PARKS is GOLDEN

It's that season again... No, not the holiday season, but AWARD SEASON!!!
Already I feel like I've been hit with a bag of coal in the face, as the Golden Globe nominations were particularly egregious.
In particular I'm annoyed by the television awards, as I have seen almost none of the nominated movies, but I do watch a lot of television.
There are plenty of categories to be annoyed about and I'll get to some of these mistakes closer to the award season.
The worst offense, though, was the omission of PARKS AND RECREATIONS.
PARKS, which began with an evolving 6 episode first season, was absolutely dynamite last year in its second season.
To say it was the funniest thing on television wouldn't be a big enough compliment to the show. I would say it was equal to the best seasons of THE OFFICE and the worst episodes of ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT. Now that is definitely resonating with some fans who appreciate good comedy.
ANd just to be clear, good comedy isn't the sappy MODERN FAMILY, which is watchable as far as network television goes. Nor is GLEE, with its 2 or 3 amusing lines, good comedy. Heck, while it is a great music video, it is barely a good television show.
But I'm not hear to trash the competition (BIG BANG THEORY SUCKS!), rather I want to preach the merits of PARKS and sing its praises so that all can hear about this instant classic.
The highlight of PARKS is shoe shine Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt), who delivers great physical comedy, whether tackling a rodent or playing with his band. Dwyer is also the most charming aspect of the show, as he is involved in a will they/won't they with intern/secretary April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza), which is resolved to some degree in the finale.
The pair are probably the funniest aspect of the show, and definitely the sweetest part. They remind me of the Jim and Pam years on THE OFFICE when Pam was still with Roy, and I didn't hate them together like I do now.
I have also become a huge fan of the comedy stylings of Nick Offerman, who plays Ron Swanson, the mustached leader of the Parks department. He is a great foil for Amy Poehler's Leslie Knope.
What makes the show work is its unique circumstances and its sharp wit. It's not an insult to say its a copy of THE OFFICE, because while there are many differences, at their best, they both execute heart and humor perfectly.
There might be some weak moments in the show, including the sometime annoying Tom Haveford (Aziz Ansari), who is really hit or miss.
In its final 2 episodes the show introduced a new dynamic that will set it up nicely for the first couple episodes when it returns in January.
Its return date is a whole other problem for me, as NBC delayed its return to make room for OUTSOURCED. THis crime against humanity prevented NBC from actually having a killer 8-10 lineup with COMMUNITY, 30 ROCK, THE OFFICE and PARKS. But then again, what else should you expect from the 4th place network?
I can't strongly enough recommend Parks and Recreations for anyone who might have liked The Office, Arrested Development, Modern Family or The Simpsons.
Personal Highlights this season:
1. The picnic with all the former heads of the Parks department, including one who grew weed in all the parks
2. Anytime Leslie gets drunk
3. Anytime a mural is shown.
4. The halloween episode, when we meet Leslie's nemesis ... a junior high student.

Finally, here is a fun bit about Andy's band