#its s4e4: pawnee rangers

[lab-trash]

In case you didn't know, Hawk from Cobra Kai is in an episode of Parks and Rec. He's tiny and adorable.

I think he might be smaller in his iCarly appearance? But I feel like more people know about that.

[womenbeingfunny-blog1]

Ovaries Before Brovaries: 4 Times ‘Parks and Recreation’ celebrated women.

When Parks and Recreation first premiered on NBC in 2009, it was seen for what it was pitched as: another mockumentary sitcom from the creators of the wildly successful The Office, with Amy Poehler doing her best Michael Scott impression as bumbling city employee Leslie Knope. What developed over the next six years was a beautiful ode to being yourself, loving those around you, and of course: waffles. What also developed was a wonderfully feminist show that celebrated the women that dominated it’s cast throughout its seven seasons. Below are just a few of my favorite ‘girl power’ moments from everyone’s favorite small, Indiana bureaucratic installation. 

Galentines Day

An absolute given, Galentines Day is Leslie’s annual celebration of the women in her life, held the day before Valentine’s Day. We see Galentines Day in a few iterations over the show’s course, but nothing is as jaw dropping as our initial peek into the tradition (S2E16), where Leslie has constructed, amongst other things, mosaic portraits of each attending Galentine (made from the crushed bottles of their favorite diet soda, of course). Galentines Day was created specifically for the show, and has caught on in real life as well, being celebrated across the globe . There are also two Parks and Recreation episodes named after the ‘holiday’, only further proving its legacy. Pawnee Goddesses 

We only see the Pawnee Goddesses in action for one episode (S4E4), but they left a lasting impression. In the episode, we see that Leslie has created her own scout-esque activity, the Pawnee Goddesses, after finding out that girls were not allowed to join the male equivalent activity, the Pawnee Rangers. The two opposing factions (much like the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts they are parodying) go on a camping retreat together over a weekend. What happens next is typical sitcom fodder, with a twist: Pawnee Rangers camp is no fun (and being run by traditionalist Ron Swanson), whereas puppy parties and candy run amok for the Goddesses. Rangers desert their camp en masse to join the Goddesses, who run a mini debate on the pros and cons of letting the boys join, much to Leslie’s delight and dismay at the feminism on display. My favorite scene from this episode is Leslie leading the new members of the Goddesses in a welcoming chant - complete with Ranger leader Andy Dwyer. Women in Garbage

This episode finds now City Councilwoman Leslie Knope spearheading an equal gender employment commission, trying to engage more women in government work. The commission is already doomed from the start, as Leslie and April are the only two women in attendance. Leslie deems Sanitation the worst offender, and her and April shadow garbage handlers on the job. Being Leslie, she attacks this task with tenacity, determination, and a complete binder plan at the ready. What she couldn't control, however, were the men purposefully giving her and April the more difficult tasks that even they couldn’t get accomplished. Leslie’s can-do spirit is on full display here, and even in the face of failure she refuses to give up. As a result of her hard work, Pawnee’s sanitation department hires three full time, female garbage collectors. “Time After Time”

My favorite scenes in Parks and Recreation are the ones that showcase friendship - be it brotherly (Chris and Ben), to humorous (Tom and Jean-Ralphio), to love and understanding (Ron and Leslie). The most powerful, dynamic, and interesting relationships on this show are between the women. Extroverts like Leslie interact with introverts such as April, divas like Donna, and just plain insane women such as the Tammy’s and Joan Callamezzo. Leslie’s friendship with her best friend, Ann, is often highlighted by other fans, but here I’m choosing to highlight this scene featuring Donna, Ann, and April (S5E16). April is usually sarcastic and somber, and has been hanging around Ann all week in the hopes of getting a referral letter for vet school - Ann just wants April to be her friend. Ann had been keeping a secret regarding her partner, Chris, from everyone all week. April calls her out on it, while Ann is desperately trying to distract them both by leading a sing along of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Time After Time’. Ann finally spills her guts, leading April to pick up the song. Donna bursts through the door a moment later, and the three sing proud and loudly. It is a beautiful moment of female friendship, just one of many found throughout Parks…