TV Review: Parks & Recreation 4.17, 'Campaign Shake Up'

Leslie and Ben hit a bump in the road of the ‘Knope We Can’ campaign this week...

By Dave Harvey / March 2, 2012

rating: 4

Leslie and Ben hit a bump in the road of the Knope We Can campaign this week in the form of Jennifer Barkley (guest star Katharine Hahn), Bobby Newports newly assigned Campaign Manager. Meanwhile Rons reluctance to let anyone new into the parks department to pick up Leslies slack (the equivalent of four employees), means hes actually having to do some work this week, his resounding NOOOOOO will surely become a meme. Rons task; finding a way to stop the pawneeans from creepily putting their whole mouth over the water fountain tap when they use it. Leslie begins the episode ahead in the polls, and plans to secure this by getting the endorsement of Ned Jones (guest star Carl Reiner), the head of Pawnee Seniors United. Leslie tries to persuade him with the promise of a ramp outside every building in Pawnee, Stairs are a young mans game. However the Newport family has splashed out for an esteemed Washington campaigner. We can tell shes important because they browse her Wikipedia page, and Jennifer Barkley also has her eye set on Neds endorsement. A meeting in the diner between Knope and Barkley quickly outlines the differences between the two. Leslie cares about Pawnee. Barkley cares about money. Luckily they both care about winning. Despite Barkleys compliments of Leslies campaign so far, she blasts Leslie on The Final Word with Perd. Fan favourite Perd Hapley, sorry, Perdric L. Hapley continues to delight as Pawnees naive Kent Brockman and had some of the episodes best lines; Issue Number One is the first issue that we are going to talk about and Now its time to move onto our next segment, which is, a commercial. Characters like Perd are one of the reasons I love Parks & Rec, and Pawnee truly is a city of character, with one of their quirks being that everybody puts their whole mouth over the water fountain tap. It was truly disgusting and hilarious to behold. Ron assigns Ann Perkins to find a solution, which typically leads to a water fight in the office, which Andy of course loves; KAMIKAZE, and Tom hates; Everything Im wearing is suede, everything Im wearing is suede. They find a solution in the form of simply removing the tap. When Ann reveals to Ron the credit should go to April, who was reluctant to help all along, we are given another genuine father-daughter moment between Ron and April, with Ron encouraging her to use her potential and take on some of Leslies responsibilities. Bet Rons happy they dont have to hire anyone else too. I still think Jerrys cage thing deserved another shot. Leslie loses the chance of Neds endorsement when Barkley trumps her cost effective ramp idea by introducing electric lifts, which of course the elderly crowd love. Particularly Ned, who graciously rises in the lift giving his support for Bobby Newport, a man who is yet to make an appearance. We see both sides of Barkley when Leslie confronts her. Barkley is being truthful when complimenting Leslies campaign tactics, but admits shell do anything to win, which so far is a lot of lying and showmanship. The episode doesnt end with a positive outcome for the Knope campaign. Leslie is still behind, and Barkley once again makes Leslie look an amateur on local TV. Oh and the Tom and Ann relationship is still going on, although you wouldnt know it, Ive yet to see Ann not roll her eyes at anything Tom says. Chriss crippling loneliness was also put on the backburner this week. It was terrific to see Leslie up against Barkley, a woman Leslie couldnt help but be impressed by despite their complete opposite ethics and aims. Im sure well see more of Barkley as this season heads into its last five episodes and the campaign draws to a close, maybe Bobby Newport will turn up too! Best Jerry put down; Jerry puts up no fight as Donna hoses him down during the water fight. Best Swanson line: Reminds me of when my Dad made me choose which of my pet calves to slaughter with my own hands for my 6th Birthday I couldnt choose, so, I slaughtered both of them. They were delicious.