his reaction to his and Leslie's hookup is ours to his character.
      "A male co-lead in the first two seasons? No.
      ...
      ...
      ...
      ...
      Oh my god..."

    • @HOLYCOWofthesea
      @HOLYCOWofthesea Рік тому +61

      He's quite the Jump-scare when I rewatch the show

    • @hagnekore
      @hagnekore Рік тому +40

      I keep forgetting that ann and andy dated

    • @lovelyxrosez6589
      @lovelyxrosez6589 Рік тому +21

      I’m so glad they got rid of his character he was really boring

  • @muticere
    @muticere Рік тому +1743

    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.

    • @lkf8799
      @lkf8799 Рік тому +45

      Lol makes sense to me 😉

    • @hanthonyc
      @hanthonyc Рік тому +66

      ...Oh god, now I know what other people were dealing with.

    • @walkinghumandisaster
      @walkinghumandisaster Рік тому +13

      Love this take!

    • @At0micAllison
      @At0micAllison Рік тому +5

      MmmmmmHMMM! 👍 👍 👍

    • @Rebecca-zj4wq
      @Rebecca-zj4wq Рік тому +64

      Also makes her hoarder home make even more sense

  • @samwildstein2092
    @samwildstein2092 Рік тому +541

    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.

    • @CS-nw9si
      @CS-nw9si Рік тому +36

      Mark is objectively the worst character.

    • @andrewklang809
      @andrewklang809 Рік тому +70

      ​@@CS-nw9si Mark served a purpose. Tom is just a one note 'isnt this kind of guy annoying' running gag. Like Jean-Ralphio, but in every episode. The show did good bringing Sam and Ben on board since they could actually play off of others instead of constantly doing a bit.

    • @CS-nw9si
      @CS-nw9si Рік тому +6

      @Andrew Klang he's not even funny, though. Every time the camera cuts to his side bits it puts me in a bad mood.

    • @andrewklang809
      @andrewklang809 Рік тому +37

      @@CS-nw9si He's the straight man, all the moreso when Leslie started off so ditsy. He knows his job, but he's burned out and jaded. Maybe he's worked with Ron too long and he broke him. He represents what Leslie could become if she either gets broken by the system (whether the Rons or the public) and loses her optimism and hope, or becomes selfish and starts treating her job like just a job - make money, do as little as possible.
      But Leslie grew, and in so doing outgrew any need for Mark. She recognized she didn't want to be like him, or even to be close with him. Ann was her new "straight man", a kind-hearted person who could ground her and give her a stable emotional connection outside the daily rigours of her job. It's good that Mark left when he did. If anything, I wish it had been planned from the start and that they had given his character a fitting send off.
      Which is to say, a big kick in the ass on his way out the door

    • @apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868
      @apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868 Рік тому +5

      @@andrewklang809 who on earth is sam?

  • @veronicavieyra4392
    @veronicavieyra4392 Рік тому +576

    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

    • @futuristicgirl14
      @futuristicgirl14 Рік тому +26

      We got queer baited lol

    • @randallcraft4071
      @randallcraft4071 Рік тому +21

      I ship it, but in a platonic way

    • @Cdr2002
      @Cdr2002 Рік тому +17

      @@futuristicgirl14 agreed honestly there are points in the show where I almost thought they were gonna do it for real than they swerved us with more heteronormativity and like those other two guys are fine but we could’ve really gotten something trailblazing if they’d gone for it with Leslie and Anne instead of the show only having major gay characters in the last season

    • @dwaynebrice1697
      @dwaynebrice1697 Рік тому +1

      Anne was kind of toxic and a wet blanket.

    • @WildSableye
      @WildSableye Рік тому +27

      @@dwaynebrice1697 you guys will call any mildly sardonic woman toxic i stg

  • @JoseBird
    @JoseBird Рік тому +806

    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.

