6/24/2023 0 Comments April parks and rec love gif![]() Later, in “Women in Garbage” (5.11), which I think is easily one of the show’s best episodes, Leslie and April team up to prove that women are as capable as men. As Leslie says, “All I’ve ever wanted is for you to show the enthusiasm you showed for your dog park and when you did I blew it.” Of course, April’s apology isn’t free of snark, “I’m sorry that I outsmarted you at every turn…and I know that I have a lot to learn from you and I’m sorry that I disrespected your stupid dream.” She has things she’s passionate about too. The episode is brilliant because it forces Leslie, and the audience, to take April seriously. So instead, Leslie shows interest in April’s creepy friend’s art show. But at what cost? He’s smart and he’s beautiful and I think of him in many ways as a daughter.” Ron advises Leslie to give her lots of busy work, but the problem is April is not enough of a workaholic for that to fool her. Leslie consults Ron, talking about some new guy causing trouble: “ He used to be a slacker but now he’s realizing his full potential. In “Leslie vs April” (5.7), Leslie undermines her protege’s plans to create a dog park on Lot 48, the lot behind Ann’s house that started the drama four years ago. This season, there have been great moments in which Leslie and April butt heads or gang up. That’s what makes their relationship and Leslie’s mentoring of April so dynamic. I was sure Parks was setting up April to be the next Leslie, which was fascinating because April is sort of the anti-Leslie. It also challenges her both personally and in her job. By episode’s end she finds fulfillment and satisfaction in organizing an animal adoption event. In “Live Ammo” (4.19), April struggles to fill Leslie’s shoes while she campaigns and Tom, of all people, suggests that she finds a project she’s passionate about. As Leslie handed over some of her duties after getting elected to the City Council, April took on new responsibilities. Last season, however, I began to track her development a bit more closely as April started to get pushed by various characters to move out of her late-adolescent angst and do something with her potential. Throw in her near father-daughter relationship with Ron and her antagonism for Ann and Chris and I can’t look away. Against Leslie’s hyperbolic optimism and work ethic, April’s dry humor and resistance to effort are a thing of comedic genius. I’ve always taken particular notice of April, however, because of her age, intelligence, and the contrast she provides to other characters. Leslie Knope is my personal hero (I’m serious) and Ron Swanson is Ron f–king Swanson. There are many loveable characters on Parks and Recreation. I’ve been thinking about it since January. ![]() I’ve written before about Ron Swanson’s feminism and the growth of his character while also hinting at a post about April Ludgate. In the shadow of a looming How-the-edit-do-I-get-this-all-done-and-well breakdown, I turn to my happy place, Parks and Recreation. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |