Portrayed by: Rashida Jones Show: Parks and Recreation

A poetic noble land mermaid. A brilliant musk ox. A beautiful, rule-breaking moth. A beautiful, talented, brilliant, powerful musk-ox. A tricky minx. A perfect sunflower. A beautiful tropical fish. It’s hard to write about Parks and Recreation’s Ann Perkins when Leslie Knope has already found every beautiful and lovingly bizarre word to describe her. 

Countless shows are tragically lacking when it comes to female friendships, but Parks and Recreation isn’t one of them. Instead, it might even be the blueprint. It’s where Galentine’s Day comes from, after all. For this reason, there’s not a single character in the series who could be replaced. Ann is one of these characters, and even while the show still works in her absence during the final season, the loss feels visceral. She’s a gentle, incredibly lovely presence and the type of character who represents so many women in the real world. 

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Parks and Recreation portrays friendships in a way that is truly impeccably rare on television. Leslie Knope and Ann Perkins alone are the epitome of how women should be with their best friends. And while they would be enough if they were the only ones, the entire department is magic together. In what may be the most difficult of choices I have made in my writing career, I have attempted to culminate seven of my favorite moments, which showcase friendship on this series at its absolute finest. The moments that were unbelievably difficult to choose but manage to bring characters together in ways that are beautifully refreshing.

It’s not easy to write about Parks and Recreation because it is the comedy show of dreams that has reached an unparalleled level of perfection and years later, I still compare so much to it. It is the show where people are celebrated because of who they are and teamwork is valued above all. And if that is not perfect then I do not know what is. (There is a current show on air that might come close, but since it is only its first season, we cannot say just yet. Still, Parks and Recreation reigns.)

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Parks and Recreation 7x12-13 "One Last Ride" Recap

Spoilers Ahead

I am ready to conquer many things, but I am not ready to say goodbye to Pawnee.

Episode Summary:  In order for their last day to be the greatest, Leslie convinces the team that they should help fix a broken swing. Thisgives the group time to reflect on their experiences together and fortify their friendships even further. In 2025, the group reunites in Pawnee once more and this time, they’re staying.

Review: I loved this episode so much more than I can say. And if I’m being completely honest, I don’t know where to begin or end. The last time I’ve reviewed aseries finale was The Office and all I can remember is there were lots of tears. The thing with Parks and Recreation is that it did the most superlative job of inspiring its viewers to follow their dreams. It was cheesy, it dealt with clichés, it was hysterical, and it was brilliant. Here’s the thing, life is tough for all of us. It takes a while for our dreams to come true, it takes a while to find good friends, love, and it takes a while for us to learn how to love ourselves. And in the midst of all the difficulties we all face, we need the clichés to remind us that at some point life can be unbelievably, unexplainably, and immaculately perfect. Parks and Recreation is a series that focused heavily on the little things -- it reminded its viewers that there’s beauty in hard work, there’s wonder in uncertainties, there’s power in uniqueness, and there’s strength in numbers. And that’s why I loved it so much. It’s why I have such a difficult time letting go. That said let’s begin discussing the glorious series finale.