    • @dr.braxygilkeycruises1460
      @dr.braxygilkeycruises1460 Рік тому +6

      I agree, José. Watching the first season is mandatory for me. I've heard (dumb!) people say to skip the first season of Parks & Rec, and Community, too. And both are idiotic suggestions. While the tones are a bit different, there are foundational world building aspects to season 1 on both shows that you can't get by skipping it. Anyhoo, I started watching your video a couple of days ago, but I had to leave for travel. I'll watch the rest tomorrow. Thanks for all you do!!!

    • @The_SOB_II
      @The_SOB_II Рік тому +3

      ​@@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460 i agree, Doctor. I'm glad we have such empathetic and caring doctors in the world who understand that anyone who disagrees with them is an IDIOT!

    • @miklotwovini
      @miklotwovini Рік тому +18

      Imagine skipping the first season and never seeing Leslie fall into the pit, one of the most iconic moments of the show. 🤣

    • @cumincalamity9867
      @cumincalamity9867 Рік тому +4

      @@dr.braxygilkeycruises1460
      I can understand skipping S1 of P&R but S1 of Community? Are you kidding? Seasons 1-3 are the best seasons of community. Anybody who thinks they can cut that down by a third is crazy.

    • @peacechickification
      @peacechickification Рік тому

      @@cumincalamity9867 I wonder if they’re maybe thinking episode one? Because I agree that community’s pilot is less than great, but I agree. To suggest skipping the whole first season is absolutely absurd.

  • @tmzFRM
    @tmzFRM Рік тому +328

    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.

  • @rgs8970
    @rgs8970 Рік тому +432

    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 😂)

    • @AmandaabnamA
      @AmandaabnamA Рік тому +3

      Yeah that's a big difference with PR and Schitts Creek. I love the family, but almost everyone in the town is just a nuisance, so it's much harder to binge

    • @bencarlson4300
      @bencarlson4300 Рік тому +1

      I make people skip season 1, and when I rewatch the show I generally skip to whenever Ben and Chris show up, THAT’s when it gets great

  • @estelleprampart8180
    @estelleprampart8180 Рік тому +65

    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!

  • @dustyboialex
    @dustyboialex Рік тому +212

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

    • @T1J
      @T1J  Рік тому +114

      Nah there are times where they could mention him and don't. Like there's a whole episode where they mention all of Ann's exes and they don't mention him even tho he an Ann dated for almost all of season 2

    • @Supergirl9909
      @Supergirl9909 Рік тому +15

      @@T1J yes with her box of exes and mark has none even tho rando's do

    • @Zectifin
      @Zectifin Рік тому +8

      @@T1J yeah they could have easily had him come back for a reunion episode and had Anne and Leslie realize how much of a schlub he is. I think there was probably some bad blood after they fired him (which isn't even his fault, hes a great actor. go give channel zero season 1 a try).

    • @youreallthesame1594
      @youreallthesame1594 Рік тому +4

      I'm that coworker! I've had so many different jobs and I've kept in contact with two total people 😂

    • @jacobd1984
      @jacobd1984 10 місяців тому +3

      There was an episode where Leslie was trying to find someone to design her park. Mark's final act on the show WAS to prepare blueprints of a design. This never comes up.

  • @thevikingbear2343
    @thevikingbear2343 Рік тому +80

    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.

  • @luszczi
    @luszczi Рік тому +75

    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.

    • @elustran
      @elustran Рік тому +2

      And that's why the American version of the show lasted longer than the more cynical British version.

    • @JP-wq8ou
      @JP-wq8ou Рік тому +10

      @@elustranthe makers behind the British office actually decided that they wanted it to be short. The show ending had nothing to do with the characters.

    • @elustran
      @elustran Рік тому +7

      @@JP-wq8ou fair enough. It seems that British productions veer on the shorter side with a few exceptions for some panel shows and old standbys like Dr. Who. American TV tends to milk IP for as long as possible, often to the detriment of quality.

    • @JP-wq8ou
      @JP-wq8ou Рік тому

      @@elustran Yeah it’s a weird pattern and I’m not quite sure how it developed. Maybe it’s to preserve quality.

