One of the main story arches for the second half of Season 3 is the growing romantic relationship of characters Leslie and Ben. However, them hooking up is not as easy as they would like it to be, as both are under a strict no-dating policy that Chris has initiated at City Hall. This has created a sort of will-they won't-they type of relationship that is common in most sitcoms, but still very intriguing to watch.
When Chris sends Ben and Leslie out on a road trip to drive to Indianapolis to pitch Pawnee as the next host of the Indiana Little League Baseball tournament, they both try every way possible to avoid the feelings they have for each other so they won't risk losing their jobs. However, us viewers want the two to get together just like Ann says, because as the show has established up to this point, they are perfect for one another. In this storyline we see Ben, in a great moment, give a heartfelt speech in front of Leslie on why Pawnee is so great. I love how much this character has evolved over the season. He basically despised the town of Pawnee at first, but has grown to really love them. We also see some more funny Amy Poehler drunk acting, fresh off of the great "The Fight" episode. The two actors have great chemistry together, and it is on full display in this episode.
One of the reasons why I think this episode is so great, is because it is able to juggle three different storylines all at the same time so effortlessly. The writing truly is fantastic. In a subplot, we see Tom introduce a new game he invented called Know Ya Boo (pretty much a rip-off of The Newlywed Game). This storyline is Tom Haverford at his best, and it also shows new layers to the relationship of Andy and April. We see the two of them get in a big fight, something we haven't seen yet since they got married. Even though their relationship has been unusual from the start, it's episodes like this that really bring out a dose of realism that makes their relationship feel authentic. In another subplot, Ron Swanson teaches a little girl how the Government really works. This is Ron at his best, as we see his political beliefs on full display. I just love how out of sync he is with children. Like when he gives the little girl a land mine as a present for example.
Overall, "Road Trip" is an impressively written episode that manages to juggle three equally great storylines seamlessly without feeling convoluted. We see the relationship of Ben and Leslie evolve more, and even the already established relationship of Andy and April. All the characters are at their best and it's another perfect example of why Season 3 is arguably the best season of the series. The season is full of episodes just like this. Really no flaws, and funny from beginning to end.
