Parks and Recreation season 4#ep51
{{Use American English|date=May 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{short description|Season of television series}}
{{Infobox television season
| season_number = 4
| bgcolour = #AE0C12
| image = Parks and Recreation S4 DVD.jpg
| image_alt =
| caption = Region 1 DVD cover art
| showrunner = Michael Schur
| starring = {{Plainlist|
}}
| num_episodes = 22
| network = NBC
| first_aired = {{Start date|2011|9|22}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2012|5|8}}
| episode_list = List of Parks and Recreation episodes
}}
The fourth season of Parks and Recreation originally aired in the United States on the NBC television network, and began on September 22, 2011, and ended on May 8, 2012. The season contained 22 episodes. It stars Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones, Aziz Ansari, Nick Offerman, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Adam Scott, and Rob Lowe, with supporting performances from Jim O'Heir and Retta.
As with past seasons, it focuses on Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and her staff at the parks and recreation department of the fictional Indiana town of Pawnee. However, this season features an overarching story arc, beginning in the first episode and culminating in the finale, where Leslie runs for the city council of Pawnee.
Cast
=Main=
- Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, a mid-level bureaucrat with a strong love of her home town of Pawnee, who has not let politics dampen her sense of optimism; her ultimate goal is to become President of the United States.{{cite news|last=Dawidziak |first=Mark |title='Parks and Recreation': New NBC comedy is uneven but promising |work=The Plain Dealer |date=April 7, 2009 |url=http://www.cleveland.com/tv/index.ssf/2009/04/parks_and_recreation_new_nbc_c.html |access-date=June 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014185628/http://www.cleveland.com/tv/index.ssf/2009/04/parks_and_recreation_new_nbc_c.html |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Poehler departed from the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live, where she was a cast member for nearly seven years, to star in Parks and Recreation.{{Cite news|last=Stasi |first=Linda |title=Raiders of the Lost 'Park': Amy Poehler quit "SNL" for "Parks and Recreation" |work=New York Post |date=April 9, 2009 |url=http://www.nypost.com/seven/04092009/tv/raiders_of_the_lost_park_163556.htm |access-date=April 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240525022556/https://www.webcitation.org/5uFT48U0y?url=http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/item_umJh87f8R6ECABbfNzupNP;jsessionid=E4F5B3A81760222D3DE01C71511C42BC |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last=Grossberg |first=Josh |title=Amy Poehler Moves Up SNL Exit |publisher=E! Online |date=September 16, 2008 |url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b29224_amy_poehler_moves_up_snl_exit.html |access-date=June 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110327182012/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b29224_amy_poehler_moves_up_snl_exit.html |archive-date=March 27, 2011 |url-status=dead }} It was only after she was cast that Daniels and Schur established the general concept of the show and the script for the pilot was written.{{Cite news|last=Itzkoff |first=Dave |title=It's Not 'The Office.' The Boss Is a Woman. |work=The New York Times |date=March 26, 2009 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/arts/television/29dave.html?sq=Lately,%20Amy%20Poehler%20says,%20she&st=cse&%2339;s%20been%20having%20trouble%20distinguishing%20her%20real%20life%20from%20a%20feverish%20dream.=&scp=1&pagewanted=print |access-date=April 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511091316/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/arts/television/29dave.html |archive-date=May 11, 2012 |url-status=dead }}
- Rashida Jones as Ann Perkins, a nurse and political outsider who gradually becomes more involved in Pawnee government through her friendship with Leslie.{{cite news|last=Sepinwall |first=Alan |author-link=Alan Sepinwall |title=Interview: 'Parks and Recreation co-creator Mike Schur post-mortems season 3 |work=HitFix |date=May 19, 2011 |url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/interview-parks-and-recreation-co-creator-mike-schur-post-mortems-season-3 |access-date=May 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110523070231/http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/interview-parks-and-recreation-co-creator-mike-schur-post-mortems-season-3 |archive-date=May 23, 2011 |url-status=dead }} Jones was among the first to be cast by Daniels and Schur in 2008, when the series was still being considered as a spin-off to The Office, where Jones had played Jim Halpert's girlfriend Karen Filippelli.{{cite news|last=Sepinwall |first=Alan |author-link=Alan Sepinwall |title=Sepinwall on TV: Leno undercover, 'Office' non-spin-off |work=The Star-Ledger |date=July 21, 2008 |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2008/07/sepinwall_on_tv_leno_undercove.html |access-date=June 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011192139/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2008/07/sepinwall_on_tv_leno_undercove.html |archive-date=October 11, 2011 |url-status=dead }}
- Aziz Ansari as Tom Haverford, Leslie's sarcastic and underachieving subordinate,{{cite news|last=Tobias |first=Scott |newspaper=The A.V. Club |title=Parks and Recreation: Season 1: Episode 3: "The Reporter" |date=April 23, 2009 |url=https://www.avclub.com/parks-and-recreation-the-reporter-1798206279 |access-date=April 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124085823/http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-reporter,27100/ |archive-date=November 24, 2010 |url-status=live }} who eventually begins to consider leaving his city hall job to pursue his own entrepreneurial interests.{{Cite magazine|last=Snierson |first=Dan |title='Parks and Recreation' co-creator Mike Schur gives 10 hints about tonight's season finale |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=May 19, 2011 |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/05/19/parks-recreation-mike-schur-leslie-knope-season-finale/ |access-date=June 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110619061103/http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/05/19/parks-recreation-mike-schur-leslie-knope-season-finale/ |archive-date=June 19, 2011 |url-status=dead }} As with Jones, Daniels and Schur had intended to cast Ansari from the earliest stages of the development of Parks and Recreation.
