Leslie Knope is one to pay attention to details, to the little things. When Ben asked her to marry him, she didn't answer right away because she wanted to remember everything about that moment. The same thing happens to me in terms of the fifth season and the show in general, but let’s focus on the journey the characters went through this year, shall we?
The season picks up with Leslie struggling in her new position, with Ben and April all the way over Washington. While visiting Ben, Leslie tries to get government funding to clean up the Pawnee River. The first episode of the season will settle the dynamics of the political game Leslie is in, coming full circle when, during the last episode that aired, Leslie complains to Ron about it; she says thought she would find more people like him, strongly opinionated with a code of honor.
The fact is that as much as this ‘beautiful tropical fish’ series is a comedy, it usual hits close to home, presenting problems the viewers can see in their daily lives. Growing up wishing to become something and doing it, as Leslie did, shows that sometimes the journey to become that thing we want, doesn’t end when we do achieve it, is a constant challenge.
After months of a long distance relationship, Ben proposes to Leslie, finally getting married in one of the best episodes to date while fighting against councilman Jamm, who has become a recurring antagonist to the group. (An evil archetype of laziness and corruption) Ben moves back to Pawnee and starts working, finding charities for the Sweetums foundation.
For the first time we see Ron dating a woman that seems normal, a mother of two little girls, showing a fatherly side to the grumpy, meat fan, honorable and adorable Swanson. (Don’t tell him I called him adorable, but he is.)
Andy doesn’t make it to the police academy, losing his spark, feeling he’s not talented enough; ends up showing to himself that he is not just the goofball of the group, but a kind hearted guy (we knew this but he had to believe it too) finding a job with Ben in the Sweetums Foundation.
April has become a Deputy Director after coming up with the idea to integrate the animal control department to the Parks’ own department. And Jerry has retired.
Tom finally opens his Rent-a-Swag business and breaks up with Ann. She starts dating herself, discovering what she likes and wants while being alone: she wants to be a mom. Looking for sperm donors, she ends up choosing Chris and their chemistry begins again.
Retta is her usual fantastic awesome self. We didn’t have enough Retta this season, and as much as I enjoy her getting mixed up with the others’ storylines I wished she has one of her own next year.
With only just one episode left, the fifth season is keeping up with the spirit of the series, showing that ladies can do as much as men, that family and friends are the most important thing in life besides work and waffles, and that opening up your heart is worth the risk.
