Characters are what makes a show: Parks and Recreation

The television series Parks and Recreation is one of my favorite shows. The subtle humor and natural goofiness is what drives the show to become a successful comedy. The show is about Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler) who is the deputy director of the Parks and Recreation Department in Indiana, Pawnee. Leslie is incredibly passionate about her job. Leslie will do anything in her power to become a woman involved in government. She has an interesting, yet supportive team behind her the entire way she strives for the top. The way the show is composed is documentary like. The camera is constantly moving and the characters talk directly to the camera in each episode.

                                                     

As soon as I began to watch, I found myself hooked. The character development in the show is what makes the show so interesting and attractive. Even though the characters have very different views from one another, they all work well together and support each other. For many people my age, politics can tend to be boring, unless one has a strong interest. This show is a spoof on politics and the government. It is humorous and enjoyable to watch. The characters engage the audience by adding humor and relatable jokes.

Each character in the show is very different, yet adds something to the show. Leslie Knope, the protagonist, is a passionate, hard-working, ambitious woman who loves her hometown and will do anything to climb to the top. Leslie cares deeply for her friends and her coworkers. She will always put others before herself.



                                                  

There are several relationships in the show that are very interesting. Ron Swanson’s relationship with Leslie is one of many. Ron hates the government and having anything to do with the government, where as Leslie’s passion is about the government and becoming a woman in politics. Her main role model is Hilary Clinton. Even though Ron has a completely different view than Leslie, they still have a strong friendship and work well together. Another interesting relationship in the beginning of the show is the romantic relationship between Andy Dwyer and Ann Perkins. Ann is a neat, kind, smart, loving character that will do anything for her loved ones and friends. She is a nurse and has a general direction of where she is going in life. Andy on the other hand is a low-life with good intensions who does not have a real job. He plays in a low-key band and shines shoes. Andy is clearly out of Anne’s league and Anne can do a lot better. The characters continue to grow and connect with each other, which makes the show easy to keep watching.