- Nick Offerman as Ron Swanson, the parks and recreation director who, as a libertarian, believes in as small a government as possible. As such, Ron strives to make his department as ineffective as possible, and favors hiring employees who do not care about their jobs or are poor at them. Nevertheless, Ron consistently demonstrates that he secretly cares deeply about his fellow co-workers.{{cite magazine|last=Snierson |first=Dan |title='Parks and Recreation' scoop: Amy Poehler and co-creator Mike Schur dish on Leslie's big gamble, romantic possibilities, and tonight's episode 'The Flu' |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=January 27, 2011 |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/01/27/parks-and-recreation-amy-poehler-the-flu/ |access-date=January 29, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110509213853/http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/01/27/parks-and-recreation-amy-poehler-the-flu/ |archive-date=May 9, 2011 |url-status=dead }}
- Aubrey Plaza as April Ludgate, a cynical and uninterested parks department intern who eventually becomes the perfect assistant for Ron.{{cite news|last=Sepinwall |first=Alan |author-link=Alan Sepinwall |title=Parks and Recreation, "The Set Up": Will Arnett dates Leslie |work=The Star-Ledger |date=January 15, 2010 |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2010/01/parks_and_recreation_the_set_u.html |access-date=January 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405071556/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2010/01/parks_and_recreation_the_set_u.html |archive-date=April 5, 2011 |url-status=dead }} The role was written specifically for Plaza; after meeting her, casting director Allison Jones told Schur, "I just met the weirdest girl I've ever met in my life. You have to meet her and put her on your show."{{cite news|last=Heisler |first=Steve |title=Interview: Michael Schur |work=The A.V. Club |date=March 24, 2011 |url=https://www.avclub.com/articles/michael-schur,53574/ |access-date=May 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520071838/http://www.avclub.com/articles/michael-schur%2C53574/ |archive-date=May 20, 2011 |url-status=dead }}
- Chris Pratt as Andy Dwyer, a goofy and dim-witted but lovable slacker. Pratt was originally intended to be a guest star and the character Andy was initially meant to appear only in the first season, but the producers liked Pratt so much that, almost immediately after casting him, they decided to make him a regular cast member starting with season two.{{Cite news|last=Sepinwall |first=Alan |author-link=Alan Sepinwall |title=Parks and Recreation: Interviewing co-creator Mike Schur |work=The Star-Ledger |date=September 17, 2009 |url=http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2009/09/parks_and_recreation_interview.html |access-date=January 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819084231/http://www.nj.com/entertainment/tv/index.ssf/2009/09/parks_and_recreation_interview.html |archive-date=August 19, 2010 |url-status=dead }}
- Adam Scott as Ben Wyatt, a brilliant but socially awkward government official trying to redeem his past as a failed mayor in his youth.{{cite news|last=Meslow |first=Scott |title='Parks and Recreation': (Awkward) Love Is in the Air |work=The Atlantic |date=February 18, 2011 |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/02/parks-and-recreation-awkward-love-is-in-the-air/71261/ |access-date=June 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110912010045/http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2011/02/parks-and-recreation-awkward-love-is-in-the-air/71261/ |archive-date=September 12, 2011 |url-status=dead }} Scott left his starring role on the Starz comedy series Party Down to join the show.{{Cite news|last=Martin |first=Denise |title='Party Down' star Adam Scott joins the cast of NBC's 'Parks and Recreation'; plus, more details on Rob Lowe |work=Los Angeles Times |date=March 4, 2010 |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/03/party-down-star-adam-scott-joins-the-cast-of-nbcs-parks-and-recreation.html |access-date=November 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110207040207/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/03/party-down-star-adam-scott-joins-the-cast-of-nbcs-parks-and-recreation.html |archive-date=February 7, 2011 |url-status=dead }}
- Rob Lowe as Chris Traeger, an excessively positive and extremely health-conscious government official.{{cite news|last=Kandell |first=Steve |title=Parks and Recreation Recap: Maintenance Mode |work=New York |date=January 21, 2011 |url=https://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/01/parks_and_recreation_recap_mai.html#comment-list |access-date=June 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003050750/http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/01/parks_and_recreation_recap_mai.html |archive-date=October 3, 2011 |url-status=dead }} Unlike Scott, Lowe was originally expected to depart after a string of guest appearances,{{Cite news|last=Dos Santos |first=Kristin |title=Rob Lowe is Coming to Parks and Recreation, the Big Boss Confirms |publisher=E! Online |date=March 3, 2010 |url=http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b169994_rob_lowe_coming_parks_recreation_big.html |access-date=March 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305124049/http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/watch_with_kristin/b169994_rob_lowe_coming_parks_recreation_big.html |archive-date=March 5, 2011 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|last=Sepinwall |first=Alan |author-link=Alan Sepinwall |title=Review: 'Parks and Recreation' – 'Time Capsule': Twilight time |work=HitFix |date=February 3, 2011 |url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/parks-and-recreation-time-capsule-twiglight-time |access-date=February 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616032650/http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/parks-and-recreation-time-capsule-twiglight-time |archive-date=June 16, 2011 |url-status=dead }} but later signed a multi-year contract to become a regular cast member.