The Unmatched Brilliance of Amy Poehler: Ranking Every Parks & Recreation Episode She Penned

Amy Poehler's contributions to the NBC comedy Parks and Recreation stand out among the rest. Known for its clever and humorous writing, the show's success was amplified by the talented cast and crew. Alongside Poehler, two other cast members took on the roles of writer and director. Adam Scott directed the episode "Farmers Market" in season 6, while Nick Offerman wrote the episode "Lucky" in season 4 and directed "Correspondents' Lunch" in season 5 as well as "Flu Season 2" in season 6. However, it is Poehler's episodes that truly shine.

In addition to her writing credits, Poehler also directed three episodes during the seven-season run of Parks and Recreation. These include "The Debate" in season 4, "Article Two" in season 5, and "Gryzzlbox" in season 7. When discussing her involvement in the show, Poehler expressed admiration for the talents involved and the opportunity to explore something different. It is evident through these five episodes that she possesses remarkable writing skills and a natural ability to create humor.

5 Second Chunce (Season 6, Episode 10)

In this episode, Amy Poehler and Mike Schur, co-creators of Parks and Recreation, teamed up to write a story about Leslie Knope adjusting to the end of her time as City Councillor. When Councilman Dexhart gets caught in a sex scandal, Leslie seizes the opportunity to run against him. Meanwhile, Chris and Ann decide to find out the gender of their baby, Tom looks for a new business venture after selling Rent-A-Swag, and Andy deals with jet lag after returning from London.

"Second Chance" may not be the funniest Parks and Recreation episode, but it has its share of enjoyable moments. Kristen Bell's return as Ingrid de Forest adds to the entertainment, and Leslie's excitement about her campaign leads to a great joke that gives the episode its title. Chris and Ann's story is heartwarming, especially with Henry Winkler's delightful portrayal of Dr. Saperstein and a brief but hilarious appearance by Ben Schwartz as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein. Tom's subplot is also enjoyable, with entertaining interactions among the Pawnee Parks Department employees. Andy's jet lag provides some amusing moments as well.

4 The Debate (Season 4, Episode 20)

Parks and Recreation season 4 primarily focuses on Leslie's campaign for the Pawnee City Council. In the episode titled "The Debate," Leslie participates in a televised debate alongside other candidates, including adult film star Brandi Maxxxx and Bobby Newport, the heir to the Sweetums candy company. April and Andy organize a watch party at their home for Leslie's donors, but encounter a problem when Andy realizes he forgot to pay the cable bill.

This episode garnered Poehler a Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series in 2012, and it's clear why. "The Debate" is a hilarious episode that expertly satirizes politics, while also delivering a heartfelt closing speech from Leslie. Paul Rudd shines as the charming yet clueless Bobby Newport, and the other candidates also showcase some excellent lines. Kathryn Hahn adds to the fun as Jennifer Barkley, Bobby's campaign manager. However, the true highlight lies in the campaign party, where Andy passionately reenacts scenes from his favorite movies in the absence of cable, resulting in several memorable moments from Chris Pratt.

3 Telethon (Season 2, Episode 22)

In this episode of Parks and Recreation, Leslie takes on the late-night shift of the Pawnee Cares telethon to raise funds for diabetes research. However, her previous all-nighter makes it challenging for her to stay awake. Additionally, she must find ways to fill the time while Tom and basketball star Detlef Schrempf become distracted at the Snakehole Lounge. Meanwhile, Mark plans to propose to Ann, but she is unsure about her future with him.

"Telethon" is a truly hilarious episode. Amy Poehler effortlessly portrays Leslie in her sleep-deprived state, which becomes even more amusing when she indulges in the sugar-filled Nutri-Yum energy bars. The subplot involving Tom and Detlef Schrempf is immensely enjoyable, thanks to Aziz Ansari's portrayal of a drunken character. The episode is filled with other enjoyable moments, such as April's attempt to make Andy jealous and the comedic lines delivered by Joan Callamezzo, a beloved recurring character. "Telethon" is a jam-packed episode, brimming with hilarious jokes that make for a highly entertaining viewing experience.

2 One Last Ride (Season 7, Episodes 12-13)

Amy Poehler, along with Mike Schur, co-wrote the final episode of the Parks and Recreation series titled "One Last Ride." The episode revolves around the characters' preparations to leave Pawnee, bringing them together for one last time in the parks department. Leslie seizes the opportunity to embark on a final mission when a citizen asks for help fixing a broken swing set. Additionally, the episode provides glimpses into the future timelines of the show, revealing what various characters have been up to over the years.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Poehler expresses that the finale serves as a heartfelt "thank you" to the loyal viewers who have followed the characters for seven seasons. It is gratifying to witness the future endeavors of the main cast, and it is especially delightful that the episode includes recurring characters like Jean-Ralphio and Craig Middlebooks. The present-day storyline set in 2017 Pawnee adds to its appeal by delivering not only a touching farewell among the characters but also an exceptional sendoff to the show's audience. "One Last Ride" is an incredibly endearing episode and an outstanding conclusion to the beloved series Parks and Recreation.

1 The Fight (Season 3, Episode 13)

In "The Fight," Leslie and Ann find it difficult to spend quality time together due to their busy schedules. Hoping to reconnect, Leslie suggests that Ann be considered for a position as the new public relations director for the health department. Ann, initially hesitant because of her commitment to her hospital job, reluctantly agrees to the interview. Meanwhile, Tom invites the Parks employees to his nightclub, the Snakehole Lounge, to introduce his new alcoholic beverage, Snake Juice. Under the influence of Snake Juice, Leslie and Ann have a heated argument, marking the first-ever conflict in their seemingly perfect friendship.

Amy Poehler, in an interview with UPROXX, shared her enjoyment in writing and working on this episode. She found it refreshing that the storyline was more grounded and relatable compared to others. Poehler's writing managed to include both brilliant comedic moments and compelling conflict, making it one of her best episodes. However, "The Fight" stands out as the overall best episode of Parks and Recreation for various reasons. While the intoxicated antics of characters like April and Andy provided plenty of comedy, it was the genuine drama between Ann and Leslie that truly elevated the episode. Their previously flawless friendship took an unexpected turn, creating an interesting and captivating dynamic.

Sources: Paley Center for Media, Entertainment Weekly, Uproxx