‘Parks and Recreation’ Recap: ‘Dave Returns’

“Dave Returns” is more than just the return of Dave Sanderson (or, more importantly, Louis C.K.) to Pawnee, Indiana. This episode marks the return of a certain “Parks and Recreation” magic, a fearless determination not to hinder these characters as they seek out happiness and contentment, regardless of their chances of success.

Granted, Louis C.K. helps. His character and his mealy-mouthed cop-speak have been rendered more of a caricature. His confrontation with Ben over Leslie’s love has him engaging in some off the wall behavior that seemed very un-Dave-Sanderson-like. Yet C.K. still pulls it off, making Dave another one of the show’s reminders that people in positions of authority are still people.

But what really makes this episode great is the welcome news that Tom and Ann’s date was more than just a one-off. Granted, Ann remains skeptical, justifiably so considering Tom’s immature attempts to woo her. This storyline is beyond welcome—in a season that has too often degenerated into formula, two of the primary characters are moving out of their safety zone with the ultimate resolution completely unclear.

This episode could easily be critiqued in the same way as earlier ones this season. It has about four storylines, and out of necessity some of the characters take a back seat, most notably Chris Traeger. Yet the major storylines are meaty enough to make it okay, revealing that the problem with the earlier part of this season was not too many characters and stories, but an excessive caution about using them dynamically. After such a successful third season, the producers seemed to realize they had a hit show on their hands with the potential to become a classic, and were afraid to mess with it.

But here’s the thing: “Parks and Recreation” became popular because of the believability of the characters. That believability was couched in the fact that they changed and grew, never becoming “types.” Yet that was just what they came dangerously close to becoming this season, as the show bizarrely refused to get its story underway. Despite some real laughs, relationships and situations stagnated, and too many episodes felt like ham-handed attempts to recycle the past.

“Dave’s Return” realizes the true nature of the show’s past success: allowing the people of Pawnee to make slow, clumsy, and hesitant steps towards happiness and fulfillment, aware the outcome is beyond their control but unable to stop trying. Baby steps towards a great season!