{{cite magazine|last=Rice |first=Lynette |title=Rob Lowe joins 'Parks and Recreation' as a series regular |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |date=July 30, 2011 |url=http://insidetv.ew.com/2010/07/30/rob-lowe-joins-parks-and-recreation-as-a-series-regular/ |access-date=March 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228194155/http://insidetv.ew.com/2010/07/30/rob-lowe-joins-parks-and-recreation-as-a-series-regular/ |archive-date=February 28, 2011 |url-status=dead }}
=Starring=
- Jim O'Heir as Jerry Gergich, the office scapegoat and overall klutz, with unbelievably attractive daughters and wife.
- Retta as Donna Meagle, who's sassy and savvy and has little patience for stupidity.
=Recurring=
- Ben Schwartz as Jean-Ralphio Saperstein
- Jay Jackson as Perd Haply
=Guest=
- Pamela Reed as Marlene Griggs-Knope
Episodes
{{see also|List of Parks and Recreation episodes}}
{{sup|†}} denotes an extended episode.
| EpisodeNumber=47
| EpisodeNumber2=1
| Title=I'm Leslie Knope
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|9|22}}
| DirectedBy= Troy Miller
| WrittenBy= Dan Goor
| Viewers=4.11{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=September 23, 2011 |title=Thursday Finals: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'The X Factor,' 'Parks & Recreation' and 'Whitney' Adjusted Up |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/23/thursday-finals-big-bang-theory-the-x-factor-parks-recreation-and-whitney-adjusted-up/104707/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925201258/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/23/thursday-finals-big-bang-theory-the-x-factor-parks-recreation-and-whitney-adjusted-up/104707/ |archive-date=September 25, 2011 |access-date=September 24, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=Leslie is torn between Ben and her dreams of running for public office, while Ron braces himself for the arrival of his first wife, Tammy One.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=48
| EpisodeNumber2=2
| Title=Ron and Tammys
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|9|29}}
| DirectedBy=Randall Einhorn
| WrittenBy=Norm Hiscock
| Viewers= 4.33{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=September 30, 2011 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'X Factor,' 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Office' & 'The Secret Circle,' 'Mentalist' Adjusted Up |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/30/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-the-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-the-office-the-secret-circle-mentalist-adjusted-up/105546/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721180113/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/09/30/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-the-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-the-office-the-secret-circle-mentalist-adjusted-up/105546/ |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |access-date=October 1, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=Leslie is pulled into Ron's personal life as Tammy One (Patricia Clarkson) exerts malevolent influence on him, and seeks out help from Ron's mother, "Tammy Zero". Tom tasks Ben with helping out with his grossly mismanaged new company, while Ann and Chris team up for a public service announcement about diabetes.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=49
| EpisodeNumber2=3
| Title=Born & Raised
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|10|6}}
| DirectedBy= Dean Holland
| WrittenBy= Aisha Muharrar
| Viewers=4.15{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=October 7, 2011 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'X Factor,' 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'The Office,' 'Person of Interest,' 'Parks & Rec' Adjusted Up; 'Private Practice' Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/07/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-the-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-the-office-person-of-interest-parks-private-practice-down/106528/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008234045/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/07/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-the-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-the-office-person-of-interest-parks-private-practice-down/106528/ |archive-date=October 8, 2011 |access-date=October 8, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=Promoting a book she has written about Pawnee, Leslie falls victim to Joan Callamezzo's "Gotcha!" journalism, but also learns a horrifying fact about her personal history. Tom's flirting with Joan takes a disturbing turn, while Ann strives fruitlessly to make Ron and April enjoy chatting with her.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=50
| EpisodeNumber2=4
| Title=Pawnee Rangers
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|10|13}}
| DirectedBy= Charles McDougall
| WrittenBy= Alan Yang
