10 Weird Early Versions Of TV Characters You Totally Forgot About

10. Leslie Knope - Parks And Recreation

Starting off with a bit of a tame one, as there’s no recasting or funky new character direction, and considering Knope is the central character throughout the entire show, it certainly isn’t a case of a long forgotten character returning.

However, it certainly feels like Leslie Knope is a new character in Season 2, as from then onwards she’s almost unrecognisable from the bumbling fool of Season 1. Like Steve Carrell’s lack of hair plugs in the first season of The Office, early Leslie Knope is particularly jarring on a rewatch.

It’s natural, especially in a show this long running, that the characters will develop somewhat. Larry/Gary/Jerry, Ron, April, Andy, Ann et cetera all change as the series goes on. In each and every case though, these transitions are gradual and realistic.

Leslie Knope has more of a finger click change, spinning on a dime between the first two seasons.

Initially, she’s a bumbling loser who’s terrible at everything she does. Later, she’s a hard working sweetheart... who usually still fails, but at least she’s not pathetic.

This change was so warmly received that most fans have pushed the original Knope out of their minds. On a rewatch though, she’s unavoidable.