    • @jacobd1984
      @jacobd1984 Рік тому +1

      I haven’t thought of it so much as something they needed to do to save the show, so much as something they needed to do so the show could run for several seasons. But I suppose it may be accurate to say US audiences weren’t as willing to accept a character like S1 Michael Scott, at least at the time. So I don’t know, maybe you’re right, and he had to change regardless.

  • @kittycattt93
    @kittycattt93 Рік тому +86

    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

  • @kimc4832
    @kimc4832 Рік тому +76

    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.

    • @sunny-gt7qw
      @sunny-gt7qw 6 днів тому +1

      wtf is a city basement?? Also that’s not very zany or wild tbh

  • @ginkiba3
    @ginkiba3 Рік тому +11

    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.

  • @danielfarbowitz671
    @danielfarbowitz671 Рік тому +77

    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.

    • @T1J
      @T1J  Рік тому +69

      it's more than him not being mentioned, he literally does not exist anymore, there are opportunities where they could have mentioned him for continuity's sake and they choose not to. and since i argue that Leslie getting over Mark was important to her growth, him not existing kinda messes up that point lol

    • @AlicedeTerre
      @AlicedeTerre Рік тому +8

      @@T1J The park plan episode comes to mind.

  • @pjihae
    @pjihae Рік тому +201

    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.

    • @viviantompkins7925
      @viviantompkins7925 Рік тому +27

      I love Abbott Elementary so much. Definitely see the similarities between it and Parks and Rec. I love how both shows develop the friendships between all of the characters

    • @SKULLKR3W
      @SKULLKR3W Рік тому +24

      she wants to make it better cause it sucks ass always made sense to me like helping those people from themselves

    • @nicerock5506
      @nicerock5506 Рік тому +42

      pawnee and it’s residents suck because of the nature of american government. leslie’s biggest enemies are always corporations, other politicians, and powerful people as opposed to the citizens, who’re just annoying. as she fixes things, the town and the people in it do get better

    • @justthecoolestdudeyo9446
      @justthecoolestdudeyo9446 Рік тому +20

      @@SKULLKR3W Yeah, feeling passionate for your local hometown when you know it should be better, you desperately want it to be better for everyone, sometimes even in spite of "the public" there, is definitely a relatable thing for me (Fresno resident lol)

    • @realbadform
      @realbadform 2 місяці тому

      Janine and Leslie both fight for the same thing; improving their communities.

  • @jac0736
    @jac0736 Рік тому +12

    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

  • @haboh
    @haboh Рік тому +361

    Yes. Please do separate Ron and Andy videos!

  • @KyleRayner12
    @KyleRayner12 Рік тому +22

    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.

    • @sunny-gt7qw
      @sunny-gt7qw 6 днів тому +1

      I can’t stand him. And it’s SO creepy how he marries April, a 19 y/o with the maturity level of a moody 14 y/o girl

  • @Sootielove
    @Sootielove Рік тому +23

    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.

    • @gidiess7880
      @gidiess7880 Рік тому +2

      Agreed. When her competence started to be respected by her colleagues and the show, that's when the show got better

  • @combogalis
    @combogalis Рік тому +19

    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.

    • @emilyschultheiss2929
      @emilyschultheiss2929 Рік тому

      I thought he was great too!

    • @Cdr2002
      @Cdr2002 Рік тому +3

      He was alright, I don’t hate him, I just don’t feel he was particularly necessary and the character dynamics of the group without him worked just as well if not better
      I get it though, I think Star Trek TNG is a great show but the loss of Tasha after the first season stings

  • @mrgrimrjs
    @mrgrimrjs Рік тому +43

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

  • @jlotus100
    @jlotus100 Рік тому +19

    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!

  • @staycgirlsitsgoingdown2
    @staycgirlsitsgoingdown2 Рік тому +2

    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

  • @silasdementia
    @silasdementia Рік тому +22

    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.

    • @Zectifin
      @Zectifin Рік тому +1

      its only 6 episodes so its not like you have to slog through something like TNG's meh first 2 seasons which are like 40ish episodes or something. It sets up the cast better.