| Viewers=3.99{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=October 14, 2011 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Office,' 'Person Of Interest,' 'X Factor' Adjusted Up, 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/14/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-office-person-of-interest-x-factor-adjusted-up-private-practice-adjusted-down/107299/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017134457/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/14/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-office-person-of-interest-x-factor-adjusted-up-private-practice-adjusted-down/107299/ |archive-date=October 17, 2011 |access-date=October 15, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary= Ron and Leslie get into a feud over their rival youth camp programs, with Ron's spartan Pawnee Rangers up against Leslie's supportive and indulgent Pawnee Goddesses. Tom and Donna invite Ben – still despondent over his breakup with Leslie – to their annual "Treat Yo' Self" spa and shopping excursion. Jerry takes his daughter and Chris to lunch together.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=51
| EpisodeNumber2=5
| Title=Meet n Greet
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|10|27}}
| DirectedBy=Wendey Stanzler
| WrittenBy=Katie Dippold
| Viewers=3.90{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=October 28, 2011 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: World Series Game 6 Finals + 'Big Bang,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Office,' 'Person,' Adjusted Up; 'Rules,' 'Secret Circle,' 'Whitney,' 'Prime Suspect' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/28/tv-ratings-thursday-epic-world-series-game-6-leads-fox-win-prime-suspect-hits-low/108775/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030050144/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/10/28/tv-ratings-thursday-epic-world-series-game-6-leads-fox-win-prime-suspect-hits-low/108775/ |archive-date=October 30, 2011 |access-date=October 29, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary= Ben is mad when Andy and April decide to throw a Halloween party at their house without asking him. Tom emcees an event for Leslie’s campaign but manages to also promote his company. Meanwhile, Ron and Ann give Andy and April an unusual wedding present.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=52
| EpisodeNumber2=6
| Title=End of the World
| RTitle=†
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|11|3}}
| DirectedBy=Dean Holland
| WrittenBy=Michael Schur
| Viewers=4.00{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=November 4, 2011 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'The X Factor,' 'Parks & Recreation,' 'The Office,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/04/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-the-x-factor-parks-recreation-the-office-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up/109650/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106134548/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/04/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-the-x-factor-parks-recreation-the-office-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up/109650/ |archive-date=November 6, 2011 |access-date=November 5, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=A local Pawnee group, The Reasonabilists (aka "Zorpies", members of a cult who follow "Zorp the Surveyor"), predicts that the end of the world is coming, causing Leslie and others to contemplate their lives. Tom decides to throw the best party ever before he loses his office space, while April helps Andy complete his "bucket list" before the world ends.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=53
| EpisodeNumber2=7
| Title=The Treaty
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|11|10}}
| DirectedBy=Jorma Taccone
| WrittenBy=Harris Wittels
| Viewers=3.66{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=November 11, 2011 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's,' 'Prime Suspect' Adjusted Up; 'Bones,' 'Rules,' 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/11/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-greys-prime-suspect-adjusted-up-bones-rules-private-practice-adjusted-down/110412/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113211840/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/11/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-greys-prime-suspect-adjusted-up-bones-rules-private-practice-adjusted-down/110412/ |archive-date=November 13, 2011 |access-date=November 12, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=Leslie and Ben are excited about the opportunity to lead a Model United Nations conference, but their post-dating relationship becomes the major crisis of the event. Elsewhere, Andy and April uniquely lend a helping hand at the conference; Ron goes the extra mile to try and convince a reluctant Tom to return to his government post; and Chris enlists advice from Ann, Donna, and an uneasy Jerry to find out why Millie isn't returning his calls.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=54
| EpisodeNumber2=8
| Title=Smallest Park
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|11|17}}
| DirectedBy=Nicole Holofcener
| WrittenBy=Chelsea Peretti
| Viewers=3.68{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=November 19, 2011 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'X Factor,' 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Private Practice' Adjusted Up; 'Bones' Adjusted Down; 'Beneath The Blue' Evaporates |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/19/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-big-bang-theory-private-practice-adjusted-up-bones-adjusted-down-beneath-the-blue-evaporates/111138/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111122012133/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/11/19/thursday-final-ratings-x-factor-big-bang-theory-private-practice-adjusted-up-bones-adjusted-down-beneath-the-blue-evaporates/111138/ |archive-date=November 22, 2011 |access-date=November 19, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=Leslie attempts to delay completion of Indiana's smallest park in order to spend more time with Ben before he transfers out of the parks department. Andy goes back to college with Ron and April's support, and Chris tasks Tom and Jerry with designing a new logo.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=55
