So here we are, at the finale of Season 1. The season was short at only 6 episodes, but for some, it may have felt a lot longer. Whether you liked the show's first season or not, I think most people can agree that "Rock Show" is up there among the best of the season. I personally believe it's the best episode yet, and back when I first saw the series in 2010, was the episode that got me hooked to the show. Now, I won't go into any spoilers, but I do want to talk about why I think it's the best episode yet, and also talk about the entire season as a whole, and even briefly preview Season 2.
"Rock Show" is a risky episode because it centers around an unlikely character. Not Leslie, Ron, or even Tom, but Andy Dwyer. Now, up to this point, Andy has been a very minor character, a pretty unlikable character if I say so myself. But it's obviously clear early on that the writers saw something in Mr. Pratt (don't we all?), and wanted to give him more screen time. And this episode works, because Andy is a great character, and Chris Pratt is a funny guy. All of a sudden, before our very eyes, we see Andy become a fully-developed character. We see his quirks and even his flaws. And of course his band! "The band has had a few different names over the years. When we started, we were Teddy Bear Suicide, but then we changed it to Mouse Rat. Then we were God Hates Figs, Department of Homeland Obscurity, Flames for Flames, Muscle Confusion, Nothing Rhymes With Orange, then Everything Rhymes With Orange, Punch Face Champions, Rad Wagon, Puppy Pendulum, Possum Pendulum, Handrail Suicide, Angel Snack, Just the Tip, Threeskin... "
The B-Plot is great too. Leslie, who thinks is going on a business meeting, actually is set up on a blind-date by her mother. And the person she's been set up with is a really old dude named George. I don't know where they found the actor who played George, but he is absolutely hysterical in this. This side plot is the perfect example of the outlandish, silly humor that the show will move towards in the next seasons. The town of Pawnee is full of characters like George, and that's why we love Pawnee so much.
Without spoiling anything, "Rock Show" is perfectly executed, and builds towards a hysterical climax. It does a great job of setting up Season 2, which is exactly what a finale needs to do. I wouldn't go as far to say that this episode is Parks "in its prime", but it is a step toward the right direction.
Season 1 is only 6 episodes, and despite its flaws, really shouldn't be criticized too much. It is just a first season after all. Some of the great sitcoms of all time like Seinfeld and The Office (US) had weak first seasons, but were given another opportunity to get better, and they absolutely did. I believe Parks does the same thing, and Season 2 is a great season from beginning to end. It has classic episodes, characters start to come into their own, and we get introduced to even more classic Parks characters. The show as a whole really starts to come into its own, and it sure is a joy to watch!
My overall rating for Parks and Recreation Season 1:
6.2/10