  • @GomerJ
    @GomerJ Рік тому +4

    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.

  • @ko379
    @ko379 Рік тому +2

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

  • @hannahz6848
    @hannahz6848 Рік тому +15

    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.

  • @BryonyClaire
    @BryonyClaire Рік тому +6

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

  • @darejohnson2251
    @darejohnson2251 Рік тому +6

    Character perspectives on all of them PLEASE

  • @Doktorlady
    @Doktorlady Рік тому +12

    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

  • @malinblitz
    @malinblitz Рік тому +2

    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.

  • @lyndsycarson8302
    @lyndsycarson8302 Рік тому +8

    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. 👍

  • @EBattousai
    @EBattousai Рік тому +99

    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!

    • @Liolia22
      @Liolia22 Рік тому +8

      Formerly known as Everything Rhymes with Orange…and also Nothing Rhymes with Orange.
      I know “5,000 Candles In the Wind” is their top hit, but I gotta say, “S3x Hair” has been stuck in my head & randomly pops up from time to time, though I only know the one line from it, 😂 so gotta give credit there…

    • @lilygreen221
      @lilygreen221 Рік тому +4

      I love the first season too

    • @Financiallyfreeauthor
      @Financiallyfreeauthor Рік тому +2

      I do too. I found Leslie very lovable from the beginning

  • @caddlemen
    @caddlemen Рік тому +11

    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.

  • @DrClocktopus1
    @DrClocktopus1 Рік тому +6

    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.

  • @SpartanOfFinance
    @SpartanOfFinance Рік тому +2

    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.

  • @reneedailey1696
    @reneedailey1696 Рік тому +6

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

  • @ipsilonia
    @ipsilonia Рік тому +11

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

  • @LoudButtons
    @LoudButtons Рік тому +10

    I can always get behind Parks and Rec content.

    • @jcspoon573
      @jcspoon573 Рік тому

      Never watched the show, just literally clicked because it's T1J.

  • @Rreinholdt
    @Rreinholdt Рік тому +2

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

  • @mayaneff3728
    @mayaneff3728 Рік тому +6

    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

  • @Cdr2002
    @Cdr2002 Рік тому +1

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

  • @natebrown5806
    @natebrown5806 Рік тому +2

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

  • @Mokkari77
    @Mokkari77 Рік тому +1

    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.

  • @thebiggestofoofs3176
    @thebiggestofoofs3176 Рік тому +1

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

  • @Sailorplutoe
    @Sailorplutoe Рік тому +5

    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.

  • @queen-patches233
    @queen-patches233 Рік тому +6

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

  • @lamibonxd
    @lamibonxd Рік тому +1

    glad ur getting more recognition!

  • @tvtalkwithavi
    @tvtalkwithavi Рік тому

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

  • @kiyarachanel
    @kiyarachanel Рік тому

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

  • @SKULLKR3W
    @SKULLKR3W Рік тому +7

    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

  • @besituu
    @besituu Рік тому

    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!

  • @bobgillingham7215
    @bobgillingham7215 Рік тому

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

  • @SteeleGolem
    @SteeleGolem Рік тому

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

  • @brucecoleman5379
    @brucecoleman5379 Рік тому

    You are really good at this!

  • @ohladysamantha
    @ohladysamantha Рік тому +1

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

  • @ProfMcGonaGil
    @ProfMcGonaGil Рік тому +1

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

  • @johncracker5217
    @johncracker5217 Рік тому +1

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

  • @dyllpickleproduces9588
    @dyllpickleproduces9588 Рік тому

    I loved this essay/retrospective! Such an underrated show

  • @averyrathbun3859
    @averyrathbun3859 Рік тому +2

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

  • @helenvalencia
    @helenvalencia Рік тому +2

    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.

  • @joshuaruce2556
    @joshuaruce2556 Рік тому

    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.

