" I can promote my self-published women's rights cook book — The Feminine Mesquite." - Leslie
Welp, this episode is almost entirely about Girl Power. I have absolutely no complaints. Leslie works out the kinks that come with having to play second fiddle to Ben in his congressional campaign, Pawnee stays weird and the rest of the gang goes on a treasure hunt so crazy that only 2009 April could have thought it up.
Leslie & Ben
Leslie refuses to enter the traditional "Pie-Mary" pie baking contest that the wives of congressional candidates always entire on account of feminism — something that the feminists love but the general media and everyone else hates. In order to find a happy medium, Leslie decides to just apologize. For what? Doesn't matter. But before she can do that, Ben interrupts her saying, "I love how independent my wife is, and because of that I will not let her speak." She goes on to address every sexist question the media could ask her throughout the entire campaign, and slays it. Well, she gets a 50:50 boo-to-cheer ratio, and that's good enough for them.
Ben got to go on the "highway to the calzone zone" so all-in-all it was a great episode for him. I love seeing him so eager to help Leslie, even if that does mean that he wins "Woman of the Year" instead of her.
Oh, one of their kids, the one that looks like a small Ben, is named Stephen. Stephen what? Stephen after which politician or Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre hero? Tell me!
Ron, April and Andy
Donna and Jerry
"Wow, we are two very different people." - Donna
These two weren't really up to a lot besides investigating what Jerry's wife calls him when she's mad, ("Bozo" is the worst thing) but I love the pairing and I want to see them get in trouble in the future.
Pie-Mary
"The last contest winner was June Hartwell’s buttermilk merengue, the last contest loser was all women." - Leslie
Once again we have an episode completely tie up all the loose ends in its resolution. This season is easy on my nerves but heavy on my heart. My only real questions are what's going to happen to Andy, and when exactly is every single person going to leave Pawnee?
Extra Credit
- "Shop talk! my favorite kind of talk along with pillow, girl, real and TED."- Leslie
- The men's rights activists. "Can we have one conversation about feminism where men get to be in charge?"
- The reappearance of Brandi Maxxx, local civil rights activist. Of course!
- The doorbell to their house rings and Leslie thinks it might be one of the kids.
- June Hartwell's Goose Bump Prevention campaign — "Bring a sweater!"
- April buries Ron's key by a tree that reminds her of him — it's strong and quiet and always there when you need it. Or whatever.
Demerits
- Umm excuse me, where is Tom?
Episode Grade Points:
4