"Parks and Rec" has been there to inspire and entertain, but it also has to power to inspire. Leslie Knope and the "Parks and Rec "gang are together through it all and will always work to make small, incremental change for their town.
1. Season 2, Episode 16 - "Galentine’s Days"
One of the most iconic, memorable episodes of "Parks and Recreation." This episode was about loving your lady friends and the friendships you share.
“It’s only the best day of the year. Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.” -Leslie Knope
2. Season 2, Episode 24- "Freddy Spaghetti"
The government has been shut down and the town is starting to feel the effect. The local children’s concert has been canceled and Leslie feels the need to help put on the show no matter how much the odds are stacked against her. This episode shows how Leslie’s main focus is her job which is to serve the town.
“Just for one moment enjoy the fact that you provided a service for people, not a cut.” -Leslie Knope
3. Season 3, Episode 2- "Flu Season"
The flu has been spreading around Pawnee and Leslie has to give a presentation to the Chamber of Commerce and, not surprisingly, she insists that she must say the speech herself. After going in and out of a flu-stricken craze, Leslie delivers the speech flawlessly only to surprise Ben who was the only one doubting her.
“That was amazing. That was a flu-ridden Michael Jordan at the -97 NBA finals. That was Kirk Gibson hobbling up to the plate and hitting a homer off of Dennis Eckersley. That was.. that was Leslie Knope.” -Ben Wyatt
4. Season 4, Episode 4- "Pawnee Rangers"
The Pawnee Rangers is an outdoor club for boys only and Leslie didn’t see that as far so she started her own club, The Pawnee Goddesses. Throughout the episode, the debate continues whether it’s fair to have separate clubs for the different genders, but Ron gets abandoned form his club because Leslie’s is clearly more fun for the children. Not only is this episode about the pros and cons of educating the genders separately, but how in competition you can become blind to the feelings of others.
“I am a Goddess. A glorious female warrior. Queen of all that I survey. Enemies of fairness and equality, hear my womanly roar.”
5. Season 4, Episode 9- "The Trial of Leslie Knope"
Ben and Leslie have been on and off dating for a while and have confessed to their actions and now have to face to court. Leslie freely admits to the charges and decides to just take the slap on the wrist. She then becomes wrongly accused and decides to fight the charges. Leslie shows how to not be walked over and stand up against her accusers.
“I broke one rule and I will accept a slap on the wrist. But when you sit back and let your reputation be destroyed you go down in history as a frozen whore.” -Leslie Knope
6. Season 4, Episode 13- "Bowling for Votes"
Leslie’s campaign for city council is well underway and she hosts a bowling night to help talk to the citizens of Pawnee. One bowler feels his masculinity is challenged and decides to not vote for her even though she beat him fairly. Things get heated and Leslie decides to move on and not care if she has his vote or not.
“Derek hates me, and I don’t particularly like him. So what’s the point?” -Leslie Knope
7. Season 5, Episode 4- "Sex Education"
The Parks and Rec gang are at the Senior Center teaching about sex education when they are interrupted because their town only teaches abstinence. Leslie decides to go with her heart and teach what she thinks will help the most people.
“Why are you doing this? You’re gonna get up there and say a bunch of stuff you don’t believe?” -Ann Perkins
