Parks and Recreation

10 Best Episodes of Parks and Recreation - Season 5

If there's one TV show that never fails to make us laugh, it's Parks and Recreation. This hilarious ensemble comedy has captured the hearts of millions of viewers with its witty writing and lovable characters. Set in the small town of Pawnee, Indiana, the show follows Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation Department, as she tirelessly works to make her town a little bit more fun.

Since its debut in 2009, Parks and Recreation has become a cult favorite, gaining a dedicated fanbase that can't get enough of Leslie's hijinks and the antics of her colleagues. With eight seasons under its belt, the show has provided us with countless memorable moments and episodes that we can't help but revisit time and time again.

So, whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for a new show to binge-watch, we've compiled a list of the best episodes of Parks and Recreation that are guaranteed to keep you entertained. From Leslie's ambitious plans for the annual Pawnee Harvest Festival to the outrageous shenanigans of Tom Haverford and his business ventures, these episodes showcase the show's unique blend of humor and heart. Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with the quirky world of Pawnee all over again.

Written by Sophie and last updated on oct 14, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Parks and Recreation - S5E1

#15 - Ms. Knope Goes to Washington (Season 5 - Episode 1)

Leslie and Andy visit Ben and April at their new jobs in Washington D.C.. Ron throws a thank you barbeque for the entire Parks and Recreation staff.

The episode was rated 7.90 from 1477 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E3

#14 - How a Bill Becomes a Law (Season 5 - Episode 3)

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Leslie helps a swim team get more practice time. Ron finds himself filling a pothole. April and Ben take a road trip to Pawnee.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 1435 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E2

#13 - Soda Tax (Season 5 - Episode 2)

Leslie wages war on obesity in Pawnee by passing a city-wide soda tax. Andy tries to get in shape for his police entrance exam. Ben struggles to connect with the interns in his office.

The episode was rated 7.93 from 1431 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E16

#12 - Bailout (Season 5 - Episode 16)

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Leslie is determined to help a local video store stay in business. Chris offers Tom advice on how to deal with a difficult employee. Ann resorts to blackmail to get April to be her friend.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 1363 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E4

#11 - Sex Education (Season 5 - Episode 4)

An STD outbreak amongst Pawnee seniors prompts Leslie to conduct a sex education class. Ron helps Tom adjust to life without technology. Ben and April meet Congressman Murray for the first time.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 1413 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E19

#10 - Article Two (Season 5 - Episode 19)

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Leslie works to get rid of outdated laws from the original town charter. April and Ron receive management training from Chris. Ben finds himself in a bidding war against Ann to win a present for Leslie.

The episode was rated 7.95 from 1455 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E11

#9 - Women in Garbage (Season 5 - Episode 11)

Leslie and April work as trash collectors to prove a point about gender in city government. Ron has his hands full while he babysits Diane's kids.

The episode was rated 7.98 from 1388 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E18

#8 - Animal Control (Season 5 - Episode 18)

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Leslie decides to give the Animal Control Department a much-needed makeover. Ann tries to get Ron the medical attention he needs. Ben, Tom, and Andy recruit donors for their charity foundation.

The episode was rated 8.02 from 1467 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E20

#7 - Jerry's Retirement (Season 5 - Episode 20)

When Leslie finds out Jerry is retiring, she struggles with the proper way to commemorate the occasion. Chris and Ann prepare to have a baby together. Tom worries he will become the office punching bag once Jerry leaves.

The episode was rated 8.04 from 1442 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E13

#6 - Emergency Response (Season 5 - Episode 13)

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Leslie and Ben organize a black tie gala to raise money for their park. Andy prepares to take his Police Academy Exam. Ron fills in for Leslie on Pawnee Today.

The episode was rated 8.04 from 1371 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E22

#5 - Are You Better Off? (Season 5 - Episode 22)

In this episode of Parks and Recreation titled "Are You Better Off?", Leslie Knope celebrates her one year anniversary as a city councilwoman. However, her accomplishments come with a price as she faces opposition from her various opponents throughout the season. It's a realistic portrayal of the challenges that come with governing, even for someone as dedicated as Leslie. The episode also brings back the beloved character, Burt Macklin, as he is called back into action. Meanwhile, April receives life-changing news and Tom finds himself debating a significant business opportunity.

While the episode explores the unintended consequences of Leslie's actions and the complexities of governing, there's something that feels a little too neat about it. The anti-Leslie coalition seems a bit broad and the storyline lacks the force it should have. However, Leslie's determination to face the challenge head-on and her pride in her accomplishments shine through, even with numerous dance movie references.

Another storyline involves Andy channeling his inner detective as he investigates a positive pregnancy test found in the garbage at Ron's cabin. While it may seem like a cheesy sitcom move, the comedy derived from Andy's enthusiastic but inept detective work is a highlight. The reveal of the pregnancy being Diane's, instead of April's, adds a nice twist and disrupts Ron's stable world.

On the other hand, Tom's story about a mysterious benefactor's offer to buy Rent-a-Swag falls a bit flat. Although there is some growth for Tom as he chooses to double down on his business rather than cash out, it feels like a mild development. The episode tries to sum up the past year and set up for the next season, but it feels a bit heavy-handed in doing so. Despite these reservations, the episode still offers good thematic and comedic material.