| EpisodeNumber2=9
| Title=The Trial of Leslie Knope
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|12|1}}
| DirectedBy=Dean Holland
| WrittenBy=Dan Goor & Michael Schur
| Viewers=3.69{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=December 2, 2011 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: No Adjustment for 'Community,' 'Bones' or Any Thursday Original |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/12/02/thursday-final-ratings-no-adjustment-for-community-bones-or-any-thursday-original/112501/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111205011840/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/12/02/thursday-final-ratings-no-adjustment-for-community-bones-or-any-thursday-original/112501/ |archive-date=December 5, 2011 |access-date=December 3, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary= Leslie and Ben finally tell Chris about their relationship, leading to Leslie's trial by the board to see whether she took advantage of him to get ahead. Ann, Ron, April, Andy, Donna, and Jerry sit in as witnesses to help prove her innocence, while Chris becomes their enemy.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=56
| EpisodeNumber2=10
| Title=Citizen Knope
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2011|12|8}}
| DirectedBy=Randall Einhorn
| WrittenBy=Dave King
| Viewers=3.64{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=December 9, 2011 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Parks & Rec' Adjusted Up; 'Big Bang,' 'Rules,' 'Person Of Interest,' 'Mentalist,' 'X Factor,' 'Bones' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/12/09/thursday-final-ratings-no-adjustment-for-community-bones-or-any-thursday-original-2/113274/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107172226/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2011/12/09/thursday-final-ratings-no-adjustment-for-community-bones-or-any-thursday-original-2/113274/ |archive-date=January 7, 2012 |access-date=December 10, 2011 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary= When Chris bans a suspended Leslie from trying to do her job in any way, Leslie becomes a super-organizer for citizen-based projects in Pawnee. The entire staff endeavors to create the most thoughtful present for Leslie they can think of, in order to pay her back for her many years of unprecedentedly thoughtful presents. Ben Wyatt goes on distressing private sector job interviews before getting good advice from a surprising source. Leslie's City Council campaign suffers crippling losses–until her friends and colleagues unite anew to help her out.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=57
| EpisodeNumber2=11
| Title=The Comeback Kid
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|1|12}}
| DirectedBy=Tucker Gates
| WrittenBy=Mike Scully
| Viewers=4.09{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=January 13, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up; 'Private Practice' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/13/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-adjusted-up-private-practice-adjusted-down/116462/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120115011846/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/13/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-adjusted-up-private-practice-adjusted-down/116462/ |archive-date=January 15, 2012 |access-date=January 14, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary= Leslie must ask for help in order to stage a major event to re-establish her campaign. Ben uses his new-found free time to explore new hobbies, alarming Chris with their uselessness and causing him to step in and help. April and Andy adopt a new pet dog, without consulting Ben.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=58
| EpisodeNumber2=12
| Title=Campaign Ad
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|1|19}}
| DirectedBy=Dean Holland
| WrittenBy=Alan Yang
| Viewers=4.25{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=January 20, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory' Tops 'American Idol' 1st Half Hour; 'Office,' 'Mentalist,' 'Grey's' Adj. Up; 'Person,' 'Rob,' 'Parks' Adj. Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/20/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-tops-american-idol-1st-half-hour-office-mentalist-greys-adj-up-person-rob-parks-adj-down/117089/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120123011608/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/20/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-tops-american-idol-1st-half-hour-office-mentalist-greys-adj-up-person-rob-parks-adj-down/117089/ |archive-date=January 23, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary= The race for City Council is shaken up by the entry of Bobby Newport (Paul Rudd), the wealthy and good-natured but dumb and incompetent son of the town's largest employer, as a candidate. Leslie and Ben have a fight over the tone of their campaign ads. Chris tries to befriend Ron, making him uncomfortable. Andy and April visit the doctor. Bobby later whines to Leslie about the mean ad and alternately asks her to drop out of the race and to do his job for him after he wins; Leslie says no to both "offers".
