Looking back, it's pretty clear that Parks and Recreation has changed from a "realistic mockumentary" type sitcom like The Office, to more of an idealistic satire on American politics and small towns. It seems that the more unrealistic the show gets, the funnier it is. And it is episodes like "Ron & Tammy: Part Two" that prove this.
This episode is just flat out bonkers. The characters in this episode do not in any remote way act like normal functioning human beings, yet it works so well because the incredible performances and chemistry from Offerman and Mullally. This insane story works so well, because the writers have established this as a show that does not accurately depict how working at a Parks Department actually is. It's really just a show that takes place in a town full of unique, idiosyncratic characters. And Ron Swanson is one of the show's best for those specific reasons.
If you thought Season 2's "Ron and Tammy" episode was crazy, you've seen nothing yet. This episode features a wedding, imprisonment, backstabbing and cornrows. With the sequel, they take an already crazy plotline and crank it up to 11. Clearly the writers had a blast writing this episode, and it's an episode that has some of the most memorable moments and scenes in the entire series.
"Ron & Tammy: Part Two" is a perfect example of why many people consider Season 3 to be the show's best season. It uses what worked so well in previous episodes and makes it even better. With this episode, the show has already established the threat that Tammy 2 is to Ron, so we immediately get crazy antics from the two of them that blow away the stuff we saw in the original. The episode is tightly written and funny from beginning to end and is definitely one of the best in the entire season.
