Parks and Recreation exists in a reassuring universe where no matter how many things go wrong, eventually everything’s going to work out. This isn’t uncommon for a sitcom, where every week brings new wacky shenanigans that will be forgotten next episode, but Parks is an uncommon sitcom; it’s serialized in a way few other TV comedies are. “London” begins right where “Are You Better Off?” left off, with the just-realized news that Ron’s going to be a father. Diane confirms the news, and before long, they’re married, the gang’s in London, Ripped Andy’s working with Darth Maul, and Ron’s sent on a mysterious mission that leads him to the Lagavulin distillery.
A lot happened in the two-part premiere (I didn’t even mention Anne and Chris, or Tom meeting Jean-Ralphio and Mona Lisa’s father, played with a villainous edge by Henry Winkler, or April’s letter, etc.), but the episode wasn’t overstuffed or tedious; it was heartening just to exist in the Parks world for an hour, after so many months away. Parks is the corgi of shows: a goddamn delight to look at, able to make you smile in even the most Breaking-Bad-is-ending-soon-and-ironically-TV’s-going-to-be-even-more-bleak-without-it of circumstances. Hooray, indeed, Leslie.
2. 25 Across
3. They did reference Andy’s weight loss.
4. Donna deserves her own detective series.
5. When did bearded ladies get so touchy?
6. Yes, yes it is.
7. Tom has the best friends.
8. That’s just a good Odie impression.
9. Correct answer.
10. And of course a Parks season premiere wouldn’t be complete without DAMMIT JERRY.
