brenbella

I've seen a lot of television and film over the years, but nothing even comes close to matching the emotions I felt watching this finale. This episode encapsulates everything that is so beautiful and tragic about life. It's more than just an end to a television show. It's a work of art that perfectly depicts the beauty of life in all its splendor. I'm so sad to say goodbye to this wonderful show and all it's beautifully complex characters but so grateful to witness it and happy that is got the proper ending it deserved. Best series finale ever!!

Up to this point, I think it's safe to say a lot of people did not like the character of Kim including myself. However, after watching this episode, I started to like her a whole lot more. Why is that exactly? Well, we learn more about why Kim is the way she is. We meet her mother and stepfather, learn about what happened to her brother, and find out more details about her on again, off again relationship with Daniel. Kim's life is a mess.

I think the episode is a fascinating commentary on the different socioeconomic statuses in this country. Something that will always be relevant no matter what generation we are in. There will always be the upper class, middle class, and lower class. It's sad, but true. A lot of people are forced to play with the hand their dealt. Kim did not ask to be put in this situation. To be raised in this dysfunctional household, but she has to get up and go to school just like everyone else. She has a lot more she has to worry about compared to the average student, which makes us empathize with her so much more and feel for her, because we are forced to think how messed up her life actually it is. Of course she would act the way she does!

That's one of the reasons why I like the character of Lindsay in this show. She is able to emphasize with other people and has a strong sense of justice and pride. I think those are amazing qualities to have as a human being, and even though her parents may think she is making a wrong decision by befriending Kim (and maybe she is), I still love that she is willing to support her and stand by her side despite how dysfunctional and rude she can be.

Season 4 has a handful of "classic" Parks and Rec episodes. These are the episodes that are tightly written and have memorable lines or scenes that fans of the show mention constantly. "Pawnee Rangers" is a classic episode, not only because it has a great main plotline, but also because it introduces the phrase "Treat Yo Self." If the writers knew that would catch on so quickly and become so popular, they would have probably just named the entire episode after it.

The main story centers around Ron and Leslie leading their two completely different troops (The Pawnee Rangers and Pawnee Goddesses) together on a camping trip. Ron's leadership style is much more stern and tough while Leslie's is more playful and supportive. This initiates conflict and jealously between the two troops and eventually leads to a debate and merger.

I love when the show collides both Ron and Leslie's personalities. Both characters who are completely different people, somehow find a way to get a long, but it's never easy. It's one of the show's messages, that despite being in conflict or completely different from others, you can still find ways to see the good in one another and get a long. The children in the troops are perfectly cast and whenever Ron and Leslie are forced to butt heads, it's always a joy to watch.

Now, what puts "Pawnee Rangers" above most other episodes in the season, and even the entire series, is its fantastic side-plot. Not since Season 2's "Practice Date" have I seen such a great side-plot from this series. Tom and Donna (who has rarely been funnier) have their annual day where they go out and buy themselves things. (That doesn't sound as catchy as treat yo self). They decide to bring Ben a long, who they see sitting alone on a bench eating soup. This plotline not only gives us the great pairing of Tom and Donna, but we also see Ben trying to fit in, but is just way to uptight to enjoy himself the way Tom and Donna do. There are many great scenes, but the best has to be towards the end which I won't spoil but involves a character crying in a very amusing way.

Overall, "Pawnee Rangers" is the show at its best and certainly one of the best of Season 4. We get a great main storyline where the show's two best characters (Ron and Leslie) butt heads. Also there is an arguably even better side-plot that introduces one of the show's best catchphrases. It's full of many great moments and is hilarious from beginning to end. Go ahead and treat yo self and watch this episode!...(Sorry)