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=59
| EpisodeNumber2=13
| Title=Bowling for Votes
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|1|26}}
| DirectedBy=Michael Trim
| WrittenBy=Katie Dippold
| Viewers=3.49{{Cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=January 27, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory' Adjusted Up to Thursday High; 'American Idol' Up; 'The Finder' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/27/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-adjusted-up-to-thursday-high-american-idol-up-the-finder-adjusted-down/117845/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120129233643/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/01/27/thursday-final-ratings-the-big-bang-theory-adjusted-up-to-thursday-high-american-idol-up-the-finder-adjusted-down/117845/ |archive-date=January 29, 2012 |access-date=January 28, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=Leslie and Ben host a bowling night after receiving feedback about Leslie's campaign. Leslie chases one vote in particular, culminating in punches being thrown. April, Chris, and Jerry hold a competition to see who can raise the most funds. Ron and Ann are embarrassed by Tom's childlike bowling technique in contrast to Ron's straightforward technique and Ann's terrible technique.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=60
| EpisodeNumber2=14
| Title=Operation Ann
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|2|2}}
| DirectedBy=Morgan Sackett
| WrittenBy=Aisha Muharrar
| Viewers=3.60{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=February 3, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Big Bang Theory,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Office,' 'Mentalist' Adjusted Up; 'Rob' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/03/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-office-mentalist-adjusted-up-rob-adjusted-down/118569/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205134135/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/03/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-big-bang-theory-greys-anatomy-office-mentalist-adjusted-up-rob-adjusted-down/118569/ |archive-date=February 5, 2012 |access-date=February 3, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=Leslie works to find Ann a Valentine's date, but finds only run-of-the-mill strange Pawneeans, while April provides a surprising assist. Ron helps Ben with Leslie's difficult Valentine's scavenger hunt, and Chris becomes depressed over his love life.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=61
| EpisodeNumber2=15
| Title=Dave Returns
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|2|16}}
| DirectedBy=Robert B. Weide
| WrittenBy=Harris Wittels
| Viewers=3.45{{Cite web |last=Gorman |first=Bill |date=February 17, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol,' 'Vampire Diaries,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Big Bang Theory,' '30 Rock,' 'Office' Adjusted Up; 'Person Of Interest,' 'Mentalist,' 'Secret Circle' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/17/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-big-bang-theory-30-rock-office-adjusted-up-person-of-interest-mentalist-adjusted-down/120429/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410223136/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/17/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-big-bang-theory-30-rock-office-adjusted-up-person-of-interest-mentalist-adjusted-down/120429/ |archive-date=April 10, 2012 |access-date=February 18, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary= Leslie and Ben run into Dave (Louis C.K.) while meeting with the Chief of Police. Andy searches for a song to represent Leslie's campaign.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=62
| EpisodeNumber2=16
| Title=Sweet Sixteen
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|2|23}}
| DirectedBy=Michael Schur
| WrittenBy=Norm Hiscock
| Viewers=3.43{{Cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sara |date=February 24, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory,' 'American Idol,' 'The Mentalist' Adjusted Up; 'Rob,' 'Private Practice,' 'Up All Night' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/24/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-american-idol-the-mentalist-adjusted-up-rob-private-practice-up-all-night-adjusted-down/121760/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227055432/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/02/24/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-american-idol-the-mentalist-adjusted-up-rob-private-practice-up-all-night-adjusted-down/121760/ |archive-date=February 27, 2012 |access-date=February 25, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary= After realizing everyone forgot Jerry's birthday (February 29), Leslie decides to throw him a party; Tom is shocked to learn Ann doesn't share his taste in music.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=63
| EpisodeNumber2=17
| Title=Campaign Shake-Up
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|3|1}}
| DirectedBy=Dan Goor
| WrittenBy=Dan Goor
