[8.6/10] I don’t know why the Ron-Leslie relationship always warms the cockles of my heart. There’s just something about these two people who disagree sharply with one another finding common ground and still respecting each other that is so heartening, particularly today, seven years after this episode originally aired, when our country seems more divided than ever.
What makes this one works is that it let’s both Ron and Leslie have their cake and eat it too. The best sitcoms stories are the ones where the characters have understandable but conflicting motivations. Leslie’s right to feel miffed, because she did the work and Ron is getting the credit, which is a problem exacerbated by its roots in all sorts of larger issues about women working for men. Ron is, as would become a core part of his character, someone who appreciates strong women and how hard Leslie works, but also things awards are dumb and enjoys using being declared “Woman of the Year” to rib Leslie a bit.
The results are great comedically, with Ron knowing exactly how to push Leslie’s buttons and Leslie knowing how to push his right back. But what really makes the A-story click is how things turn once the Pawnee IOW chapter rep confirms that the award was no mistake, rejects Ron’s recommendation to give it to Leslie, and declares that they’re giving it to a man in order to get attention. Leslie’s ensuing talking head where she offers recriminations that the IOW should “get back in the kitchen where they belong” and take their cues from “real feminists like Ron Swanson” and then has a “what is happening” shock of what she said is just great.
The clincher is the moment of truth where Ron tries to give the award to Leslie and Leslie tries to give the award back to Ron, and they have their little mutual admiration society. It’s a nice balance of sweet and comedic, and Ron’s line, “I still think awards are stupid. But they'd be less stupid if they went to the right people,” is an all-timer.
I like the B-story too. Tom trying to find investors to get him an ownership share in The Snakehole Lounge is a decent story engine, and him pitching the idea to Mark, Jerry, and Donna gives Tom the outsized swagger shtick that his character runs on. But what really makes it work for me is Andy being willing to give up $1,000 and the chance to have his own place to help Tom realize his dream. It’s part of the transition for Andy from jerk to sweetheart, and it’s another brick in the wall for why April’s nursing a crush on him.
All-in-all, one of those great episodes of Parks that digs into the well-drawn Leslie-Ron relationship, and finds interesting ways for the other characters to find common ground as well.
Review by SLionsCricketBlockedParent2020-03-30T05:45:12Z
I really, really adore this episode. Another great season two episode that shows Parks and Rec getting into gear going forward. The Leslie/Ron story here is fantastic from Ron's delight in teasing Leslie that he won the coveted Woman of the Year award over Leslie to every subsequent shift in their dynamic in this episode. Nick Offerman and Amy Poehler are just so good to watch at this point and with the show about to hit its peak (IMO Seasons 3 and 4), there's a lot to be excited about going forward.
The cold open to this episode I think is worth a mention. It could be my favourite up to this point in the series, at least on impulse it leaves the strongest impression heretofore. I love the simple but brilliant handling of gender politics (if you will) in that opening scene and how both the male coach (who coaches the girls) and the female boys coach call out Leslie for her "sexist" assumptions. It's hilarious and adds a brilliant layer of comedy to the scene.
Tom is my least favourite character among the main crew and he can really grow thin on me but I enjoy his story here where he tries to go in on a share of his favourite nightclub in town. The appearance by Jean Ralphio really helps seal that storyline for me and with just two appearances by Ben Schwartz so far in the series, I can't believe how much I love him in this role and how much more I'm enjoying his character so far this time around compared to my first viewing of the show (where he could also grow thin and irritating, albeit by design).
The few moments with April and Andy here are fantastic too with April trying to help Andy find a place to live, which is more of an excuse on her part to spend time with Andy. Aubrey Plaza is just so endearing to watch as April awkwardly attempts to display her affection for Andy.
The episode certainly isn't perfect but I think each of the storylines come across quite nicely here. It's a season two episode where everything seems to hit for me and I love it for that.