Hardcore Parks and Recreations fans know very well that Pawnee was briefly taken over by a cult in the 1970’s. Its followers worshipped an alien named Zorp, who promised to melt their skin off and bring them eternal salvation. Normal stuff like that.
In “End of the World,” the cult’s few remaining followers (mostly the senile) have declared the the end of the world is coming, and are renting out a park to have their celebration. Leslie (Amy Poehler) is rather uncomfortable about the fact that Chris (Rob Lowe) is making her work the “event” with Ben (Adam Scott). Things get even worse when town journalist Shauna Malway-Tweep (Alison Becker) shows up, with the hots for Ben, much to Leslie’s dismay.
Meanwhile, Tom (Aziz Ansari) and Jean-Ralphio (Ben Schwartz) are officially bankrupt. Just like Ask Jeeves. Entertainment 720 has about $10,000 left, and one night left with the building. That’s when they decide they’re going to use what’s left of their assets to throw one kick-ass end of the world party.
April (Aubrey Plaza) and Andy (Chris Pratt) are checking items off Andy’s bucket list, which includes thinks like holding $1,000 and taking a spontaneous road trip to the Grand Canyon. They are still my favorite couple in the history of ever.
The best part of this episode of Parks and Rec was definitely the reappearance of nearly every minor character in the show, from Shauna Malwae-Tweep (who is just oh so easy to hate) to Tom’s ex-girlfriend Lucy (played by the beautiful Natalie Morales). I hope she sticks around, because she makes Tom decidedly less annoying. Shauna, however, can leave as soon as possible, lest Ben become Ben Wyatt-Malwae-Tweep. That would be heartbreaking.
I also love that this show pokes fun at current events whenever it can, and crazy doomsday predictions definitely needed parody. The Zorp reference was great too – this show does recurring jokes almost as well as Arrested Development. And wasn’t Tom and Jean-Ralphio’s party epic? They had a freaking tiger.
Be sure to let us know what you thought of this week’s episode in the comments, and remember: Engage with Zorp.