| Viewers=3.77{{Cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=March 2, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Awake' & 'American Idol' Adjusted Up |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/02/thursday-final-ratings-awake-american-idol-adjusted-up/122753/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304194236/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/02/thursday-final-ratings-awake-american-idol-adjusted-up/122753/ |archive-date=March 4, 2012 |access-date=March 3, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=Bobby Newport hires a new campaign manager, Jennifer Barkley (Kathryn Hahn). Leslie courts the support of a powerful Pawnee senior citizen (Carl Reiner). Chris informs Ron that if Leslie wins city council, a new deputy director will have to be hired. To prevent this, Ron enlists Ann to take over the department on a water fountain project. However, the conflict between April and Ann, combined with Tom's extravagance, Jerry's incompetence, Donna's reluctance, and Andy's overexcited-ness culminates in a department-wide water-balloon war and forces someone to step up.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=64
| EpisodeNumber2=18
| Title=Lucky
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|3|8}}
| DirectedBy=Troy Miller
| WrittenBy=Nick Offerman
| Viewers=3.66{{Cite web |last=Bibel |first=Sara |date=March 9, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol' Adjusted Up; 'Parks & Recreation' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/09/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-adjusted-up-parks-recreation-adjusted-down/123866/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120312025242/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/03/09/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-adjusted-up-parks-recreation-adjusted-down/123866/ |archive-date=March 12, 2012 |access-date=March 10, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=Indianapolis journalist Buddy Wood (Sean Hayes) selects Leslie as one of the local candidates whom he profiles in an annual special. Andy prepares for his final women's studies exam, and both Ron and Chris take an interest in his professor.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=65
| EpisodeNumber2=19
| Title=Live Ammo
| OriginalAirDate= {{Start date|2012|4|19}}
| DirectedBy=Tristram Shapeero
| WrittenBy=Dave King & Chelsea Peretti
| Viewers= 3.46{{Cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=April 20, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'American Idol', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Awake' & 'Missing' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' & 'Parks and Recreation' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/20/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-greys-anatomy-awake-scandal-parks-and-recreation-adjusted-down/130065/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423161425/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/20/thursday-final-ratings-american-idol-greys-anatomy-awake-scandal-parks-and-recreation-adjusted-down/130065/ |archive-date=April 23, 2012 |access-date=April 20, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary= Leslie discovers that the Parks Department budget is about to be cut, and she later meets the City Council member (Bradley Whitford) she is running to replace. Chris and Ron visit a meditation center. A political ally tells Chris that his support of Leslie is now well-known, and a Bobby Newport win will result in Chris being fired.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=66
| EpisodeNumber2=20
| Title=The Debate
| RTitle=†
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|4|26}}{{ref label|ctv_premiere|a|a}}
| DirectedBy=Amy Poehler
| WrittenBy=Amy Poehler
| Viewers=3.17{{Cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=April 27, 2012 |title=-Thursday Final Ratings: 'Idol', 'Big Bang Theory', 'Grey's', 'The Vampire Diaries', 'Mentalist' & 'Missing' Adjusted Up; 'Scandal' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/27/thursday-final-ratings-idol-big-bang-theory-greys-the-vampire-diariesmentalist-scandal-adjusted-down/131096/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430045540/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/04/27/thursday-final-ratings-idol-big-bang-theory-greys-the-vampire-diariesmentalist-scandal-adjusted-down/131096/ |archive-date=April 30, 2012 |access-date=April 28, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=Leslie and Bobby Newport hold a debate.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=67
| EpisodeNumber2=21
| Title=Bus Tour
| RTitle=†
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|5|3}}{{ref label|ctv_premiere|a|a}}
| DirectedBy= Dean Holland
| WrittenBy=Aisha Muharrar & Alan Yang
