Some of the greatest episodes on Parks and Recreation are the ones that cast an unusually satirical eye over the nature of local government and the idiocy of the common people. Here, Leslie and the rest of the Parks department are tasked with creating a list of items to go into a time capsule that will represent everyday life in Pawnee, Indiana, and they ask for contributions from their citizens. When they look back on it, they will most likely consider that their first mistake. One man insists that they include Twilight, and is willing to handcuff himself to a radiator in Leslie's office until they give in to his demands. What follows is probably the most outrageously funny public forum meeting ever featured on the show. In a stunning display of how everyone likes to complain more than anything else, Twilight is dismissed for being simultaneously too Christian and not Christian enough. The show manages to do a tightrope walk where they mock the hell out of the common folk, but at the end acknowledge the value in their enthusiasm and commitment to their town.
Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.