The episode was rated 8.14 from 1424 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E10

#4 - Two Parties (Season 5 - Episode 10)

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In the Parks and Recreation episode "Two Parties," Ben and Leslie's bachelor and bachelorette parties take on different tones. The boys' bachelor parties are a hilarious mix of wish fulfillment gone awry, with each member of the gang getting a chance to do their desired activity during Ben's party. The reactions and camaraderie among the characters provide plenty of comedic moments, particularly Ron's bewilderment at Tom's club choice. Despite some gratuitous celebrity cameos, the whimsical nature of the show allows for forgiveness. The episode also highlights Chris's growth as a character, as he learns to appreciate the intangible things in life.

On the other hand, Leslie's bachelorette party takes a scheming turn to prevent Jamm from starting construction on the Pawnee Commons. Ann's attempts to create a party that appeals to Leslie clash with Leslie's civic-minded energy and eventual regret. The return of the head of the Wamapoke Casino adds a funny twist, as Leslie comes clean and he uses his guilt to manipulate Jamm and the Paunchburger representative. Overall, this episode is an enjoyable stop on the journey to Ben and Leslie's wedding, with plenty of laughs and unexpected turns along the way.

The episode was rated 8.16 from 1443 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E5

#3 - Halloween Surprise (Season 5 - Episode 5)

In the Parks and Recreation episode "Halloween Surprise," Leslie is faced with a job offer for Ben that forces her to think about their future together. The main story beautifully showcases the uncertainty of life and how it can surprise us in unexpected ways. Leslie's insecurities are projected onto Jerry, leading her to work hard to raise money for him as a way to reassure herself. Meanwhile, Ron finds himself out of his element when he takes Diane's girls trick-or-treating, resulting in an adorable and heartwarming subplot.

April and Andy have their own comedic moments, with April providing a rare voice of reason and Andy embracing his inner child while interacting with Diane's daughters. The rest of the cast is well-utilized in smaller doses, with Ann selling her old boyfriend's stuff and Donna's hilarious live-tweeting and horror movie fascinations. Chris's journey to therapy also adds depth to his character.

However, the standout moment of the episode is the surprise proposal from Ben to Leslie. The episode does an excellent job of leading viewers to believe that Ben will take a job offer in Florida, only to have him express his desire to be with Leslie above all else. This heartwarming moment, with the ring box within a box, is a true highlight and elevates the episode to new heights. Overall, "Halloween Surprise" is a strong installment of Parks and Recreation, filled with laughs, character development, and a memorable twist.

The episode was rated 8.18 from 1445 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E9

#2 - Ron and Diane (Season 5 - Episode 9)

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In this episode of Parks and Recreation titled "Ron and Diane," Ron's nomination for a woodworking award is in jeopardy when his ex-wife, Tammy II, makes an unexpected appearance. Meanwhile, Jerry throws a holiday party, which leaves some of his friends feeling left out.

The main storyline revolves around Ron taking Diane to a woodworking awards ceremony, with Leslie as his emotional support. However, Tammy 2's arrival threatens to disrupt everything. What makes this episode stand out is the twist that Diane is more concerned about Ron's relationship with Leslie than Tammy's advances. This complex dynamic allows for hilarious scenes between Leslie and Tammy, played brilliantly by Amy Poehler and Megan Mullally.

Additionally, the episode showcases a heartwarming moment between Ron and Diane at Cozy's, where Ron opens up about his feelings for her and even reveals his secret alter ego, Duke Silver. The B-stories involve Chris and Ben at Jerry's party, with Ben worrying about Chris's reaction to aging and his ex-girlfriend's engagement. The twist here is that Chris has actually found stability through therapy, highlighting the depth of their friendship. Lastly, the rest of the gang realizes their mean-spiritedness towards Jerry and decides to use the money they collected to help him with his health issues.

Overall, "Ron and Diane" is not only a fantastic Christmas episode but also a standout installment of Parks and Recreation. It combines great comedy, memorable character moments, and addresses the long-standing issue of the characters' treatment of Jerry. It's a must-watch for fans of the show. And let's not forget, a happy and laughing Ron Swanson is always a delight to see.

The episode was rated 8.25 from 1434 votes.

Parks and Recreation - S5E14

#1 - Leslie and Ben (Season 5 - Episode 14)

In the episode "Leslie and Ben" of Parks and Recreation, Leslie and Ben are faced with the challenge of planning their wedding in just two hours. As they navigate the time crunch, Ron's temper lands him in hot water. Although some may argue that this isn't the show's best episode, it undeniably delivers on the moments that matter.

One of these pivotal moments occurs between Ben and Chris. Chris presents Ben with a framed letter that brought them to Pawnee, expressing gratitude for the winds of change that led them to this time and place. It's a heartfelt exchange that showcases Chris' genuine affection for Ben and the town. Another powerful moment takes place between Leslie and Ron. Ron, known for his stoicism, tells Leslie that he treasures their friendship, which holds significant weight coming from someone who typically avoids emotional connections. Leslie's response of "OK weirdo" perfectly captures their unique bond.

The episode also excels in capturing the emotional weight of Leslie and Ben's wedding. The surprise of Ron opening the door to a makeshift chapel in the Parks Department is executed brilliantly. The vows shared between Leslie and Ben, intertwined with scenes from their past, beautifully convey the significance of the moment and the journey that brought them there. These heartfelt moments are complemented by smaller side stories involving the rest of the cast, adding humor and depth to the episode.

Ultimately, "Leslie and Ben" delivers on the communal harmony that Parks and Recreation is known for. The characters come together to celebrate love and support one another, creating a fitting conclusion to the series. While not without its flaws, this episode is sure to leave viewers touched and wanting a Ron Swanson in their own lives.

The episode was rated 8.48 from 1446 votes.

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