4x11 The Comeback Kid

[9.1/10] I use a lot of hyperbole when writing about this show, but the sequence where Leslie & Co. try to make it across the ice and get Leslie on stage is one of, if not the, funniest bits of physical comedy in the entire series, and maybe any series.

It’s just such a perfect disaster: the gang awkwardly shuffling on the ice, the dog peeing on Ron, Andy taking a spill, the red carpet not going far enough, the miniature stage, Leslie’s attempts to get on the stage, Leslie’s attempts to give a speech, Leslie’s attempts to wave and try to talk on ice at the same time, Pistol Pete’s miserable attempt at a dunk, and god help us, the constant repetition of the “get on your feet” song. It’s just a wonderful cornucopia of things going wrong and it’s a perfectly edited sequence.

It represents the ramshackle ways Leslie’s campaign is getting started as they try to make it on their own. The amateurish quality of it is brilliant, as is the way it both shows how big of an underdog Leslie really is and the need for her to bring Ben and his know-how onto the team.

Speaking of which, his attempts to dive into his hobbies are hilarious. There’s something great about him committing to the calzone idea or stop-motion animation (which is such a perfectly Ben Wyatt interest), and then realizing how little he’s actually accomplished. Chris recognizing that Ben’s depressed, even when Ben didn’t is a nice touch that shows their friendship, and it’s the push Ben needs to get back to doing something beyond indulging his hobbies.

There’s lots of great laughs, particularly with the team of Ron, Andy, April, and Tom getting pulled over by the cops. It’s such a great ensemble, and I’d forgotten that this was there they added Champion to the mix. (Ann’s line about him being terrible at digging was superb.)

Overall, one of the all-time funniest scenes in the show and some solid advancement for both the characters and the campaign arc make this one excellent.