6x20 Moving Up

[7.6/10] Very nice episode. There was a lot of good comedy to be wrung from Ben trying to stay calm because it’s important for Leslie not to get too stressed while pregnant at the same time he’s freaking out because they’re having triplets. It’s a nice internal conflict for Ben -- his supportive side doing everything in his power to keep Leslie in a soothing vibe, and his accountant side going nuts because of the financial responsibilities involved in raising three kids.

The resolution is a little reductive. I like that Leslie, “the queen of stress,” as Ben puts it, isn’t freaking out because she has confidence in their ability to do this, but the whole idea of the Harvest Festival, the city council run, the merger, etc. all just being a prelude to this feels kind of like it’s giving the short shrift to all Leslie’s accomplished. Still, heart’s in the right place. Also, the broad comedy at the actual charity auction didn’t do much for me, but that’s a Jamm-related scene for you.

I loved the story about Andy having to keep Leslie and Ben’s secret. It’s a great physical performance from Chris Pratt as usual (Mrs. Bloom and I just died when he sort of collapsed after admitting his neighbor was in witness protection.) Watching April interrogate Andy and reluctantly be nice to Jerry, and seeing Andy squirm was a treat. A nice, appropriately weird story for the two of them.

But the clear winner was Ron and Donna’s story. I love the premise that Joe (Keegan Michael Key) is Donna’s Tammy equivalent, and Ron is willing to help provide a buffer for her, only to discover that Joe is impossibly nice. The reveal that that’s what makes him Donna’s Tammy -- he “pins her down” and turns her all commitment-y in a way that doesn’t feel like her -- is an interesting one that feels true to the character.

I appreciate the mutual wisdom exchanged from the character. Ron telling Donna to live her life the way she chooses, but not to confuse drama for happiness is in tune with his libertarian and simplicity-favoring values. Retta and Key have great chemistry in the scene where she takes that advice. And Donna telling Ron that he’s changed, in a good way, because of his family, as a more empathetic person, as evidenced by him playing matchmaker with Donna is a nice beat too. It’s the most tightly-written of the stories here and it’s a real winner.

Overall, another quite good episode as Parks rounds out its sixth season.