As this summer comes to a close, I look back on my many endeavors I have taken on since I have binged watched Netflix movies and TV shows. I have encountered very interesting and eye-opening programs that I don't think I would have ever come across on regular television, one of them being the popular former TV show "Parks and Recreation." The show is filled with talented actors who play the quirkiest ensemble of friends/coworkers and they have imparted to their audience excellent life advice that will stick with their viewers forever.
1. One of the keys to success is having the support of the people you love and the people who love you.
In this particular gif, Leslie Knope and her campaign committee are struggling to help get Leslie up on the podium from their icy predicament. Parks has taken the visual representation of friendship and support to uproarious new heights by making moments like these and making them as genuine and hilarious as possible. But underneath all the comedy and silliness, the relationships between these characters drive each other to grow as characters and as people. An essence of the show that makes it so worth watching.
2. Getting drunk makes you lose your inhibitions.
I mean, yes everyone is warned about this their whole lives, but "Parks" makes this fact hilariously true. Especially when the characters are drunk all together.
3. Check the calendar when making plans (or ditching out on plans).
April and Ron are two apathetic characters in Parks that contrast to the brightness and joy that Leslie brings to the show. There was a point in time when April worked for Ron as his assistant where she helped him dodge doing any type of work. One episode has this work ethic blow up in their faces when she accidentally schedules 94 meetings all on the same day, March 31, a day which she thought did not exist.
That is why.
4. Don't be afraid to show your silly side.
"Parks" is filled with silliness.
But no one really cares because the characters genuinely love each other and are each other's best friends. And best friends do not care if you look silly/crazy, you'll only look more valuable to them if they love you enough. And it just makes life more funny and interesting.
5. Food poisoning can have sickly consequences.
Sadly, Ben, the one rolling towards the phone, along with Chris and Ron got food poisoning from Ben's favorite food: calzones. I personally have been blessed to not have experienced this ever in my life, but I have heard similar stories from other people that food poisoning is just deadly.
6. Age is just a number.
Andy and April is probably one of the best couples out there. Throughout their whole relationship, they grew together, learning how to adult and find their place in the world, becoming one of the most perfect storms aired on television.
One of their stand out characteristics as a couple is their age difference. April turned 21 when Andy, 29 at the time, started to realize his interest in her.
As weird as they are, together and individually, at the end of the day their love for each other is as intense and true as they are unique. Age really is just a number.
7. Stick to your principles.
Another key to success is by doing just this. The strongest and most intimidating characters on "Parks" did exactly this and never let anything else sway them. However, it is good to be vulnerable. After all, we're all human.
And last but not least...
8. Pizza is knowledge.
Enough said.
It has been over a year since Parks officially concluded at its seventh season and I have binged watched all seven seasons at least eight times now. I still enjoy the show even more than the last time I watched it. Every time I re-binge watch this show, there is always something new to see, learn and feel from these amazing characters. Thank you, Netflix.