  • @okamiseven
    @okamiseven Рік тому

    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

  • @nia.j.h
    @nia.j.h Рік тому +9

    PLEASE make a video about Ron!

  • @moej3386
    @moej3386 Рік тому +3

    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.

  • @lkf8799
    @lkf8799 Рік тому +2

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

  • @TaylorJohnHardin
    @TaylorJohnHardin Рік тому

    great video!

  • @saraha5425
    @saraha5425 Рік тому

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

  • @bbraithwaite83
    @bbraithwaite83 Рік тому +1

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

  • @emilybrazzel6097
    @emilybrazzel6097 Рік тому +1

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

  • @danielmcandrew979
    @danielmcandrew979 Рік тому +2

    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

  • @brandbird
    @brandbird Рік тому +12

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

    • @coda3223
      @coda3223 Рік тому +1

      It's my comfort show and I've watched it well over 100 times, while I didn't love the first season the first time I watched it - it grew on me in the context of the other seasons. Now I love the silliness and awkward humor of S1 and it always feels like the start of something great when I watch it.

  • @kittycattt93
    @kittycattt93 Рік тому +2

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

  • @direcircumstances
    @direcircumstances Рік тому +6

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

  • @Boobalopbop
    @Boobalopbop Рік тому

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

  • @bigtats76
    @bigtats76 Рік тому +1

    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!

  • @OffbeatsMusic
    @OffbeatsMusic 11 місяців тому

    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.

  • @TrueYellowDart
    @TrueYellowDart Рік тому +5

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

  • @willgroody5296
    @willgroody5296 17 днів тому

    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.

  • @rdrs6872
    @rdrs6872 Рік тому

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

  • @youreallthesame1594
    @youreallthesame1594 Рік тому

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

  • @ronaldwilson9525
    @ronaldwilson9525 Рік тому

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

  • @tortison
    @tortison Рік тому

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

  • @Ebbagull
    @Ebbagull Рік тому +1

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

  • @edwardcaswell
    @edwardcaswell Рік тому +1

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

  • @dpalmerama
    @dpalmerama Рік тому

    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!

  • @dpglounge4900
    @dpglounge4900 Рік тому +1

    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

  • @sampal5352
    @sampal5352 9 місяців тому

    Love these types of video essays. Difference between Office fans and Parks- nothing but love in these comments, where as Office fans love to critique and look harder at everything, and lots of disagreements on minor points. I miss when we had shows like this on tv, epic era.

  • @joannalincoln9366
    @joannalincoln9366 Рік тому

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

  • @tbam73
    @tbam73 Рік тому

    Great video

  • @peege9000
    @peege9000 Рік тому +6

    +1 for a Ron Swanson video!

  • @andyb1653
    @andyb1653 Рік тому +1

    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.

  • @Biostatmom
    @Biostatmom Рік тому

    I love, love this show. Great analysis.

  • @midwestmutineer7675
    @midwestmutineer7675 Рік тому +3

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

  • @blubistheword
    @blubistheword Рік тому

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

  • @inde-cipher
    @inde-cipher Рік тому

    3:41 it was explained in the show why ron hired leslie. From parks and rec fandom wiki- “However, he was adamant that Leslie should be hired. Ron explains that it was her interview that had him convinced-to him, she was tough and honest, and stood up for what she believed in even if it might have damaged her chances of getting the job.”

    • @inde-cipher
      @inde-cipher Рік тому

      Despite her competency which of course he wouldnt be a fan of he hired her because he admired her determination

  • @ArmandoValerio65
    @ArmandoValerio65 Рік тому +2

    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.

  • @calowenby1654
    @calowenby1654 Рік тому

    I love your take on this so dang much. I was also really happy to hear you recommend that new fans watch the first season, as I think I started watching it midway through season 1 with my family and loved the series all the way through, but really grew to love it more as it continued on specifically because of season 1.
    Also, for anyone who’s interested in seeing Paul Schneider in a way different role, I highly recommend George Washington(2000), as I was really surprised once I realized where I recognized his character from. It’s a great movie imo, and highly underrated.