Parks and Recreation: Save JJ's (7x06)

Okay. Following the whole deal about data mining in the last episode, Gryzzl is determined to push ahead and buy the Newport land. They increase their bid. Leslie and the others had a plan to try and get Gryzzl to buy half the land and donate the rest, but they are too late - the Newports accept the $125 million offer.

Leslie and the others all go to JJ's Diner to commiserate over the loss of their goal. Turns out, JJ's is closing down. The lease on the location was purchased by Dennis Feinstein. Andy, posing as Johnathan Karate (Johnny Karate's serious older brother), tries to talk to Dennis about the deal, while Leslie, Ron, etc. host a rally to try and save JJ's. All is for naught, however. Dennis is determined to tear JJ's down.

The next idea is to move JJ's to a new location - in the old, rundown part of Pawnee where Andy and April are moving. The owner of JJ's says that it will never work to have his restaurant in this area, because there is no real commercial activity and he wouldn't be able to sustain his business.

Suddenly, all of these different problems coalesce into one single solution. Leslie and the others convince Gryzzl that they should build their new headquarters in this rundown area, because they would save tons of money on buildings and plumbing, etc. That would turn the area into a thriving capitalist spot, which would make it a viable location for JJ's Diner. At the same time, Leslie convinces Gryzzl to donate the Newport land to the National Parks Department, in order to get back public approval in Pawnee, after their bad decisions with data mining.

Meanwhile, Tom surprises Donna with a delux "Treat Yo Self" day, in Beverly Hills. The two have a great time together. However, Tom is distracted by Lucy. He awkwardly asks her to go to out with him, but then keeps backpedaling and saying that it's just a boss/employee thing. Finally, Tom comes out and just says it: he wants to go out with Lucy. It looks like Lucy is on the same page! Yay!

So. That's the episode. Same complaint as always - WHERE ARE THE TRIPLETS?!

But on a more serious note, I do wonder about this Lucy character. I mean, she's cool, but she's sort of bland. I don't understand what she and Tom are basing this fledgling relationship on. Nothing's... bad about this plot thread, exactly, but nothing is exactly good about it either. I'm happy to see Tom finding happiness, but I wish Lucy had a bit more going for her.

Other than that, everything was pretty much on point.

Leslie has won! I was a bit surprised to have the Gryzzl thing wrapped up so quickly, just like I was surprised last week when Leslie and Ron's feud was resolved. However, I'm excited to see things moving forward at such a fast pace. The creativity of the solution was what made this so epic to watch. Suddenly, all of these different problems coalesced into one giant solution. Leave it to Leslie to put that together.

I like the fact that Gryzzl is actually rather reasonable. I mean, they're over the top, but they listen to Leslie's sensible plan, and they have no ill will towards Pawnee. They want to foster a good relationship. A lot of things about Pawnee, despite the slightly-futuristic aspect, have actually toned down since last season. I think I like this slightly more realistic version of Pawnee, with its level-headed citizens and kind business-people.

Dennis Feinstein. What an utter asshole. I love this character. So funny. He has lethal perfumes and doesn't care what anybody thinks about him. It's endlessly amusing. I liked the whole Feinstein vs. Johnathan Karate thing, too. Andy is so great! It's both idiotic and adorable to have him name Johnny's older brother "Johnathan." Such an Andy thing to do. His cute little ninja helpers were also adorable, and made for some good comedic moments, such as when Andy lost his buddy in the "buddy system" he had going with the kids.

The subplot with Donna and Tom was lovely, even if Lucy isn't doing much for me. Their friendship is one of the funnest parts of the show, and I was missing the good ol' days of "Treat Yo Self!" Beverly Hills afforded a lot of opportunities for great jokes, and I also liked seeing Donna's fiance briefly. That was a treat!

My favorite April quote of the day: in response to Leslie's request that she send out the news about the rally using whatever method kids use these days, April responds: "Tiny rolled up scrolls delivered by foxes." Oh, April. You are the best.

That does it, I guess! It's so weird to think that this final series of Parks and Recreation is already half over. I'm going to miss it!

8/10