S02E23 - The Master Plan

Live from Pawnee: A Parks and Recreation Fan Rewatch Podcast

This week, Mark and Allen break down the Episode that introduces Chris Traeger and Ben Wyatt! We start out learning [a] April is turning 21 and having her birthday party at The Snakehole Lounge, [b] Ann has ended things with Mark, and [c] Leslie has prepared a budget proposal for the Lot 48 Park. However, later that morning city manager Paul Iaresco announces all proposals are postponed indefinitely due to the budget crisis, and state auditors have been sent to solve the issue. Leslie fears severe cuts, while Ron is delighted. Meanwhile, Andy is clearly showing interest in April, but worries about the 8 year age difference. Also, Mark shows confusion about his breakup with Ann because they never fought or argued, while Ann explains they just didn't have the right chemistry/passion. We learn Tom has ulterior motives for April's party to invite (then hit on) every available hottie he knows. Auditors Chris Traeger and Ben Wyatt arrive, with Chris painting an optimistic picture of how they will fix things. When Ben finally explains they need to slash the budget by 40 to 50 percent, Leslie lashes out at Ben, who reminds her the poorly-managed government is to blame. Later at April's party, Leslie and Ann get extremely drunk. Tom is frustrated at his inability to pick up women. Andy and April are getting along, but when he goes to the bar to get April's drink, a drunken Ann flirts with him. This upsets April, who tries to make Andy jealous by flirting with Jean-Ralphio. Ben arrives and tries to smooth things over with a drunken Leslie, but she once more lashes outand tells him to get lost. The next morning Ann enlists Leslie's help in figuring out... who she made out with the prior night! Holy cow, folks, these are the sort of questions that send others running for cover, but we refuse to shy away from, such as... Will Pawnee's budget crisis get resolved? Can Ann ever forgive herself for flirting with Andy? Does Tom's bottlecap game yield any fruit? Can Leslie ever get along with Ben? Will April make Jean-Ralphio her new boyfriend? Does Ann find out who she made out with? Loyal podcast viewers, this extra-long, extra special episode is one-of-a-kind, and we encourage everyone to watch it. Many thanks to our sponsor, JJ's Diner.