Oh yeah! http://www.avclub.com/articles/parks...-chance,88494/

Okay, I understand that everyone digs wedding proposals and that I'm a cynical bastard, but can we at least agree that they took the "unstable Chris Traeger" thing way, way too far? That character hasn't worked for a long time. There's no shame in leaving characters one-note -- it's a sitcom! It's not The Wire. Chris the Dynamo is a lot more useful than Chris the Sadsack.

Yeah, we already know that Chris Traegar isn't much of a take charge guy, and you'd think by now the writers would have allowed that positivity trait of his to develop into that former more. All I see is a guy who's horribly depressed. What happened to the Chris that would believes he would live to at least 150, and have at least four wives, one of which is a Chinese woman who isn't born until 70 years in the future?

Didn't watch last night's ep just yet, but the Traeger sorrow is bullshit if it's gotten worse. That kind of personality wouldn't be taken down by trivial stupid shit like "not having a girlfriend." He'd just go kick some ass on the track and hook up with another hunny.

This is the kind of shit that kills a show (look at you, Simpsons) - taking a character and pulling a complete reversal on their core under the guise of "this adds dimensionality." No it doesn't - it proves you're a hack for a writer because you can't think of a better angle than "YEAH BOI STIR THAT SHIT UP." I don't even like the idea of Ron being hurt over a woman dumping him. There's ZERO indication of that until this season. Honestly, was there even a valid reason for Leslie to go after Ben in the first place?

I always have this concern with shows where it feels like the writing staff either A) collectively inherits stupidity or B) the primary people move along to another project and leave their characters in the hands of sadists, morons, and people will bullshit agendas.

I hate every day that Calvin and Hobbes isn't fresh and new, but thank god Watterson knew when he had to end it.

/not having a great morning

Originally Posted by Strell Didn't watch last night's ep just yet, but the Traeger sorrow is bullshit if it's gotten worse.

So, about last night's episode...

I'm thinking unstable Chris is done after last night.

Last night's episode, I wasn't as excited about it considering next week's preview! though it was pretty funny. Ben's mom is played by Captain Stottlemeyer's wife, and his dad's girlfriend looks like somebody I might have seen in that Office episode where Michael went to Benihana's.
Leslie's refusal to give up the chew toy that is the lack of tolerance between Ben's parents did wear on me a bit during the entire episode, especially when the solution was that they could show up, sit down and shut up.

I thought they wasted two really good guest stars. Ben's mom has done a lot of other stuff, she's one of the original Steppenwolf players. And Ben's dad is the goddamn tits (assuming you've seen Breaking Bad). They were handed some by-the-book material, the bickering parents trope is done and done.

I agree with what Strell said. I think this is will always be a problem when TV is done in this 22-episode per season format. I think there's something to be said for going small and staying on topic (meaning, for example, if your premise is centered around a parks and rec dept, we get episodes relating to that theme). Just about every show that's ever been feels obligated to do "something more," and they do thinking that they're adding depth. However, they're just watering it down, they're making the show seem more like all the other bullshit shows on TV, where people fall in love, people have crazy weddings, main characters have divorced parents who bicker comically without consequence beyond whatever hijinx ensue, etc.

So I know it looks like I'm picking on PNR because this is a PNR thread, but this is a problem for lots of TV. I guess it's to say that, while PNR is one of the "better" shows, what PNR is right now shows how relative our sense of good and bad is.

Back on point: It's the premise that distinguishes the show. When you stay true to that, the show will feel right. That isn't to say the relationships between the characters aren't important, but if those relationships don't honor the premise, and they're just the everyday "Different folks understanding/learning to love," then it. This ain't Too Close for Comfort, and the guy playing Ben ain't JM J Bullock. Because if it were then I would ing love Ben.

Tonight, Joe Biden struts his sexy stuff. Will Leslie call the wedding off and elope with our greatest Vice President in the past 40 years?

"I dig your groovy tunes man" (one of my fav lines of many in the show)

Hilarious episode as usual. Ben is such a dick to that poor accountant, he keeps taking the job and quitting non-stop, and his new/former boss already made a freakin' name tag.

It's really nice to see Tom get serious about something for a change, and it's quite hilarious he went all cheapskate on it.

Andy and April were hilarious. I also lost it with the convict's park proposal.

Funniest moment this season so far.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJcGNWfeHVI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S6YpMxLTM4

Ah yes. Sheer Fart Attack.

I just want the doctor to say that Jerry had a fart attack!

It's....it's so beautiful.

Advertisement

Register for free to remove this ad

Great episode again last night. It was nice that they made Ron and Jerry's stories quite parallel to each other, as it celebrated their accomplishments. Ron's pride in his work and Jerry's optimism sure paid off, as both of them had a great night.

Merry Christmas, bitches!

I had no idea this thread existed. Been watching every episode since the second season.