Reviews

This show is basically a cute version of The Office. If you haven't seen The Office, it is a hilarious show that is filmed like a documentary. It has a weird vibe because all of the characters seem to know that the cameras are there. They also give asides to the camera which are always funny. The asides in Parks and Recreation are funnier than those from The Office. They seem to be more of a showcase for the actors to show off their comedy, not additions to the plot.

One thing that turns some people off about The Office (that is to say, what sets it apart from other shows), is that it gets incredibly and hilariously awkward. What sets Parks and Recreation apart is that it is incredibly and hilariously cute. Where The Office makes your jaw drop before you burst into laughter, Parks and Recreation gives you a warm smile before you burst into laughter. It makes it a lot of fun to watch.

Another subtle difference from The Office is that aside from Jerry (Parks and Recreation's version of The Office's Toby), is that all of the characters care deeply about one another.

The cast of Parks and Recreation is far better than the admittedly stellar cast of The Office. Amy Poehler lights up the screen every time she is in view. Rashida Jones has much better on screen chemistry with this cast than she ever did during her stint on The Office. This show is incredibly lucky to have Aziz Ansari before he becomes a worldwide phenomenon, because he is well on his way. Don't even get me started on how perfect Nick Offerman plays his role as the motivated slacker, libertarian boss.

In the end the haters will say, "Oh they just stole The Office's idea and put it in City Hall." That is a far to shallow of a response to such a deeply funny show that stands wonderfully on its own.

Let me start by saying that I don't hate this show. It just bores me to tears. I loved The Wire and it's pacing. This show tries so hard to duplicate it but falls painfully short.

Treme is not without its good moments and charm, but at least 20 minutes per 50 minute episode is just music with no content. Listening to Jazz music, dancing, and having a good time is awesome... especially in New Orleans. Watching people do it on TV gets old after about the 3rd episode.

Also, this show has an incredibly real feeling to it. You believe that all these characters really exist and they are superbly cast. There is one problem. Reality, for the most part, is mind numbingly dull. There are very few really dramatic moments contained in the show. Almost every story takes no figuring out. They all run the most boring and realistic course that you can think of.

Again, I don't hate it. I just think people need to be honest about how good a piece of work is before they start giving it a free pass because of who made it and that it's different from most of the garbage out there.