S02E20 - Summer Catalog

06/02/21 • 89 min

Live from Pawnee: A Parks and Recreation Fan Rewatch Podcast

This week, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that introduces the three men that preceded Ron as Pawnee Parks Director! Working on the Pawnee Summer Catalog, Leslie puts together a reunion between Ron Swanson and his three Park Director predecessors. She hopes it will be a joyous occasion and plans to write a letter about it for the catalog. However, they all suck. None of the four men get along with each other, and they each have their own less than admirable traits: Clarence (sexist), David (litters, doesn't care about parks), Michael (obsessed with marijuana), and Ron is...well... Ron. Meanwhile, Tom has been tasked with taking the cover photo for the Summer Catalog, and convinces Ann and Mark to pose for photos at a community park. Tom is repeatedly frustrated with Ann, who has a difficult time appearing happy. When the photos are finished, Ann agrees that she looks miserable and asks that the pictures not be used. Mark appears concerned that Ann's unhappiness is a reflection of their relationship. Additionally, April and Andy have been hanging out more and growing closer. After helping Leslie set up the Park Director reunion picnic, Andy asks April to get drinks after work, and she quickly agrees. But when they arrive at the bar, the bouncer notices April appears to be underage, and her ID confirms she is 20... which makes Andy uncomfortable. Loyal viewers, as always we tackle the hard-hitting questions so you don't have to, such as... How does one accurately convey "slithering"? Why would anyone eat anything other than breakfast food? What exactly IS Tom thinking in that hi-res photo? Will Leslie's letter ever get written? Does Andy get over his discomfort with April's age? Folks, you don't want to miss this one. NOTE: Our intern, Constantine, has requested that those who join us please bring sufficient bacon for trail snacks... we don't want any tantrums. Many thanks to our inimitable sponsor, JJ's Diner.

Previous Episode

S02E19 - Park Safety

This week, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that reveals the secret to Jerry's approach to life (you'll have to wait until the very end). When Jerry gets mugged while refilling the park's hummingbird feeders, Leslie feels bad about how much they make fun of him, and urges the gang to refrain, while also working with LOUD park security ranger Carl to try and make the parks safer. Going on Pawnee Today, Leslie says the Pawnee government failed the parks, security is poor, and they need more funding. Although angering City Manager Paul Iaresco, the TV stunt worked, causing Mayor Gunderson to offer $2,500 towards fixing the park. However, at a press conference Jerry makes a confession to Leslie that perhaps things happened a little differently than he said. Meanwhile, we observe some odd love-triangle-esque interactions and behavior from Ann (who says Andy is a fun person but completely reliant on others), April (who likes Andy, and plain doesn't like Ann), and Andy (who is a dim-witted but loveable goofball). After Andy is accidentally knocked out by Ron during a self-defense class, Ann brings Andy gifts at the shoe shine stand to help him feel better... also making April jealous. However, we've seen Andy think of others lately... particularly April. Once again, we address the toughest questions known to mankind, such as... What is the confession Jerry makes to Leslie? Will the gang continue to make fun of him? Is it okay to attack a criminal's bean bag? Did the movie Avatar truly live up to the hype? What exactly does "walking Lord Sheldon" mean? Loyal viewers, this is a memorable episode for sure - don't miss it! NOTE: Our intern, Constantine, asks that if you join us, please refrain from getting breakfast burritos... it could be unpleasant for all involved. Many thanks to our awesome sponsor, the Ron Swanson Self-Defense and Self-Respect Couse (or RSSDSRC).

Next Episode

S02E21 - 94 Meetings with Christopher Murray

This week, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that finally introduces us to April's family and casa Ludgate! Forced to deal with 93 meetings in a single day (due to a mistake by a guilty and embarrassed April), Ron enlists the aid of April, Andy, and Ann. As the day progresses, meetings are handled with mixed results: Ron just silently listens saying as little as possible, and is on the verge of snapping; April embraces complete fantasy (e.g. Ron is dead and she's his daughter); Andy struggles to not make promises (and is also just Andy); and after revealing she is a nurse, Ann provides several free medical consults. Meanwhile, Leslie attempts to help Ron, but her first meeting reveals that Turnbill Mansion is being altered by Jessica Wicks while planning an extravagant birthday party for her new husband, the wealthy Nick Newport Sr, founder of Sweetums. Leslie and Tom spring into action to mitigate the damage as best they can. They find several extreme alterations are already done, and Leslie is outraged to learn Jessica plans to demolish a gazebo in the backyard. Viewers, we have never avoided the tough questions, and we're not starting now, such as... Will April earn back Ron's trust? How can Leslie prevent the destruction of the gazebo? Does Andy promise away the entire city? Will Tom get sufficient time to suck up to Jessica Wicks? Can Ron make it through the day without exploding? Stay tuned folks, this will be a doozy! Many thanks to our sponsor, the one and only Sweetums: "If you can't beat 'em, Sweetums!"