I like to think of this episode as the mid-season finale for Season 2. This episode serves as closure for some already on-going storylines, and the beginning for some new ones. This episode is tasked to do a lot in just a short amount of time, and it still manages to be a very tight episode with many great moments and lines.
Parks and Recreation is a show that has a handful of great Christmas episodes. Despite how highly rated this one is for me, I would still consider it to be the third best Christmas episode in the series. "Christmas Scandal" revolves around Leslie being framed by the Pawnee Sun for sexually seducing Councilman Dexhart. Dexhart has been known to be involved in many sexual scandals in the past, and Leslie finds herself a part of the latest controversy.
Written by show creator Michael Schur, this episode is tightly written and is not only very funny, but also a great parody on politicians and the media. One of the best scenes in the episode is Leslie's appearance on Pawnee Today. Host, Joan Callamezzo, attempts to dig up as much dirt she can over this situation, and even overanalyzes a video of a previous encounter where Leslie simply just shakes hands with Dexhart. The episode builds to a great climax that involves Joan, Leslie, and Dexhart.
Despite "Christmas Scandal" not being a great "stand-a-lone episode" like "Hunting Trip" or "Greg Pikitis" for example, I still think this episode is pretty great and does showcase a lot of the show at its best. I think its safe to say that the episode has found its voice and its becoming a much more funny and original show than it was in Season 1. The first half of Season 2 has given us some classic episodes (Practice Date, Greg Pikitis, Hunting Trip) and the second half of Season 2 is just as good as the first half, if not better. So, if you like what you've seen so far in this Season, keep watching! :)
