Season 3 of Parks and Recreation is simply put a brilliant season of television. I can't think of many seasons that are as consistently funny as this one. Every episode has memorable scenes, laugh out loud moments, and are important components in putting together what is ultimately the show that so many people know and love. Pretty much everything is smooth sailing from here on out with a maybe just a few bumps in the road here and there. But most importantly the show has found its voice and the characters are fully established enough and the tone is just right where the writers can now further advance the story to new and better places without having to experiment as much. At this point the writers know what works and what doesn't work and if you have liked this latest season, chances are you will like the next 4 as well.
Season 3's finale "Li'l Sebastian" is a fantastic episode filled with many memorable moments and scenes. The entire episode revolves around the death of the town's beloved miniature horse, Li'l Sebastian. This horse was introduced in this season and will become one of the more iconic symbols of the town of Pawnee. Just one of the many reasons why Season 3 is so great. This season introduced many things that will carry on with the show until its end. Anyways, the Parks Department have decided to organize a final farewell for the horse by initiating an epic funeral ceremony for the horse that the whole town can attend.
This episode is so brilliantly written. It just amazes me how much greatness is packed in here, and the episode still doesn't feel rushed or convoluted. We see the secret romance of Leslie and Ben start to spiral out of control; Tom and Jean-Ralphio team up and start their own entertainment conglomerate; and Mouse Rat perform possibly their most iconic song to date. The episode moves so seamlessly, one hilarious moment to the next, and not only is super funny, but surprisingly very emotional as well. It showcases everything that is so great about the show and gives each character at least one great moment.
The episode also does a fantastic job setting up the next season. Without giving away the ending, there are a handful of intriguing cliffhangers that set up the next season, including a new job opportunity for both Tom and Leslie, and an unwanted visitor from Ron's past. All of these things we see at the end are great cliffhangers that plant the seeds perfectly for what Season 4 will ultimately become.
Speaking of Season 4, some can certainly make the case that Season 4 is better than Season 3. I have already seen the show from beginning to end, and I can tell you that while Season 4 may not be as consistently funny or important as Season 3, it certainly is a more developed season from a story standpoint. Basically Season 4 has one long arch that is perfectly established in the season opener and perfectly pays off in the finale. I think Season 4 is a better constructed season than 3 and still has some very memorable scenes sprinkled through out. So, if you haven't seen season 4 yet, expect a lot of the same greatness that was established in 2 & 3, but told in a much more bold way with more continuity than any of the previous three seasons, and possibly the next three after that.
My Overall Rating for Season 3:
9.4/10
