Parks And Recreation: Bailout: Episode 16 Season 5

A few weeks on the shelf and Parks and Recreation returns with “Bailout”, which features a guest appearance by Jason Schwartzman.

Check below for the full review….

The Players:

Director: Craig Zisk
Writers: Joe Mande
Cast: Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Nick Offerman, Adam Scott, Aziz Ansari, Jim O’Heir, Retta, Aubrey Plaza, Rob Lowe, and Chris Pratt, Nick Kroll, Alison Becker, Mo Collins

Episode Title: “Bailout”

Leslie tries to help a local video store stay in business, while Ann blackmails April into being her friend. Jason Schwartzman guest stars!

The Good:

Cold Open: Ridiculously good. Jean-Ralphio and sister Mona Lisa just rocked it.
Perd, ’82: Yes, we’d like to see about three hours of footage of Perd Hapley reviewing films circa 1982.
April/Ann: This plot delivered some funny, and sweet moments. The Cyndi Lauper song scene might have been best, which brings us to…
Donna: Her walking in on April and Ann’s duet of “Time After Time” and making it into a trio is terrific.
Ben: Dressed well, and used the word “dad-cision” in a conversation with Chris.
Ron: He refuses to let his town become a socialist hellscape. The bailout plot provided good comedy, and brought up some solid points about the problems with (too much) government. Ron should be a real person and run for president. Please let this happen.
Rushmore: Jason Schwartzman did fine in a guest-spot, and his reaction to Leslie mentioning he offer films by Michael Bay at the video store is hilarious.
City Council: Very funny when Ron arrives to speak at the city council meeting and Leslie asks if he is hurt, or lost.
Best Line: Ron: “I know what I’m about, son.”
Best Line II: April to Ann:”…since you work in a hospital as a janitor….”

The Bad:

More Jean-Ralphio/Mona Lisa: Actually, the writers provided the perfect dose of both in “Bailout”.

Overall:

A Jean-Ralphio appearance is always a good time. Drop in his kooky sister, Mona Lisa, and now we are talking something special. With “Bailout,” Parks and Rec takes a bunch of real-life issues (government interference! everything is available online! porn always helps!) and crafts an episode that is one of the season’s finest. And we didn’t even mention the Chris/Ann plot about the baby. Hard to not watch this show and smile – what with all the solid comedy blasting everywhere from the open to the close. NBC is having a rough go of it lately, but they should feel blessed to have a show as good as Parks on its schedule.