I still don't know what to think of this show. I guess it's fitting that it takes place in the purgatory of do-nothing local government because Parks and Recreation has a kind of drab desperation to it. No matter who you are in Pawnee, it's kinda depressing. Leslie is the most hopeful person around, but that's not really saying much. The small-town cynicism extends even to the local media. The reporter sent to do an article about the proposed park, unscrupulous vixen that she is, still has to face the fact that her life of intrigue always rounds back to articles about raccoon infestations.

For me, that kind of stuff is the best part of Parks and Recreation. Pawnee is a nothing town but its politics are like Washington in microcosm. The dirty deals, corrupt officials, ethics-challenged news vultures and flawed civilians are like kids mimicking the dramas of adults. The stakes are infinitely lower but the re-enactments are disturbing in their accuracy. Having someone as convicted as Leslie Knope around only shines a brighter light on the rampant waste and emptiness of the situation.

Which brings me to the show's greatest weak point. I love Leslie when she's being enthusiastic and playing at political intrigue like her measly job actually matters. I can't stand her when she's being a buffoon. This show already has a clown and he's played very capably by Aziz Ansari. In short, Leslie trying to apply outrageous political maneuvers in a situation that barely qualifies as an item on the agendas of realistic people = solid material. Leslie having a panic attack in the middle of softball interview questions, not so much.

I have to admit, though, that the skewed, very one-sided romance between Leslie and Mark is better than it ought to be. This episode relied pretty heavily on Leslie going nuts with jealousy when Mark sleeps with the pretty reporter, seemingly just because he can. Mark is quickly becoming my favorite character, if only because I like watching a guy who knows how to game any system. It makes him simultaneously the coolest and most pathetic person on the show.

Also, are the murals at the State House going to be a running gag on this show? If so, let's hope they can come up with more than just the one joke about absurd violence against Native Americans. Sure, the idea of settlers tying an Indian Chief to a tree and executing him by cannon is funny, but it would be funnier if we didn't get essentially the same joke last week.

Best Moment: Leslie stuffing her face with waffles. I know that it's pretty clownish, but at least it had more subtext than just "boy, she sure is silly".

Biggest Laugh: Swanson explaining why he doesn't mind Tom letting him win at Scrabble.

Episode Rating: 3.5/5- After a few weeks I can say that this show has legs, I'm just not convinced it knows how to use them yet. I'd rather see Parks and Recreation embrace its potential as an ensemble show instead of lurking over Leslie's shoulder for 22 minutes a week.