| Viewers=3.26{{Cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=May 4, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'The Big Bang Theory', 'American Idol', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Grey's Anatomy' Adjusted Up; 'Secret Circle', 'The Mentalist', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/04/thursday-final-ratingsthe-big-bang-theory-american-idol-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up-secret-circle-the-mentalist-scandal-adjusted-down/132411/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507174045/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/04/thursday-final-ratingsthe-big-bang-theory-american-idol-vampire-diaries-greys-anatomy-adjusted-up-secret-circle-the-mentalist-scandal-adjusted-down/132411/ |archive-date=May 7, 2012 |access-date=May 5, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary= The father of Bobby Newport dies suddenly while Leslie is on a critical campaign swing through the city. Andy tries to figure out who pie-faced Jerry a few nights earlier, believing the target to be Leslie.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
{{Episode list/sublist|Parks and Recreation season 4
| EpisodeNumber=68
| EpisodeNumber2=22
| Title=Win, Lose, or Draw
| RTitle=†
| OriginalAirDate={{Start date|2012|5|10}}{{ref label|ctv_premiere|a|a}}
| DirectedBy=Michael Schur
| WrittenBy=Michael Schur
| Viewers=3.42{{Cite web |last=Kondolojy |first=Amanda |date=May 11, 2012 |title=Thursday Final Ratings: 'Big Bang Theory', 'Idol', 'Vampire Diaries', 'Office', 'Secret Circle', 'Grey's' Adjusted Up; 'Touch', 'Scandal' Adjusted Down |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/11/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-idol-vampire-diaries-office-secret-circle-greys-adjusted-up-touch-scandal-adjusted-down/133458/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120513200626/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2012/05/11/thursday-final-ratings-big-bang-theory-idol-vampire-diaries-office-secret-circle-greys-adjusted-up-touch-scandal-adjusted-down/133458/ |archive-date=May 13, 2012 |access-date=May 11, 2012 |website=TV by the Numbers}}
| ShortSummary=It's election day for Leslie, and Ben is contemplating an offer to help work on a campaign in Washington. Meanwhile, Andy tries to help April rescue the files she deleted from the Parks Department computers.
| LineColor=AE0C12
}}
}}
{{note label|ctv_premiere|a|a}} Episodes 20–22 premiered on Citytv two days prior to airing on NBC. The NBC airdates and ratings are listed.
Reception
Like the two previous seasons, the fourth season of Parks and Recreation received highly positive reviews. On the review aggregate website Rotten Tomatoes, 100 percent of 20 critic reviews are positive with an average rating of 8.6/10. The website's critical consensus reads, "Leslie Knope runs for City Council while Parks and Recreation runs its own campaign as one of the very best sitcoms on television, making a persuasive case with consistent hilarity and an ample dose of heart."{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/parks-and-recreation/s04/|title=Parks and Recreation: Season 4 (2011-2012)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=July 3, 2014}}
Alan Sepinwall of HitFix said the fourth season was "funny and touching in all the best Parks and Rec ways."{{cite news|url=http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/whats-alan-watching/posts/season-finale-review-parks-and-recreation-win-lose-or-draw-catch-your-dreams|title=Season finale review: 'Parks and Recreation' - 'Win, Lose or Draw': Catch your dreams|work=HitFix|date=May 10, 2012|author=Alan Sepinwall|access-date=July 3, 2014}} Some of the more critically acclaimed episodes of the season included "The Debate" and "Win, Lose, or Draw". Matt Fowler of IGN said in regard to the finale that "Parks and Recreation continues its streak of leaving a season on a strong note with "Win, Lose or Draw" - an episode that hit the right spots comedically while also, you know, sneaking up on me emotionally."{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/05/11/parks-and-recreation-win-lose-or-draw-review|title=Parks and Recreation: "Win, Lose or Draw" Review|website=IGN|date=May 10, 2012|author=Matt Fowler|access-date=July 3, 2014}} The fourth season also received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations; Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Amy Poehler, and Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for the episodes "The Debate" (also for Poehler) and "Win, Lose, or Draw" for Michael Schur.{{cite web|url=https://www.emmys.com/shows/parks-and-recreation|title=Parks and Recreation)|publisher=Emmys.com|access-date=September 22, 2018}}
Production
At the March 2012 PaleyFest, series co-creator Michael Schur revealed that three different season endings were filmed because "we want to make sure that the one we are choosing is the right [one] and we reserve the right to change our minds and also partly just to confuse people," he said, adding that "there may be a last-minute switch".{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/parks-and-recreation-spoilers-paleyfest-297351|title=PaleyFest: 12 Panel Highlights, Teasers From 'Parks & Recreation' Cast and Producers
|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 6, 2012|author=Ng, Philiana|access-date=March 7, 2012}}
References
{{Reflist|35em}}
External links
- [http://www.nbc.com/parks-and-recreation/ Official Parks and Recreation site] at NBC.com
- {{IMDb episodes|1266020|season=4}}
{{Parks and Recreation}}