Season 4, Episode 12, 1/19/2012 (“Campaign Ad”)
Leslie: He is attractive, and charming, and his family employs half the town. But, so what? I am a lifelong government bureaucrat who’s well versed in the issues. And those are the kind of sexy qualifications that win elections.
Last night’s Parks and Recreation introduced us to Leslie’s campaign opponent, Bobby Newman. Played by a longtime fave of mine, Paul Rudd, Newman seems to be a combination of Rudd characters Ned from Our Idiot Brother and Andy from Wet Hot American Summer if they had grown up with the privilege of the adorable Josh from Clueless: dim, douchey, and dreamy. Newman, heir to Pawnee’s Sweetums Candy, is successfully using his family name, charm, and addictive candy to trample Leslie’s campaign. Except that it appears Bobby doesn’t even know Leslie is running. In all fairness, being 70% ahead of someone does sorta translate to running unopposed… Also, he’s an idiot.
Now that Ben’s on board as campaign manager, Leslie is certain she’ll be able to turn everything around… using only positive ads with cute kids eating hot dogs! And, obviously, the requisite never ending lists of issues she’s supports. Seriously, check it out on www.knope2012.com, the list literally. never. ends. I have to say that I really admire Leslie sticking to her belief that she should share what’s great about her campaign and not go negative against Bobby. And that she can tackle Ben. I think the fact that he’s so head/hair heavy makes him a bit off-balanced, in his defense. But, he’s right, Leslie did need to toughen up and their compromise ad was THE BOMB.*
Rudd has apparently signed on to appear in several more episodes and will, I presume, continue to want Leslie to drop out of the race because her even running is just “mean.” Seriously, who wouldn’t take that cutie-pie up on his offer to let him win the seat and then just do all the work behind the scenes? Leslie Fuckin’ Knope, that’s who.
Oh and there were some subplots where Ron got to gleefully slash government spending, but somehow ended up hanging out with Chris (“Did he drug me?”) in what appears to be Ron’s trail as potential Assistant City Manager. Also, Andy and April were stupid and immature. So, you know, funny but getting kinda old hat. Or as Andy would say “brain helmet” cover. Hey, I admitted it was funny!
*Once again WordPress’s ridiculous inability to allow embedding, even when using “old code” options, means y’all have to click to see the ad… almost makes me wish I’d stayed at blogger. boo hiss. one day soon, I swear I’ll get this site on my own server and figure out all this techno stuff. And by “one day soon” and “I’ll,” I mean when The Boy has time to be my webmaster and do it for me 
[...] of flexibilityDid you see how she beat up her boyfriend because she was unwilling to air an add that didn’t fit her vision as a child? And, like, the [...]
[...] of flexibility. Did you see how she beat up her boyfriend because she was unwilling to air an add that didn’t fit her vision as a child? And, like, the [...]