The fourth season of P&R had a good consistent structure which came from the political office campaign; this allowed it to have a forward motion, but did not limit it to just doing this. With the fifth season there is not quite as strong a structure to give it this good backbone, and instead the plots feel a bit too baggy and comfortable with themselves. There are some general threads and plenty of good individual moments or episodes, but it is never a great thing when weddings and pregnancies start being driving forces in narrative, since often it is a bit too obvious – particularly for a comedy which has its best moments when it pushes out reality into sillier and more imaginative aspects.
The use of Jamm, and the ongoing strength of the characters continues to make it work, and the writing is best when it plays to them rather than the relationship threads which are here. Throwaway character lines from the stronger characters are consistently funny, and some of the character arcs are enjoyable (eg seeing April be more than her previous character), and for sure there is enough in this fifth season to keep it funny and entertaining. The performances are a big part of this, with Poehler, Jones, Offerman, Plaza, Pratt, and others all continuing their strong ensemble work – O'Heir, Retta and others may have more one-note characters, but they are very good at them. Glaser's Jamm is fun throughout the season, and generally the various guests stars are good, even if some of the very big names is more about having politicians showing up.
There is a bit too much comfort about this season, and too many threads which seem obvious and a little pleased with themselves, but generally it works well, and has plenty of good laughs, however it doesn't bode too well for the next two seasons when it is starting to lean very much in this direction.
